Non-Local News Releases

Forest Service to use state wildlife agency's expertise in recovery plan

(Washington, D.C., February 5, 2026) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission  have entered into a $290 million Good Neighbor Agreement to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. The agreement — the largest of its kind for the Forest Service — will speed up recovery efforts, create new jobs, reduce overall costs and strengthen communities impacted by the hurricane.

This agreement empowers the commission to perform comprehensive recovery efforts across the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests during the next 10 years. The commission will remove storm debris, repair roads and recreation areas, manage invasive species, restore damaged watersheds and improve wildlife habitat.

SANTA FE – The state Supreme Court today upheld the convictions of a Las Cruces man for murdering his girlfriend and related crimes in 2022.

In a unanimous opinion written by Justice Michael E. Vigil, the Court rejected arguments by Steven Valdez that the trial court wrongly admitted evidence about previous instances of domestic violence against the victim, Brittney Skaggs, and improperly denied his requests to replace his appointed defense lawyer.

Valdez was sentenced to life in prison and an additional 13 years for convictions of first-degree murder, aggravated fleeing from a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon against Marie Saenz, a friend of Skaggs, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against Saenz. In New Mexico, a life sentence requires a person to serve at least 30 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole.

NM Game and Fish Editor's Note: The species in last week's submission from Elephant Butte Lake was misidentified. The fish in the picture were striped bass, not white bass.

Escondida Lake: Dylan Wolf caught his first fish, a rainbow trout, on Jan. 31 using the Spider-Man fishing pole he got as a Christmas gift. "He was super pumped and is ready to go fishing again," Vance Wolf said.

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Statewide enrollment is now open for leading tuition-free online public school with a focus on high-quality learning

SANTA FE, N.M. (Feb. 3, 2026) – New Mexico Connections Academy, a tuition-free, online public school serving students in grades 4-12 across New Mexico, is now enrolling for the 2026-27 school year. With over a decade of experience, the school offers a flexible, virtual education experience to help students build confidence, critical thinking skills and a passion for discovery.

New Mexico Connections Academy provides a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. The school's team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online instruction, establish meaningful connections with students helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Students are also encouraged to invest their time and energy in clubs, in-person field trips and interest-based activities that foster connection and social growth outside of the virtual classroom.

Favorable weather conditions in place for hazardous fuels reduction work

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – February 2, 2026 – As previously announced, the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) is planning prescribed fire pile burning operations on the Sandia Ranger District as early as Wednesday, February 4 pending all required approvals. Once prescribed fire operations are implemented, this work will continue as a multi-day operation.

Pile burning is meant to treat slash, like branches, piled by thinning crews with the aim of reducing flammable fuels. The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on multiple factors, including snowpack, air quality, ventilation, forecast weather and wind, and resource availability. We use prescribed fire to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires. 

Reported date / time: February 1, 2026 / 1140.

Cause: Unknown.

Size: 25 acres.

Location: Water Canyon Mesa within Magdalena Mountains on the Magdalena Ranger District – New Mexico on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands.

Smoke may be visible west of NM 60 and from I25 west of Socorro. 

SANTA FE – New Mexico is investing in its creative economy with a new statewide event series, NM CreativeCon, offering business workshops and networking opportunities to creative professionals across the state.

Hosted by the New Mexico Economic Development Department's Creative Industries Division, NM CreativeCon will bring together creative entrepreneurs and community leaders for a series of full-day events through education, networking, and hands-on learning. Beginning in March 2026, the NM CreativeCon lineup includes five regional events, culminating in a statewide convening in June.

January 30, 2026  Vol 25 Issue 1

Southwest Climate Outlook - January 2026

Welcome to this month's edition of the Southwest Climate Outlook!

In this Issue:

• Precipitation & Temperature
• Drought
• Snowpack & Streamflow
• Water Supply
• ENSO Tracker
• Seasonal Forecasts
• 2026 E&S Fellowship
• Southwest Climate Podcast