Environment

Santa Fe National Forest Pile Burn Update

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Ignitions on Tesuque Piles in the Espanola 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

Op-Ed: Los Alamos Isn’t The Innovation Hub We Expect – But It Could Be…

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By Dr. Prisca Tiasse
Founder and President
Los Alamos Makers

New Mexico Economic Development Department’s (NMEDD’s) recent publication (link) of its New Mexico Science & Technology Roadmap is creating a lot of buzz and excitement. The document highlights the state’s strong competitive advantages in key science and technology industries. It explicitly aims to translate high-priority science and technology into local high-paying jobs and calls for strengthening the innovation ecosystem.

For years, New Mexico’s economic development narrative has leaned on the assumption that Read More

Water Line Break Causes Los Alamos County Ice Rink Closure

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COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Ice Rink is closed until further notice due to a broken water pipe, resulting in no water at the facility.

All programming and events are canceled during this closure.

Check back at ladailypost.com for updates.

Direct questions to Katherine Hudspeth at Katherine.hudspeth@losalamosnm.gov. Read More

SFNF Extends Camping Area Closure At Headquarters Well

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) has extended a camping area closure order (03-10-06-25-17) for Headquarters Well in the Española Ranger District to prevent further resource damage caused by an increase in unauthorized long-term camping, vandalism, and trash dumping. While the closure order is in place the SFNF will conduct critical restoration and rehabilitation work to address resource damage and implement a long-term management plan for the area.

The order has been in place since June 21, 2024, and will extend through 8 a.m., Dec. 31, 2026, unless rescinded.

Prohibited Read More

County: When Is A Wild Animal’s Behavior Abnormal?

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Courtesy photo

COUNTY News:

In Los Alamos County, occasionally we see wildlife acting in a way that raises alarm. What does it mean when we say there is an animal not behaving normally, and what can we do to remain safe?

A large predator is not behaving normally when it fails to show its natural avoidance of humans or exhibits bold, aggressive behavior. Normally, most large predators are wary of humans and will actively avoid contact, as they do not want to risk injury in a conflict. A predator is behaving abnormally if it displays the following behaviors: 

Loss of Wariness Towards Humans 

  • Approaching
Read More

Daily Postcard: Wintery Scene At Bandelier Natl. Monument

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Daily Postcard: Wintery scene at Bandelier National Monument. Bandelier is offering their annual winter solstice walks—a park ranger will lead you on a ½ mile guided walk to watch the sun rise above Tyuonyi Pueblo. Be sure to dress in plenty of layers, because early mornings in Frijoles Canyon can be quite chilly! Walks are scheduled for 7 a.m., Dec. 19–22, beginning at the Visitor’s Center. Photo/Bandelier National Monument Read More

Free Well Testing For Mora, San Miguel And Taos Counties

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Environment Secretary James Kenney

NMED News:

MORA COUNTY — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is offering free private well water testing to well owners in parts of Mora, San Miguel and Taos counties located within one mile of the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon burn scar area.

This initiative responds to water quality testing conducted as part of a 2025 independent geological study, which showed the presence of heavy metals in some of the wells tested in the area. Well owners in this area can sign up for free well testing by completing NMED’s form at https://www.env.nm.gov/morasanmigueltaos-pws/mora-san-miguel-and-taos-county-private-well-sampling-form/ Read More

Daily Postcard: Pika Stays Active In Tunnels At VCNP

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Daily Postcard: Pikas stay active in winter traveling in tunnels under rocks and snow. In fact, a deep blanket of snow is important for the pika’s survival. If the snow is deep enough it provides insulation for the pikas living below. Too little snow and the pikas risk freezing to death. The pikas stay alive during the long, cold winter by eating dried plants cached earlier in the year and may travel out to nearby vegetated areas to collect more plant materials. Photo by Sally King/NPS Read More

Posts From The Road: Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park

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Giant Totem Pole: The giant totem pole is the centerpiece of the Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park. The 90-foot-tall structure is a piece of art from the ground to the top. Two hundred works of art adorn the exterior walls and many are bas-relief or raised from the surface of the structure creating a three dimensional effect. The turtle at the base is a natural outcropping of sandstone rock, which Galloway carved into the shape of a turtle. The bold paint colors accentuate the artwork and make each image stand out. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

By GARY WARREN
Photographer
Formerly Of Los Alamos Read More