Non-Local News Releases

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

SILVER CITY – Free in-person car seat fitting station on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hatch Toyota Stateline, 2750 US 18o, in Silver City. 

The car seat fitting station provides parents and caregivers with instructions on the proper selection, installation, and use of their car seats from nationally certified child passenger safety technicians. To be considered for a seat replacement, the child must be present. A $35 seat replacement fee may apply. 

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continue to be cautious of heavy equipment and construction personnel in the area. PLEASE NOTE: Conditions are subject to change without notice. Double fines for speeding in work zones may be in effect.

 White Sands Missile Range Notification

For information regarding closures, you may call WSMR at 678-1178 or 678-2222 for updates.

Interstates: 

April 17, 2025 

The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on a wildfire that is requiring the attention of state and local resources in New Mexico. 

Rio Grande Fire Update: The Rio Grande fire is estimated at 150 acres and is zero percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The fire was discovered at 3:53 p.m. on Thursday, April 17 on Bureau of Indian Affairs jurisdiction, west of Bosque Farms,  in Valencia County. Under fast-moving winds and Red Flag conditions, the fire moved from the west side of the Rio Grande to the east side and into the Bosque Farms area. Response crews arrived on scene to find the fire already intermixed with structures. Fire is currently running and spotting. 

(Washington, D.C., April 17, 2025)—Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a memorandum to all state agencies administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) making it clear states must ensure SNAP benefits are provided with an expectation that those who can work, do.

"Since my confirmation, I have reiterated the states are our partners, and this includes ensuring our nutrition programs are tied to putting Americans back to work," said Secretary Rollins. "It is important to remind states that Congress conditioned the receipt of benefits by able-bodied adults without dependents on satisfying work requirements. Many states have abused the system by requesting work requirement waivers. Today marks the start of a new era for SNAP—prioritizing work, career and technical education, and volunteering rather than idleness, excess spending, and misapplication of the law."

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