Do your part. Be fire safe. Safely remove your dead trees now!

Proper property preparation can make the difference between a saved home or a pile of embers during a wildfire. All flammable material around your house should be removed. This includes the removal of dead branches, fallen leaves, and cutting of long grass. 

Fuels management costs will vary depending on slope, among contractors, the density of trees, landowner management objectives, and distance to roads accessible to the “grapple” trucks. Typically, a cost range to treat one acre of land with a structure on it is $1,200 to $2,000. A range for one acre of vacant land is $800.00 to $1,300. These ranges do not consider the removal of hazardous trees. Generally, hazard trees are large trees close to structures or power lines that require specialized training and equipment for safe removal. A large tree looming over a house may cost $500.00 to $1,500.00 or more. Chipping debris may increase or decrease the cost depending on the slope and distance to access roads. Property owners should consider treatment and disposal options.

The Village Forestry Department maintains a list of Forestry Contractors as a courtesy for property owners. Forest Contractors’ criteria for posting companies on the list are:

• Contractor must maintain a current Village of Ruidoso business license;

• Contractor must demonstrate their knowledge and experience;

• Contractor must attend periodic forest contractor meetings conducted by the Village. The meetings keep contractors updated on fuel management requirements and forest health issues.

Many of the forest contractors maintain workman’s comp and liability insurance. However, the Village does not regulate or maintain a log of forest contractors’ insurance. The Village does not regulate pricing. Property owners should secure certificates of insurance from the contractor where applicable.  Pricing estimates will vary and residents are encouraged to shop around.

Forestry Information Links 

• Lincoln National Forest

• Village Ordinance on Fuels Management
  Ruidoso - A Wildland Urban Interface Story

• Fire Behavior & the Wildland Fire Environment

• Fuels management standards (Municipal Code 42-80)

• Swallow Fire Presentation

• Ruidoso Case Study

• Get a Certificate of Compliance

• Forestry Terms

• Forestry Contractors

• WUI Map

• Getting the Work Done

• Increasing your Property Values

• Fire's Natural Role

• Living with Fire: A Guide for the Homeowner

• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Wildfire Mitigation Activities in the Wildland-Urban Interface

• NM State Lands

• Lincoln National Forest

• NM Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department

• NM Counties