State

Governor Launches New Mexico Film Trails Map and Webpage

STATE News:

ALBUQUERQUE—Gov. Susana Martinez has assisted in the launch of New Mexico’s new Film Trails Map and Webpage that will help visitors experience authentic movie adventures in New Mexico.

The new travel planning resource created by the state’s Tourism Department can be found here. The website can be used by in-state travelers as well as out-of-state visitors planning a New Mexico vacation or visit. Martinez made her announcement Monday at the Albuquerque Studios.

Travelers can plan trips based on popular movies and TV series shot in New Mexico, Martinez said. Read More

Governor Launches Summer Safety Blast

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez launches the Summer Safety Blast. Courtesy photo

STATE News:

Gov. Susana Martinez joined law enforcement officials to launch the Summer Safety Blast.

The season-long initiative focuses on decreasing traffic deaths by enforcing DWI and seat belt laws. The safety blast includes State Police’s new zero tolerance policy on unrestrained drivers and passengers, including children not properly restrained in a child safety seat.

The initiative also includes:

  • National Click It Or Ticket seatbelt campaign; and
  • New Mexico’s 100 Days of Summer D.W.I. crackdown.
Read More

Senate Appropriations Passes $148 Million for NM Military Construction Projects

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Tom Udall announced Monday that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved funding for essential military construction projects for New Mexico’s Air Force bases and provisions to improve veteran care.

“Our nation’s military readiness relies on the quality of our people, their equipment, and our facilities. This legislation makes important investments in the future of New Mexico’s military bases supporting the people and communities who work there,” Udall, a member of the Senate Military Read More

Bronze Statue Honors Sgt. First Class Leroy Petry

U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Leroy Petry

SANTA FE—A bronze statue of U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Leroy Petry was unveiled at Santa Fe City Hall’s South Lawn Monday.

The statue was crafted by Pojoaque Pueblo Governor and sculptor George Rivera in honor of the only Santa Fe native to be awarded the Medal of Honor—our nation’s highest award for military valor bestowed upon an individual serving in the United States Armed Forces. The award is presented by the President of the United States in the name of Congress.

SFC Petry is the 14th New Mexican to receive the award, which was presented to him by President Read More

Thompson Ridge Fire Update

Smoldering Areas of the Thompson Ridge Fire. Courtesy U.S. Forest Service

Thompson Ridge Fire

Acres: 23,937; Start date: May 31, 2013; Cause: Downed power line; Location: Valles Caldera National Preserve; Containment: 90 percent; Fuels: Mixed conifer and Ponderosa pine; Terrain: Steep, rugged; Resources: 3 crews, 6 engines, 5 water tenders, 1 dozer; Total personnel: 170 and Available air support: 3 helicopters.

Summary: Acreage on the Thompson Ridge Fire increased by 18 acres according to last night’s infra-red flight. The outside fire perimeter has not changed; the growth noted was Read More

Current Trail Conditions and Closures

COUNTY News:

At 8 a.m. today, all trails on the Santa Fe National Forest have closed due to fire danger.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Sections of the Perimeter Trail (visit www.losalamosnm.us and Parks/Open Space & Trails/Trails Network to link to a land ownership map for details)

  • Mitchell Trail above (north of) the Perimeter Trail
  • Rendija Trail, Pajarito Trail, Cabra Loop
  • Guaje Ridge Trail, Guaje Canyon Trail
  • Pipeline Road
  • Quemazon Trail from about 0.6 miles above the trailhead
  • Cañada Bonita Trail (Guaje Canyon Trail)
  • Water, Valle, Pajarito Canyon trails and the Nail Trail

Also, Read More

Bandelier National Monument Implements Stage III Fire Restriction

BANDELIER News:

Beginning at 8 a.m. June 24, Stage III Fire Restrictions are in effect for Bandelier National Monument and will remain in effect until further notice.

This restriction is a result of high fire danger, low fuel moistures, and regional fire preparedness level. For Bandelier National Monument, Stage III Fire Restrictions only add a prohibition on camping in the canyon bottom zones in Bandelier’s backcountry.

Other Stage II Restrictions still in effect are: prohibition on the use of campfires or charcoal grills (gas grills may be used), and all outdoor smoking with the exception

Read More

Luján Lauds Small Businesses

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

CONGRESSIONAL News:

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District celebrated the 50th anniversary of National Small Business Week and recognized the entrepreneurial spirit of the many small businessmen and women across New Mexico who are an essential part of the economy and our communities.

“This week, we celebrate American small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those in New Mexico, that are the backbone of our economy. These small businesses create good-paying jobs that positively affect local communities, Read More

Thompson Ridge Fire: Today Marks Entire Week With No Perimeter Growth

Photo by Kristen Honig/Valles Caldera Trust

Thompson Ridge Fire

Acres: 23,903; Start date: May 31, 2013; Cause: Downed power line; Location: Valles Caldera National Preserve; Containment: 90 percent; Fuels: Mixed conifer and Ponderosa pine; Terrain: Steep, rugged; Resources: 3 crews, 6 engines, 4 water tenders, 2 dozers; Total personnel: 174 and Available air support: 3 helicopters.

Summary: Today marks an entire week with no new perimeter growth in the fire. Most of the activity continues to be within the interior of the fire where unburned fuels continue to smolder and burn. Today crews Read More