RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – Acres of forests and watersheds are being restored following last summer’s South Fork and Salt fires. The repairs are being done by contractors hired by the New Mexico Forestry Division.
The work includes removing hazardous trees and erecting erosion control barriers, aiming to reduce risks from dead or dying trees and future flooding due to scorched soil and terrain in the area. Funding for the restoration is funded by a $10 million allocation the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department received during a special legislative session called by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in July 2024.
Earlier in February, Forestry Division contractors began work on a 140-acre area near Gavilan Canyon. Tree-cutting, erosion control, and mulching projects on private land will help with downstream flood risks in areas damaged by fires.
Those in the area wanting applications and guidelines for assistance can request it from the Salt & South Fork Watershed Stabilization & Hazard Tree Mitigation Assistance Request site.