ALAMOGORDO, NM – April 19, 2022 – The Lincoln National Forest implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective April 19, 2022, due to increasing fire activity and dry conditions. The increased fire danger is due to insufficient moisture and dry fuel conditions across the forest.

“Fire officials use several criteria to determine when to modify fire restrictions, including current and predicted weather, fuel moistures, fire activity, and available firefighting resources. These restrictions reduce the risk of unwanted human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions,” explained Fire Staff Officer David Bales.

The following are prohibited under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,

• Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal grills and briquettes, except in a Forest Service-provided fire structure (i.e., metal ring, permeant on-site grill) within developed campgrounds and day-use areas. Propane grills, stoves, and lanterns with an on/off switch are still permitted.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.
• Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are ALWAYS prohibited on National Forests.

Violators of the above restrictions are subject to fines and/or imprisonment.

“We appreciate the public’s cooperation to help keep our forest, firefighters, and local communities safe,” stated Forest Supervisor Travis Moseley. “Campfires and charcoal fires in developed campgrounds and picnic areas are allowed but only in Forest Service rings and BBQs. Propane grills are also still allowed, however, open fires in any other part of the forest are prohibited.”

The southwest region (AZ and NM) also announced on April 19, 2022, that they are now in Preparedness Level 4. This means the region is experiencing numerous complex wildfires requiring Incident Management Teams, and a significant number of the region’s wildland fire resources are committed to fires already.

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The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) applied for and received additional funding from the Treasury Department to meet our overwhelming demand.

These additional funds will allow us to continue to pay rent for tenants already approved under the Mescalero Housing Department, as well as those already approved within the 50-mile radius designated by the Mescalero Tribal Council in Resolution 22-16.

These additional funds have already been allocated for payment; the ERA program will not be accepting new applications nor paying utilities or providing motel accommodations.

Should you have any questions concerning the rental program please call 575-464-9216.

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Below is the new 2022 Spring Hunt application. First turkey hunt starts on April 30, 2022 and the last turkey hunt starts May 7, 2022.

Call the Mescalero Conservation Law Enforcement Office at 575-464-9323 for more information.

Happy Hunting!

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Good evening everyone, the Mescalero Apache Tribe would like to request donations for all firefighters, first responders, emergency personnel and Ruidoso residents impacted by the McBride Fire. 

All donations can be dropped off at the Mescalero Community Center starting at 8AM April 13, 2022.

Every Donation Counts! 

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Have an idea for a parade theme? Submit your parade idea to the Tribal Offices Front Desk.

Contest Ends May 6, 2022!

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It’s that time of year! The Historic Preservation Office is preparing for the Annual Mescal Roast. Call their office at 575-464-3005 for more details.

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The Mescalero Conservation Department hosted the SW Region Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, Conservation Officer Law Enforcement shoot competition on March 29 and 30th at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino. Twenty Conservation Officers from several Tribal Nations throughout the Southwest attended this event. The competition shoot was to determine who would represent the Southwest Region at Nationals. Four Conservation Officers from Mescalero qualified and will be competing at Nationals (with the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society-Conservation Law Enforcement) on May 9-12, 2022 in Miami, FL.

Conservation Officer Ruben Peralta placed as “Top Gun” shooter with a score of 1,695 out of 2,000! This is the second time Conservation Officer R. Peralta placed as “Top Gun” shooter.

The Mescalero Conservation Officers that will be competing are:

• Officer Ruben Peralta
• Sgt. Eugene Evans
• Officer Jacob Mendez
• Officer James Peralto

Chief Conservation Officer Tyner Cervantes says, “The Conservation Department is extremely proud they will be representing Mescalero!”

Good luck at Nationals, Officers!

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May 17-19

Albuquerque/Embassy Suites Hotel (1000 Woodward Place NE)

(ALBUQUERQUE)— Veterans interested in working in the agriculture industry are encouraged to attend the AgriFuture Educational Institute May 17-19 in Albuquerque at the Embassy Suites Hotel, located at 1000 Woodward Place NE.

This is a unique opportunity to learn from and network with professionals from a number of different fields in the agriculture industry. The conference kicks off with a farm-to-table reception hosted by New Mexico–Taste the Tradition Chef/Ambassador Rocky Durham.

One of the topics to be discussed is Opportunities for Veterans and Military Families on Wednesday, May 18. This session features a panel of representatives from Not Forgotten Outreach/Homegrown by Heroes, New Mexico State University’s AgrAbility Program, Horses for Heroes, and USDA Rural Development.

Other session topics focusing on agriculture as a career include:

• Future of Agriculture
• Financial Management
• Generations of Agriculturalists: The Louis Family from the Pueblo of Acoma
• Experiences with Using Agencies
• Food Hubs
• Marketing Your Agribusiness
• Transition and Land Succession
• Stress Management
• Opportunities for Getting Started

“Veterans play an important role in the New Mexico community, so we encourage veterans interested in getting involved in the agriculture industry to take advantage of this great opportunity,” said New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte. “AgriFuture is an incredible event that can open a number of doors for veterans to become new agriculturalists.”

Tim “The Dairy Farmer” Moffett, a third-generation farmer and an accomplished agricultural speaker and comedian, will also be a keynote speaker at the conference.

Pre-Registration Required

For individuals new to the agriculture industry, the registration fee is only $50 and includes the conference, meals and a two-night hotel stay. The registration deadline is Thursday, April 7. To register for the event, go to https://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/agrifuture.

The first 150 registrants will receive a copy of the book Connectable: How Leaders Can Move Teams From Isolated to All In by Steven Van Cohen and AgriFuture keynote speaker Ryan Jenkins.

For more information, please contact New Mexico Department of Agriculture Director of Public Affairs Kristie Garcia at krgarcia@nmda.nmsu.edu or 575-646-2804.

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Mescalero, NM

Tribal Veterans Representative and V.S.O. Kelton Starr, would like to acknowledge and thank Tribal Maintenance Director Alvin Benally, Jordan Torres Jr., Toni Treas-Juarez and Commander Mariano Juarez from Mescalero Post #48 for putting up the new flags at the Mescalero Apache Tribe Cemetery.

Mr. Starr would also like to thank and acknowledge Director Chris Little for donating the platform and flag poles to the Mescalero Apache Tribe Cemetery.

“God bless all of our military brothers and sisters in arms in all branches. God bless all that have gone before us, those who are serving now and our future Warriors. God bless this great Nation and the Mescalero Apache Tribe.” Says Mr. Starr.

Thank you to everyone involved!

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