Forests

New Mexico's woods are a valuable resource for the state, offering outdoor enjoyment, fuelwood, food, jobs, and safe drinking water. The New Mexico Forestry Division (EMNRD) was founded in 1957 to handle the requirements of the state's forests and watersheds. The five national forests encompass the majority of the state's hilly terrain.

The Cibola National Forest spans 1.9 million acres in west and central New Mexico, with ecosystems ranging from the Chihuahuan desert to subalpine spruce and fir. The Lincoln National Forest is divided into five mountain ranges, which get more desert-like as you move south.

The New Mexico Forestry Division, based in Santa Fe, employs 141 full-time workers at offices around the state. Climate change has increased wildfire dangers for communities, firefighters, and natural resources, endangering water security.