Annual Report 3 - New Mexico - Energy, Minerals and Natural ...

NEW MEXICO
STATE FORESTRY
Forestry Division
ANNUAL REPORT 2010
Arthur “Butch” Blazer
State Forester
A Message from New Mexico State Forester Arthur “Butch” Blazer
As State Forester I am pleased to oversee the collaborative work the New Mexico Forestry Division (Forestry) has accomplished with our
partner agencies to address the critical issues that face our forests and watersheds.
I’m especially proud of the many forward thinking plans that Forestry worked on to protect our forests and watersheds, two in particular
are worthy of special mention:
The New Mexico Forest and Watershed Health Plan enhances the coordination of efforts between state, federal agencies, tribes,
local governments, research and non-governmental organizations, businesses, and the public to address the health needs of
our ecosystems and improve forest and watershed health conditions in New Mexico. It has resulted in a more efficient use of
resources among these entities, joining forces to increase effectiveness, and eliminating wasteful duplication.
The Statewide Natural Resource Assessment and Strategy Plan advances Forestry’s work throughout New Mexico to address
wildfire prevention and preparedness and restore ecosystem health.
Wildfire prevention and preparedness are essential to the success of protecting our forests. Since 2003, we’ve identified 599 communities
at risk to wildfire. In that time, more than 1.7 million acres of forested and grass lands have burned. Humans continue to be the leading
cause of wildfires. Forestry has helped establish 57 Community Wildfire Protection Plans that are individually crafted to meet the needs
of a county and the cities and towns within it to reduce fire risks and increase awareness.
Major challenges facing forests in the Western United States are destructive insect and disease epidemics, drought, continued expansion of
the wildland urban interface and the threat from catastrophic wildfire. An all-lands perspective that looks at health on the entire landscape
is the best approach for our forests and watersheds.
Reflecting on the last eight years, I’m proud of my staff and the job they do to help New Mexicans with forest management, wildfire
suppression on 43 million acres of state and private land, and being a community partner to address forest and watershed health needs.
We invite you to visit our website www.nmforestry.com for more information about our many important programs.
51