The Grant County Art Guild is having an Open Call for art for their 2023 “Creatures of the Gila” Art Show that will take place in September. All entries must be inspired by creatures like mammals, fish, birds, insects or reptiles that live in the Gila River watershed and artwork can be entered now until July 23rd. For more information go to website.
The Silver City Ranger District is partnering with the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department Forestry Division to conduct urgent fuels reduction work around the Little Walnut and Gomez Peak areas to help protect communities at risk. Workers have been removing oak and juniper brush along the east side of Little Walnut Road to open up gaps between tree canopies in order to slow the rate of fire spread when wildfires occur and to allow more time and space for firefighters to respond and evacuate when necessary. The goal of this project is to help protect communities at risk as well as restore the forest landscape. To learn more about the project, go to website.
Deming Luna County Economic Development, in collaboration with New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center, recently held “Camp Innoventure” for Deming kids, which gave them the opportunity to learn how to start their own business. The camp helps kids come up with a product idea, identify their target market, build their financial literacy, and plan marketing strategies. Campers will showcase their ideas at the Deming Main Street Market during the months of July through September which will allow them to continue working on their project after the camp ends.
The Rico Fire, as of early today, has grown to 328 acres and is 70% contained. The cause is still under investigation. The workforce has decreased slightly and is sufficient based on the current workload. Work that is now underway involves repairing hand and dozer lines, trails, staging areas, safety zones, drop points, and possibly roads that were used during the firefighting effort. Visibility of the handline constructed during the fire will be reduced and brush and limbs may be scattered onto fire lines so that a more natural appearance is restored. Water bars are being installed to facilitate drainage, especially on sloped terrain and handline intersections with roads and trails. The number of personnel and equipment will continue to decrease as the 100% containment goal nears completion. The fire will be monitored and patrolled following the release of the remaining crews.
