Comments Sought on Taos Canyon Restoration Project

The Carson National Forest has released the draft environmental assessment for the Taos Canyon Forest and Watershed Restoration Project, which aims to restore forest and watershed health and reduce the risk of wildfire to communities within an 83,000-acre area in and around Taos Canyon. The public is encouraged to submit a comment by July 11.

Such work in Taos Canyon is a priority for the State of New Mexico, Taos County and Colfax County, as well as local homeowner associations and Firewise committees.

“A key to our planning efforts is to work with local and state partners and identify needs that serve communities,” said Forest Supervisor James Duran. “By focusing work in this high-risk landscape, the Carson National Forest and partners can significantly reduce wildfire risk to communities, critical infrastructure and natural resources, such as the watersheds that we all depend on.”

A U.S. Forest Service analysis of firesheds nationwide found that the Taos Fireshed has one of the highest risks in the nation. A high-risk fireshed is an area where a fire can start and have the potential to threaten a relatively large number of buildings if it spreads.

Reducing the risk of destructive wildfire is part of the new National Active Forest Management Strategy, which also seeks to support rural economies and the forest product industry and build capacity through partnerships.

The draft environmental assessment and supporting documents are available online. Specific written comments on the proposed project will be accepted for 30 calendar days from June 11.