Santa Fe, NM – New Mexico Counties has awarded more than $282,000 to 13 grant recipients for wildfire protection plan updates, fuel reduction treatments, and education efforts through the 2018-2019 Wildfire Risk Reduction Program. Grant recipients include Ciudad Soil & Water Conservation District, Curry County, Forest Stewards Guild, Grant County, Jornada RC&D, Mountainair VFD, South Central Mountain RC&D, Taos Pueblo, Valencia County, and Wildfire Network.

Steve Kopelman, NM Counties Executive Director stated, "Due to the severe drought in New Mexico, wildfire reduction remains a top priority for public safety and the health of the state."

The Wildfire Risk Reduction Program provides assistance to local governments, tribal entities, and non-profits throughout New Mexico's at-risk communities. Through a partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, more than $6 million in grants have been awarded since 2005. The collaborative vetting process includes NM State Forestry, NM State Land Office, NM Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department Forestry Division, NM Department of Game and Fish, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The New Mexico Counties is a non-profit, nonpartisan association representing New Mexico's 33 counties since 1936. Its mission is to strengthen New Mexico counties' ability to govern their own affairs and to improve the well-being and quality of life of their constituents. NM Counties provides numerous services to counties including legislative advocacy, self-insurance administration, legal assistance, and professional development. For more information, please visit www.nmcounties.org.