HELP IS ON THE WAY FROM THE FEDS FOR NEW MEXICO FARMERS AND RANCHERS AS THEY RECOVER FROM WILDFIRES SPARKED DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS. THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE IS TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH NEXT WEEK, WITH A JULY 19TH DEADLINE.
THREE YEARS OF RECORD FIRE SEASONS BEGINNING IN 2011 HAVE CAUSED FARMERS AND RANCHERS HUGE LOSSES. THE AGENCY SAYS THE MONEY SHOULD HELP THEM RESTORE PARTS OF THEIR OPERATIONS AND DEVELOP MORE LONG-TERM RESILIENCE TO DROUGHTS, FIRES AND FLOODING.
SO FAR THIS YEAR ALONE, OVER 185-THOUSAND ACRES OF TINDER-DRY FOREST HAVE BEEN DESTROYED.
