Non-Local News Releases

The latest Water Supply Outlook Report is now available. 

From the Summary:

"Automated Snow Telemetry [SNOTEL] and manual measurements throughout the state showed the snowpack benefiting from a series of late winter storms concentrated in the latter half of March. Snow Water Equivalent [SWE] totals surpassed New Mexico's reference period median on March 16th, remaining above normal through the date of report publication. March saw well above normal precipitation across the statewide forecast region, primarily in the form of snowfall and concentrated toward the end of the month. This fed a generally increasing snowpack across the major New Mexico forecast basins, despite periods of melt occurring between storm cycles. With these net snowpack gains throughout March, all major forecast basins within the state held normal or above normal SWE totals by April 1. The southerly latitude of New Mexico's major watersheds contributes to median late season snow persistence being lower and melt generally beginning earlier than may be seen in other mountain states throughout the region. This year's robust April 1 snowpack represents an encouraging departure from normal statewide spring melt timing, painting a more optimistic picture for surface water supplies across the forecast area than was previously projected at the beginning of March.

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Senator Crystal Brantley, Senate Republicans Urge Governor to Secure Southern Border, Add Border Security to Special Session Call

SANTA FE—Senator Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) and the Senate Republican Caucus today sent a letter to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham urging her to address the escalating crisis at New Mexico's southern border and include border security on any call for a Special Session. The letter was sent following a recent visit by Senator Brantley and Senator Steven McCutcheon (R-Carlsbad) to the U.S.-Mexico Border in Luna County, and a separate letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas demanding federal action.

RIO RANCHO—The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) recently voted to reject a request to pause the enforcement of the Advanced Clean Cars and Trucks Rule (EIB 23-56 (R)) until ongoing litigation is resolved. The request to delay the rule was submitted by the New Mexico Automotive Dealers Association and an Albuquerque auto dealership—the entities legally challenging the new regulatory measure.

Senator Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho), the Senate Republican Whip, issued the following statement condemning this action:

Eagle Nest, NM – Spring temperatures are blooming at Eagle Nest Lake State Park allowing boaters to return to the water for fishing and other recreational opportunities.

"While the majority of the lake surface is open water there is still ice in some areas and boaters are urged to use caution at all times," said Jordan Mitchell, Park Superintendent. "Be sure to dress appropriately in layers, stay dry, and always wear a properly fitted life jacket."

SANTA FE – The State Game Commission will meet as a quorum, in-person on Thursday, April 18, 2024, for a tour of the Glenwood Fish Hatchery, 9 Hatchery Road, Box 67, Glenwood, New Mexico 88039, beginning at 3 p.m. Following the tour, the Commission will hold an executive session closed to the public to discuss litigation and property. A quorum will be present at Wrangler's Bar and Grill, 2005 US-180, Silver City, New Mexico 88061, beginning at 7 p.m. for dinner.

Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round 

SANTA FE – As we enter springtime, we have an opportunity to prepare for the drier conditions and wildfire season. April is a great time to do spring cleaning around your property and create the spacing that can help protect your home. The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, Forestry Division, is working with local, state, federal, and Tribal partners and non-governmental organizations to provide monthly wildfire preparedness tips and information. As the snow melts off, our theme for April is: Get Your Home in Condition to Resist Wildfire Ignitions. 

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The search is on for talented performers to sing the national anthem at the 2024 New Mexico State Fair. Individual singers or small groups who are selected by the judging committee will have the unique opportunity to perform the anthem to thousands of people at the beginning of a PRCA event. There are seven total PRCA events during the Fair.

Auditions will be held both in-person and virtually. Live auditions will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Boxcar Stage located on the fairgrounds at Expo New Mexico. Performers choosing to audition virtually should record a video of their performance and provide a public link in the space provided on the application. Individuals and groups of all ages may audition but groups may not have more than four members. The deadline to apply for in-person auditions and to submit virtual auditions is Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. Application and rules can be found at https://statefair.exponm.com/p/participate/competitions/national-anthem-audition