Non-Local News Releases

(Washington, D.C., March 31, 2026) — Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Forest Service announced it will move its headquarters to Salt Lake City, Utah, and begin a sweeping restructuring of the agency to move leadership closer to the forests and communities it serves.

For an agency whose lands, partners, and operational challenges are overwhelmingly concentrated in the West, the shift represents a structural reset and a common-sense approach to improve mission delivery.

"President Trump has made it a priority to return common sense to the way our government works. Moving the Forest Service closer to the forests we manage is an essential action that will improve our core mission of managing our forests while saving taxpayer dollars and boosting employee recruitment," said Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. "Establishing a western headquarters in Salt Lake City and streamlining how the Forest Service is organized will position the Chief and operation leaders closer to the landscapes we manage and the people who depend on them. This includes supporting our timber growers across the country, including those in the Southeast by prioritizing a regional office and promoting policies that boost timber production, lowering costs for consumers. In the past year we have returned the Forest Service to the leading forestry and fire management organization in the world. Proper forest management means a healthy and productive forest system that provides affordable, quality lumber to build homes right here in America and it means preserving and protecting the beautiful landscapes we are blessed with across this great country."

Santa Fe, NM — Senate Republicans are calling for immediate action to address ongoing fraud, waste, and abuse in New Mexico state government, formally requesting the creation of a new legislative oversight committee.

In a letter sent to the Legislative Council, including President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart and Speaker Javier Martínez, Republican legislators outlined the need for a dedicated and transparent process to review findings from the Office of the State Auditor, ensuring accountability for taxpayer dollars.

Santa Fe, NM – New Mexico Arts, the state's federally authorized arts agency and a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, recently secured new funding from a national grant program to advance creative aging programs for older adults throughout New Mexico.

The Creative Aging, Creative Futures program, a joint initiative of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, builds upon the remarkable success of two previous initiatives, "Leveraging State Investments in Creative Aging" and "States Leading Creative Aging." These vital investments have strengthened creative aging leadership for state arts agencies, significantly expanded arts opportunities for older adults, further integrated the arts into state aging services, and enhanced expertise in creative aging program delivery.

Perch Fire - Guadalupe County

March 30, 2026 

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

Update: Resources are currently on scene at the Perch Fire, located southeast of Santa Rosa near Perch Lake. The fire was discovered at 12:50 pm on Monday, March 30. Fire behavior is active and making runs in grass and brush fuels. Spot fires crossed over State Road 91 and the fire is making an eastern push. Structures are threatened, including the Santa Rosa Airport. "GO" status evacuations are in place for State Road 91, mile marker 1 to 6 on the east side.  

Santa Fe, NM — Representative Rebecca Dow (R- Truth or Consequences) is urging Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to opt New Mexico into the federal Education Freedom Credit program, calling it a timely opportunity to deliver meaningful, student-centered support to families across the state.

In a letter sent Monday, Rep. Dow emphasized that the program would expand access to educational resources for students, particularly those from low- and middle-income families, without requiring additional state spending.

"Too many New Mexico students are falling behind, and too many families lack the tools to intervene when it matters most," said Rep. Dow. "This is a practical, immediate step we can take to give students the support they need to succeed."

Update: Fire response crews succeeded in stopping forward progression of the Old 66 Fire yesterday evening, and containment today is at 50%. The fire's acreage is 4,111 acres after more accurate mapping.

Crews are engaged in mop-up actions on the north and southeast sides of the fire footprint and will work to extinguish interior heat. One structure was impacted by the fire, but the threat to structures has now passed for the area. Local residents should take caution and avoid the area as crews are still engaged in suppression activities. This will be the final notification on this incident unless there are significant changes.

The Old 66 Fire was discovered at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27 east of San Jon, north of Interstate 40 in Quay County. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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

Update: The Old 66 Fire was discovered at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27 east of San Jon, north of Interstate 40 in Quay County. The fire is active and wind driven from the northeast and moving through grass. Structures are threatened and smoke is visible from I-40 and the surrounding areas. State and local resources are engaging and utilizing full suppression tactics. 

PECOS — The Benedictine Monastery Lake, near the village of Pecos, has been freshly stocked with trout and has reopened for fishing.

The Benedictine Monastery Lake is part of the New Mexico Department of Wildlife's Open Gate Program. Please visit the Department's website for more information about this property.

If you are planning a fishing trip this spring, the Department has several tools available to help you. The Weekly Fishing Report provides up-to-date information on fishing conditions at numerous waterbodies across the state. The Fishing Conditions and Trip Planner is full of graphs depicting fishing conditions for several species and waterbodies throughout the year.