As Labor Day approaches, the Lincoln National Forest reminds visitors that ranger district offices and visitor centers will be closed Monday, September 1, 2025. Travelers are urged to help prevent human-caused wildfires—nine out of ten are human-caused—by following fire safety tips on campfires, vehicles, smoking, and firearms.

Ruidoso’s emergency sirens are used only during official wildfire evacuation orders and are tested twice monthly at 5 PM on the 1st and 15th. Flood alerts and other hazards are shared through CallMeRuidoso.com, the RAIN map, NOAA Weather Radio, and local media. Learn what the sirens mean, when they sound, and how to stay informed.

The Village of Ruidoso proudly recognizes its Employees and Department of the Quarter. Honorees include Justin Mize (Fire), Samantha Mars (Public Works), and Johanna Quintana (Human Resources) for their exceptional service and dedication. The Community Development Department is also honored for its collaborative efforts in planning and sustainable growth.

Lincoln National Forest has closed the Bluff Springs Recreational Area on the Sacramento Ranger District through December 31, 2025, for maintenance and bridge restoration. The closure includes the parking lot, vault toilets, and Trail 112 bridge. Alternate day-use access remains available via the Willie White Trail (T113).

Full-service flood debris removal is now available at no cost to private property owners in Lincoln County through DHSEM’s PPDR program for damage from the June 23 floods/landslides. Sign up at the DRC (ENMU-Ruidoso Annex, 709 Mechem Dr., starting Tue, Aug 19) or download and email the form to DHSEM-DCM@dhsem.nm.gov. More info: DHSEM website or 505-670-4662 (option 4).

The Toss No Mas Community Clean-Up will be held Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Wingfield Park from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Registrations begin at 12:30 p.m. Trash bags, gloves, snacks, and drinks will be provided. To learn more about youth fundraising opportunities, please call the Ruidoso Parks & Recreation Office at (575) 257-5030.

The Village of Ruidoso now has a FEMA-Funded Project Progress page to keep residents updated on recovery and infrastructure improvements. See a step-by-step infographic outlining the FEMA process and a live spreadsheet tracking each project’s status. Visit: https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/fema-funded-project-progress.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks with Tom Dawson about the Village of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs Race Track, and Lincoln County, praising the community’s resilience during recent recovery efforts. She reaffirms the state’s commitment to helping residents and businesses rebuild. Watch her full message here.

The Village of Ruidoso will temporarily close the Upper Canyon area starting August 7, 2025, for emergency water and sewer repairs after flood damage. The area will be inaccessible for up to 14 days, possibly longer. Displaced residents will receive free hotel lodging arranged and paid for by NMDHSEM, with FEMA aid available at the Disaster Resource Center.

In the August 2025 issue of the Village of Ruidoso Insider, read Mayor Crawford’s message on the recent floods, find recovery resources, emergency alert info, and council updates. Discover local events like Brewdoso, XTERRA Ruidoso, and outdoor concerts, plus school news, mural projects, job openings, and more. Stay informed and connected to your Ruidoso community.

Beware of scams during flood recovery. The FCC warns of fake contractors, phishing calls, and fraud targeting disaster survivors. Learn how to protect yourself: After the Storms: Watch Out for Scams. Stay informed and share with neighbors. More resources at ruidoso-nm.gov/recovery.

Flood-affected businesses in Lincoln and Doña Ana Counties have until October 27, 2025, to file July 25 and August 25 tax returns without penalty. Late filing/payment penalties are waived, though interest still applies. Taxpayers must notify TRD by email or mail with documentation. Details: Bulletin 100.47 and Form RPD-41096 at tax.newmexico.gov.

The SBA has opened a Business Recovery Center at ENMU–Ruidoso to assist those affected by July’s storms, flooding, and landslides. Local businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters can get in-person help applying for low-interest disaster loans. Walk-ins welcome. Visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955 for details. Deadlines: Sept. 22 (physical), April 22 (economic).

The New Mexico Association of REALTORS® is offering relief assistance to Ruidoso residents affected by recent wildfires and flooding. Eligible applicants may receive help with housing-related costs. Apply online at nmrealtor.com. Funds are limited and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Village of Ruidoso is open and ready to welcome visitors back. While recent flooding impacted some infrastructure, recovery efforts are well underway. Visitors are encouraged to stay informed, use the Discover Ruidoso app, and check the Monsoon Awareness page for real-time updates. Trails, shops, and restaurants are open—come enjoy the beauty of our mountain town.

Major Disaster Declaration Issued for Lincoln County. Federal funding is now available to support flood recovery in Lincoln County following a Major Disaster Declaration. Assistance for individuals, businesses, and public cleanup is available at disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362. A local Disaster Recovery Center is open daily at ENMU-Ruidoso Annex, 709 Mechem Dr.

PROJECT: CAMP will be providing a FREE day camp for youth 6-16 years of age affected by the recent floods. The Camp will be held Thursday and Friday, July 24-25 and Monday-Thursday, July 28-31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at ENMU-Ruidoso, 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso. They will provide snacks and lunch. They are looking for volunteers as well and campers who have been affected by the floods.

State, local, and county agencies are offering free curbside debris removal in flood-affected areas of Lincoln County. Residents should sort debris into six categories and place it curbside following safety guidelines. Safe cleanup is essential for health and safety. Full details and disposal guidance available at dhsem.nm.gov/debris.

A precautionary boil water advisory is in effect for the Upper Canyon area of Ruidoso due to flood-related damage. Residents should boil water for one minute before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. No contamination is confirmed, but precautions are advised. Call 575-258-4343 for updates. Other areas of Ruidoso are not affected.

Due to hazardous monsoonal flooding, the Lincoln National Forest has issued a temporary closure for the Cedar Creek area on the Smokey Bear Ranger District, effective July 9–September 30, 2025. The order includes trailheads, recreation sites, and multiple trails. Visit the Forest Service website for full details and a map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln/alerts.