SAWC Board Meeting July 23

The next San Augustin Water Coalition Board meeting will be Tuesday, July 23rd at 6pm at the Datil Baptist Church.

Agenda-----July 23, 2013
• Call to Order
• Additions or Changes to the Agenda by the Board
• Reading and Acceptance of the Minutes of the previous meeting
• Treasurer’s Report
• Public Comments (limited to 3 minutes each)

• OLD BUSINESS
 *Highway Signs
 * Election of Officers

• NEW BUSINESS
 * Reports from Board Members
 *Fund raising ideas.
 *Discuss possibility of monthly meetings
 * Other New Business

• Executive Session
• Motion to Adjourn

Yarnell Firefighters

Isn't it time to change federal land management agency fire policies?

Financial Assistance Available for Wildfire-Impacted Farmers and Ranchers

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting applications for financial assistance from agricultural producers in New Mexico impacted by wildfires of 2011, 2012 and 2013 under the new Burned Lands Initiative.

The financial assistance will help address resource concerns on private land through NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP).

Applications will be accepted through Friday, July 19, 2013 for producers impacted by wildfires such as the Jaroso Fire, Las Conchas Fire, Little Bear Fire, Silver Fire, Thompson Ridge Fire, Track Fire, Tres Lagunas Fire, Wallow Fire and Whitewater-Baldy Complex Fire.

“New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers have suffered substantial losses from wildfires over the past few years.” NRCS State Conservationist Xavier Montoya said. “Our hope is that if we can restore parts of their operations and put conservation on the land, we can ultimately improve producers’ long-term resilience to droughts, fires and floods.”

Key conservation practices available for assistance under the Burned Lands Initiative include fencing, troughs and tanks, pipelines, diversions, critical area planting, wildlife management, ponds, forest stand improvement and others that relate to water quality, soil erosion, plant health and wildlife habitat concerns.

For more information on how to apply for financial assistance, contact your local NRCS field office (http://go.usa.gov/jczJ) or visit the NRCS EQIP (http://go.usa.gov/jcuY) or WHIP (http://go.usa.gov/jcuB) pages for more details.

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Gila National Forest Lifts Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Gila National Forest Lifts Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

July 8, 2013- Silver City, NM-  With the onset of  summer rains, the Gila National Forest will be lifting Stage 1 Fire Restrictions tomorrow morning, July 9th, at 6:00 A.M. MDT, allowing forest visitors to enjoy campfires again in undeveloped areas across the Forest.

 “The Forest experienced minimal human-caused fires this fire season,” states Kelly Russell, Gila National Forest Supervisor, “visitors were diligent in following the restrictions and we appreciate their efforts.”  Fewer human-caused fires allowed Forest and Fire personnel to focus on the Silver Fire and other lightning-strike fires, of which there were many.

Forest visitors are still encouraged to practice campfire and smoking safety by using their ashtrays and ensuring campfires are cold to the touch before leaving their camp or retiring for the night.  Always have a shovel and water available and place their fire away from low-hanging branches and dry grasses.

For further information on fire safety practices and reducing fire risk in the Home Ignition Zone, please contact Ellen Brown at 575-388-8262, or the Gila National Forest at 575-388-8201.

Andrea G. Martinez
Public Affairs Officer
Gila National Forest
3005 E. Camino del Bosque
Silver City, NM  88061
  575.388.8211 office
  575.388.8204 fax
Twitter:  @GilaForestPAO

Donation locations for Granite Mountain Hotshots (Yarnell Firefighters)

Nineteen firefighters of the Granite Mountain Hotshots lost their lives on Sunday, June 30, 2013 battling the Yarnell Hill Fire in and near Yarnell, Arizona. Glenwood Gazette offers heartfelt condolences to their family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, July 9, 2013 from 1100-1300 in Prescott Valley.

How you can help... consider a donation to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, YarnellFallenFireFighters, or 100 Club of Arizona. (these donation sites were posted on the Southwest Coordination Center Wildfire Information website).

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Note that the fire info website is down right now; fire info for Silver Fire in NM is not available.  However, that fire seems to be slowing down and unless things change with it, we won't be providing further updates.

Silver Fire update - 137,326 acres estimated

Estimated Acres: 137,326 

Containment: 59%

Yesterday’s Summary: Although some areas of the fire received rainfall, heavy fuels are not responding much to the small amounts of rainfall as some pockets of timber burned intensely. Overall, low to moderate fire intensity was observed. Direct line was constructed on the northwest corner of the fire in the Cooney Canyon area. Crews continued chipping along Forest Road 150 and Highway 152. Helicopters dropped water on the spot fires on the west side of the fire. Direct and indirect line was constructed in Hefner Canyon. Fire crews safely monitored the west, east and south ends of the fire perimeter.

Today’s Actions: Crews will continue full suppression strategies, constructing direct and indirect line on the west and northwest sides of the fire. Chipping and rehab of firelines will proceed in the south and western part of the fire. The eastern and southern perimeter will be monitored by air.

The New Mexico Type II Incident Management Team is preparing to transition the management of the fire to a smaller Type III team on Friday morning. The Type III Team will continue suppression efforts to reach further containment on this fire.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the upper 70’s and 80’s. Relative Humidity continues in the mid 30’s. Today’s forecast remains partly cloudy with scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

Open Areas: New Mexico State Highway 152 and New Mexico State Highway 35 into San Lorenzo and the Mimbres Valley remain open. Particularly on Highway 152 expect heavy traffic and watch for livestock, wildlife, rocks, fallen trees and debris. The public is reminded that Forest Service campgrounds on Highway 152 are still closed. Emory Pass Vista remains open. The majority of the Gila National Forest is open for recreational opportunities with Stage One fire restrictions in effect. For more information on restrictions, go to firerestrictions.us.

Closures: There is an emergency closure on the Gila National Forest for the fire area. For more information about the fire closure go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila. For information on any road closures, go to www.nmroads.com.

For additional fire information, visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM

www.flickr.com/gilaforest www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM

Silver Fire update - 137,326 acres

Estimated Acres: 137,326 

Containment: 54%

Yesterday’s Summary: Fire activity remains moderate due to thunderstorm activity. Most of the fire activity was to the northwest and fire growth remains slow. There was only slight heat detected on the west side. No fire was observed to the east and south. Crews continued chipping operations along Highway 152, around Kingston and in the Cooney area.

Today’s Update: Crews will construct and prep line from Rabb Park southwest to Rosencran cabin. Resources will also continue to hold and mopup the spot fire near Rabb Park. Fire crews will continue to monitor the west, east and south perimeter of the fire. Direct line will be constructed on the northwest corner of the fire in the Cooney Canyon area as conditions allow and can be done safely. Crews will also continue to prep Forest Road 150.

While things are winding down, crews continue to mop up and rehab suppression lines. Within the next few days, the demobilization of resources will begin. The BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) Team will continue to assess the area.

Smoke: Information on wildland fire smoke and your health can be found on the New Mexico Department of Health's website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

Weather: There will be a 50% chance of thunderstorms today. Daytime relative humidity will remain at 30 to 40% this week and temperatures will range from upper 70’s to lower 80’s.

Open Areas: Highway 152 is now completely open to the public including San Lorenzo to Kingston. Safety is still a concern; watch for livestock, wildlife, rocks, fallen trees and debris on the Highway. Silver City, Hillsboro, and Winston remain open. Businesses along New Mexico State Highways 15 and 35 remain open, all the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The majority of the Gila National Forest is open for recreational opportunities with Stage One fire restrictions in effect. For more information on restrictions, go to www.firerestrictions.us.

Closures: For more information about any fire closures go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila. For information on road closures, go to www.nmroads.com.

For additional fire information, visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM

www.flickr.com/gilaforest www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM

Public meeting - Motor Vehicle Department office in Catron County

Monday, July 15th 10am – Catron County Town Hall Meeting – Reserve Community Center. The Town Hall meeting agenda is the Motor Vehicle Department issue in Catron County. MVD Director Mark Williams will attend and listen to our concerns. This is your chance to voice your concerns. Everyone in Catron County is encouraged to attend. For additional information call Richard at 575-533-6744.

Silver Fire update - 133,625 acres

Estimated Acres: 133,625
Containment:   50%

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF THE GRANITE MOUNTAIN HOTSHOTS

Yesterday’s Summary:  Fire activity was moderate. Precipitation was primarily on the northern aspect of the fire, and lightly on the south. The southwest side of the fire has been contained to the Raab Park Trail. In addition to the southwest perimeter, minimal activity remains on the east and south. Fire growth continues to the north, including the Reed’s Peak vicinity.

Today’s Update:   Crews will be monitoring the perimeter of the fire. The Cooney structure protection is in its final stage, with only minimal work remaining. Today fuels are expected to carry slower than previous days. Slower fuel carrying will possibly bring creeping and smoldering in the morning; transitioning into low to moderate surface fire throughout the day.

A total of 83 Gila Trout were successfully relocated to the Mora Fish Hatchery by the Gila National Forest and cooperators.

Anyone seeking information regarding the Yarnell Fire please contact: Mike Reichling at the AZ State Forestry Division (928-427-3347) or Carrie Dennett (602-399-3078).

Smoke: Much like yesterday, variable winds are expected near the Silver Fire. Communities of Mimbers Valley and surrounding areas can expect smoke from the Silver Fire intermittently at different times of the day as the winds shifts directions.
Additional smoke may be visible along the north and northwest part of the fire if the burnout operations are initiated. For information about health effects of smoke, including actions individuals can take to protect themselves, and guidance on distances and visibility based on location of current fires, please visit https://nmtracking.org/fire.

Today’s Weather: A high pressure system is moving south over the fire. With this system brings a greater chance of storms, anticipating much needed precipitation. Strong erratic winds are possible, with wind shifts out of the southwest. The temperature today is expected to be lower than the last few days; most likely staying around the mid 70 to 80 degree range.

Open Areas: Silver City, Hillsboro, and Winston remain open. Businesses along NM State Highways 15 and 35 remain open, all the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The majority of the Gila National Forest is open for recreational opportunities with Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect. For more information on restrictions, go to firerestrictions.us. There is an emergency closure on the Forest for the fire area.  For more information about the fire closure go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila

Roads:  NM Highway 152 is open as of 10:00 a.m. July 1, 2013 from Kingston to San Lorenzo.  Although NM Highway 152 is open, there is a forest closure still in effect for some areas. Safety is still a concern, watch for domestic livestock, wildlife, rocks, fallen trees and debris. For additional information go to www.nmroads.com.
 www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM        www.flickr.com/gilaforest            www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM

One Still Free: Fire, Death and Taxes

One Still Free: Fire, Death and Taxes: My condolences to families and friends of the firefighters who were killed in the Yarnell fire in AZ yesterday. It is a terrible tragedy,  all the worse because it might have been prevented.