News from New Mexico's Forests
Right tree, right place, right time.
In the long process of recovering from a catastrophic wildfire, reforestation is a critical step to restore burned landscapes. We're celebrating Earth Month by presenting a deep dive into the science of getting the right tree to the right place at the right time.
This month, we also peer into the art of packing a go bag to stay prepared in the event of an evacuation. For those who fancy a weekend trip to the Sierra Blancas, we've got a sneak peek of Smokey Bear Days May 1-2. We're also dropping links to the Division's Forest Action Plan 5-year review which highlights cross-boundary accomplishments over the last half-decade.
And don't forget—if you're enjoying this newsletter, pass it on to a friend!
From the Field
What does a chile roaster have to do with reforestation? In this month's From the Field, we travel from seed banks to burned areas to hear from researchers at New Mexico's universities about their innovative and creative approaches to reforesting the 7 million acres in New Mexico that have burned since 2000.
Burned areas need more than scores of seedlings: They need a new generation of trees that are better prepared for conditions to come. From gathering cones from fire-resistant trees to pushing seedlings to withstand extreme drought, scientists are innovating every step of the way.
Their work will coalesce in late April with the groundbreaking launch of the New Mexico Reforestation Center, the new regional hub that will ramp up production to 5 million climate-adapted seedlings annually, representing a new horizon for the future of forests from Mora to Ruidoso and across the Southwest.
Read the story Hot Tip: Pack your go bag
No one wants to have to evacuate.
But the state has already seen wildfires force evacuations this year—and it's not even May.
The good news: Packing up your go bag is pretty simple, and it takes just a weekend afternoon to gather what you need.
Start with the bag itself: Find a duffel or other large-ish-sized bag that you can keep in a closet or somewhere it's readily accessible.
Next, pack anything you might need for three nights at an evacuation shelter (or family member's home). Think: clothes, prescriptions and toiletries. Make copies of important papers like deeds or medical documents. You can also make a list of irreplaceable items that you'll want to grab like jewelry, heirlooms or sentimental things. The list will help you to grab what you need in an emergency—with everything else already ready to go!
Kick-start your checklist:
- A three-day supply of non-perishable food and 3 gallons of water per person
- A map with at least two evacuation routes
- Necessary prescriptions or medications
- A change of clothes and extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
- Extra car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler's checks
- A first aid kit and sanitation supplies
- A flashlight and battery-powered radio with extra batteries
- Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
- Pet food and water
Consider adding:
- Valuables that are easy to carry
- Family photos and irreplaceable items
- Personal computer data on hard drives and disks
- Chargers for cell phones and laptops
No matter what you pack or how you pack it, take the time to think about what you might need and what you couldn't stand to lose in the event of a wildfire evacuation. A little bit of family preparation will go a long way.
In the Community
2020 New Mexico Forest Action Plan: 5-Year Review
Five years ago, the Division released a 10-year plan to guide forest and watershed stewardship across the state.
Halfway in, this 5-year review showcases key accomplishments made while supporting three national priorities:
- Conserving and managing working forests
- Protecting forests from threats
- Enhancing public benefits from trees and forests
Read the Highlights Report and dive deeper into the 2020 Forest Action Plan
The Broadcast: News and Notes
State urges residents to protect homes amid elevated wildfire risk | KTRN
With New Mexico entering what state officials are calling an exceptionally dry fire season, the state Forestry Division is urging homeowners to take steps to protect their properties and their insurance coverage before fire season peaks this summer.
Recapping Wildfire Awareness Week | Fire Adapted New Mexico Learning Network
This year's Southwest Wildfire Awareness campaign, which took place last week, followed the theme "Inside out: Wildfire preparedness starts at home" and focused on tools and suggestions for proactive community-based prevention.
'Wildfire season' is disappearing. How can New Mexico prepare for year-round risk?| Santa Fe New Mexican
Fire and forestry professionals say that as wildfire risk begins sooner and ends later, "wildfire season" has become a bit of a misnomer.
Assessing wildland-urban interface structure protection with AI | National Fire Protection Association
Even in the most destructive wildfires, this same pattern repeats time and again: Some structures, and even whole neighborhoods, are spared even as everything around them is incinerated. A groundbreaking new study works to measure the combinations of mitigation measures that can help homes and other structures survive wildfires.
Wildfire Potential Outlook: April 2026 | National Interagency Fire Center
Significant fire potential is elevated across much of New Mexico this month, following an uptick in early fire activity and drought conditions. Rapid snow melt-off from an early heat wave isn't helping our forested fuels, and the lack of rain isn't helping our fine grass fuels, either.
Stay aware out there: Pay attention to increased wind speeds and high temperatures when you're working or recreating outdoors.
Events
🗓️ Southern New Mexico tree planting events | Ongoing
Las Cruces, Silver City and Truth or Consequences
Feeling the heat? Plant a tree with Tree New Mexico! Check out their events calendar for dates and locations.
🗓️ Volunteer stream restoration day | Wednesday, April 8, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Rio de Las Vacas (Santa Fe National Forest), Hwy 126 and FR 20, Cuba
Curious about beaver habitat restoration? Join Rio Grande Return to plant willows and build beaver dam analogues and learn about improving water quality, storing water, expanding wetlands and creating wildlife habitat. Learn more and
