The February 2026 Insider focuses on community planning, civic engagement, and Ruidoso’s future. Highlights include Mayor Crawford’s reflections on the Comprehensive Master Plan Charrette, State of the Village updates, March 2026 Municipal Election and GO Bond information, recovery and infrastructure projects, school and ENMU–Ruidoso updates, community partner news, and winter events.
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is providing free tree removal, chainsaw services, and debris cleanup for Ruidoso residents affected by the January 2026 winter storm. Learn where and how to register for no-cost disaster relief assistance, including intake location, hours, and phone registration details.
Lincoln National Forest plans prescribed pile burning on the Smokey Bear Ranger District from January 29 through February 1, pending favorable weather and approvals. The work will reduce hazardous fuels near Ruidoso, including areas around the Ruidoso Lookout Tower and McBride Fire Scar. Temporary closures and smoke impacts are possible.
The Village of Ruidoso has declared a local emergency following the January winter storm to support response and recovery efforts. The declaration allows coordination with county and state partners, documents storm impacts, and preserves eligibility for assistance if needed. Residents are encouraged to report storm-related damages through the REACH Survey.
The Village of Ruidoso has released the 2026 State of the Village report, outlining recovery progress, financial stability, infrastructure investments, and key priorities for the year ahead. Presented by Mayor Lynn D. Crawford, the report highlights community resilience, transparency, and long-term planning.
The Village of Ruidoso is asking residents and business owners to report property damage from the January 2026 winter storm by completing an Individual Assistance Survey, a key step in helping the community qualify for state and federal disaster assistance.
The Village of Ruidoso Forestry Department has begun a 35-acre tree thinning project on the west side of Grindstone Lake. Work will continue for up to 90 days and includes temporary trail closures for public safety. Visitors should follow posted signage and avoid restricted areas during operations.
Lincoln National Forest crews are continuing prescribed fire work and planning additional winter burns to reduce hazardous fuels and protect nearby communities, including Ruidoso. Recent treatments have already improved wildfire resilience, with additional Smokey Bear Ranger District projects planned later this month, pending weather and approvals.
Mayor Lynn Crawford issued a statement on January 19, 2026, announcing that Ruidoso Downs Race Track will not host the 2026 racing season due to flood-related damage. The 2026 meet will be held at the Downs at Albuquerque, while sales events and casino operations will continue in Ruidoso.
The January 2026 Insider features Mayor Crawford’s New Year message, community planning priorities, and a look ahead to Ruidoso’s future. Highlights include upcoming Comprehensive Master Plan meetings, municipal election information, recognition of retiring Village employees, public safety and recovery updates, school athletics achievements, ENMU–Ruidoso spring registration details, and a full calendar of winter events and community activities.
Beginning in January, crews will resume hazard tree mitigation on USDA Forest Service lands impacted by the South Fork Fire. Work on the Smokey Bear Ranger District will focus on Oak Grove Campground and along Buck Mountain Road to improve public safety, restore access, and support long-term recovery efforts in the Lincoln National Forest.
The Village of Ruidoso invites final public comments on proposed improvement concepts for Sudderth Drive, from traffic through the intersection with Mechem Drive. Community input will inform the selection of a preferred concept. Review the concepts and submit feedback by Friday, December 26, 2025 at usrp-ruidoso.com.
