Non-Local News Releases

Favorable weather conditions in place for hazardous fuels reduction work

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – December 5, 2025 – The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) is planning prescribed fire pile burn operations on the Sandia Ranger District as early as Tuesday, December 9 pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue throughout the month of December as weather conditions allow.

Fire managers are taking advantage of recent precipitation, snow covered ground, cooler temperatures, and relative humidity recoveries that create suitable conditions for burning piled slash and woody debris from earlier forest restoration work. We use prescribed fires to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

New fee reductions offer meaningful savings for families this winter

SANTA FE, N.M. — The Bureau of Land Management has announced a series of holiday affordability measures that will help families save money, enjoy public lands, and support wildfire prevention efforts across New Mexico during the 2025–2026 winter season.

Effective immediately through January 31, the BLM is reducing many personal-use permit fees to just $1, including Christmas tree permits and firewood permits.

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continuing 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-10 Bridge Repairs, Mile Marker 24, Lordsburg

LAS CRUCES – A $2.3 million roadway rehabilitation project is set to begin on US 70 starting Monday, December 8, 2025.

Drivers can expect lane closures on both eastbound and westbound lanes of US 70 from mile marker 170, about 8 miles east of Organ, to mile marker 161, about 1 mile west of Organ. The contractor will begin at the WSMR entrance, milling and paving ramps before moving to US 70.

Work hours will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the possibility of weekend work.

  SANTA FE – A coyote that bit a hiker in the Gila National Forest near Silver City has tested positive for rabies. 

The hiker did not require hospitalization but is receiving routine treatment to prevent rabies infection. Testing by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Scientific Laboratory Division confirmed the diagnosis. This is the fourth rabid animal identified in southwest New Mexico this year, following a bobcat in Sierra County, a coyote in Catron County, and a dog in Grant County 

"Rabies is preventable, but only if we take it seriously," said Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH. "The best way to protect your family — including your pets — is to make sure your animals are vaccinated." 

Report outlines powerhouse tech investments that will shape the state's future

SANTA FE — New Mexico has released a strategic roadmap to turn the state's world-class research strengths into long-term economic growth and high-paying jobs.

The New Mexico Science & Technology Roadmap, developed by the Economic Development Department's (EDD) Technology and Innovation Office, in partnership with TEConomy Partners, identifies the specific technology sectors where New Mexico holds the strongest competitive advantages and outlines how to capitalize on them. 

State program helps build prescribed fire knowledge and capacity 

SANTA FE – The Certified Burn Manager Certification Committee seeks two new members to help strengthen capacity for conducting prescribed burns on private lands statewide. 

The committee is the guiding force for the New Mexico Forestry Division's Certified Burn Manager Program, Certified Burn Manager Program, which trains private landowners at no cost to safely and effectively use prescribed fire on their property. Committee members review certification applications and help develop training courses,  refresher courses and recertification processes during their two-year terms. 

SOUTHWEST CATCH OF THE WEEK

Elephant Butte Lake: Carlos Sifuentes caught and released two striped bass weighing 8 pounds, 1 ounce, and 7 pounds, eight ounces, using a jerkbait, as well as two white bass using a shad-colored crankbait on Nov. 24. 

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire.

Bill Evans Lake: The most recent report was received Nov. 20. At that time, fishing for catfish was fair to good when using natural scent trout bait. Fishing for largemouth bass was good when using crawdads. 

Elephant Butte Lake: Fishing for white bass was slow to fair when using shad-colored crankbaits. Fishing for striped bass was slow to fair when using jerkbaits.

Escondida Lake:The most recent report was received Nov. 27. At that time, fishing for catfish was good when using PowerBait.

Gila River: Streamflow near Gila Wednesday morning was 117 cfs.

Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs Wednesday morning was 52.8 cfs.

Quemado Lake:The lake is currently closed due to an algal bloom. It will reopen when the New Mexico Environment Department advises that the lake is safe for public use. For more information, visit the Gila National Forest website.

Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam on Wednesday morning was 0 cfs. 

We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Caballo Lake, Elephant Butte Lake, Glenwood Pond, Lake Roberts, Percha Dam, Rancho Grande Ponds, Snow Lake, Trees Lake and Young Pond.