Environment

Wildfire Notification: Unified Fire In Valencia County

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NMFD News:

The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on a wildfire that is requiring the attention of suppression resources in New Mexico.  

Update: The Unified Fire was discovered at approximately 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 23 near Madrone, east of Interstate 25 and south of Rio Communities in Valencia County. The fire is active and running through bosque fuels including grass, brush, and timber. Fire crews are employing a full suppression strategy during this initial attack response period. 

Multiple structures are threatened and smoke is visible from I-25 and the surrounding Read More

Future Outlook For CDT Southern Terminus

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CDTC News:

SANTA FE — Deep in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico, previously quiet places are receiving new attention. Namely, access to the southern terminus of Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) in southern New Mexico has undergone numerous changes during the past year, resulting in new infrastructure and requiring additional planning for some travelers. 

Last summer, management of lands encompassing the CDT southern terminus monument was transferred from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the U.S. Army at Fort Huachuca with the creation of the New Mexico National Read More

Final Update For Nacimiento Wildfire—Now 100% Contained

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Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

Location: The wildfire is in the Cuba Ranger District, south of New Mexico State Road 126 and the Nacimiento Mine 

Start Date: March 22, 2026

Size: 18 acres 

Containment: 100 % 

Cause: Under investigation 

Vegetation: Burning in oak, ponderosa pine, pinyon-juniper, and Douglas fir.  

Resources: 60 personnel  

Highlights: Fire crews remain actively engaged using a direct extinguishment strategy on the 18‑acre wildfire. On Sunday, firefighters, supported by large airtankers dropping retardant, were able to stop the fire’s forward progress. Handlines, along Read More

Daily Postcard: Colorful Red-naped Sapsucker Spotted Friday In Upper Water Canyon

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Daily Postcard: A colorful Red-naped Sapsucker was spotted on Friday morning in Upper Water Canyon. Red-naped Sapsuckers are often seen during the spring and fall. They drill holes in trees in very neatly spaced rows, leaving the holes to fill with sap and then return periodically to drink the sap that has oozed out. Source: PEEC Bird Guide https://peecnature.org/learn/nature-guides/bird-guide/. Photo by Marc Bailey Read More

New Mexico OKs Labeling Of PFAS In Consumer Products

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NMED News:

          • State among first to implement universal labeling requirements

SANTA FE — New Mexico’s Environmental Improvement Board today approved landmark rules requiring manufacturers to label consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS — the ‘forever chemicals’ often linked to serious health conditions including certain types of cancer — giving shoppers the ability to identify products made with PFAS.

In addition, the rules implement state law, which phases out and prohibits the sale of certain products containing PFAS.

“Today marks a monumental day for New Mexico, putting Read More

State Invests $13.5M In Trails, Programs, Recreation Economy 

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Climbing, hiking and tent camping are among the fastest growing activities in New Mexico. Courtesy/EDD

STATE News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico will invest $13.5 million in trails, watersheds and outdoor access as part of the FY 27 state budget signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, boosting the state’s $3.6 billion outdoor recreation economy. 

The Outdoor Recreation Division of the Economic Development Department (EDD) will receive $3.5 million toward its Outdoor Equity Fund, the nation’s first-of-its-kind grant program dedicated to connecting underserved youth with outdoor experiences. Read More

Nacimiento Wildfire Ignited Today In Cuba Ranger District

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The Nacimiento Wildfire began burning this morning in the Cuba Ranger District. Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

SANTA FE— Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) fire managers were notified of a new wildfire start, named the Nacimiento Wildfire, this morning, March 22. The wildfire is in the Cuba Ranger District, located south of the Nacimiento Mine and south of N.M. 126. 

Fire crews are actively engaged in a direct extinguishment strategy on the 17-acre wildfire. Large Air Tankers (LAT) were ordered to drop retardant and slow forward progression. As hot and dry conditions persist, both forest service Read More

Los Alamos National Laboratory Continuously Monitors Air

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Map of all LANL’s air-monitoring locations. Courtesy/LANL

LANL News:

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) routinely measures the composition of matter in the ambient atmosphere at the Lab and in the community.

LANL has 68 radiological air sampling locations that continuously monitor the air, making it among the most thoroughly monitored environments in the world.

Details

  • 43 ambient air-monitoring stations;
  • 25 monitored exhaust stacks from Lab facilities; and
  • 8 meteorological towers.

During events such as wildfires, the Laboratory conducts extra sampling to perform specialized Read More