The Smokey Bear Ranger District Office in Ruidoso remains open weekdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., despite a June 30 shift to appointment-only service at the Alamogordo Supervisors Office. Sacramento and Guadalupe offices also remain open, with adjusted schedules. Full Forest Service contact info at: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln/offices.

The Village of Ruidoso has launched a Monsoon Season Awareness page to help residents and visitors stay informed during summer storms. The resource includes safety tips, emergency alerts, and the RAIN (Ruidoso All-Hazard Information Network) map, which highlights flood-prone areas, road conditions, and real-time weather updates.

The official website for Elk Meadows, Ruidoso’s new workforce housing development, is now live at ElkMeadowsApartments.com. Learn about unit layouts, supportive services, and project updates as this 72-unit community takes shape to meet the housing needs of local families and essential workers.

One year after the South Fork Fire, the Village of Ruidoso honors a year of courage, compassion, and community recovery. Join the June 17 remembrance event at Wingfield Park and explore ongoing support resources. Full details at ruidoso-nm.gov/south-fork-fire-anniversary.

Following the June 10 Council meeting, Ruidoso’s Water Resources Department released its 2023–2025 water monitoring report. It highlights groundwater hydrographs from multiple wells, Eagle Creek flow data, monthly storage levels across major water tanks, and Grindstone Reservoir trends. It also outlines wildfire-related monitoring interruptions and the Village’s adaptive management strategies.

Village servers will be relocated starting at 2:30 PM on Friday, June 13, 2025. During this time, email, phones, and online services will be unavailable. Normal operations will resume Monday, June 16. Emails received after the Friday cutoff will be reviewed and answered on Monday. Thank you for your understanding during this scheduled update.

The Wingfield Heritage House Museum has earned a 2025 AASLH Award of Excellence for its radio series Ruidoso Rewind. Airing weekly on KRUI, the show highlights stories from Ruidoso’s past and their ties to state and national history. Written by Museum Manager Stephanie Long and produced by Greg Widener, episodes are available at 1490krui.com.

Effective June 5, the fire danger rating across all three districts of Lincoln National Forest has been lowered from “very high” to “high.” Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect. Visitors are urged to stay alert and follow all safety guidelines. Details: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln

Summer returns to Ruidoso with renewed energy, community pride, and reflection. From the anniversary of last year’s fires to the excitement of horse racing season, concerts, and outdoor adventures, the village embraces resilience and celebration. Explore events, updates, and ways to connect in this month’s newsletter. Click to read and be part of what makes Ruidoso shine.

To manage peak traffic during Memorial Day weekend, the Village of Ruidoso will close roads in the Hollywood area daily, May 23–26. Closures include Sutton Drive at Sudderth and Gavilan Canyon at Meander. Detours will be marked; expect delays during peak hours. Details and maps: ruidoso-nm.gov/emergency-information.

The Village of Ruidoso has proclaimed May 17, 2025, as Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. Residents are urged to clear brush, create evacuation plans, and sign up for alerts at CallMeRuidoso.com. With current Level II and Stage 2 fire restrictions in place, every action counts in making Ruidoso a safer, fire-adapted community.

Landowners impacted by the South Fork or Salt Fires can apply for USDA Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) assistance through Lincoln County. The deadline to submit applications is May 31, 2025. To apply, visit scmrcd.org. EWP helps protect property from post-fire erosion and flood risk.

Small businesses impacted by a natural disaster since January 2024 may be eligible for a $10,000 recovery grant through the Backing Small Businesses program, supported by American Express. Only 100 grants are available nationwide. Apply by Wednesday, May 21 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Don’t miss this chance to support recovery. Learn more »

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions went into effect at 8:00 a.m. on May 7, 2025, across all three districts of Lincoln National Forest due to very high fire danger. Open flames, smoking, off-road vehicle use, and certain tools are restricted. Violations are subject to fines and jail time. Details and updates are available on the NM Fire Info website.

Ruidoso is ready for a vibrant summer with the return of the Ruidoso Downs Race Track, global athletic events from XTERRA and IRONMAN, and a full lineup of music, festivals, and community celebrations. Recovery continues with new housing, fire safety efforts, and floodplain updates. The spirit of resilience shines as Ruidoso rebuilds and welcomes the world.

Elk Meadows, a 72-unit apartment community in Ruidoso, is now underway, offering modern, energy-efficient homes for local families and workers. Backed by $15M in state tax credits and developed in partnership with Enriched Communities LLC, the Village of Ruidoso, and others, the project includes on-site services and is set for completion by fall 2026.

Effective April 18, 2025, the Lincoln National Forest has raised its fire danger rating to “very high” across all districts. Fires can now start easily, spread rapidly, and behave unpredictably. Emergency fire restrictions are in place. Visitors should exercise caution. Details: www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln.

The Village of Ruidoso has been selected to host its first-ever IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon on July 11–12, 2026. The announcement was made during an official press conference on April 16. The high-altitude race is expected to draw athletes and visitors from around the globe to experience Ruidoso’s scenic mountain terrain and vibrant community.

Ruidoso, New Mexico, has been named the Best Small Town Cultural Scene in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor highlights Ruidoso’s vibrant arts, music, and community spirit. Officially announced on April 9, 2025, Ruidoso topped the list of cultural destinations, showcasing its unique blend of creativity and community pride. Visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for more details.

The Village of Ruidoso invites residents to participate in public hearings on community recovery grants funded by the $137.1 million CDBG-DR program. These grants support recovery from disasters like the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, and severe flooding. Attend in-person hearings at ENMU Ruidoso to share your input. Visit dhsem.nm.gov/cdbg-dr2025/ for meeting details and ways to provide input. Your voice matters!