Non-Local News Releases

August 13th UPDATE on Vereda Blanca Fire
Mt. Taylor Ranger District

Vereda Blanca Fire Operations: Crews worked to hold the fire edges and continue to scout for spotting. Rainfall during the afternoon aided in the suppression efforts. Fire behavior can be categorized as backing and creeping with isolated torching. Looking forward, four aviation dip tanks will be utilized to support suppression.

Vereda Blanca Fire Reported start date / time: August 8, 2025 / 0731

SOUTHWEST CATCH OF THE WEEK

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Elephant Butte Lake: Angelo caught his first catfish using blood bait on Aug. 8.

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire.

L to R: Keith Pearson (Department of Homeland Security), Sean Stevens (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), Sen. Crystal Brantley, Sheriff Josh Baker (Sierra County)Ruidoso, NM — This week, the New Mexico Sheriffs' Association hosts its annual meeting in Ruidoso, bringing together representatives from all 33 county sheriff's departments. Senator Crystal Brantley delivered the opening keynote, emphasizing the constitutional role sheriffs play as the backbone of law enforcement in the state.

"Sheriffs are the only law enforcement officials directly answerable to the people they serve," Brantley said. "That unique responsibility makes them not just enforcers of the law, but protectors of our communities' values and freedoms. We rely on their leadership to keep our neighborhoods safe and uphold the trust of those they represent."

Santa Fe, NM — Today, the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas vacated the listing of the lesser prairie chicken as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The Court granted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's voluntary motion to vacate the listing decision and remand the case, while denying untimely motions from environmental litigation groups seeking to intervene. This decision, finalized on August 11, 2025, marks a significant win for New Mexico's agricultural and oil and gas industries, reinforcing a return to commonsense policy.

In response to today's court decision, Senate Republican Whip Pat Woods (R-Broadview) and Senators Candy Ezzell (R-Roswell) and Pat Boone (R-Elida) have issued the following joint statement: 

Awards up to $50,000 to help early-stage companies drive commercialization 

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department's Technology and Innovation Office is now accepting applications for the FY26 Science and Technology Business Startup Grant. 

The initiative is a competitive state-funded grant that supports small businesses engaged in research and development with the potential for commercializing their technology. This grant assists early-stage companies that are developing a unique product and exhibit strong growth potential. 

On Tuesday August 19 at 9:15 AM, Dr. Gabriel Sanchez and Dr. Melanie Sonntag of the University of New Mexico's Center for Social Policy will present the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee (LHHSC) with the dramatic results of a recent analysis of the medical claims and billing system of New Mexico. 

The meeting will take place at UNM-Gallup at 705 Gurley Avenue and the webcast can be viewed live or recorded by going to nmlegis.gov and clicking on "Webcast."

This groundbreaking study asked New Mexico health care clinicians and claims professionals directly about their experiences with billing and insurance-related tasks and their impact on cost, patient care, and morale. It included medical and office staff from a variety of health care settings in both urban and rural counties.

See full schedule below

Vereda Blanca Fire Operations: Yesterday's weather brought light precipitation to the fire's northeast and southwest boundary areas. There was minimal fire growth from yesterday's acres. Hot dry conditions continue today while ground crews face multiple challenges in the difficult terrain. Aerial resources will continue to assist operations.

Vereda Blanca Fire Reported start date / time: August 8, 2025 / 0731

Cause: Lightning.

Location: Northeast Mt Taylor Ranger District near Black Mesa and northeast of Grants, NM. See attached map.