New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

Sen. Martin Heinrich talks with correspondent Laura Paskus about New Mexico’s wildfire season, what the future might hold, and the need to professionalize the country’s federal wildland firefighting workforce.

In the Gila National Forest, the Black Fire ignited on May 13—and has already grown into the state’s third largest wildfire in history. Fire behavior analyst Arthur Gonzales, with the Southwest Incident Management Team #5 talks about the conditions fueling the giant fire. "I started this business in 1995, and I’ve seen a lot of large fires,” he tells correspondent Laura Paskus. “But it is surprising, Laura. It’s surprising. And it should surprise everybody. These are unprecedented conditions.” Gonzales also talks about the fire’s footprint, the varying levels of fire severity within the perimeter, and what people might expect to happen in the Gila this summer.

The Line Opinion Panel reacts to the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to pause all prescribed burns for at least 90 days. And, a conversation about how we can learn to better manage forests to prevent major catastrophes like the Hermit’s Peak Fire. They also explore the possibilities for native tribes after two New Mexico Pueblos reached an agreement with the state to produce and sell recreational cannabis products. Plus, a larger conversation about potential for cannabis legalization at the national level.

Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

The Line Host:

Gene Grant

Line Opinion Panelists:

Serge Martinez, professor, UNM School of Law

Dan Foley, former New Mexico state representative

Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican

Guests:

Martin Heinrich, U.S. Senator, New Mexico

Arthur Gonzales, US Forest Service, fire behavior analyst

For More Information:

Heinrich Urges Administration to Establish Pay Rate for Federal Wildland Firefighters – Los Alamos Daily Post

With Climate Change Fueling Wildfires, Changes Needed – New Mexico Political Report

National Interagency Fire Center

US Forest Service Pauses Prescribed Burns – SF Reporter

LANL Developing Software to Better Manage Prescribed Burns – Santa Fe New Mexican

Two NM Tribes Closer to Recreational Cannabis Sales – KOB

Two Pueblos Reach Cannabis Tax Agreement – Marijuana Retail Report

The Line Opinion Panel reviews the state’s new draft plan to address the Yazzie Martinez lawsuit. Among other things, that plan sets new goals for graduation rates, along with math and science proficiency. Panelists discuss whether the plan goes far enough to bridge the gaps in education access highlighted in the 2018 lawsuit.

New information from a legislative economist shows the state could be in for even more surplus revenue than expected. Our Panel brainstorms how the money could be most effectively used, and how our reliance on oil and gas revenue impacts the state’s shift towards renewable energy.

Host:

Kevin McDonald

Line Opinion Panelists:

Merritt Allen, Vox Optima public relations

Laura Sanchez, attorney

Dan Boyd, capitol bureau chief, Albuquerque Journal

For More Information:

NM Releases Draft Plan to Address Education Lawsuit – Associated Press

NM Releases Long-Awaited Draft Plan For Education Lawsuit – SF New Mexican

NM PED Website

New Mexico Secretary of State

Using public data from the U.S. Forest Service, Steve Bassett, Director of Planning and Spatial Analysis with The Nature Conservancy, has been creating perimeter maps each morning, showing the progression of the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire in northern New Mexico.  “With the skills that I have and the desperation I was feeling, I went out and grabbed that data and did something with it to get some more information out and into the public hands,” he says. In conversation with correspondent Laura Paskus, he also talks about what he is learning along the way.

Andrew Curley is a professor at the University of Arizona’s School of Geography, Development & Environment. His research focuses on the “everyday incorporation of Indigenous nations into colonial economies” including fossil fuel development in the U.S. Southwest and creation of the Central Arizona Project off the Colorado River. In conversation with correspondent Laura Paskus, he talks about how the Colorado River’s crisis far predates climate change and challenges the narrative of climate apocalypse.

The Line Opinion panel discusses the now record-setting wildfire burning near Las Vegas. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham wants the federal government to cover all the costs for all our fires, but is that a realistic request? And, the new restrictions at National Forests around the state.

Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

Guest:

Steve Bassett, Dir. Planning and Spatial Analysis with The Nature Conservancy

Andrew Curley, University of Arizona, School of Geography, Development & Environment

Line Opinion Panelists:

Merritt Allen, Vox Optima public relations

Laura Sanchez, attorney

Dan Boyd, capitol bureau chief, Albuquerque Journal

For More Information:

The Nature Conservancy – New Mexico

Steve Bassett - Twitter

Contested Water Settlements Inflamed the Navajo Nation’s Health Crisis – High Country News

Infrastructures as colonial beachheads: The Central Arizona Project and the taking of Navajo resources – Andrew Curley

“Our Winters’ Rights”: Challenging Colonial Water Laws – Andrew Curley

Calf Canyon Hermit’s Peak Fire Now Largest in NM History - Albuquerque Journal

Three NM National Forests Close Thursday Due To Extreme Fire Danger - KOAT

San Miguel Temporarily Bans Fireworks – Las Vegas Optic

The Line Opinion Panel discusses the issue of abortion rights, and how overturning Roe V. Wade could impact New Mexico. Will restrictive laws in other states force more people here for procedures? The Panel will answer that question while considering the impact this debate could have on midterm elections.

Virgin Galactic is announcing a delay in its plans to begin commercial space flights. Will the delay have a tangible impact at the taxpayer-funded Spaceport America?

Producer Lou DiVizio catches up with New Mexico’s Secretary of Childhood Education and Care to talk about new childcare expansions now available for tens of thousands of New Mexican families.

Host:

Kevin McDonald

Correspondent:

Lou DiVizio

Guest:

Elizabeth Groginsky, NM Secretary of Early Childhood Education and Care

Line Opinion Panelists:

Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current-Argus

Tom Garrity, Garrity Group public relations

Cathryn McGill, founder, director, NM Black Leadership Council

For More Information:

Oklahoma’s 6-week Ban a Precursor of What’s to Come for NM – NM Political Report

Rallies & Outrage Over Supreme Court Draft Decision – NM Political Report

Downtown Albuquerque Rally Against Possible Supreme Court Overturn - KOAT

Virgin Galactic Delays Commercial Service from Spaceport – Las Cruces Sun-News

Virgin Galactic Delays Commercial Launch, again – Albuquerque Journal

Childcare Assistance – New Mexico Department of Childhood Education and Care

New Mexicans know all about gusty spring winds. But what we’re experiencing this year is different. Meteorologist Scott Overpeck, with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, explains the winds we’ve been experiencing through April and May—and offers a look ahead. In conversation with correspondent Laura Paskus, Overpeck talks about this year’s conditions and explains why these winds are so dangerous for communities and firefighters.

The Line also talks wildfires as the largest fire in the country burns in northern New Mexico. Panelists share their thoughts on a federal push to expand benefits for wildland firefighters, and the wider discussion surrounding prescribed burns.

Sarah Jaquette Ray’s 2020 book, “A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet,” is more useful than ever, providing insight and guidance to dealing with climate anxiety. In conversation with correspondent Laura Paskus, Ray talks about the importance of collective work in climate justice advocacy (and in all our lives), how to not feel powerless in the face of gigantic challenges, and the importance of “slow hope” in a world where everything seems to be moving too fast.

Host/Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Scott Overpeck, warning coordination meteorologist, National Weather Service

Sarah Jaquette Ray, professor, author of “A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety”

Line Opinion Panelists:

Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current-Argus

Tom Garrity, Garrity Group public relations

Cathryn McGill, founder, director, NM Black Leadership Council

For More Information:

Full Interview – NM PBS

Evacuation Information – NM Dept. Of Homeland Security and Management

Strong Winds Batter New Mexico Complicating Wildfire Fight – Associated Press

Strong Winds Batter New Mexico Complicating Wildfire Fight – Associated Press

Massive Wildfire Grows, but Toas Safe for Now – Associated Press

Biden Approves Presidential Disaster Declaration for NM Wildfires – SF Reporter

A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety – University of California Press

First up this week, as we talk about at the beginning of the show, this will be another dangerous weekend for wildfires in New Mexico. We want to share some valuable resources with you so we can all stay as safe as possible:

KRQE Fire Evacuations: What You Need to Know

And, information on assistance, for those who have already suffered losses from the ongoing wildfires. 

Now to our episode this week... a reflection on a historic small-town paper, the Rio Grande Sun. The paper had carried the Trapp family name for more than a half-century, until the recent decision to sell. Gene Grant sits down with former owner, editor and publisher Robert Trapp to ask why he decided to move on from the multi-generational business, what the legacy of the paper may be, and what the future could hold under new ownership. Gene also catches up with three former reporters at the Rio Grande Sun who recall some of their memories at the paper and explain how formative their experiences were for the rest of their careers. Correspondent Gwyneth Doland then looks ahead to the new direction of the paper, during an interview with the new editor and publisher Richard Connor.

Historical context is scattered throughout this week’s show, with excerpts from the Ben Daitz documentary “The Sun Never Sets,” which followed the paper and its workers during the early days of the internet. That documentary originally aired on NMPBS in 2013.

Guests:

Robert Trapp, former owner, editor & publisher, Rio Grande Sun

Julia Goldberg, reporter, Santa Fe Reporter

Tabitha Clay, reporter, The Paper

Mike Kaemper, former editor, Rio Grande Sun

Richard L. Connor, publisher & editor, Rio Grande Sun

For More Information:

Rio Grande Sun – website

‘Rio Grande Sun’ sold to investors – Santa Fe New Mexican

We’re Done Afflicting the Comfortable – Rio Grande Sun Editorial (Robert Trapp)

Local Investment Group Buys Rio Grande Sun – Rio Grande Sun

Campaign finance is being thrust into the spotlight in the Democratic race for attorney general. Our Line Opinion Panelists discuss the potential conflicts of interest that could arise from certain donations, while taking history into account.

A court decision has allowed oil and gas leasing to resume on public lands. That’s as the Interior Department releases a scathing report on the state of the federal oil and gas program. Our Line Opinion Panelists give their thoughts on the change, and the remaining ban on extraction in and around Chaco Canyon.

Our Land Correspondent Laura Paskus talks with journalist Wufei Yu about his coverage in High Country News. His work has focused on Asian American history and communities in New Mexico and around the West.

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dede Feldman, former NM state senator

Edmund Perea, attorney and public safety consultant

Diane Snyder, former NM state senator

For More Information:

Out-of-State Law Firms Make Donations to AG Candidate Colón – Santa Fe New Mexican

Judge Clears Way For NM GOP Redistricting Challenge – Associated Press

Republican Bigwig Hopes to Reshape Democratic Legislature – Santa Fe New Mexican

BLM Opens Lands Back Up to Oil & Gas Leases – Source NM

Pause on Chaco Leases Remains the Right Call – Santa Fe New Mexican

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has called for a state of emergency over wildfires burning around New Mexico. The Governor and state forest officials are asking for more resources from the federal government, including more personnel to help handle the early start to fire season. The Line Opinion Panel discusses our current predicament, and explores other ways to deal with this crisis.

Correspondent Antonia Gonzales speaks with two members of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition for their reaction to Pope Francis’ apology to Canada over abuse at residential boarding schools. Where does New Mexico fit into this equation?

The U.S. Army has reached a settlement of $1.5M that will go towards restoring environmental and community damages at Fort Wingate. Environment reporter Laura Paskus talks with New Mexico’s Natural Resources Trustee about what plans are in place to restore the area surrounding the former munitions depot near Gallup.

Correspondents:

Antonia Gonzales

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Joannie Romero, Pueblo of Cochiti, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition

Samuel Torres, Mexica/Nahua, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition

Maggie Hart Stebbins, NM Natural Resources Trustee

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dede Feldman, former NM state senator

Edmund Perea, attorney and public safety consultant

Diane Snyder, former NM state senator

For More Information:

The Longest Season: An Our Land Wildfire Special – NM PBS (Video)

Governor Asks for More Federal Resources – Albuquerque Journal

NM Fires Still Burning, But Legacy of Anguish Begins – Santa Fe New Mexican

Emergency Declaration for Multiple Wildfires in New Mexico – Associated Press

National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition – Website

The Pope Apologizes for Abuse of Indigenous Children in Canada - NPR

Army Agrees to Pay $1.5M For Fort Wingate Pollution – Santa Fe New Mexican

Facing the Rising Sun: The Journey of African American Homesteaders in New Mexico, Vision, Belief, and Sovereign Ownership is a new exhibit at the Albuquerque Museum, on display through July 10, 2022. Host Gene Grant talks to some of the team that put this exhibit together on how the idea came about, the largely unknown history, and the way they used technology to bring these oral histories to life. 

Facing the Rising Sun is a partnership between the African American Museum & Cultural Center of New Mexico (AAMCCNM) and the City of Albuquerque Department of Arts and Culture, with design and fabrication by Electric Playhouse.

Correspondent:

Gene Grant

Guests:

Rita Powdrell

Marilyn Pettes Hill

Eric Yakley

Thomas Williams 

This week on New Mexico in Focus, fire season has started early in our state. In a collaboration with Our Land, Environment Reporter Laura Paskus gives the context we need to understand the impacts of the early start, and how we can navigate this growing threat.

New Mexico has already seen several serious fires across the state. These fires have destroyed hundreds of homes, killed two people so far, forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes and livestock, and they’ll cost millions of dollars.

The Longest Season: An Our Land Wildfire Special, explores all these challenges, and the ongoing struggle to support and recruit federal wildland firefighters to control these blazes.

Resources for New Mexicans:

For fire locations and details about individual fires: InciWeb

New Mexico Fire Information: NM Fire Info & NM Fire Info on Facebook

National Interagency Fire Center – Fire News

If the fire is burning on U.S. Forest Service land, search the name of the forest to find updates. Many of the forests, such as the Santa Fe National Forest, also have active Facebook pages.

NOAA Fire Weather information and alerts (to see things like red flag warnings for your area)

Fire and Smoke Map

New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method (for determining if smoky conditions in your area are unhealthy)

Community Wildfire Protection Plans in NM (includes guidelines and information on creating one, as well as links to plans for communities across the state)

Ready, Set, Go! Your Personal Wildland Fire Action Guide (New Mexico) (for information on protecting your home, being ready to evacuate, and making a personal wildfire plan for your home)

En sus Marcas, Listos, Fuera! Su Guia de Accion (Spanish)

Fire Adapted New Mexico Learning Network

NM State Foresty, Fire Prevention Programs

NM State Forestry: Protecting your home from wildfire

NM State Forestry: Creating Wildfire-Defensible Zones