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. […]
Environment, Conservation & Climate
Stories related to our ongoing coverage of environmental issues in New Mexico.
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 […]
Posted inCorrales, Corrales Comment, Environment, Conservation & Climate
MRGCD offers tips for irrigators as water deliveries approach
As the 2026 irrigation season approaches, the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) is sharing key information for irrigators. The district says five important factors will shape how the season begins and what irrigators can expect as the season progresses: Poor snowpack means light runoff Snowpack in the Rio Grande Basin remains below average; the […]
Posted inCorrales, Corrales Comment, Environment, Conservation & Climate
Corrales faces uncertain irrigation season amid major river projects
Village of Corrales Mayor Fred Hashimoto is alerting residents that this growing season could prove particularly challenging for farmers and others who rely on irrigation water from the Rio Grande, with both climate conditions and two major infrastructure projects potentially affecting water availability this spring and summer. In his weekly Mayor’s Message, Hashimoto pointed to […]
Posted inNew Mexico Legislature #nmleg
State Senate votes down Clear Horizons Act, opening door for next gov to change state’s climate, enviro policies
Seven Democrats joined with Republicans in the State Senate Wednesday to defeat keystone climate legislation to codify some of the country’s most ambitious climate legislation into law before Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham leaves office at the end of this year. SB18, The Clear Horizons Bill, was written to make permanent several climate goals implemented by […]
Posted inEnergy, Environment, Conservation & Climate, Housing & Homelessness
Anti-Exxon protestors removed from Balloon Fiesta after daring visitors to drink fake ‘produced water’
Visitors to opening weekend of the ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta were greeted by an unexpected protest against the event’s main sponsor. Satirical protestors supported by WildEarth Guardians and the The Yes Men dressed as sales representatives of a fake oil and gas company, Exxtreme Energy, and offered samples of the company’s “new hydration and […]
Posted inMountainair
Forest Service announces fall prescribed burns
The U.S. Forest Service will conduct prescribed burns across central New Mexico this fall in areas near Mountainair through December. The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands announced plans for multiple controlled burns designed to reduce hazardous vegetation and protect communities from catastrophic wildfires. In the Mountainair Ranger District, crews are already burning piles covering […]