Non-Local News Releases

A notice of intent will be published in the Federal Register initiating a 30-day public comment period

Washington, D.C., August 21, 2026 - The U.S. Forest Service today announced plans to publish a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement for amending the existing Travel Management Rule (36 CFR 212). This proposed revision simplifies the regulatory requirements to enhance quicker local decision-making and increase access, including for motorized vehicles, e-bikes, and other mobility devices.

"Public lands are for public use, yet for too long, Forest Service regulations have stood in the way of public recreation access," said Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen A. Vaden. "With this step, USDA begins the process of ensuring the public can access their forests and USDA can better manage the lands with which the public has entrusted it."

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continuing 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: 

I-25 Guardrail Replacement Project, Mile Marker 6 to 14.2, Las Cruces to Dona AnaLC00384

RED RIVER, N.M. — A man sustained non-life-threatening injuries Friday morning after being bitten by a bear while camping.

Department of Wildlife conservation officers are currently on the scene investigating the incident and securing the area. The investigation is active and ongoing, and more information will be released to the public as it becomes available.

In light of this incident, the Department is issuing an urgent reminder to all residents and visitors to be "bear aware" while recreating in or near wildlife habitats. Encounters can happen unexpectedly, and knowing how to react is critical for public safety.

If you plan to camp in bear country, please follow these safety guidelines:

See below

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management leased 25 parcels totaling 20,334 acres in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas for $139,021,741 in total receipts during a quarterly oil and gas lease sale. Combined lease bonus bids and rentals are distributed between the federal government and state where parcels are located.

Today's sale is the latest in a series of successful sales in New Mexico, underscoring strong industry demand for domestic energy development on public lands. A record oil and gas lease sale in May generated more than $4 billion in New Mexico and Texas. So far this calendar year, lease sales in New Mexico have generated more than $4.4 billion. That's about 90% of the $4.9 billion in oil and gas leasing revenue this year for all of BLM.

Santa Fe, NM — With a Governor's race, House seats, and statewide offices on the ballot in just weeks, New Mexico Democrats are running from their record instead of running on it.

Rather than talk about the issues New Mexicans actually care about, Democrats have shifted the conversation to hot-button political flashpoints like ICE enforcement and abortion. The timing is no accident. It's a deliberate attempt to scare voters and change the subject before Election Day.

Washington, D.C., August 19, 2026 – The U.S. Forest Service today announced a new shared stewardship agreement with Thunder Basin Grazing Association, the first of its kind specific to grasslands. This agreement establishes a 20-year collaborative framework to strengthen rangeland stewardship, ecosystem health, and sustainable working landscapes across the Thunder Basin National Grassland in northeast Wyoming.

The Thunder Basin National Grassland is one of the nation's most significant mixed‑grass prairie ecosystems, supporting livestock grazing, wildlife habitat, and multiple-use objectives. This agreement formalizes the commitment to this partnership.

State, city investment will help create solid careers and strengthen quantum ecosystem

ALBUQUERQUE – The State of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque are backing the expansion of Quantinuum, a leading quantum computing company, further establishing Albuquerque as a national hub in quantum technology and advanced research.

The city and state will each contribute $750,000 through their Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funds for a combined investment of $1.5 million to support Quantinuum's new research and development hub in Albuquerque. 

Quantinuum develops quantum computers and the software needed to operate them. Its technology could eventually transform industries like healthcare, finance and AI by making breakthroughs that aren't possible with today's computing power.