Departments Kerry Gladden Departments Kerry Gladden

Cedar Creek Area Closed Due to Flood Hazards on Smokey Bear Ranger District

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.

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Announcement, Departments Kerry Gladden Announcement, Departments Kerry Gladden

Fire Restrictions Downgraded to Level I for the Village of Ruidoso Effective July 7, 2025

Effective July 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM, the Village of Ruidoso has moved to Level I Fire Restrictions. Commercial fire pits (with fire marshal approval) and all outdoor cooking are allowed. Campfires, fireworks, and non-commercial fire pits remain prohibited. Violations will result in citations. Stay informed at www.ruidoso-nm.gov/emergency-information.

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Departments Kerry Gladden Departments Kerry Gladden

Fire Restrictions Lifted as Danger Level Drops to “Moderate” Across Lincoln National Forest

Fire restrictions in Lincoln National Forest have been lifted and the fire danger lowered to “Moderate” across all districts as of July 3. Officials credit recent rainfall and improved conditions, but remind visitors to follow key fire prevention rules. Fire season is not over—campfires must be attended, fireworks remain banned, and safety remains a shared priority.

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Lincoln National Forest Adjusts Fire Danger Rating

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

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Announcement, Wildfire Recovery Resource Kerry Gladden Announcement, Wildfire Recovery Resource Kerry Gladden

Village of Ruidoso Declares May 17, 2025, as Wildfire Community Preparedness Day

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.

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Departments Kerry Gladden Departments Kerry Gladden

Ruidoso Forestry Department Begins Fuel Reduction Projects Near Grindstone Lake and Moon Mountain

Starting March 17, the Ruidoso Forestry Department will launch two major fire prevention efforts. A 30-acre thinning project on Grindstone Lake’s south end and a 71-acre fuel break along Moon Mountain’s west side are designed to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. These initiatives will use only mechanical treatments to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health, with no prescribed burns planned.

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Departments Kerry Gladden Departments Kerry Gladden

Lincoln National Forest Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Due to dry conditions, Lincoln National Forest has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective March 10, 2025. Campfires and charcoal grills are limited to developed campsites or picnic areas with agency-built fire rings. Dispersed campfires are prohibited, and smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles or buildings. Chainsaw use remains permitted.

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Departments Kerry Gladden Departments Kerry Gladden

Village of Ruidoso Moves to Level II Fire Restrictions Starting Monday, March 10, 2025

The Village of Ruidoso will move to Level II fire restrictions on March 10, 2025, to reduce wildfire risk during severe drought. Certain outdoor activities and equipment use will be limited or prohibited to protect public safety. Residents and visitors should familiarize themselves with the full guidelines and exercise caution until conditions improve.

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Community Program Kerry Gladden Community Program Kerry Gladden

Sierra Club Hosts Guided Hike on Ruidoso’s Wildfire Impact and Forest Recovery

Join the Sierra Club’s A Decade of Forest Fires – Ruidoso Hike on March 22, 2025, from 10 AM – 12 PM. This moderate, 3.5-mile hike through Cedar Creek Trails explores fire-scarred landscapes and forest recovery, with scenic views of Sierra Blanca and Ski Apache. Limited to 10 participants; RSVP by March 20. No dogs; ages 14+ with a guardian. Register: www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar.

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Public Notice, Departments Kerry Gladden Public Notice, Departments Kerry Gladden

Lincoln National Forest Moves to 'High' Fire Danger Rating

February 10, 2025 – Effective immediately, Lincoln National Forest has raised its fire danger rating from “moderate” to “high” due to low moisture levels and forecasted dry conditions. Fires can now start and spread easily, especially in grassy or wooded areas. Visitors are urged to follow fire safety guidelines and ensure campfires are fully extinguished.

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Wildfire Recovery Resource Kerry Gladden Wildfire Recovery Resource Kerry Gladden

Hazard Tree, Watershed Stabilization, and Debris Removal Programs for Private Landowners Impacted by the South Fork Fire

The Village of Ruidoso alerts residents to three post-fire recovery programs for private landowners impacted by the South Fork Fire. Each program is independently funded and requires separate applications. The NM Forestry Division provides watershed stabilization and hazard tree mitigation, NRCS offers emergency watershed protection, and NM DHSEM provides full-service debris removal. Landowners can apply via the provided QR codes or agency websites.

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Departments, Public Notice Kerry Gladden Departments, Public Notice Kerry Gladden

Lincoln National Forest plans to conduct a prescribed burn between January 31 – February 14, 2025, on the Sacramento Ranger District.

The Lincoln National Forest is planning to conduct prescribed fire operations on the Sacramento Ranger District beginning Jan. 31, through Feb. 14, 2025, depending on weather and ground conditions.

For updates and information, please visit the Lincoln National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln, the Lincoln National Forest Facebook page and https://nmfireinfo.com/

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Congress Allocates $2 Billion for SBA Disaster Loans: Recovery Funds Now Available for Ruidoso Residents and Businesses

Congress has approved $2 billion for the SBA Disaster Loan Program, allowing Ruidoso residents and businesses impacted by disasters like the South Fork and Salt Fires to access low-interest loans. This funding will help over 21,000 applicants nationwide resume recovery efforts. Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits can apply online at sba.gov/disaster or in person at a Disaster or Business Recovery Center.

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Forestry, Lincoln National Forest, News Alert, PSA Kerry Gladden Forestry, Lincoln National Forest, News Alert, PSA Kerry Gladden

Prescribed Burn Scheduled for Lincoln National Forest’s Sacramento Ranger District

Lincoln National Forest will conduct a prescribed burn on the Sacramento Ranger District from Dec. 3-6, 2024, targeting 350 acres in the 16 Springs Project Area. The operation aims to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. Smoke may affect nearby areas, including Mayhill and Cloudcroft. Plans are weather-dependent.

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PSA Kerry Gladden PSA Kerry Gladden

Final Environmental Assessment Paves Way for South Sacramento Forest Restoration

The Lincoln National Forest has finalized an environmental assessment for the South Sacramento Restoration Project, which targets 140,000 acres in the Sacramento Mountains. The initiative aims to improve forest health, reduce wildfire risks, and restore wildlife habitats and watersheds. The assessment is being reviewed by the public, and an objection period will start in mid-December. Implementation will span 10–20 years.

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PSA Kerry Gladden PSA Kerry Gladden

Lincoln National Forest Moves to ‘Low’ Fire Danger Rating

Lincoln National Forest has lowered its fire danger rating to "low" across all districts, effective November 12, 2024. This decision follows moisture analysis and long-term weather forecasts. While fuels are less likely to ignite from small embers, intense heat sources can still start fires, especially in dry wood or grasslands. Visitors are reminded to fully extinguish campfires and stay mindful of winter weather conditions for safe travel.

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