News
Strengthening Collaborative Capacity in New Mexico
In January and February, the NMFWRI Collaboration Program partnered with Southwest Decision Resources (SDR) and several partners to host facilitation trainings for individuals working in collaborative conservation efforts across New Mexico. Since early 2025, the Collaboration Program has been working with SDR to convene a statewide planning team of partners from universities, agencies, nonprofits, and consulting organizations. Together, […]
Lack of Snow Means Increased Wildfire Risk
By Alan Barton, NMFWRI Director A headline in the Washington Post on Feb. 23 read: “Blizzard blankets Northeast with snowfall pushing 2 feet, with more falling.” On Feb. 7, the New York Times had a headline that read: “We love you, snow. Now go away.” Out west, however, the news has been very […]
Ecological Monitoring and GRGWA: An Update For 2026
By Andrew Persante The Greater Rio Grande Watershed is continually threatened by decreased bankfull overflow that feeds its floodplains, persistent human disturbances from urban development and agriculture, and shifting fire regimes due to drought and non-native invasive encroachment. Increased frequency, intensity, and severity of wildfire has a profound effect on this already drought-stressed region. Riparian areas and the watersheds they contribute to are at high risk of ecologic degradation, especially in the wake of severe wildfires. The continued maintenance […]
Want to learn about New Mexico plants?
Plants are an integral part of the world around us. We’ve gathered a collection of resources for identification and care of the plants, trees, and grasses of New Mexico.
Fire history in the Four Corners
Wildfires in the Four Corners have grown larger in the last couple of decades. NMFWRI’s Dana Heusinkveld created this timeline of wildfires in the region encompassing New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah.
To see fires that are currently burning in New Mexico along with historic fire info in the NM Fire Viewer, click the button below.
Restoration
The New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute provides technical assistance and practical knowledge in forest and woodland restoration to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire and restore healthy and sustainable forested ecosystems and restoration-based economies.
GIS/Mapping
NMFWRI represents the state’s only dedicated capability for supporting the spatial data analysis needs of external stakeholders in the natural resources sector, as well as the GIS/GPS capacity for Highlands University and for most of northern New Mexico.
Monitoring
Restoration based monitoring of New Mexico's forest and riparian ecosystems is integral to NMFWRI's mission.
Collaboration
The New Mexico Forest & Watershed Restoration Institute supports natural-resource-based collaboration by assisting communities to form collaborative organizations and build the capacity to work together to solve problems and restore natural habitats.