Non-Local News Releases

SANTA FE — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham today issued the following statement on the death of Pope Francis: 

"Today, Manny and I join the people of New Mexico and the global community in mourning the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away this morning at the age of 88. 

Pope Francis embodied values that resonate deeply with New Mexicans – compassion for the marginalized, dignity for the forgotten, and grace extended to all. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis called for 'a humble, more merciful and inclusive church' that would reach out to the peripheries of society. His ministry touched countless lives, including many in New Mexico where his message of inclusion resonated across our diverse communities. 

Santa Fe, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management New Mexico State Office today opened a 30-day public comment period to receive public input on plans to include 21 oil and gas leases, totaling 8843 acres. The comment period ends May 21, 2025.

The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in March 2025 and is now seeking public comment on the parcels and the related environmental analysis. The BLM will use input from the public to help complete its review of each parcel.

 Rio Grande Fire 

Update: Lines on the north and south divisions of the Rio Grande Fire held through yesterday afternoon's high winds, allowing containment to rise to 60%. Fire activity continued to decrease, although interior heat was found in heavy fuels causing ember

 wash. Evacuations were lifted for the area. Today, some resources are being released, and remaining crews will be focused on extinguishing interior heat. This will be the final notification on this fire unless there are significant changes.   

Mexican Wolf Recovery Program Update

First Quarter 2025 (January, February, March)

The Mexican Wolf Recovery Program quarterly updates are produced by the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team and provide updates on program activities in the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA) in Arizona [including the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (FAIR) and San Carlos Apache Reservation (SCAR)], and New Mexico.

To view the First Quarter 2025 (January, February, March) summary, click the link below.

The Mexican Wolf Recovery Program is a multi-agency cooperative effort among the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), USDA Forest Service (USFS), USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (WS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the U.S. National Park Service (NPS).

https://azgfd-portal-wordpress-pantheon.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18081232/Quarterly-Report-First-2025.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The Republican Party of New Mexico joins with fellow New Mexicans across the state in observing Holy Week, a sacred time dedicated to reflecting on the life, passion, and miraculous resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

This journey of Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, honoring Christ’s humble entry into Jerusalem, continues through the solemn remembrance of Good Friday—reflecting on His betrayal, agony, and sacrifice on the cross—and culminates in the joyous celebration of Easter, when we rejoice in the glory of His resurrection and the promise of salvation for all.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) reintroduced their M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act, legislation to designate portions of the Gila River, its watershed, and other rivers in the Gila National Forest as Wild and Scenic Rivers. The bill will be a boon to New Mexico's outdoor economy, while protecting an irreplaceable natural resource for future generations of New Mexicans. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, are original cosponsors.

 Rio Grande Fire 

Update: Response crews worked through the night on the Rio Grande Fire and were able to raise the containment percentage to 10%. Two divisions were established on the north and south sides of the fire, which had moved into the vegetation alongside the

Bosque Farms community. Crews today will look to improve containment lines and continue extinguishing interior hot spots within the bosque area. Acreage on the fire decreased to an estimated 60 acres, although more accurate GPS mapping will commence today.

If you've operated a farm or ranch for less than 10 years, join the National BFR Team for an overview of special USDA assistance and resources that are available to you. This session will provide information on various programs, how to connect with staff, and information you will need to get started. 

 Event – Back to Basics and Working with USDA

 Date – April 23, 2025

 Time - 3:00 – 4:30pm Eastern

Register Here