New Mexico
Open space and wildlife officials offer tips for responsible hiking
You may be getting outside to hike in the open spaces around Albuquerque but officials want you to adhere to a few tips and guidance to protect the wildlife out there.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — With summer now on the horizon, many people are looking to go hiking in the bosque.
“I think we’re really lucky here, in the city of Albuquerque, to have our open space lands that are protected and open to the public for recreation, to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors,” said Dustin Chavez-Davis, open space project coordinator.
The open space lands near the Rio Grande are a popular place for outdoor recreation but that comes with responsibility. That starts with prevention, such as reporting issues with encampments or illegal fires.
Officials say they’re doing their part to keep these spaces clean.
“The open space division has a regular maintenance schedule. So, we’re out here picking up trash at the trails. We’re keeping our parking lots clean and making sure there are no issues with fallen branches on the trails,” Davis said.
Another thing to watch out for is wildlife.
“The best general guideline is keep a respectful distance. If the animal is noticing you, that’s a sign that you are too close. You’ll want to make sure that they are comfortable and doing their thing,” an official with the New Mexico Wildlife Center said
Porcupines are among the animals you need to look out for. Officials with the New Mexico Wildlife Center recently released two of them after nearly a year in rehabilitation.
“The first one was admitted in May as a week-old orphan that was attacked by a dog and buried in a hole by the dog, so it came to us with severe wounds,” another official said.
Because of this, officials encourage you to always put your pets on a leash.
SANTA FE, N.M. – Santa Fe County and Edgewood approved a new agreement and ordinance that secures ongoing fire and EMS services for Edgewood residents.
According to a joint announcement from the Town of Edgewood and Santa Fe County on June 19, the two governments negotiated and adopted a new Joint Powers Agreement and ordinance to keep the Santa Fe County Fire Department serving the town.
County and town representatives drafted the agreement together. The town adopted the ordinance unanimously at a special meeting on June 16, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty.
Santa Fe County District 3 Commissioner Camilla Bustamante said, “I believe we are all relieved to know that the people of Edgewood will continue to have the fire and EMS services necessary to protect their homes, their families, and their community. This community deserves nothing less.”
The announcement said the ordinance takes effect five days after final publication. The statement also said no further action or approval is needed to guarantee continued fire suppression, fire prevention, and EMS services for Edgewood residents.
Both governments noted the agreement will continue indefinitely unless either side ends it with five years’ notice.
New Mexico leaders are backing a bipartisan bill after 12 confirmed U.S. screwworm cases, including one case in a Lea County dog.
SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico leaders are backing a bipartisan bill after 12 confirmed U.S. screwworm cases, including one case in a Lea County dog.
New Mexico State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck said the parasite has spread to New Mexico, though officials say they have not found any human cases.
“This is also not a political issue this is a nationwide issue that we all need to address because it affects all warm blooded animals including humans,” Holeck said.
U.S. Reps. Gabe Vasquez and Teresa Leger Fernandez support the Protect America’s Herds Act.
The bill would create a grant program to train people to identify, treat, prevent and report screwworm. It would also support more livestock inspections and education for ranchers.
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez said she heard concerns from tribal leaders about the cost of protecting cattle herds.
“I spoke with one of our tribal leaders today and they have cattle operation and they’re worried, and they’re talking about how much more money they’re having to pay to go make sure they check on their herds and there are extra costs,” Leger Fernandez said.
Funding would prioritize states and tribal communities most at risk for screwworm outbreaks.
State health officials said screwworm is not a food safety issue. They also said ranchers should stay alert but not alarmed.
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