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

drafting land management plans, project design and funding for restoration/management projects as well as outreach
and education activities.
Forestry concluded the first year of its two-year Cooperative Agreement with USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Staff (NRCS) with joint forestry training for division and NRCS field staff. Both agencies are
employing the tools, protocols and curriculum developed for that training to conduct additional workshops.
NEW MEXICO STATEWIDE ASSESSMENT, STRATEGY AND
RESPONSE PLAN: In 2010, Forestry completed and published its Statewide Assessment, Strategy and
Response Plans which identify natural resource conditions, needs and opportunities across all land ownerships in the
state.
The assessment is based on available statewide geospatial resource data and identifies priority landscapes for
restoration and resource management. The assessment will help resource planners, managers and the public identify
and develop cross-jurisdictional collaborative projects that improve watershed conditions throughout New Mexico.
The information will be used to help Forestry identify priorities and allocate resources and will also assist partners
and cooperators articulate the need for resources and help entities work on multi-jurisdictional projects and
initiatives.
URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROGRAM: Forestry’s Urban and
Community Forestry Program works to empower New Mexico communities to recognize and maximize the
benefits from their community forests. Through technical assistance and funding support, this program provides
our communities with resources to build programs and initiatives that better the lives of New Mexicans through:
increased economic development, decreased energy use, improved societal benefits (decreased crime and increased
civic engagement), and enhanced environmental benefits (storm water control, improved air and water quality,
decreased summer temperatures). In 2010 this program has leveraged state and federal funding resources that are:
Increasing funding support and technical resources available to communities; and
Leveraging programs and strengthening partnerships to better serve our communities, including new and
enhanced programs and partnerships with: New Mexico Clean & Beautiful, Keep New Mexico Beautiful,
New Mexico Municipal League’s “Municipal Officials Leadership Institute,” U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, and New Mexico Environment Department.
BIOMASS UTILIZATION: Forestry partnered with the EMNRD Energy Conservation and
Management Division to coordinate the installation of a woody biomass boiler system at the Ft. Bayard Medical
Center in Ft. Bayard in 2009. The 8-MMBTU/hr boiler system is fueled by woody biomass residuals (screened
wood chips) from forest restoration and community fire protection projects, demonstrating the use of wood as a
sustainable fuel source to provide heat for large facilities such as the hospital. The project supports hazardous fuels
removal from New Mexico forests and watersheds and promotes commercial use of woody biomass material.
ANNUAL REPORT 2010
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