Lincoln National Forest Seeks Public Input on Post-Fire Recovery Plans

(Alamogordo, NM, July 2, 2026) - Public Input Sought for Lincoln National Forest Post-Fire Recovery Plans

The Lincoln National Forest is inviting the public to comment on a preliminary Environmental Assessment (EA) that addresses recovery efforts following the South Fork and Blue 2 Fires. These initiatives are planned across approximately 18,140 acres of Forest Service-managed lands, which include both fire-impacted and adjacent unburned areas. Additionally, feedback is requested on a proposed amendment to the forest plan related to this project.

Details of the proposed recovery actions are outlined in the South Fork and Blue 2 Post-Fire Treatments preliminary EA, available on the project’s website. This area is located just west of Ruidoso, New Mexico, within Lincoln County.

The project has gained authorization under Section 40807 of the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), categorizing it as an emergency action.

Submitting Your Thoughts

The Forest Service urges community members to submit their comments by August 1, 2026, marking the end of the comment period. This will be the sole opportunity for public participation in evaluating this proposal.

Feedback should clearly articulate any concerns, suggestions, or support, specifying the project being discussed, to ensure effective addressing in the final environmental assessment.

Public input plays a vital role in:

• Identifying potential issues with the project
• Directing the analysis of possible impacts
• Forming a sound decision on proceeding with the project

How to Provide Comments

Send written comments electronically to: comments-southwestern-lincoln-smokey-bear@usda.gov. Acceptable file formats include plain text (.txt), rich text format (.rtf), Word (.doc), or Acrobat (.pdf).

Alternatively, mail paper comments to Deputy Forest Supervisor Mark Pentecost at 901 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM, 88345.

All comments, along with the names and addresses of contributors, will enter the public record and may be disclosed for public review. While anonymous feedback is accepted, it limits the agency's ability to furnish respondents with forthcoming environmental documents.

A confidentiality request can be made following the guidelines of 7 CFR 1.27(d), explaining how FOIA permits secrecy, typically for trade secrets. The Forest Service will notify the requester of its decision on confidentiality, and if refused, they can resubmit their comments within seven days, with or without personal identification.

For ongoing updates, visit the Lincoln National Forest website and follow them on Facebook.

About the Forest Service

The USDA Forest Service has been fostering conservation for over a century. Combining state-of-the-art science and community roots, the agency manages public lands, assists private landowners, and leads extensive wildland fire and forestry research efforts. It oversees 193 million acres of public land and stewards an additional 900 million forested acres, including urban forests where most Americans live.

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