The Gila National Forest’s Quemado Ranger District is preparing to implement a prescribed fire to treat approximately 1,718 acres in the Slaughter Mesa area, located south and southeast of Quemado Lake, beginning in early to mid-November, contingent upon staffing, fuel availability, and weather conditions. This initiative is part of the broader Slaughter Mesa Restoration project, which encompasses over 31,000 acres of the Gila National Forest east and south of Quemado Lake and is a collaborative effort with New Mexico Game and Fish aimed at enhancing wildlife habitat. By reintroducing fire to fire-dependent ecosystems, the project seeks to bolster resilience against wildfires, insect infestations, disease, and the impacts of climate change.
The New Mexico Wildlife Federation, in collaboration with Luna County, the City of Deming, and Play Sharity, is hosting a free “Kids Fishing Day” on Saturday, October 26th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trees Lake in Deming. This event offers families a great opportunity to learn about outdoor recreation and conservation. In addition to fishing, there will be various activities and prizes for participants.
As a reminder, The Southwest New Mexico Community Forestry Network is still gathering public input on a Community Forestry Plan aimed at enhancing the tree canopy and the associated benefits in the region. This initiative focuses on six communities in southwest New Mexico, including Bayard, Deming, Hurley, Lordsburg, and Silver City, and is designed to guide future tree planting and care. Residents interested in sharing their opinions are encouraged to visit Southwest New Mexico Community Forestry Network’s Facebook page to complete an online survey. The survey will remain open until November 1st.
In other News:
Each year on October 24th, the World Health Organization commemorates “World Polio Day” to emphasize the critical importance of polio vaccination in safeguarding children from this devastating disease. This day also honors the invaluable contributions of parents, organizations, and volunteers who strive to make polio eradication a reality. Among these dedicated organizations is the Silver City Rotary Club, which has actively worked towards polio eradication for over 35 years. Rotary members have collected over $6,000 and countless volunteer hours to help protect nearly 3 billion children across 122 countries from polio. Their advocacy efforts have significantly influenced government decisions, resulting in over $10 billion in contributions to the global fight against this disease.
