Coalition works to protect forests
WILDFIRES DESTROY homes, turn lives upside down, decimate water systems and can cost tens of millions of dollars to fight.
As the April 17 editorial “NM needs to get serious about preventing fires” points out, cities, counties and agencies are taking action to prevent a spark from turning into a devastating wildfire as temperatures climb and winds pick up speed. Bans on campfires and the sale of fireworks are important steps.
On a large scale, The Nature Conservancy-led Rio Grande Water
Fund is also designed to prevent catastrophic wildfires. More than 60 agencies, businesses and organizations are working together to use the best available science to protect forests and the clean water that they provide for one million people in central and northern New Mexico. Our goal is to restore 600,000 acres in 20 years.
Since 2014, the fund has restored 70,000 acres and created more than 100 jobs. This kind of collaborative work is spreading through coalitions working with the Lincoln and Gila National Forests.
Preventing wildfires is in everyone’s best interest. The Nature Conservancy is grateful to all parties engaged in this effort to secure our water and ensure our quality of life.
LAURA MCCARTHY The Nature Conservancy, N.M. associate state director, Rio Grande Water Fund