Phase 1 of hazard tree mitigation in the Blue 2 and South Fork burn areas of Lincoln National Forest is complete. Crews felled dangerous dead trees near roads, trails, and public sites to ensure safety and protect infrastructure. Trees remain onsite until Phase 2, which will handle removal and disposal. Planning for Phase 2 is underway.

Phase 1 Hazard Tree Mitigation is underway in the Blue 2 and South Fork burn areas of the Smokey Bear Ranger District. This vital post-fire recovery project improves public safety by removing standing dead trees near roads, recreation sites, and property boundaries. All work is confined to Forest Service lands within the Lincoln National Forest.

Residents of Lincoln and Doña Ana counties affected by the June–July 2025 flooding have until October 15, 2025, to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362 for help with housing, repairs, and disaster recovery needs.

As part of post-fire recovery efforts, DHSEM’s Economic Recovery Team shares details on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant. Fifty $10,000 awards will support small business digital upgrades and operations. Apply by December 10, 2025, at digitalready.verizonwireless.com/grants.

Independent retailers impacted by federally declared disasters may be eligible for up to $10,000 through the Economic Recovery Grant from Heart on Main Street. Funds can cover rent, payroll, utilities, and other recovery expenses. Apply online at heartonmainstreet.org or get assistance at the Disaster Recovery Center in the ENMU-Ruidoso Annex.

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).

Join us July 9 for a South Fork Post-Fire Recovery Public Meeting at ENMU–Ruidoso, 5–7 p.m. with a pre-meeting help session from 4–5 p.m. Learn about post-fire assistance for private landowners, including federal and state recovery programs, cost-sharing, and technical guidance. Attend in person or online via Microsoft Teams.

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 »

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!

The USDA’s NRCS offers a Voluntary Property Buyout Program for Lincoln County residents affected by recent fires and floods. Eligible homeowners can sell flood-prone properties to reduce future risks, with purchased lands designated as open spaces for flood control. Join the informational meeting on Nov. 20, 2024, at 6 pm at ENMU-Ruidoso or via Zoom to learn more.