The irrigation outlook for the Middle Rio Grande isn’t great, Anne Marken says, and Corrales in particular is in for a sparse season. But the worst has been avoided for now. The shortage’s cause? Culprits familiar to anyone who follows water issues in Central New Mexico: poor winter precipitation and early high temperatures. Marken, river […]
Environment, Conservation & Climate
Stories related to our ongoing coverage of environmental issues in New Mexico.
Posted inPlacitas
Placitas chipper day targets wildfire risk on May 30
Placitas residents can reduce wildfire risk around their homes at a free community chipper day hosted by the Coronado Soil and Water Conservation District on Saturday, May 30. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the San Antonio de las Huertas Land Grant property at 1 Camino de la Buena Vista, just […]
Posted inSandoval County
Record heat, drought prompts early statewide fire restrictions
Those whose outdoor plans include fires will need to review updated rules to stay in compliance with state law. The New Mexico Forestry Division is enacting statewide fire restrictions in an effort to reduce the risk of wildfire starts. The new restrictions taking effect today, April 6, apply to all “non-federal, non-Tribal and non-municipal lands […]
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate, Rio Rancho
No fooling: Rio Rancho outdoor watering restrictions take effect April 1
Rio Rancho residents must follow outdoor watering restrictions starting April 1, through Oct. 31, under the city’s annual water conservation program. Spray irrigation — including sprinklers and any device that propels water as droplets — is prohibited between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily for all properties within city limits. Hand watering is permitted during […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
City closes part of Bosque for fire prevention, Jetty Jack removal
With little snowpack and early season heat waves hitting the city in February, 2026 is shaping up to be an historically dangerous year for wildfire conditions so the City of Albuquerque is getting a head start on wildfire prevention along the Bosque. City officials will close an 18-acre area north of Campbell Rd. and west […]
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate
Rio Grande water levels “no longer sufficient” to meet irrigator and river needs, says MRGCD
Middle Rio Grande Valley farmers are facing a tough, unpredictable irrigation season. While an early runoff from the mountains allowed for a head start, river flows have already plunged by about a third since early March. While water demand climbs, river flows have dropped to 30% of early March levels, straining the region’s irrigation system. […]
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate
Forest Service closes large sections of Sandias for two-year wildfire prevention projects
Outdoor enthusiasts planning summer hikes across the Sandias will have to break out the maps to find some new favorite trails. The Cibola National Forest will begin work on two major projects restricting visitor use and public access to the over 140 acres along the Sandia Crest area through fall of 2027. Sandia Crest “Switchback” […]
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate
‘Historic’ low snowpack threatens New Mexico rivers
By Danielle Prokop, Source New Mexico — Snow drought across the west and record-breaking hot temperatures this winter threaten the majority of New Mexico’s rivers, according to Andrew Mangham, a senior hydrologist for the National Weather Service in Albuquerque. This story is republished from Source NM, a part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused […]
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate
Water systems serving 700 across East Mountains test positive for PFAS “forever chemicals,” state testing finds
By Rodd Cayton and Pat Davis — Some local water systems across the East Mountains have been found to be contaminated with “forever chemicals,” prompting state officials to invite local water managers to cooperate with developing programs for mitigation and monitoring. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS – were developed in the 1950s […]
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate, Placitas
Water system serving over 185 at Placitas Elementary tests positive for PFAS ‘forever chemicals,’ state testing finds
A local water system serving Placitas Elementary School has been found to be contaminated with “forever chemicals,” prompting state officials to invite local water managers to cooperate with developing programs for mitigation and monitoring. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS – were developed in the 1950s to make products waterproof and stain-resistant and […]