Announcements

Text of the cover letter: Dear Friends and Neighbors: The Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest is proposing a project along the upper Rio Cebolla where it crosses Forest Road 376. The purpose of the project is to improve habitat for the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse. The enclosed attachment describes the project’s details. The responsible official for the project is the Jemez District Ranger, but Allan Setzer, Cuba District Ranger will take the lead on the project. We request your comments on this project. To be most helpful, please send your comments by August 10, 2014 ... Read More

By Francis Peter, Youth Director Volunteers from New Mexico Trout conduct fly fishing clinics for youths (ages 8-16) and adults, allowing up to 20 participants the opportunity to fish the rivers on the Preserve. Participants spend a half day learning about equipment, tackle, knots, stream insect sampling and identification. Participants will have time to practice their casting in the morning and then head for the stream in the afternoon. Bring a lunch to enjoy along the stream and be prepared for weather. This activity is extremely popular, so sign up early. The Clinic schedule for 2014 is as follows: June ... Read More

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish announced a new department director. Alexandra Sandoval was selected from among four finalists being considered for the position following a national search for candidates. Sandoval is currently the agency's chief financial officer and head of its administrative services division. She began her career with the department as a game warden in Roswell and Clayton and worked her way up to a wildlife specialist and a federal grant manager before taking over the department's financial responsibilities. Sandoval will be the second female director in the department's 101-year history. She will oversee more than 300 employees and an annual budget of more ... Read More

Cowles Ponds in the upper Pecos Canyon 20 miles north of Pecos are open to the public again, featuring a ramp and path designed for people who use wheelchairs. The ponds were closed The ponds were closed for improvements, which included draining and dredging to improve fish habitat. The project cost more than $380,000 and was paid for with funding from the state Habitat Stamp program, federal money and local donations. The ponds are periodically stocked with rainbow trout by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. One 12-foot-deep pond was built for children under age 11 and people with disabilities. The other pool is 8 ... Read More