Archive for East Mountains
Mountainair Ranger District Press Release: Fall Prescribed Burning To Begin on the Mountainair Ranger District
Mountainair, NM – October 25, 2010: As fall colors come to an end and temperatures drop, it’s time for the Mountainair Ranger District to continue its prescribed burning program. According to District Fire Management Officer, Mark Bernal, the district currently has two burns planned.
Currently there are 2 burns planned on the district. The first burn is the East Thunderbird Prescribed Burn. The East Thunderbird burn began last winter, but due to early winter precipitation was not completed. The fall conditions have given us the opportunity to reenter the 190 acre area and attempt to complete the burn.
The burn will be in a forest area locally known as the Thunderbird area. This area was thinned within the Thunderbird Ecosystem Management area, along both sides of Forest Road #275. There are no set dates for the burn but district fire personnel will be watching weather patterns closely during the next few weeks to determine when it is safe and advantageous to conduct this burn. The burn will be conducted only if and when weather patterns and available fire personnel are conducive to burning.
The second burn planned is the Barranco Prescribed Burn. This burn is also within the Thunderbird Ecosystem Management area and is located South of Forest Road #275. This burn will also be conducted as weather conditions and personnel allow.
If you have questions regarding the planned prescribed burn or any other Mountainair Ranger District questions, please call 505-847-2990 or email Adrian Padilla at adrianpadilla@fs.fed.us or Arlene Perea at atperea@fs.fed.us.
Pete’s Mexican Cantina Shows Promise, But The Jury’s Still Out
by John Weckerle
This evening, the NM-Central staff (minus Chief Staying Home For Dinner Correspondent Wilson) took the evening off and went out for our evening meal. Our first choice for the evening was going to be Sandia Crust Pizza, which serves a noteworthy eggplant rollatini, but after a neighbor asked us if Pete’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina – Home of the Halfbreed – had opened yet, we decided to take a peek and see if they had started operations.
Boy, had they. Your editor dropped the rest of the party off at the door and ended up parking on the shoulder of North 14. We were seated immediately, despite the fact that the parking lot was completely full.
The prospect of once again being able to have a margarita (or, for that matter, any mixed drink) before or with dinner was apparently a draw; there were a lot of people in the place, and a lot of margarita glasses on the tables. Unfortunately, after waiting more than 10 minutes for our drink order, our waiter returned to tell us that they did not have the tequila we requested (the very popular Jose Cuervo 1800 Silver). Now, there are those who will say that it doesn’t matter what kind of tequila one puts in a margarita. Such people are not to be trusted, voted for or, for that matter, allowed to vote. Or reproduce. Under such circumstances, one expects the waiter to suggest another middle-shelf tequila. He didn’t. We got regular Cuervo Gold instead. Strike one.
Chips and salsa were on the table before the drinks. That is to say, some very tasty salsa and some whole chips on top of a bunch of smashed ones. This is the sort of thing that does not go over well in other states, but in New Mexico, it’s nigh unto treason. Strike two.
The menu at Pete’s contains a mix of regular favorites – New Mexican foods, steaks (Lucy says they need to add an 8-ounce steak; 12 ounces is too big for a lot of people), and so on – and other things we don’t see in some restaurants. Shrimp Veracruz is one of the selections, and shrimp fajitas are another. A green chile pasta dish was also featured, and that could be ordered with shrimp. Your editor was delighted to be able to get something with some protein that didn’t involve meat or poultry. With great enthusiasm, I ordered the pasta with shrimp – and at almost exactly 5:45 in the afternoon, the waiter replied, “We’re out of shrimp.”
Strike three.
»» Pete’s Mexican Cantina Shows Promise, But The Jury’s Still Out
Cibola National Forest Enacts Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
USDA Forest Service Press Release
Albuquerque, June 17, 2010 – The Cibola National Forest, including the Mt. Taylor, Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions starting Friday, June 18 at 8:00am. Cibola National Forest Supervisor Nancy Rose explained, “With the recent increase in temperatures, higher winds, continued dry conditions that are drying vegetation, the potential for Wildland fires has increased and we feel it is necessary to take these precautions.”
As always, fireworks are prohibited on all national forest system lands.
Beginning 8:00 am, Friday, June 18, 2010, the following restrictions apply to the Mt. Taylor, Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts.
Open Campfire Restrictions:
- Campfires, charcoal grills and stove fires are prohibited on national forest lands except in Forest Service developed camp and picnic grounds where grills are provided.
Restrictions:
- Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed. Please contact the Cibola National Forest for more details regarding where fires are allowed.
- Smoking is allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building; a developed recreation site; or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter and free of all flammable material.
Please call for more information, Mark Chavez, Cibola National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 505-346-3900, or one of the following district offices:
- Mt. Taylor Ranger District, 505- 287-8833
- Sandia Ranger District, 505-281-3304
- Mountainair Ranger District, 505-847-2990
Additional fire information for the Southwest Area is available at http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/index.htm.
Public Service Announcement: East Mountain Fire Prevention Meeting
Editor’s note: We just received the following press release from Larry Gallegos at the Bernalillo County Public Information Office.
COMMISSIONER MICHAEL BRASHER INVITES ALL EAST MOUNTAIN RESIDENTS TO THE FIRST
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FIRE PREVENTION MEETING OF 2010
Bernalillo County Commissioner Michael Brasher is calling on all East Mountain residents to attend the first Emergency Management Fire Prevention Meeting of the 2010 fire season. Representatives from the Bernalillo County Fire Department & Fire Marshall’s Office, the Office of Emergency Management, U.S Forest Service and others will be on hand. Topics will include: preparing for a fire, evacuation plans for humans and animals, weather patterns and fire behavior expected this year and how residents can get ready for the upcoming fire season. There will be a question and answer period after the presentations with all the panelists.
“I hope that East Mountain residents take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about preparing themselves for fire dangers and to see what Bernalillo County is proactively doing to help them in case of a fire,” said Commissioner Brasher.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 21st, from 6:30pm-8:00pm at Los Vecinos Community Center, 478 1/2 Old Hwy. 66, in Tijeras.
Public Service Announcement: Mountainair Ranger District Travel Management Environmental Assessment Ready for Public Review
from Mark M. Chavez, Public Affairs Officer/Web Manager, Cibola National Forest & Grasslands
Mountainair, NM – March 4th, 2010 – The Mountainair Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, is hosting three Open Houses March 9th, 10th and 11th to provide an opportunity for public review and comment regarding the proposals described in the Environmental Assessment for Travel Management on the Mountainair Ranger District. The meeting will begin with a short presentation on the alternatives at 5 p.m., followed by the Open House where individuals will have an opportunity to meet with the Interdisciplinary Team and ask questions about the environmental analysis and the alternatives. »» Public Service Announcement: Mountainair Ranger District Travel Management Environmental Assessment Ready for Public Review
Leapin’ To The Lizard
by John Weckerle
Yesterday evening, we decided enough cabin fever was enough and headed out to the Lazy Lizard Grill in Cedar Crest, on NM 14 just south of Frost Road. The Lazy Lizard serves beer, wine, and a variety of meals and appetizers. Your editor ordered the Ringneck Pizza (fresh tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, olives, and mozzarella) with extra cheese, and others ordered the Mud Puppy (a French dip-style sandwich) and the Chicken Caesar Wrap. The very tasty pizza sported appropriately fresh ingredients and went very well with the glass of oatmeal stout I ordered. Leftover slices made an excellent breakfast this morning. High compliments were afforded to the Mud Puppy as well, and the Chicken Caesar – half of which came home because it was huge – also received kudos from the consumer. In the past, your editor has also enjoyed the Sandia Park calzone, the Horned Lizard sandwich, the Lizard Bread appetizer, and several of the salads. Prices are reasonable, especially in light of the generous portions provided. »» Leapin’ To The Lizard
Winter Storm Dumps Major Snow Load (So Far)
Sedillo Hill camera at 8:33 a.m.
by John Weckerle
Snow is falling heavily here at New Mexico Central headquarters, and has been since sometime during the night. Depending on where we dig, we can see anything from eight inches to a foot. Areas shoveled less than half an hour ago are under two to three inches of snow already. Road reports are not encouraging, and neither are the roadside camera shots from NMRoads.com. Cameras at I-40 & NM 14, and at Carnuel, are iced over, with no image available except for the ice on the camera. The I-40 & Zamora Rd. Camera shows some snow in both lanes, and having looked at two consecutive images, we think it may be getting worse there. The Sedillo Hill camera shows at least some snow in all lanes – and both cameras show snow still falling. According to KOB.com, the following schools in our area are closed:
- East Mountain High School
Senior Meteorological Correspondent Wilson Taking Scientific Snow Depth Measurements
- Edgewood Christian School
- Mountainair Junior High
- Albuquerque Public Schools East Mountain Schools
- Estancia Municipal Schools
- Moriarty-Edgewood Schools
- Mountainair Public Schools
TCPO To Go Transportation and the Estancia and Moriarty Magistrate Courts are also closed. If we’ve missed any schools, we’d appreciate it if our readers would let us know.
Lest the local climate change “skeptics” get too excited, let’s remember that winter storms of this nature (and the frequency with which they’ve been occurring) are typical of El Nino conditions – a warming of surface waters in the Pacific Ocean.
Out Of The Frying Pan…
by John Weckerle
We return after a brief hiatus, during which your editor was working on a project with an aggressive deadline. That project was unique in that the associated travel last week – to Pasadena, California – provided the opportunity to experience last week’s storm twice: once there, and once here.
Now that most of the snow has melted here at New Mexico Central headquarters, we find ourselves again awaiting another, and apparently this one is going to be a doozy. With that, let us provide you with the National Weather Forecast Winter Storm Warning. »» Out Of The Frying Pan…
Public Service Announcement: Family and Home Safety Fair
by John Weckerle
We’ve received word from Ellen Burgess at the Torrance County Project Office that a Family and Home Safety Fair will be held in McIntosh on Saturday, January 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Fair, which will address such issues as child safety, disaster preparedness, quality of life, and associated subjects will also include free food and door prizes. Presenters will include the NM Attorney General’s office, the Central New Mexico Electrical Cooperative, Torrance County Sheriff’s Department, Moriarty Police Department, the Cariño Toy and Resource Library, and many others. For more information, see the event flier.
Surprise! Snowstorm Slams Southwest, Slowdowns Suspected
by John Weckerle
The Great Hunter bags a rubber chicken in the snow.
Snow continued to descend throughout the night, with a few flakes still falling this morning at New Mexico Central headquarters. Temperatures were in the low 20s, and accumulation – though difficult to ascertain due to the drifting – appeared to be between 8 inches and a foot. Your editor spent about an hour last night shoveling two tire tracks down the driveway and coaxing the car up the driveway and into the garage. It is unclear exactly when the car will be going back out.
Cameras on I-40 at Zamora Road in Tijeras and in Carnuel show relatively clear, but possibly slippery, conditions on the highway; however, local roads (not to mention driveways) are likely to be another matter. Alerts are in effect along I-40 from at least Sedillo Hill through Carnuel.
Wild, Wicked Winter Weather Whiteness Worsens
by John Weckerle
A winter storm of somewhat unexpected intensity has descended upon the Estancia Valley and the West Mountains, forcing your editor to abandon his vehicle about 100 yards from New Mexico Central headquarters (thankfully, in the driveway). Road conditions are bad and getting worse. According to NMRoads.com:
Interstate 40 through the Canyon and especially Sedillo Hill are slushy to snow packed. NM 333, NM 14, NM 337 and NM217 are snow packed. Use caution and reduce your speed. Crews are working the area.
The cameras along 1-40 do not appear to be working any longer, and NMRoads.com is ending sessions faster than Congress during an election season. If you’re home, we suggest you stay there – and if you’re about to head for home, be extra careful. Let’s hope this all clears up in time for us to see tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve blue moon – if not, we’ll have to wait another 19 years for a repeat.
Fire In The Sky…Briefly
Sunrise Over The Estancia Valley
by John Weckerle
At about 5:24 this morning, there appeared in the eastern sky a meteor so large and bright that your editor was able to see it without corrective lenses – which is saying that it was really big, and really bright. We’d be interested in knowing if anyone else witnessed the event. About an hour later, we were treated to a lovely sunrise with a sliver of moon – and figured we’d share it with those who might have missed it.
Things will be quiet on the International Space Station sightings front for the rest of this month, with only one pass scheduled (December 23, 2009). For more information, see the Moriarty schedule.
Oh, The Weather Outside…
by John Weckerle
Last night brought us some fairly intense weather here at NM-Central headquarters, with times of snow, freezing rain, thunder and lightning, and high winds. This morning seems dominated by the wind, although weather authorities warn of more potential precipitation before the system has passed. Local TV stations indicate that the Estancia Valley, including Estancia itself, will likely bear the brunt of the storm in our area. The northern part of the state has received substantial snowfall. Here at NM-Central, we’ve received a few inches or so.
NMRoads.com reports that road conditions in the area are (at best) snow-packed and icy. According to KOB.com, Moriarty-Edgewood schools and Estancia schools are closed, and East Mountain High School and APS schools are on a two-hour delay. We have not been able to find any information on Mountainair’s schools. We recommend that our readers stay home if they can, and to those who can’t, please be extra cautious.
Public Service Announcement: KXNM-88.7 FM seeks donations
from the KNSM-88.7 Community Foundation:
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
The KXNM FM 88.7 Community Foundation has recently received a match donation of up to $50,000.00 from a generous Torrance County Family that realizes the value and potential that a community-based educational not for profit radio station has to offer to area residents, businesses, schools, civic and non-profit organizations, municipal and county governments.
If as a community we rise to the challenge and raise $50,000, we will have enough money to build the transmission tower. It is the crucial and pivotal piece of infrastructure. No gift is too large or too small; this is truly a grass roots effort.
If you are an individual, organization or business that is able to give $2,500 or more you are eligible for the advantages of our Radio Pioneer underwriting program. »» Public Service Announcement: KXNM-88.7 FM seeks donations
Public Service Announcement: Hazard Tree Removal Continues
We have received the following press release from Karen Takai at the Sandia Ranger District:
Hazard Trees Continue To Be Removed in the Sandia Ranger District Recreation Sites
TIJERAS, NM – October 8, 2009: Starting October14th , 7am to 5pm, contractors will be cutting down large dead standing hazard trees in developed recreation sites off of the Crest Highway. The project will start from the higher elevation sites and move down the mountain into other sites where hazard trees have been identified. We expect the project to take two months weather permitting (Monday through Friday) .
For the safety of our visitors to the mountains during this time we recommend that you call one day before to find out what areas will be temporarily closed while work is being done.
The initial work is concentrated in picnic areas and trailheads. We are asking our visitors to be extremely careful when in the forest. Be aware of dead standing trees (snags) around you at all times. Exit heavily forested areas that have dead standing trees especially during high winds.
For more information contact Sandia District Ranger at 281-3304