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.

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.

If you’re feeling ambitious and want to cut your own Christmas tree, Lincoln National Forest will begin selling Christmas tree permits on November 14, 2024. The cost is $10 each plus a $2.50 processing fee with a limited number of permits available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a limit of one permit per household. Online Christmas Tree Permits

The State Forestry Division is offering free hazard tree removal and erosion control assistance to landowners affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires. Eligible Lincoln County residents can apply for services, including removal of damaged trees near structures, erosion barriers, and soil stabilization measures. This effort aims to reduce future flood risks and aid watershed recovery in burn-scarred areas. Visit the Division’s website for application details.

Already applied for FEMA disaster assistance? Here’s how to stay on track: Keep your FEMA registration number handy for any follow-ups. Regularly check your application status via DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA app, or by calling (800) 621-3362. Update FEMA with any changes in contact info. If eligible, funds will be directly deposited. For questions, visit a Disaster Recovery Center (fema.gov/drc).

Residents of Ruidoso and the Mescalero Apache Reservation affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding between June 17 and Aug. 20, 2024, have less than five days to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline is Oct. 19 to apply for FEMA aid or SBA low-interest disaster loans. Don’t wait—apply online, by phone, or visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Horton Complex in Ruidoso.

With wildland fires posing an increasing threat in our area, being prepared is more important than ever. Join a free Wildland Fire Preparedness session on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the ENMU-Ruidoso Campus. Learn from local fire experts about fire terminology, personal and community preparedness, and collaboration with fire agencies. For more details, contact Bequi Livingston at 505-263-0289.

Lincoln National Forest has increased its fire danger rating from “low” to “moderate” as of October 9, 2024. While fires can start easily from most causes, their spread in grasslands may be rapid, particularly on windy days. Visitors are urged to practice caution when using campfires. Fireworks remain prohibited. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln.

New Mexico residents impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding have until October 19, 2024, to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Homeowners and renters in affected counties and the Mescalero Apache Reservation can receive grants that don't need to be repaid. Apply online, via the FEMA app, by phone, or in person at the Ruidoso Disaster Recovery Center before the deadline.

Lincoln National Forest is planning a prescribed fire schedule for the fall season from October – December 2024. These plans are part of the long-term land management and wildfire mitigation strategy for the forest.

Lincoln National Forest will host a free public tree planting event at the Trestle Recreation Area on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A mandatory training brief for volunteers will take place from 9-10 a.m.

Over $22 million in federal assistance has been approved for recovery efforts following the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding in New Mexico. FEMA, the SBA, and NFIP are helping homeowners, renters, and businesses with grants, loans, and insurance settlements. The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance is October 19, 2024. Visit disasterassistance.gov for more information.

FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program allows an exception to the 30-day waiting period for coverage if post-wildfire flooding originates on federal land. Property owners can get immediate coverage if they purchase a policy before or within 60 days of fire containment. The exception is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Free legal assistance is available to residents of southern New Mexico impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding from June 17 to Aug. 20, 2024. Funded by FEMA and provided by the ABA's Young Lawyers Division, Disaster Legal Services (DLS) helps with issues like insurance claims, home repair fraud, and FEMA appeals. DLS services are confidential and free for those in eligible counties.

The SBA has approved $12.3 million in disaster loans, mainly for homeowners and renters. Following FEMA's closure of the incident period for DR 4795-NM on Aug. 20, 2024, those affected from June 17 to Aug. 20 can apply for loans by the Oct. 19 deadline. SBA reps are available for assistance, and webinars offer additional info. Applying ensures loan availability if insurance or aid falls short.

Join the Village of Ruidoso and FEMA for a Federal Contract Registration Workshop and 1:1 assistance sessions for short-term rental owners and local contractors impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires. Learn how to register on sam.gov for federal contracts, including FEMA’s Direct Lease program. Sessions will be held at ENMU-Ruidoso on September 10-12, 2024.

Homeowners affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding may be eligible for financial assistance from FEMA and the SBA to repair or rebuild stronger homes. FEMA provides funds for mitigation measures like vent screens, non-combustible gutters, and elevating utilities. The SBA offers low-interest loans for home improvements to prevent future damage. Contact FEMA or SBA for more details.

Ruidoso Mayor Lynn D. Crawford has issued Executive Order 2024-01 to support recovery efforts after the South Fork and Salt Fires and subsequent floods. The order waives all permitting and installation fees for rebuilding destroyed properties, helping to alleviate financial strain on affected property owners and encouraging the community’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The Village of Ruidoso has introduced a Disaster Recovery Dashboard to aid those affected by the South Fork and Salt fires and floods. This online platform offers real-time updates on recovery efforts, including infrastructure restoration, rebuilding guidelines, and available resources. It serves as a centralized hub for essential information to support community recovery.

Lincoln National Forest has lowered the fire danger rating to 'low' on all districts due to improved conditions, lifting most fire restrictions. Some closures remain on the Smokey Bear Ranger District after the South Fork Fire. With Labor Day approaching, practice fire safety and be aware of flash floods near burn scars. Offices will close on September 2 for Labor Day.