NFF News:
The New Mexico Wine and Grape Growers Association and Noisy Water Winery are donating $15,000 to the National Forest Foundation to restore and improve National Forests in New Mexico following the worst fire season in New Mexico history.
Their fundraising efforts continue this holiday season. Noisy Water Winery will donate an additional $3.00 from each bottle of their Wild White wine sold.
“Now, more than ever, we are thankful for those who donated and to the New Mexico wine industry for their commitment to forest health,” said National Forest Foundation Southwest Region Director Rebecca Davidson. “This unique partnership demonstrates the deep commitment that New Mexico wineries and their patrons have to restore and to protect our country’s National Forests and the experiences these natural spaces provide.”
Over half of the donation will be used to plant trees in burned areas. The National Forest Foundation is working with the U.S. Forest Service to plant 7500 trees in burn scars in New Mexico.
“Reforestation is crucial to protect drinking water and restore wildlife habitat,” Davidson said.
The remaining portion of the funds will go towards the Smokey Bear Stewardship Fund, to be used to improve recreation experiences and/or for priority forest health projects on the iconic Lincoln National Forest, home of Smokey Bear.
Jasper Riddle of Noisy Water Winery who spearheaded the fundraising added, “I grew up in the National Forest. It shaped who I am, personally and professionally. As we’ve grown Noisy Water Winery, we’ve placed five of our six tasting rooms in communities near National Forests. National Forests have given me so much, it’s time I gave back. We partner with the National Forest Foundation because they have a long history of funding forest projects that would otherwise go undone and because the money stays local.”
“Our industry relies on the land and water in New Mexico,” said New Mexico Wine and Grape Grower President Chris Goblet. “After seeing the impacts from wildfires, we wanted to get involved and support the much-needed restoration effort on our public lands.”
If you are interested in donating to forest health and recreation projects or learning more about the Smokey Bear Stewardship Fund, visit www.nationalforests.org/regional-programs/southwest/smokey-bear-stewardship-fund or stop by any Noisy Water Winery tasting room in Ruidoso, Albuquerque, Red River, Cloudcroft or Alto.
About the National Forest Foundation
The National Forest Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes the enhancement and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF improves forest health and Americans’ outdoor experiences. The NFF’s programs inform millions of Americans about the importance of these treasured landscapes. Each year, the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitat, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects, and disease, improve recreational opportunities, and enables communities to steward their National Forests and Grasslands. Learn more at www.nationalforests.org.
