Fronteras

Larger Wildfires Cost More To Fight

Climate change has led to longer fire seasons with larger, more complex and more costly fires. Last year the National Forest Service and the Interior Department had to borrow $650 million from other federal programs to fund increased firefighting costs.
 

Mónica Ortiz Uribe

Matt Romero stands above an acequia as it's cleaned out by a team of workers. Romero is one of a few farmers who makes a living entirely off the land.

New Mexico's Ancient Irrigation Systems Help Protect Scarce Water Supply

The major rivers of the Southwest are hurting as snow becomes increasingly scarce in the Rocky Mountains. Scientists who study climate change warn such conditions are the new normal.

But there’s encouraging news in northern New Mexico, where an ancient irrigation system has survived.

"We can learn from these systems that have been adapted to water scarcity for hundreds of years how to have our own sustainable water management," Sam Fernald of New Mexico State University said.

Mónica Ortiz Uribe

Estevan Arellano can trace his roots in New Mexico back to a land grant given by the king of Spain.

New Mexico Farmers Find Opportunities In Local Food Movement

Small farmers in northern New Mexico often struggle to make a living off the land. But a growing interest in local food may bring new opportunities.

“I am seeing a resurgence at our farmer's markets of people that are able to grow high value crops on less acreage using very water efficient technologies," said Paula Garcia, executive director of the New Mexico Acequia Association.
 

Five Southwest Rivers Make 'Endangered' List

Five Southwest rivers made America’s Most Endangered Rivers list this year. They are the San Joaquin, the Upper Colorado, the Gila, the White Rivers and San Francisquito Creek.

The environmental group American Rivers highlights 10 rivers each year that are at a crossroads, where key decisions will determine their fates.