High Plains Grasslands Alliance
COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS
Using Fire to Manage Private Working Lands
In 2024, HPGA hosted Using Fire to Manage Private Working Lands at NMHU Las Vegas, NM. The success of the workshop was in correlation with New Mexico Forestry Division, landowner resources from NRCS, Partners with Fish & Wildlife, and the Forest Stewards Guide. Benefits and uses of fire were discussed in grasslands, ponderosa pine mixed conifer areas, and the results of the alterations. Forest Stewards Guide presented All Hands All Lands Burn Network, building networks for operation and planning, partnerships, training, and the Forest Stewards Youth Corps. Sam Berry, Forest Stewards Guild and Brian Filip, presented New Mexico Forestry Divion Prescribed Fire Resources and Courses, the Prescribed Fire Act (68-5 et seq. NMSA 1978), Prescribed Burning Rule 19.20.5, Pile Burning Requirements, and pro conversations on becoming certified. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program discussed how the program can assist landowners with restoration projects including mechanical removal and pile burning, financial support, and technical support.
Mogote Fire Community Meeting
During the early spring of 2025, HPGA and Wagon Mound VFD held a debrief on the Mogote fire. Community members, landowners, and the Volunteer Fire Department gathered to identify gaps and share ideas for improving fire readiness and response. Several ideas to improve future wildfires included communication, access, equipment, coordination, and trust and safety. Ranchers and community members expressed sincere gratitude towards the volunteer fire departments.
Hydrogeology Monitoring
Control Burn Restoration
Climate Monitoring
Multi-Agency Experience
Baseline Data Collection
Drought Management
Volunteer Fire Departments
