Catron County, BLM, NM State Forestry collaborate to promote healthy forests, economy

Officials with Catron County, the Socorro Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management and the New Mexico State Forestry Division met last week in Datil, N.M., to announce a new partnership promoting healthy forests and economic growth for Catron County.

The objectives of this partnership are to:

• work collaboratively to improve forest health and provide economic opportunities for Catron County citizens;

• conduct sustainable forest product removal, primarily firewood and wood products such as fence posts and biomass;

• minimize government expenditures and reduce county workload; and

• create a successful federal-state-county partnership program that draws support and interest from the state and private landowners.

Officials are optimistic that this mutually beneficial agreement will reduce fire risk on both private and federal land, create employment opportunities and reduce costs to the taxpayers.

“I’m looking forward to working with the BLM and New Mexico State Forestry on this new partnership,” said Sarah Merklein, Catron County manager. “This is a great beginning to what should be a win-win opportunity for everyone involved.”

“This signing is a milestone in our new collaborative effort with Catron County,” said Danita Burns, BLM Socorro field office manager. “While this is just the first step, we’re excited about the opportunities this federal-county partnership allows in working together to reduce wildfire risks and help local communities receive the benefits of forest and woodland restoration projects.”

For more information, visit www.blm.gov/stewardship.