Reminder: The South Fork Fire and Salt Fire burn scars are closed to EVERYONE due to hazards.

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Starting on Thursday, October 3, 2024, the Tribal Division of Resource Management and Protection (DRMP) will be working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to conduct aerial grass seeding using a small fixed-wing aircraft.  The aerial grass seeding will take approximately 3-4 days to complete.  Both the Salt Fire and South Fork Fire burned areas will be reseeded during this time.  It is strongly recommended that Tribal members avoid the burned areas during flight operations to allow the seed to settle to the ground.  There will be DRMP and NRCS staff on the ground in the burned areas to ensure that seed is evenly distributed and applied at the appropriate rate.

Then in mid-October, the aerial mulching will begin using helicopters to drop shredded wood fibers.  The wood fibers will come from some of the burned trees that will be logged and ground up in a tub grinder to create the mulch.  Applying mulch to the burned areas will help reduce overland flow of water, prevent soil erosion, and retain moisture for the grass seed.  When we have a firm date for the start of aerial mulching, we will post another announcement.  Again, we strongly recommend that Tribal members avoid these areas during helicopter operations, as there will be large amounts of mulch dropped on the ground which could affect visibility if you are driving in the burned areas.

These restoration efforts will prevent soil erosion, protect water quality, and promote natural regeneration of our forest.

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Early Voting for Tribal General Election is November 1, 2024

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Project focusing on restoration efforts in aftermath of South Fork Fire

ALAMOGORDO, New Mexico, September 30, 2024 – The Lincoln National Forest has issued an area closure order on the Smokey Bear Ranger District during aerial seeding and mulching operations planned for the lands affected by the South Fork fire.

This order is in effect from September 30, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. until November 15, 2024, at 12:01 p.m., unless rescinded earlier.

These restoration efforts are crucial for preventing erosion, protecting water quality, and promoting the natural regeneration of the forest. By seeding the affected areas with native plants and applying mulch to retain moisture, the Forest Service is working to restore the ecosystem and prevent further damage.
The area closure will apply to the following boundaries:

• Northern Boundary: Begins at the junction of NM Road 532, Forest Service boundary, and Mescalero Apache Reservation lands, extending approximately 2 miles east to the Forest Service Boundary.
• Eastern Boundary: Follows the Eastern Forest Service Boundary south for approximately 4 miles to Rio Ruidoso.
• Southern Boundary: Follows Rio Ruidoso west for approximately 2 miles to the Forest Service boundary adjacent to Mescalero Apache Tribal lands.
• Western Boundary: Follows the boundary line between the Forest Service and Mescalero Apache Tribal lands north for approximately 2 miles.

A map and detailed description of the closure can be found on our website’s alerts and closure page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices

This closure order is necessary to protect public safety from potential hazards associated with aerial seeding and mulching activities aimed at restoring the lands impacted by the South Fork fire.

We will continue to provide updates on the status of this project.

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U.S. households can order four free COVID-19 tests from the federal government with the Sept. 26 relaunch of the at-home test distribution program.

How to order free COVID tests from USPS

How it works: Tests can be ordered on ASPR COVID-19 Testing (covidtests.gov) which directs people to a U.S. Postal Service site.

Need help placing an order for your at-⁠home tests?
Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

The tests will detect current COVID variants and can be used through the end of the year, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Tests will start shipping the week of Sept. 30, per the site.

COVID tests expiration dates

For some previously distributed tests, expiration dates were extended to account for data that revealed a longer than expected shelf-life.

A full list of approved tests and their revised expiration dates is posted on the FDA website.

For more information about COVID-19, assistance with finding the new vaccine, or locating testing and treatment options, please contact the NMHealth Helpline at 833-SWNURSE (833-796-8773).

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