Environment

U.S. Forest Service To Propose First National Policy For Recreational Climbing On Public Lands 

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USFS News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) will publish a proposed climbing directive in the Federal Register and initiate a 30-day public comment period.

This proposal establishes the agency’s first national direction for managing recreational climbing opportunities on national forests and grasslands that will include guidance for the use and maintenance of fixed anchors and equipment.

The updated proposal replaces a 2023 draft that was overtaken by new requirements in the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, signed into law Jan. Read More

Smoke Visible From Fire West Of Española

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Smoke from the Rio Fire. Photo by Delbert Romero/ladailypost.com

COUNTY News:

The Rio Fire, a lightning-strike fire that was first detected Tuesday evening, has burned about 5-10 acres in a previously burned area on the Santa Fe National Forest.

Smoke will be visible as the fire is burning in a remote area that is difficult to access.

There is no threat to Los Alamos from this fire.

Further details about the fire can be found on the New Mexico Fire Information interagency site: https://nmfireinfo.com/2026/06/17/firefighters-stop-forward-progression-on-pelada-fire/.

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State Opens Trails+ Grant For Outdoor Recreation Projects

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Cibola Trail Alliance is using Trails+ Grant funding to build new trails in Lobo Canyon near Grants, NM. Courtesy/EDNM

EDNM News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico will open applications on July 1 for the Trails+ Grant program, making $12 million available for community outdoor recreation projects that expand outdoor trail access, support local economies and preserve the state’s natural and cultural resources.

Demand for the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant has surged, with a record-breaking $27 million in funding requests in FY26—a $2 million increase from FY25—underscoring the growing Read More

Advocates Condemn Mexican Gray Wolf Killings, Commend Law Enforcement Efforts

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 WildEarth News:

SANTA FE — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the deaths of two Mexican wolves and served a federal search warrant in April of this year, according to a report in yesterday’s Albuquerque Journal. The wolves—a five-year-old father and a yearling son from the Sawtooth Packwere caught in private traps on private land in two separate incidents in the spring of 2025. 

The article provides details about the extensive search conducted by federal agents at properties near Datil, New Mexico. While New Mexico law prohibits trapping on public lands, livestock producers Read More

County: Safer Driving Starts With You…

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From Los Alamos County:

Safer Driving Starts With You…

Let’s make SAFE decisions behind the wheel:

            • Buckle up
            • Follow the speed limit
            • Don’t drive distracted
            • Drive sober
            • Maybe even Drive Less Los Alamos!

Whether you commute to Los Alamos from Santa Fe, Española, or live here locally, Los Alamos County asks you to change your driving habits.

Why not consider walking, biking, taking the bus, or carpooling instead of driving alone? You’ll save money, reduce air pollution, and minimize traffic congestion. Added benefits include making new friends and improving your health if you’re walking Read More