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

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federal agencies in Colorado that impact forest and watershed health in both states.
In 2010 the district received approximately $7.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.
$1.4 million were granted to the San Juan and Upper Chama Soil and Water Conservation Districts for reducing
hazardous fuel buildup in the forest; $6 million was granted to the Santa Clara Pueblo on the southern edge of the
district to help them maintain their thinning crews and focus on restoring acres of overgrown forests and riparian
habitat that has been an integral part of their native traditions.
The district continues to work on building partnerships with neighboring agencies in order to connect projects for
landscape management and resource benefit.
CIMARRON DISTRICT - Colfax, eastern Taos, and Union counties: The Cimarron District encompasses 5.6
million acres of land, 60 percent either state- or privately-owned.
The district staff works with many large landowners on building stewardship plans to address forest overcrowding
and how to dispose of or utilize the large volume of woody biomass created by land treatment such as harvesting or
thinning. The district also works on many shared, cross-border issues with the state of Colorado.
During 2010, the district focused on distribution of federal grant funding and the implementation of projects to
address the increasing threat of wildfire to communities and surrounding forest and watershed areas.
LAS VEGAS DISTRICT – Curry, Guadalupe, Harding, Mora, San Miguel and Quay counties: The Las Vegas
District encompasses 10.2 million acres, 685,000 of which is forested land.
In 2010, the district continued work with the Las Vegas Wildland Urban Interface Working Group comprising nongovernment
organizations, local residents, and local, state and federal agencies. The working group identifies at-risk
values and resources, taking into consideration such factors as public safety, local economics, real estate, aesthetics and
wildlife habitat.
Additionally, the working group acts as a forum to share information regarding public awareness of fire risk
and proper land care for forest health and fire management. The collaborative efforts within the working group
have resulted in receipt of several Wildland Urban Interface and Hazardous Fuels Reduction grants. Forestry is
also working with counties within the district to create better community wildfire evacuation plans. Additional
collaboration with area soil and water conservation districts continues to achieve the treatment of hundreds of acres
through thinning and harvesting.
ENERGY, MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT