We are excited to announce the results of the 2026 First Responder Cow Elk Hunt draw held today by the Conservation Department! As per the Tribal Hunt Proclamation, Ordinance 26-02, we’ve allotted 20 Cow Elk permits specifically for our dedicated First Responders in Otero and Lincoln County.

Congratulations to the following recipients:

1. Joseph Singer – Otero County Sheriff
2. Joseph Luna – OESFF Lincoln County Fire Service
3. Cristy Griewahn – Hondo Fire Department
4. Anthony Chavez – NM Game and Fish
5. David Ledezma – USBP
6. Edward Carrillo III – USBP
7. Kelley Gordon – Lincoln County Sheriff
8. Ryan Blanton – Carrizozo PD
9. Chad Casson – NMSP Retired
10. Blayne Maldonado – Ruidoso Fire Department
11. Dustin Justus – EMS Ski Patrol Ski Apache
12. Kurtis Grassie – Capitan Police Dept
13. Tristin Bloomquish – Lincoln County Sheriff
14. Brian Samson – OESFF Lincoln County Fire Service
15. Bryce Bailey – Lincoln County Sheriff
16. Ashley Malizzi – Bonito Volunteer Fire Dept. EMT
17. Denver Park – Capitan Fire Department
18. Philip Wall – Capitan PD
19. Fabian Picazo – Otero County Sheriff
20. Mauricio Puente – Alamogordo PD

Hunt Details:
Dates: October 31, 2026 – November 4, 2026
Permit Fee: $150.00 (due by October 16, 2026)
Permit Pickup: October 30, 2026

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Due to recent wildfires, burn scars have significantly compromised soil stability in our area. This makes our soils hydrophobic, meaning water runs off instead of soaking in, leading to rapid flash floods—even with moderate rainfall. Here are critical updates and protective actions you must take:

Affected Areas:

• Fence Canyon: Narrow drainage; flows can accelerate quickly.

• South Tularosa Canyon: Recently flash-flooded; draining toward Mescalero Village.

• Bear & Snow Canyons: Extremely steep terrain with high debris-flow risk.

• Salt Fire Burn Scar: Hydrophobic soils confirmed.

• US Hwy 70 Corridor: Low-lying sections prone to overtopping.

• All unnamed arroyos adjacent to burned areas: High-risk zones.

Protective Actions — What to Do Now:

1. Avoid All Arroyos & Drainages: Never enter a wash during or after rain. Floods can arrive suddenly and move faster than you can run.
2. Have an Evacuation Plan: Know two routes to higher ground if you live near burn-scar canyons. Leave before heavy rain starts.
3. Prepare a Go-Bag: Include water, medications, ID, a few days’ food, a phone charger, and cash—keep it ready near the door.
4. Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down; 12 inches can carry away a vehicle. Avoid driving around road-closure barriers.
5. Follow Official Alerts: A Flood Watch is active through Thursday morning. Stay updated via the National Weather Service and Mescalero Apache Tribe channels.
6. Check on Neighbors: Look out for elderly or mobility-impaired residents who may need help evacuating. Contact tribal emergency services if anyone is stranded.
7. Call 911 for Any Emergency: If someone is trapped by floodwater or in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.

Stay safe and vigilant, everyone!

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We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Tribal Trophy Bull Elk Hunt, taking place from October 3 to October 11, 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate our rich hunting traditions.

Congratulations to the winners! We can’t wait to see the stories and memories that come from this hunt.

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We are excited to announce our 1st Responders Hunt for Law Enforcement, Fire/EMS and Emergency Management taking place from October 31st to November 4th! This is for 1st Responders in Lincoln and Otero counties only.

• Application Deadline:
  Submit your applications by 4:30 PM on Thursday, September 17th.
• Drawing Date:
  Join us for the drawing at 12 Noon on Friday, September 18th.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to participate in a meaningful event celebrating our heroes! Share with your fellow first responders and encourage them to apply!

For more details or to submit applications, please contact the Mescalero Conservation office directly at 575-464-4427.

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Join us for a Student Sewing Lab happening tomorrow, September 11th, and Saturday, September 12th! This event is in collaboration with the Special Projects Students Cultural Resources.

• Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Early Childhood Building

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your sewing skills, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn and create!

For more information, please call 575-808-2881.

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We are proud to announce our endorsements for the upcoming elections, as we believe these candidates will represent our values and priorities effectively:

• Deb Haaland for Governor of New Mexico: A champion for Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship, Deb’s leadership will ensure that our voices are heard at the highest levels of state government.

• Stephanie Garcia Richard for Lt. Governor: With a proven track record in education and community advocacy, Stephanie will work diligently to uplift our communities and promote equality for all New Mexicans.

• Juan De Jesus Sanchez for Public Lands Commissioner: Juan is committed to protecting our natural resources and promoting sustainable land management practices that honor our heritage and traditions.

• Amanda López Askin for Secretary of State: Amanda’s dedication to transparency and voting rights will empower our tribe and ensure that every voice counts in the electoral process.

Together, we can create a brighter future for our community and the state of New Mexico. Let’s rally behind these candidates and support their journeys to office!

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https://mescaleroapachetribe.com/26230/26230/

Come and learn about the important practice of Peacemaking with our tribal court staff! We have two informative sessions lined up:

• Date 1: September 16, 2026
• Time: 11:00 AM
• Date 2: October 7, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM
• Location: Community Center, Activity Hall

Don’t miss this opportunity to understand Peacemaking and its role in our community

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https://mescaleroapachetribe.com/26226/26226/

Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 10, 2026, as we come together to shine a light on suicide prevention. The event will kick off at the Mescalero Cultural Center.

Registration begins at 6:30 PM
Walk starts at 7:00 PM

This is a wonderful opportunity to unite as a community, raise awareness, and remember those we’ve lost while supporting one another.

For more information, please contact Shannon Salazar at 575-464-7106.

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We want to alert you to the serious risks posed by recent wildfires in our area, particularly concerning soil stability and water absorption. The burn scars have made the soil hydrophobic, causing water to bead and run off instead of soaking in. This dramatically increases the risk of flash floods—up to 10 times faster than on unburned terrain!

Key Areas of Concern:

• Bear Canyon: Steep terrain with rapid runoff; extreme debris flow risks.

• Fence Canyon: Narrow drainage; flows accelerate quickly under heavy rain.

• Salt Fire Burn Scar (Carrizo Canyon, Three Rivers): Hydrophobic soils confirmed.

• Nogal Canyon: Channelized flow path; road crossings could be suddenly inundated.

• Snow Canyon: Upper watershed burned; risk of mudslides and debris surges.

• Hwy 70 Corridor near Ruidoso: Low-lying road sections prone to overtopping and washout.

• South Fork Fire Scar: Upper Rio Ruidoso drainage, Dog Canyon watershed.

• All unnamed arroyos adjacent to burned land: Considered HIGH RISK.

Weather Alert:

• Tuesday 2-6 PM: Isolated showers developing near Sierra Blanca.

• Tuesday 6 PM-Midnight: Expect scattered storms with the potential for heavy rain and flash flooding.

• Wednesday: Showers continue; mudslides and runoff remain active threats.

• Thursday Morning: Lingering showers; drainage channels will still be dangerous.

Safety Reminder: Stay informed, avoid high-risk areas, and prepare for the possibility of sudden flooding. Your safety is our top priority!

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Despite the ongoing water break situation, we want to reassure you that the following tribal departments will remain open:

• Early Childhood

• Child Care

• Mescalero Head Start

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