Non-Local News Releases

Trees Lake: Gabriel Grajeda and Scarlett Claudio caught eight rainbow trout using PowerBait on Nov. 10.

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) is requesting $77.2 million in general funds for Fiscal Year 2026—an investment aimed at expanding direct services, enhancing care, and ensuring that New Mexico's aging population and adults with disabilities receive the support they need.

"This budget proposal is a commitment to elevating the quality of life for older adults and individuals with disabilities across New Mexico," said ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Designate Emily Kaltenbach. "With the legislature's support, we can implement impactful changes that will make a real difference in the lives of our seniors and their families."
Key initiatives in the budget proposal include:

SANTA FE, N.M. – Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices will begin selling personal Christmas tree permits for harvest of piñon and juniper. Permits will be available beginning Nov. 20 for the Farmington and Taos Field Offices and New Mexico State Office, Nov. 29 for the Socorro Field Office and Dec. 2 for the Rio Puerco Field Office. The permits must be purchased before Dec. 24. The cost per tree is $5. Permits and maps may be obtained over the counter at your local BLM Office or online for some locations at forestproducts.blm.gov.

Funding safeguards natural resources, creates jobs, and advances clean energy

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is calling on lawmakers to approve a $227.3 million budget to fund its operations for Fiscal Year 2026— an investment that will fuel job creation, protect public safety, and ensure responsible management of New Mexico's abundant natural resources.

"This budget is a blueprint for action—ensuring safe State Parks, empowering local workers, and driving New Mexico's clean-energy leadership," said EMNRD Secretary Designate Melanie Kenderdine. "It's about securing our state's future with real results."

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced Senate-passage of legislation they cosponsored that reauthorizes the USDA's Secure Rural Schools Program (SRS) through 2026.

The Secure Rural Schools Program invests in New Mexico's public schools, roads, wildfire mitigation, and public safety services. The program was last reauthorized by the Infrastructure Law, which New Mexico Democrats passed into law. The program ensures that New Mexico's rural counties that have national forest lands can pay for local police and fire protection, emergency response, schools, road maintenance, and other crucial services.

Grants support fire-damaged trail restoration, infrastructure upgrades, and youth conservation projects across New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico Economic Development Department's (EDD) Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) is pleased to announce $4.3M in Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant awards to 16 recipients across 10 counties. The Trails+ Grant program supports the design, construction, and maintenance of outdoor recreation infrastructure throughout the state.

"We're extremely proud to support projects that enhance the safety, accessibility, and sustainability of outdoor recreation across New Mexico," EDD Secretary-Designate Rob Black said. "This round of grants will restore over 350 miles of fire-damaged trails, supporting the recovery of New Mexico's forests and increasing access to these wild and vital spaces."

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – November 16, 2024 – Fire crews for the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NG) have successfully completed a total of 12 acres of pile burning with yesterday and today's prescribe fire (Rx) ignitions within the 34 acres of the previously announced Sulphur Rx Fire Piles on the Sandia Ranger District. Fire personnel will continue to monitor the Sulphur Rx Fire Piles as a winter weather system is expected to come into the area tomorrow afternoon.

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continue to be cautious of heavy equipment and construction personnel in the area. PLEASE NOTE: Conditions are subject to change without notice. Double fines for speeding in work zones may be in effect.

White Sands Missile Range Notification
For information regarding closures, you may call WSMR at 678-1178 or 678-2222 for updates.

Interstates:
I-25 Business Loop ADA Improvements, Williamsburg to T or C
A Mountain Construction, (Contractor) will be continuing the ADA ramps along the I-25 Business Loop on Date Street, Broadway and Main Street. Drivers should anticipate occasional closures of shoulders and side streets to facilitate the removal and replacement of concrete at specific intersections. The contractor will operate from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. This phase of construction is expected to take three months to complete and is subject to weather conditions. Paving operations will commence mid to late December. Further details on this phase will be provided closer to the start of construction.