New Briefing paper! Forest Type Conversion

Screen Shot 2019-02-20 at 3.43.25 PM.png

Read the newest briefing paper on Forest Type Conversion.

This briefing paper was developed based on research by Christopher H. Guiterman, Ellis Q. Margolis, Craig D. Allen, Donald A. Falk, and Thomas W. Swetnam, and was produced by the Forest Stewards Guild.

Forest type conversion is the permanent change of forest communities to another dominant vegetation type, like grassland or shrubfield. In some instances, such transitions have occurred following wildfires in the Southwest. Whether or not these changes represent permanent type conversions remains an open question, but new research… Read More.

To read more briefing papers visit the Fireshed briefing paper webpage here.

Santa Fe National Forest Plans La Cueva Prescribed Burn

 
 

Sensitive to smoke?

The Fireshed Coaliton has HEPA filters that can be loaned out for free to residents who are sensitive to smoke. Visit the Hepa Filter Loan page for more information.




SANTA FE, NM – Feb. 12, 2019 – For Immediate Release – Fire managers on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) plan to conduct a prescribed burn in the La Cueva area 7 miles northwest of the village of Pecos if conditions, including fuel moisture levels, air quality and weather, remain favorable.  

Ignitions on the 372-acre La Cueva unit could begin as early as Feb. 14, treating up to 240 acres per day, and will conclude by Feb. 28.  Firefighters will use hand ignitions on piles of slash to reduce the risk of wildfire, provide community protection and improve forest health.  

Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems like the Santa Fe National Forest. These fires mimic natural fires by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients and increasing habitat diversity.  Prescribed fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority. 

Smoke from the La Cueva prescribed burn will be monitored to ensure that the New Mexico Environment Department’s Air Quality Bureau regulations are met.  Smoke may impact the communities of La Cueva, Glorieta, Canada De Los Alamos, La Joya, Apache Canyon, Pecos/Upper Pecos Canyon, Rowe and Santa Fe.  Smoke may be visible along the I-25 corridor and within the Santa Fe Watershed. 

Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with heart or respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures.  Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Environment Department’s website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

For additional information, please contact the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District offices at 505.425.3534 or 505.757.6121.

Download the PSA.


Goats help to mitigate wildfires

Krys Nystrom, executive director of the Wildfire Network, and Amanita Thorp of Horned Goat Landscaping, are using a unique approach to reduce fuels in the foothills of Albuquerque. We often focus on removing trees to prevent fires, but reducing fine fuels like grasses and shrubs can be just as important, especially if that is the main type of fuel that will carry fire in your neighborhood.

$500 awards available to support Wildfire Community Preparedness Day! Applications due March 1st

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is an annual campaign that encourages people to come together on a single day to take action to reduce their wildfire risk. On May 4th this year communities and organizations across the county will engage in huge variety of activities from community chipper days to potlucks and discussions about reducing fire risk. For more information, ideas of events, and resources click below:

Wildfire Community Preparedness day page at NFPA .

To support Wildfire Preparedness Day NFPA and State Farm are offering $500 grants to fund wildfire risk reduction activities. Check this link below for information about applying. On the NFPA website there are tips about how to apply and examples of past projects that have succeeded, and feel free

MINI GRANT APPLICATION

Also check out our Fireshed ambassador page for more information on planning community wildfire action for your community:

http://www.santafefireshed.org/ambassador/



The GSFFC is a coalition of public and private organizations. The GSFFC is not a subdivision of the State of New Mexico, as defined in the state’s Open Meetings Act, §§ 10-15-1 to 10-15-4 NMSA 1978. Although federal agencies participate in the GSFFC, the Coalition is not a federal advisory board and was not created by a federal agency, as defined by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5.U.S.C. app. 2, §§ 1 to 16 (2012). The GSFFC operates informally to support its partners, and is not incorporated as a non-profit, 501(C)(3), partnership, or other legal status.