Non-Local News Releases

ROSWELL, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will increase fees starting July 1, 2025, at Rob Jaggers Campground and Valley of Fires Recreation Area in Lincoln County, and the Haystack Mountain and Mescalero Sands North Dune off-highway vehicle areas near Roswell. The fee adjustments aim to address the costs associated with maintaining and improving facilities and infrastructure necessary to support a growing number of visitors.

LINCOLN COUNTY, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced today that the Camp Fire at the Fort Stanton - Snowy River National Conservation Area (NCA) in Lincoln County is 100% contained. In addition, the BLM will open the West Mesa and Red Tank roads tomorrow, June 3. Rob Jaggers Campground, Fort Stanton Cave Campground, the Fort Stanton Historical Site and N.M. Highway 220 opened previously.

The fire started Sunday, May 25, and damaged five structures as it burned 877 acres. The cause remains under investigation. The Pecos Zone Type-3 Incident Command Team transferred command of the fire to the BLM May 30. Nearly 150 fire personnel worked to subdue the fire, and the BLM thanks them all for their hard work. Although the fire is contained, hot spots may remain, and fire personnel will continue to monitor the situation.

SANTA FE – Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Director Karl Reifsteck today appointed three distinguished New Mexicans to a newly created committee to coordinate behavioral health improvements across the state.

Named to the Behavioral Health Executive Committee are:

Dr. Stacey Cox of Silver City, chief executive officer of the Center for Health Innovation-New Mexico Public Health Institute.       Dr. Violette Cloud of Albuquerque, senior project associate with Policy Research Associates, Inc., and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation       Former state Sen. Gerald "Jerry" Ortiz y Pino of Albuquerque, a lifelong advocate for effective social service delivery for New Mexico's children and families

"Each of these individuals bring years of experience and valuable knowledge to the task ahead of improving how New Mexico responds to people struggling with behavioral health issues," said Reifsteck.

SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting at 9 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at the Red River Conference and Visitor Center, 101 W. River St., Red River, NM 87558. The full agenda, and other information, is available on the Department of Game and Fish website.

If you are interested in participating or providing comments, but cannot attend the meeting in person, you are encouraged to pre-register to attend the meeting on the Zoom Webinar platform. For those who wish only to view the meeting, there will be a live webcast on the Department's website.

Record number of teachers benefit from loan repayment program 

SANTA FE – Starting June 1, New Mexico teachers can apply for up to $6,000 a year in student loan assistance through the state's Teacher Loan Repayment Program. 

The program received a record number of applications last year, helping more than 800 New Mexico teachers, and this year Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham backed a $5 million funding increase to support even more educators. 

"The state's Teacher Loan Repayment Program works to alleviate the financial burden of student loan debt, allowing teachers to focus on what is most important – educating our children," said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. "New Mexico is committed to helping educators by providing them with the support and respect they deserve as they teach the next generation of New Mexicans." 

Summer is almost here, and that means there are lots of opportunities to get outside and enjoy all New Mexico has to offer!

Check out these upcoming events to get involved.

You can see all of the Department's upcoming events on our website.

Want to give fishing a try? Check it out for free!

Have you always wanted to drop a line in one of New Mexico's lakes, rivers or streams, but haven't had the chance? Are you and your kids looking for the opportunity to get outdoors and spend time together this summer? The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish's annual Free Fishing Weekend is the perfect time to get together with friends and family and experience all that New Mexico's waterways have to offer.

Quemado Lake: Andrew Medina’s grandson caught eight trout, including this nice one, using PowerBait on May 23.

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Las Cruces, NM — Senator Crystal Diamond Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) was honored this week at the New Mexico FFA State Convention in Las Cruces with an Honorary State FFA Degree, recognizing her continued support and promotion of agricultural education and youth leadership in New Mexico. Lt. Governor Howie Morales also received the honorary distinction.

The annual convention gathered more than 700 FFA students from across the state for a week of leadership workshops, competitions, and recognition ceremonies hosted by the New Mexico FFA Association.

"It's an incredible honor to join my daughters and so many exceptional young leaders at this year's FFA Convention," said Senator Brantley. "The work FFA does to build confidence, leadership, and career readiness in our youth is second to none, and I'm proud to support their mission."

Brantley, who represents dozens of rural communities across Senate District 35, has consistently championed youth development, agriculture education, and career and technical training programs during her time in the Senate.