New Mexico
New Mexico Game and Fish considers increasing license prices, changing department name
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The New Mexico Game and Fish Department (NMGAFD) could soon be going by a new name, and that’s not the only change lawmakers are proposing. They’re also looking to hike hunting and fishing fees.
“This is an evolution of past efforts. This is the second discussion draft we’ve worked on during the interim; this won’t be the final bill,” said Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Santa Fe). The draft bill could mean a shakeup for New Mexico’s Department of Game and Fish, with three key parts.
“The first is an update and modernization of the department and the commission’s mission to be a broader wildlife agency,” McQueen explained. He said his goal is to give the department and the game commission the authority to handle any wildlife in New Mexico, not just game and fish, and this includes a name change to better reflect that mission.
“It [the bill] takes the current game commission and changes it to a wildlife commission; it changes the name of the department to the department of wildlife,” McQueen says.
The second part of the bill is reforming that commission, which governs hunting and fishing regulations and oversees the department. The bill overhauls how its members are nominated, who selects them, and how long they stay. It will still consist of seven members, but the bill clarifies who should hold the positions.
“It remains three at large positions; there are geographic and political party diversity requirements; and then it has four sort of position seats. Those include a rancher or farmer, a conservationist, a hunter or angler, and a scientist,” McQueen said
The third part has to do with financing, including figuring out state funding sources and raising the prices of hunting and fishing licenses; some by a few dollars, others by much more.
“I should note that they [the fees] haven’t been updated in 20 years. They’re set in statute, so they immediately, with inflation, they sort of get whittled away,” McQueen explained. The proposal also adds a provision for the fees to be adjusted with inflation going forward based on a calculation with the consumer price index (CPI).
The New Mexico Game and Fish Department says they’ve been working with the sponsors on the bill as it evolves. “There will be meetings and discussions between us and the sponsors of that bill as this process goes forward,” said Darren Vaughan, communications director for NMGAFD.
If the bill makes it through the Roundhouse, it could go into full effect by the end of 2026.
ESPAÑOLA, N.M. (KRQE) – Residents in the area of the Riverside Fire in Española got a better look at the aftermath as the sun came out Saturday morning. Española resident Estevan Lucero is grieving the mobile home he grew up in. It’s one of four structures lost due to the riverside fire. His childhood home was burned, and just missed his family’s primary house on their property. “It’s awful to see all this black all around, it’s scary, it’s scary to see that it got this close,” said Lucero.
The large fire erupted Friday night in Espanola behind the Santa Claran hotel and Casino up to Fairview Lane. Some Espanola residents said that the experience was terrifying. “It’s one of the bigger fires I’ve seen in this area, so it was intense,” said Ronald Gallegos.
Meanwhile, crews have been battling to keep flames contained, but there is no reason for how it started. The fire is currently under investigation. It did spread very quickly. Initially, firefighters did think it was approximately 100 acres based on the nighttime and not getting that great visual effect,” said Española Mayor Dennis Tim Salazar.
Evacuations have been lifted for all residents, but the work will continue. “There’s several hot spots, and as mentioned, we’re really concerned about the winds, so we just want to make sure to focus on getting the job done,” said Mayor Salazar.
Several firefighters have come to pitch in. A total of 19 fire engines are assisting from federal, city, and county levels.
Welcome to the weekend!
If you are heading out the door this morning, chilly temperatures have settled into sections of west and northwest New Mexico. Temperatures are ranging from the 30’s, in the northwest, to the 60’s in the southeast. Today’s high temperature forecast will have near seasonable temperatures throughout the state, with Albuquerque expected to reach the 70s once again. The rest of the Land of Enchantment can anticipate a spread of high temperatures from the 60s to the upper 80s. Similar to most of this week, Saturday will also bring gusty winds. Gusty westerly winds will range from 25-45 mph before stronger winds return on Sunday.
Our upper-level winds will strengthen as the jet stream glides over the state. Those stronger winds above will bring high winds to sections of New Mexico. Wind gusts along the central mountain chain could reach 50-60 mph or more on Sunday afternoon. The National Weather Service (NWS) will issue High Wind Watches and Wind Advisories for gusts that could reach 50 and 60 mph. Those warnings will be for several communities along the central mountain chain, Estancia Valley, sections of Guadalupe/Lincoln counties, and southwest New Mexico.
In true New Mexico fashion fire danger will also accompany the strong winds this weekend. The NWS will issue Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches both days for fires that can easily start and spread underneath these weather conditions. Most of these will be for eastern and southern New Mexico. Fire Weather Watches also extend through central and western New Mexico for tomorrow. Precipitation chances are also expected to return this weekend.
Wet and dry storms are possible on Sunday in sections of west, central and northwest New Mexico. Aside from sprinkles to light rain, lighting would be the concern to spark new wildfires. Mountain snow is also forecasted with this push of moisture Saturday night through Sunday. A dusting to a few inches is possible in the peaks of the northern mountains, while the peaks in the San Juans, in southwest Colorado, could pick up 6-12 inches. After Sunday breezy winds are still forecasted on Monday throughout New Mexico before a wetter pattern emerges later next week. Have a great Saturday!
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