This project covers authorized forest restoration support activities across five national forests in new mexico

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Region 3 (Southwestern Region), awarded $750,000 to the New Mexico Energy Minerals & Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) under the Good Neighbor Authority program (CFDA 10.691) on September 22, 2025. The cooperative agreement, which extends through June 30, 2030, supports authorized forest restoration activities across five National Forests in New Mexico. Under this agreement, EMNRD will coordinate the National Forests' five-year plans with state priorities outlined in the New Mexico Forest Action Plan, develop management prescriptions, conduct procurement activities, manage and supervise contractors, and perform project inspections to ensure compliance and quality.

The Good Neighbor Authority program enables states to conduct restoration and recreation services on National Forest System lands to increase the pace and scale of forest and rangeland management while enhancing recreational opportunities. As a negotiated sole-source cooperative agreement typical of this program, the award reflects a collaborative approach between the Forest Service and the state agency to advance regional forest and watershed health objectives. EMNRD's role as the primary administrative entity positions it to implement forest restoration priorities across the five-forest landscape in alignment with broader regional management goals.

Activities include coordination of the national forests 5-year plans and state priorities described in the new mexico forest action plan, development of prescriptions, procurement activities, management and supervision of contractors, and inspections.