The U.S. Forest Service is considering a major change to national forest policy: the possible rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. That rule currently restricts road construction on about 44 million acres of national forest lands across the country, including nearly 730,000 acres in the Gila National Forest. Supporters say the restrictions have preserved backcountry areas, protected watersheds, and kept landscapes open for hiking and horseback riding. Opponents argue the rule has limited active management, leaving forests overcrowded and prone to catastrophic wildfire. They believe giving local managers the flexibility to build or reopen roads would improve forest health, expand public access for recreation, and provide economic opportunities in rural areas. The Forest Service has opened a public comment period to gather feedback before making a final decision. Comments are due TODAY, September 19th. You can learn more and submit input online at website, docket FS-2025-0001. That is website, docket FS-2025-0001.
Grant County, in collaboration with local municipalities and state and federal land management agencies, is developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) to reduce the threat and impact of wildfires across the region. As part of this effort, a series of public meetings will be held to engage residents in the planning process, beginning with the first meeting on September 23, at 6:00 p.m. at the Grant County Convention Center. Community input is vital to the plan’s success, and residents are encouraged to participate by sharing ideas, voicing concerns, and helping to identify key priorities for protecting the community from wildfire risk. To join virtually or learn more, visit website.
New Mexico Department of Transportation District One has awarded a total of $16,653,803 in roadway transportation project funding to ten local entities for infrastructure improvements across the region. Among the recipients, the City of Deming was allocated $3,370,000 for Phase III of the Gold Street Maintenance Road Diet and Safety Project, while the City of Lordsburg received $1,643,500 for Phase II of the Chester Street Improvements from Motel to 7th Street. Grant County was awarded $794,391 for Ridge Road construction, and Luna County secured $285,000 for Phase I A/B of the Hermanas Grade Road project. The Village of Columbus received $585,200 for improvements in its Business and Historic District, and the Village of Santa Clara was granted $508,250 for Phase II of the Maple Street Sidewalk and Intersection project. Together, these investments aim to enhance roadway safety, accessibility, and economic development throughout the region.
In other news: The Bureau of Land Management’s Las Cruces District Fire and Fuels Managers have announced that prescribed fires planned for Pinos Altos will not be implemented this fall. Current drought conditions and declining soil moisture levels are not favorable to meeting the project’s objectives of reducing biomass and improving forest health. Officials will continue to monitor fuel conditions within the designated burn units and will evaluate the potential for implementation should conditions become favorable after the start of the new calendar year.
