Forest and Watershed Health

The Forest and Watershed Health program area brings together the Forestry Division’s core efforts to support healthy forests, strong communities, and long‑term stewardship across New Mexico. This work spans reforestation, post‑fire restoration, and support for the state’s forest industry, reflecting a commitment to both ecological recovery and sustainable economic opportunity. Through these program areas, the Division provides landowners, communities, and partners with the tools and resources needed to restore landscapes after wildfire, reestablish forests, and strengthen the wood products sector.

This on‑the‑ground work is closely connected to the Division’s broader role in statewide coordination. The State Forest and Watershed Health Coordinating Group brings together federal, state, tribal, and local governments; non‑governmental organizations; collaborative groups; private industry; and other partners who share a commitment to forest and watershed health. The group plays a pivotal role in advancing the New Mexico Forest Action Plan and ensuring that the priorities guiding our resilience programs are informed by shared expertise and aligned across jurisdictions. Staff also participate in numerous statewide and regional working groups, standing committees, grant evaluation panels, and technical advisory teams, helping to ensure that the Division’s program areas are grounded in science, responsive to community needs, and connected to the broader landscape‑scale efforts happening across the state.

Together, these efforts support immediate recovery needs while building the long‑term capacity required to care for New Mexico’s forests and watersheds into the future.

Interested in joining the Forest and Watershed Health Coordinating Group?

Contact: erin.mcelroy@emnrd.nm.gov

Forest and Watershed Health Resources