#WallowFire Salvage information

If you are interested in Wallow Fire salvage timber sales, here is the link to the USFS site: http://bit.ly/n3c9DB

If that doesn't work, use this (you may have to copy and paste):
http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoY6BdkOyoCAGixyPg!/?ss=110301&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=STELPRDB5306105&navid=130120000000000&pnavid=130000000000000&position=Feature*&ttype=detail&pname=Apache%20and%20Sitgreaves%20National%20Forests-%20Resource%20Management

Wallow Fire info is the third contract section down the page.  There are MANY opportunities here for large and small operations - don't miss out!

Congress.org - see what's happening in your state on FB

What's Happening in Your State?

It can be hard to keep track of lawmakers.

Now there's a Facebook page where you can track all the news about New Mexico or any state.  There are 50 pages, one for each state in the union. Simply find your state in the list below, go to the Facebook page and click the thumb's up "Like" button at the top of the page.

Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado |Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Iowa |Illinois | Indiana | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan |Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Virginia | Vermont | Washington |Wisconsin | West Virginia | Wyoming

#WallowFire: Forum For Our Forest August 10, Eagar AZ

Contact: Eric Layer, Press Secretary                                                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tel. 575-517-7382

Email: eric.layer@mail.house.gov

CONGRESSMEN PEARCE, GOSAR ANNOUNCE “FORUM FOR OUR FOREST”

Constituents Encouraged to Voice Concerns on Fires, Forest Management

Springerville, AZ (July 19, 2011) Today, Representative Steve Pearce (NM-02), chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, and Representative Paul Gosar (AZ-01) announced a joint “Forum For Our Forest” meeting, to be held at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, August 10^th at the Round Valley Auditorium, located at 550 N. Butler Street in Eagar, AZ.  The meeting will focus on forest management and wildfires, especially the recent Wallow fire.  Rep. Pearce and Rep. Gosar hope to hear from constituents who have been affected by this and other wildfires.

“For decades, reckless forest management has killed logging jobs and contributed to dry, overcrowded forests,” said Pearce.  “This year, we have seen the consequences as hundreds of thousands of acres have gone up in flames, costing hundreds of millions of dollars.  I hope that this joint meeting will help draw attention to federal mismanagement of our national forests.  Most importantly, we hope to give a voice to local residents whose lives have been affected by these fires, allowing them to tell Washington that enough is enough.”

“We must re-evaluate our forest management policies at all levels of government because the status quo is detrimental to our region’s ecological health, our safety, and our local and national economy,” said Gosar.  “I have been working on solutions to reducing forest fuel accumulation and proper forest management since taking office.  The recent fires, some of the largest forest fires in recorded history, simply add further urgency to this work.  It is time for us to be honest about the problem as well as providing the solution.  I am pleased to be working with Congressman Steve Pearce, who shares my concerns and is devoted to finding solutions.  I am confident that together, with the help of our constituents and all vested parties, we can implement common-sense solutions that will make our forests healthier and our communities safer while jump-starting our local economy.”  

Pearce and Gosar, along with Rep. Jeff Flake (AZ-06), introduced legislation last week to expedite removal of hazardous and dead or dying trees around the Wallow Fire area.  The town hall meeting will discuss recent fires, U.S. Forest Service forest management policies, and other related issues.

The Congressmen plan to tour the Wallow Fire area earlier in the day and speak to local ranchers, officials, and others.  Both Rep. Pearce and Rep. Gosar have made visits to the affected area for briefings and to meet with constituents.

The event is open to the public, and residents of affected communities are encouraged to attend.  Media that wish to cover the town hall meeting as well as the day’s tour of the Wallow Fire area can telephone 575-517-7382.

“Forum For Our Forest”

5:00 pm

Wednesday, August 10^th

Round Valley Auditorium

550 N. Butler Street

Eagar, AZ

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#WallowFire SBA low-interest working capital loans

The U.S. Small Busness Administration will be in
Eagar on Wednesday, July 13 and Thursday, July 14.

Apache County
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Round Valley Public Library
179 South Main Street
Eagar, Az.  85925

Open 8a.m. to 4p.m.
Closes:  Thursday, July 14, at 4pm

The SBA is making low-interest working capital loans available to small businesses economically impacted by the Wallow Fire that began on May 29.  SBA representatives will be on hand to issue loan applications, answer questions about SBA's disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each business owner complete their application.  No appointment is necessary.

Glenwood Doo Dah Parade photos

Glenwood NM Doo Dah Parade photos

#CatronCounty Public notice - next commission meeting date change

Public Notice

The regular scheduled Catron County Commission Meeting for Wednesday, July 20, 2011 has been changed to Friday, July 22, 2011 at 9:00 AM.  Meetings will resume their regular schedule Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 9:00 AM.  Meetings will be held in the Commission Meeting room on the 2^nd floor of the Catron County Courthouse.  Agendas will be available before the meetings at www.catroncounty.us .  For more information, contact Sharon Armijo at (575) 533-6400 or by email at cclerk2@gilanet.com or Sarah Merklein at (575) 533-6384 or by email at catrontax@gilanet.com.  

  

/s/

Sharon Armijo

Catron County Clerk

Publications:

Silver City Daily Press

Friday, July 8, 2011

El Defensor Chieftain

Saturday, July 9, 2011

#WallowFire Photos Escudilla Mt. 07/07/11 0630 hrs. AZ time

#WallowFire Photos Escudilla Mt. 07/07/11 0630 hrs. AZ time
The photos below of the top of Escudilla Mountain in Arizona were taken by Doyel Shamley this morning at 6:30.  Mr. Shamley is the Apache County NM liaison for Sen. Allen.
Click on images to enlarge

#Wildfire USDA Assistance to Rebuild/Refurbish in NM

Release No. 11-71-01

For Immediate Release

Federal Assistance Available To Rebuild or Refurbish

Fire Damaged Homes and Communities in Rural New Mexico

USDA Rural Development Programs are available to Fire Victims

(July 5, 2011 Albuquerque, NM) USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner announced today that New Mexico families of moderate to low-income levels whose homes were damage by recent wildfires may apply for federal funds to offset costs to rebuild or repair their homes. As well, communities may apply through USDA to replace or repair community facilities or acquire equipment for community rehabilitation.

Brunner said, “We want to make sure the public knows that USDA can provide financial support to low to moderate income homeowners who are victims of the recent wildfires.  As well, communities may apply for loan and grant funds to repair essential community facilities and acquire equipment needed for their recovery.”

The funding is provided through USDA Rural Development’s regular housing programs.  The financial support is provided as follows: 

·         The 502 Direct Home loan mortgage program provides financial help to low to moderate income residents to buy or build a house with no money down. The 504 Rehabilitation loan and grant program provides funds to low and very low-income rural residents who own and occupy a home in need of repairs.  The funds can be used to improve or modernize a home, or to remove health and safety hazards.  This loan is a 1% loan that may be repaid over a 20-year period.  To qualify the homeowner must be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere and must have a very low income. Very low income is defined as below 50 percent of the area median income.

·         The 504 program also provides a once in a life time grant of $7,500 to homeowners who are 62-years old or older to refurbish their homes and that does not have to be paid back. . The grants, however, must be repaid if the property is sold in less than 3 years. Grant funds may only be used to pay for repairs and improvements resulting in the removal of health and safety hazards. A grant/loan combination is made if the applicant can repay part of the cost. Loans and grants can be combined for up to $27,500 in assistance

·         The 502 Guaranteed Rural Housing (GRH) loan program provides a USDA guarantee to lenders for mortgage loans to moderate income families with an affordable home loan also with no money down. 

Loan and Grant Funding is available to communities of 20,000 or less for the building or repair of essential community facilities and the acquisition of equipment.

Anyone seeking financial assistance through these programs should contact the nearest Rural Development field office to set up a meeting. The offices are as follows: 

• Aztec               505-425-3594 Extension 4
• Las Cruces      575-522-8775 Extension 4
• Las Vegas       505-425-3594 Extension 4
• Los Lunas       505-865-4643 Extension 4
• Roswell           575-622-8745 Extension 4

Also, those applying for the 504 rehabilitation funds will be asked to bring the following information to a meeting with Rural Development staff:

·         Warranty deed

·         Verification of Income

·         Cost estimates

·         Proof of age for grant (62 years or older)

·         List of debts presently being paid and account numbers and addresses of accounts

·         Checking and savings account numbers

·         Photo Id

·         Income tax records for most recently filed income tax

·         Property tax information

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at any local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

###

#WallowFire Final Update from Wallow Fire Area Command

Final Wallow Fire Update

from Wallow Fire Area Command

Day 35

July 4, 2011 

                          

Fire Facts:

Location:  - Apache, Navajo, Graham, and Greenlee, Counties, Arizona;  Catron County, New Mexico	Injuries to Date: 16
Fort Apache Indian Reservation,  San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation	Total Personnel: 579 Includes 0 hotshot crews; 8 handcrews
Date Started: 05/29/2011 Cause: Human – under investigation	Residences: 32 destroyed; 5 damaged
Size:  538,049 acres total; 15,407 acres in N.M.	Commercial Property: 4 destroyed
Percent Contained: 95% Resources: 2 Helicopter;    26 Engines; 10 Water Tenders; 9 Dozers	Outbuildings: 36 destroyed; 1 damaged Vehicles: 1 destroyed

Since the Wallow fire started on May 29, 2011 the fire suppression and repair activities have been managed by a series of fire teams from throughout the United States.  Due to the great work these teams and all of the other resources assigned to the fire have done, the fire was previously turned back to the White Mountain Apache Tribe and will be turned back to the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest on July 5, 2011 to continue patrolling, mopping up and repairing areas of the fire damaged by fire suppression activities.  For further information contact:

·         Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest at 928-333-6263 or go to their web site at http://tinyurl.com/6fzvyax.

·         White Mountain Apache Tribe at 928-338 2502 or go to their web site at http://www.wmat.us.

Giving the management responsibilities back to the forests does not mean the fire is completely out.  Smoke may continue to be visible from interior fuels burning until a season ending rain event occurs.

Today both Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) crews and fire crews continue to remove woody debris from the East and West forks of the Little Colorado River.  Hazard tree removal continues on FR 81 in Auger Canyon, which was severely burned. “Feller-buncher” machinery and saw teams are removing dead trees that could fall across the road. The trees are placed in piles for removal at a later time.                       

High pressure over the area will continue to feed moisture into the region.   Moisture is moving over southern Apache and Navajo counties and will have the best chance for thunderstorm activity. These thunderstorms may create localized flash flooding particularly within or adjacent to the burn area.  Take appropriate precautions if a thunderstorm occurs in your vicinity.  Today’s temperatures will range from 76-85 degrees with 4-8 mph southwest wind.  Relative humidity will be near 20%.  There is a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Special Information:

·          Fourth of July fireworks at Sunrise Ski Area and Resort are cancelled.

·         Though the sale of ground and hand-held fireworks and their use in some locations is now legal in Arizona, please remember, fireworks are not permitted on public lands at any time.

·         The July 4^th weekend is upon us and besides the hazards presented by elk and other wildlife on the roads and highways be aware of heavy holiday traffic in the area.  Watch your speed and drive defensively.  Remember that the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is asking that speed be held down to a maximum of 50 mph during dusk to dawn and at night.  

·         An Individual Assistance Service Center (IASC) is available for all evacuated Arizonans to access information to assist in their personal recovery from the fire. It is located at the Round Valley Public Library, 179 S Main, Eagar, Ariz. The hours of operation are: Tuesday through Thursday, July 5-7th 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and July 8th, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  The facility will be closed Monday, July 4th.

WALLOW FIRE NOTICES

Road Closures -  Due to heavy fire suppression and repair activities the following roads are closed to the public:

·         US 191 (the Coronado Trail) is closed between Alpine to north of Clifton (milepost 176-253).

·         SR 261 (to Big Lake) and SR 273 (between Big Lake and Reservation Lake), remain closed.

·         Forest Road 281 is closed two miles south of its junction with US 180 but is open beyond this point to residences only.

Closures and Restrictions:

·         All Forest Service and private commercial facilities inside the road closures are not available to the public.

·         San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation: Fire Restrictions and area closures remain in effect.

·         Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Closures and Open Areas.  Due to continued fire activity and the unprecedented levels of dry forest fuel along with dry weather, conditions exist for extreme fire danger necessitating closure of most of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Please go to the following web site for the most complete information:  http://tinyurl.com/6yflpfu.

·         For information on closures and restrictions for all public lands in Arizona go to the Public Lands Information Center web site at http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php  or call their hotline at  (877) 864-6985.

·         Gila National Forest: A closure is in effect for the western portion of the Gila National Forest.  Call (575) 388-8201, TTY (575) 388-8497 or see http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila.

·         Fort Apache Indian Reservation:  Partial area closures are in effect for the eastside of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. See http://www.wmat.nsn.us/.

Public Safety:   Please be aware that flooding is likely in those areas adjacent to high severity burned areas.  This may affect many of the same people who evacuated their homes in the early days of the Wallow Fire.  There is concern about roads, bridges, and culverts holding up through flooding events.  It is important to be alert and keep informed on what you can do to protect your homes and property.  While private land issues are within the County’s purview, here are some links that could be helpful to begin preparations:

·         NOAA National Weather Service: http://tinyurl.com/29fnj35 - for monitoring for flooding predictions and sign up to get      

·          e-mail alerts

·         County emergency information: http://593info.org – this web site is applicable for southern Apache and Navajo Counties.

·         For county specific information go the following web sites:  http://www.co.apache.az.us/ (Apache Co., Ariz.), http://www.co.greenlee.az.us/ (Greenlee Co., Ariz.), and  https://mylocalgov.com/catroncountynm/ (Catron Co., N.Mex.)

·         Occupational Health and Safety Administration: http://tinyurl.com/3uuxu3h - information on how to fill, and carry sandbags in a safe manner.

·         Information on flood property protection:  http://tinyurl.com/6hfues3

·         A Crisis Intervention Line (928) 333-2683 is available for residents suffering from the stress of living with fire danger. 

·         For more safety information see:  http://tinyurl.com/6zvcrck.

·         Apache County and local fire departments have begun identifying locations for staging of sandbags in anticipation of the monsoon season.  More information will be provided as locations are confirmed.

·         Information and assistance for damaged homes and small businesses can be accessed at this link: http://tinyurl.com/6a94bk5.