Typically, natural hazard mitigation describes actions that reduce or eliminate the impact of natural hazards. Wildfires, floods, thunderstorms, high winds, winter storms, and drought are all examples of natural hazards. Actions to reduce the impact of natural hazards fall into four main categories: education and awareness programs; local plans and regulations; natural system protection; and structure and infrastructure projects. Examples of mitigation actions are implementing defensible space around structures, hazardous fuels thinning, drainage improvements, watershed stabilization, and public education campaigns.

The planning process for the Lincoln County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) Update assists each jurisdiction in identifying the natural hazards that impact the community, analyzing the risks, and prioritizing actions that can be taken to reduce that risks. The approved Hazard Mitigation Plan provides each jurisdiction with a federal government-approved and locally adopted plan, which will support grant applications to implement natural hazard risk reduction projects. The approved plan is a requirement for FEMA hazard mitigation grant funding and can be used to meet the planning requirement for the US Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant.

To remain eligible for some types of federal funding, the HMP must be updated and approved by FEMA every five years.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved the five-year update for the Lincoln County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan through March 17, 2029; Lincoln County, the Village of Ruidoso, the City of Ruidoso Downs, the Town of Carrizozo, the Village of Capitan, and the Village of Corona are included in the approval. The Hazard Mitigation Plan is posted here for reference.