Those whose outdoor plans include fires will need to review updated rules to stay in compliance with state law. The New Mexico Forestry Division is enacting statewide fire restrictions in an effort to reduce the risk of wildfire starts.

The new restrictions taking effect today, April 6, apply to all “non-federal, non-Tribal and non-municipal lands in New Mexico”:

Prohibited:

• Flaring of gas related to oil and gas production
• Smoking
• Fireworks
• Campfires
• Prescribed, open, agricultural and/or debris burning

The agency cited unseasonably hot weather and dry fuel conditions in its announcement Monday morning. Erin Taylor, acting secretary of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, said nine of 10 wildfires in the state are caused by humans, and therefore can be prevented.

“Fire restrictions are about individual actions that protect our communities as a whole,” Taylor said in a news release. “We’re asking that every resident and every visitor take extra precautions during a particularly risky wildfire season.”

The National Weather Service’s seasonal outlook shows persistent drought for most of New Mexico through June. The release states that the annual monsoon season is expected to arrive on time in July, potentially bringing above-average precipitation.

These restrictions will remain in place until rescinded. Exceptions are allowed for certain prohibited actions in specific cases or when specific conditions are met, the release states, and the state forester may allow additional exceptions upon receiving a written request.

“If monsoon rains are productive, the state could see these restrictions lifted,” the release states. “However, high temperatures are predicted to persist, and high fuel loads will continue to pose a risk across the state.”

Related

New Mexico leaders are pushing colleges to keep tuition flat, saying strong state funding should mean lower costs for students and families.

New Mexico offers tuition-free college through the Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, but hikes can still hurt graduate students, out-of-state students and some student-athletes.

Higher Education Department Cabinet Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez said the University of New Mexico, New Mexico Highlands University and Eastern New Mexico University have so far kept tuition unchanged.

Rodriguez said keeping tuition low is important not only for students currently covered by scholarships, but also for protecting the long-term promise of tuition-free college in New Mexico. She said if state revenues decline in the future, scholarship funding could face pressure.

She also said community colleges have generally seen somewhat higher tuition increases than four-year institutions.

According to the Higher Education Department, statewide enrollment has increased for four consecutive years and is up about 13.4% since 2022. Freshman enrollment is up 18.2% over the same period.

Rodriguez said affordability is helping attract students and encouraging them to remain in New Mexico after graduation.

“Nationally, tuition has increased astronomically, and that has to do with inflation, the increased cost of construction, and just– but here in New Mexico, we are seeing the lowest tuition increases that we have seen since the implementation of the lottery scholarship in 1996,” Rodriguez said.

She also said New Mexico now ranks 20th in the nation for higher education, up from 50th seven years ago.

EDGEWOOD, N.M. (KRQE) – The New Mexico Wildlife Federation gave people the opportunity to learn some new skills. On Saturday, Legacy Ranch Shooting Range hosted the Outdoor Festival and Skills Competition.

Guests got to experience live demonstrations and presentations on fly fishing, outdoor cooking, and hunting tips. The family-friendly event taught people the importance of the state’s wildlife federation.

“Our priority is maintaining the robust populations of wildlife for all New Mexicans to enjoy. The hunting and fishing traditions that exist in New Mexico fund conservation in this state, and provide the necessary means for our state wildlife agency to manage wildlife, so that it’ll exist for generations to come,” said Jesse Deubel, executive director of New Mexico Wildlife Federation.

The event also had live music, a handful of vendors, and competitive events. This was the first year that the Wildlife Federation put on this event, and organizers say that the event will be back in the future.