Extensions roll in Alternatives to Post Fire Recovery and Infrastructure
Extension Education
Sara Marta
Sierra County Program Director
NMSU
Truth or Consequences
Abstract
In 2022 New Mexico experienced not only the largest, but second largest wildfire in state history. The Black Fire burned 325,133 acres of the Gila National Forest directly affecting nine active permittees with livestock and approximately 90 miles of fence. As the dynamics to wildfire intensity and size continue to grow and change, so does the recovery efforts to the landscape and livestock producers. Ranching operations are extremely dependent upon the infrastructure available to provide water and management for their livestock. Not only is the cost to repair or replace damaged infrastructure at an all-time high, but the labor to do so is becoming more difficult to find. The agent initiated coordination meetings with ranchers, United States Forest Service (USFS), NMSU Extension Specialists, New Mexico Department of Agriculture and Farm Service Agency during post fire recovery efforts to determine alternative solutions that would allow ranchers to graze their allotment's and re-stock their cattle.
During initial discussions it was determined that virtual fencing may provide another means of livestock management at least until fences could be re-constructed. Through multiple educational workshops the agent and extension specialists provided detailed information and training opportunities for ranchers affected by the Black Fire to determine if virtual fencing was a reasonable alternative for their operation. Extension specialists additionally identified funding available for programs through a grant for Rapid Response to Extreme Weather Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems.
Two allotment permittees with some of the more remote fence re-construction needs decided to participate in the alternative fence program. A total of 200 cows were collared on 52,000 acres of Forest Service lands. This allowed these producers to continue grazing on USFS lands prior to fence repair and replacement following the Black Fire to provide management within different burn intensity areas of the forest. Participants are completing the first full year of utilizing virtual fencing collars on their operations. Although it continues to be a learning process, especially in the remote areas of the Gila that have no cell service, producers are ultimately pleased with the program and see a bright future for this technology.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Sara Marta, Craig Gifford, Santiago Utsumi
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Marta, S. Sierra County Program Director, NMSU Cooperative Extension County Program Director, New Mexico, 87901
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Gifford, C. Extension Beef Specialist, NMSU Cooperative Extension, New Mexico, 88001
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Utsumi, S. Associate Professor of Grazing Ecology, NMSU , New Mexico, 88001