Environment

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Leads Legislation To Transfer Federal Land To Pueblos For Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

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U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025, legislation to place three tracts of land from the former Albuquerque Indian School campus and surrounding land into trust for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico.

Heinrich’s Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 is cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and led in the House by U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.).

“My legislation expands on Read More

New Mexico Wild Issues Statement On Proposal To Allow Selling Off National Parks

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New Mexico Wild News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has introduced an amendment to the Interior appropriations bill that would pave the way for the Trump administration to sell off national parks to the highest bidder. 

The Interior appropriations bill, as currently written, would prevent the Interior department from disposing of national park units—a provision introduced in response to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s suggestion that the Park Service does not need many smaller sites currently owned by all Americans. Read More

SFNF Issues Pile Burn Update

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Ignitions on Tesuque piles in the Española Ranger District. Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

Recent winter weather created favorable conditions to implement pile burns across the forest. Santa Fe National Forest fire managers will continue hazardous fuels reduction work throughout the winter as weather conditions allow, pending all required approvals.

Pile burning is meant to treat slash, like branches, piled by thinning crews with the aim of reducing flammable fuels.

The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on multiple factors, including snowpack, air quality, ventilation, Read More

Seasonal Road Closures On Santa Fe National Forest

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SFNF News:

          • Use caution while driving on forest roads in the winter

SANTA FE — Due to winter weather conditions, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will close some forest roads susceptible to damage to protect public health and safety, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Seasonal road closures generally occur between December and May because of winter weather and hazardous road conditions. The closures prohibit the use of motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles, on restricted roads when gates are closed, locked or posted with a closure sign.

Current and Read More

Luján Applauds Committee Passage Of Legislation To Provide Greater Cooperation Between Federal Government And Land Grant Communities

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From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) applauded the passage of the New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

This legislation will provide greater cooperation between the federal government and land grant communities.

There are 27 community land grant-mercedes recognized as political subdivisions under New Mexico law.

“I’m proud that my legislation to strengthen cooperation between the federal government and land grant Read More

New Mexico Parks To Host Polar Plunges & First Day Hikes

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Participants at Eagle Nest State Park’s 2024 Polar Plunge. Courtesy/FEN-CCSP

State Parks News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico State Parks invites residents and visitors to welcome the new year with two outdoor traditions:

  • Polar Plunges; and
  • First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2026.

Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and first-time adventurers are encouraged to step into 2026 with fresh air, scenic trails, and maybe a cold splash.

America’s State Parks First Day Hikes, have been celebrated across all U.S. state parks since 1992, encouraging people nationwide to begin the year with movement and Read More

School For Advanced Research: National Museum Leaders Share Indigenous Collections Care Knowledge In New Series

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SAR News:

The School for Advanced Research in Santa Fe and the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa have announced the launch of a free 2026 virtual speaker series for museum professionals and the public.

In this series, national museum leaders from Indigenous and non-Indigenous institutions will share how they are redefining collections care by centering Indigenous knowledge, authority, and lived experience.

The series precedes the national release of an Indigenous Collections Care Guide and features leading voices reshaping museum practice across the U.S.

Read full details here.

All sessions Read More

NPS Invites Public Comment On Bandelier’s Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment

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Pile burning off Highway 4 in Bandelier National Monument. Courtesy/K. Honig/NPS, 2003

NPS News:

The National Park Service seeks public input on the Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment for Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico.

Bandelier’s Fire Management Plan will outline strategies to protect the public, surrounding communities, and critical infrastructure; reduce wildfire risk; conserve natural and cultural resources; preserve ecosystem processes; and ensure responsible stewardship of the park’s diverse landscapes.

The Environmental Assessment evaluates Read More