The Lincoln National Forest will reopen Oak Grove Campground on July 3, 2026, following extensive restoration after the South Fork Fire. More than 2,000 hazardous trees were removed and 30 campsites restored, marking another milestone in regional recovery. Visitors should plan for first-come, first-served camping and possible delays on NM 532 due to ongoing road construction.

The Village of Ruidoso has approved its FY2028–2032 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan priorities, identifying the community’s top infrastructure needs over the next five years. The plan focuses on public safety, flood mitigation, transportation, water and sewer improvements, workforce housing, and watershed restoration while helping position future projects for state funding opportunities.

More than 2,700 historic photographs from the Carmon Phillips Collection are now available through the Wingfield Heritage House Museum’s online collections database. The images document life in Ruidoso during the 1950s and 1960s, with additional photographs and historical information continuing to be added as cataloging work progresses.

The Village of Ruidoso has launched RuidosoReady.com, a new preparedness and recovery website designed to help residents, businesses, and visitors prepare for emergencies, access recovery information, and stay informed year-round. The site brings together wildfire and flood preparedness, evacuation guidance, emergency alerts, rebuilding resources, and resilience tools in one trusted location.

The Village of Ruidoso has earned StormReady recognition from the National Weather Service, acknowledging the community’s commitment to emergency preparedness, public warning systems, and coordinated response capabilities. The designation reflects ongoing investments in resilience, emergency communications, and public safety.

Sierra Blanca Regional Airport has installed a new FAA-certified Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), restoring certified weather reporting capabilities ahead of the launch of commercial air service between Ruidoso and Denver. The upgraded system enhances aviation safety, supports reliable flight operations, and provides valuable weather data for forecasters, emergency managers, residents, and visitors.

The Wingfield Heritage House Museum is exploring a new Scrapbooking Workshop Series that combines creativity, storytelling, and local history through hands-on experiences for all skill levels. Community members are invited to complete a brief survey to help shape workshop themes, scheduling, and future offerings as the museum plans a three-month pilot program beginning this summer.

The Lincoln National Forest has issued a temporary closure order for portions of the Cedar Creek, Perk Canyon, and Smokey Bear Ranger District recreation areas due to hazardous monsoon-related flooding risks. Multiple trailheads, recreation sites, and trails are affected through September 30, 2026, unless lifted earlier by the U.S. Forest Service.

The Village of Ruidoso is recognizing Monsoon Awareness Week, June 7–13, 2026, in partnership with the National Weather Service. Throughout the week, the Village will share daily weather safety information and preparedness reminders focused on flash flooding, lightning, extreme heat, high winds, dust storms, and monsoon safety awareness.

June 1, 2026 (Ruidoso, NM) — The final Community Flood Preparedness Workshop in Ruidoso, scheduled for June 3, 2026, has been canceled due to weather conditions. Residents and visitors are encouraged to review the Flood Aware 2026 presentation slides from the National Weather Service and Village of Ruidoso Emergency Operations Center, covering monsoon weather, burn scar flooding, flash flood alerts, emergency preparedness, and flood safety information.

The June 2026 Village of Ruidoso Insider highlights summer events, flood preparedness, infrastructure updates, and long-term recovery efforts. This issue features Mayor Lynn Crawford’s seasonal message, the return of Cool Summer Nights, IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso, public safety updates, community achievements, and cultural programming across the Village.

The Village of Ruidoso is providing public notice regarding the Economic Development Administration’s NEPA/NHPA environmental review process for the proposed Upper Canyon Restoration & Revitalization Project in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Public comments related to potential environmental or historic property impacts will be accepted through June 28, 2026.

The Village of Ruidoso is inviting residents and property owners to attend upcoming public meetings for the Ruidoso Bridge Replacements Project, an infrastructure improvement effort focused on bridges damaged during the 2008 flooding events. Community members will be able to review preliminary project information, meet with the project team, and ask questions as planning and design work continues.

The Village of Ruidoso will host two public input meetings for the FY 2028–2032 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). Residents are encouraged to attend and provide feedback on future infrastructure needs, capital improvement priorities, and long-range community planning projects. Meetings will be held May 21 at the Ruidoso Community Center and May 27 at Village Hall.

The Village of Ruidoso has updated its Outdoor Warning System Policy, transitioning the siren system from wildfire evacuation alerts to an all-hazards emergency warning system. Siren activation now signifies an immediate threat to life and directs residents and visitors to seek official information and take protective action immediately.

Ruidoso launches its first commercial airline service with nonstop Contour Airlines flights between Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (RUI) and Denver International Airport (DEN) starting June 25, 2026. The new route enhances regional access, supports tourism, and connects the community to national and global destinations.

The May 2026 Ruidoso Insider highlights flood mitigation efforts through the Clean & Lien Task Force, infrastructure progress including water system and housing projects, and ongoing fire restrictions. Community initiatives, seasonal openings like the Municipal Pool and Wibit Water Park, and a full calendar of events reflect Ruidoso’s focus on safety, resilience, and summer readiness.

April 30, 2026 (Ruidoso, NM) — Property owners clearing fire debris should take precautions to protect health and ensure proper disposal. Wildfire debris may contain hazardous materials like asbestos and heavy metals. Learn how to separate debris, confirm landfill requirements, and use protective equipment before beginning cleanup.

Ruidoso will host the 2026 Outdoor Economics Conference October 14–16 at the Ruidoso Convention Center. The statewide event brings together leaders in government, industry, and tribal communities to explore outdoor recreation, economic development, and environmental stewardship across New Mexico.

April 27, 2026: The Village of Ruidoso recognizes its Quarterly Employees and Department of the Quarter, honoring staff for their dedication and service to the community. This quarter’s recipients reflect the professionalism and commitment that support essential Village operations and keep residents informed and connected.