Environment

Friends Of Bandelier Select Robert Walker As 2026 Dorothy Hoard Stewardship Award Recipient

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2026 Dorothy Hoard Stewardship Award recipient Bob Walker. Courtesy photo

Friends of Bandelier News:

The Friends of Bandelier has selected Robert Walker as the recipient of its 2026 Dorothy Hoard Stewardship Award. Walker was chosen for his contributions to bird science, conservation, and education on the Pajarito Plateau.

Walker has made significant contributions to citizen science through his birding activities, including photography and documentation of bird species data. He developed his photography skills while capturing his daughters playing soccer matches. When they left Read More

FBI: Albuquerque Man Charged With Aiming Laser At Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter And Striking Cockpit Over A Dozen Times

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Still image from the recording from inside the helicopter at the time of the drone strike. If convicted, Jorge Pinon Armendariz faces up to five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Courtesy/FBI

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man is facing federal charges after allegedly aiming the beam of a laser pointer at a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office helicopter and striking the cockpit over a dozen times.

According to public court documents, on Oct. 7, 2025, Jorge Pinon Armendariz, 47, directed a green laser at the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Metro 1 helicopter while it was assisting Read More

NMED Issues Draft Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Permit

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NMED News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department today proposed revisions to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant hazardous waste operating permit, strengthening enforcement of federal cleanup obligations for legacy waste stored at federal facilities across the country.

The proposed permit modifications codify commitments the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) made in its 2023 settlement agreement with New Mexico. Under that agreement, DOE committed to prioritizing disposal of legacy waste in a new underground disposal unit at the Waste Isolation Pilot Read More

State Parks Urges Early Season Boaters To Practice Cold-Water Safety

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Ute Lake State Park located just north of Tucumcari, is a popular destination for boating and jet ski enthusiasts. Courtesy/EMNRD

EMNRD News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico State Parks officials urge boaters to check water temperatures before hitting the lakes this spring, after several near-miss incidents in recent weeks involving boaters who underestimated how cold the water remains.  

“People are eager to get back on the water, but the conditions haven’t caught up to the season yet,” said Scott Chalmers, New Mexico boating safety coordinator. 

Boating on cold water requires planning for Read More

Earth Day Festival At Balloon Fiesta Park April 26

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SIERRA CLUB News:

Albuquerque’s annual Earth Day Celebration is back. Join us from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Sunday, April 26 for a fun family gathering where we will celebrate and honor the natural world.

The event features a day full of speakers on the environment and exhibition booths as well as healthy and sumptuous cooking demonstrations from local eateries and culinary experts.

A youth art show and animals will entertain children. And guests searching for ways to protect the environment AND save money on home improvements can learn about programs to help their homes stay modern, energy efficient Read More

Commissioner Garcia Richard Announces New Leasing Rule To Unleash Geothermal Energy

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NMSLO News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard announced today a new geothermal leasing rule to align with recent legislative changes and to pave the way for growth of clean, baseload geothermal energy on state trust lands. Demand for geothermal energy is growing rapidly and the updated rule will allow for an increase in leasing. The final rule is effective May 1, 2026.

“Our new geothermal rule is going to open up a whole new world for clean, 24-7-365 energy development on state lands,” Commissioner Garcia Richard said. “New Mexico has all the right conditions to Read More

Daily Postcard: A Pika Sits On A Rock

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Daily Postcard: A pika sits on a rock. Courtesy/NPS. Valles Caldera National Preserve and Bandelier National Monument are continuing to survey for native pika this year, and we’d love for you to join us as a volunteer! Pika monitoring volunteers will collect data to help researchers understand the impacts of environmental changes on these animals and develop strategies to mitigate these effects. Duties include: – Gathering data from iButtons installed in pika burrows. – Conducting field observations to monitor pika activity. – Documenting and recording evidence Read More

Rep. Gabe Vasquez Speaks Out Against Cuts To USFS

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Rep. Gabe Vasquez speaks to the House of Representatives, April 21. Courtesy photo

U.S. HOUSE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On April 21, 2026, U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) delivered a speech on the House floor condemning the Administration’s decision to gut the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), citing concerns about increased wildfire risks and threats to public lands just ahead of Earth Day. 

“I’m a hunter, I’m an angler, and someone who spends a lot of time in my national forests. I know my supervisors, my district rangers, and even the volunteer crews. And as the co-founder of the bipartisan Public Read More

City Of Santa Fe Encourages Early Adoption Of Seasonal Watering Restrictions

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SANTA FE News:

SANTA FE — As the outdoor watering season begins, the City of Santa Fe is reminding residents that seasonal water conservation requirements go into effect May 1 and will run through October. These restrictions prohibit outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Additionally, the city is asking residents and commercial users to begin these important watering restrictions early, starting now. 

Seasonal watering requirements are standard water management measures designed to reduce evaporation and improve outdoor watering efficiency.

Residents are asked to observe the Read More