The Glenwood Ranger District began prescribed fire operations yesterday, December 1 and will continue through the winter as weather permits. The work will focus on slash piles located near private property in the Pine Cienega area off Brushy Mountain Road (Grant County Road 5-12), approximately ten miles south of Mule Creek. For public safety, officials advise avoiding the area during the burn and for several days afterward, and to remain alert for warning signs posted along nearby roads. Weather conditions will be assessed in the hours leading up to each operation, and prescribed burns may be postponed or canceled if conditions are deemed unsuitable.
The Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant has awarded over $3.2 million to 18 outdoor infrastructure projects across New Mexico. More than $2 million in matching funds will be leveraged, further boosting the impact of the grants. The projects will support 105 jobs and improve or develop over 700 miles of trails in communities across the state. Additionally, $2 million from the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund will be used to support ten projects. Trails+ awarded projects include ADA trail enhancements, amenities to improve Continental Divide Trail hiker experiences, and specific projects such as a new campground in Hatch for $99,999. This funding will go to build a campground in Hatch Valley Park, serving Rio Grande Trail through-hikers and overnight visitors with shelters, tent pads, EV charging, landscaping, and signage. Notably, Grant County will receive $352,908 in funding. This will be used in partnership with the Gila National Forest and the National Forest Foundation, as they work to upgrade the Forks Campground to enhance visitor experience with improved erosion control, campsite delineation, fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, and day-use picnic pavilions. Hidalgo County, City of Lordsburg will receive $69,214, to install public restrooms with showers at Veterans Park to better serve hikers, campers, and outdoor visitors. Catron County will receive for the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance (New Mexico Wild) $99,891 that will be used to perform trail maintenance on the Gila National Forest to restore access to stream reaches prioritized for Gila trout recovery and reopen access to the Black Range in the Black Fire burn scar, which will enhance public access, improve watershed health, and reduce erosion.
Last in our news:
Families and Youth Innovation Plus will host a Youth Focus Group on December 4 for individuals ages 14 to 24 residing in Southwest New Mexico. Eligible participants include those who have moved frequently, stayed in unsafe environments, been involved in the foster care system, or experienced eviction. The session will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Silver Consolidated Schools District Office. For additional information or to register, individuals may contact Arlo at 575-993-3499.
