The Sandoval County Commission meeting on August 13, 2025, highlighted significant progress in forest management and community engagement efforts aimed at wildfire prevention. A new online resource has been launched, allowing residents to access a live document detailing forest management strategies and to provide feedback on projects they wish to see implemented.

Over the past year, the county has held community meetings in Cuba, La Cueva, Corrales, and Bernalillo, fostering collaboration among community partners and various levels of government. This initiative aims to address the overgrowth in local forests, which poses a high threat of wildfires. The proposed solutions include mechanical thinning projects, where trees are cut down to promote healthier forest regeneration.

Commissioner Brown acknowledged the urgency of these efforts, noting that community organizations are eager to apply for funding to undertake their own forest management projects. He also mentioned an upcoming event at El Zocalo, organized by the Coronado Soil and Water Conservation District, focusing on sustainable land management practices, including innovative methods like using goats for landscape cleanup.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude for the hard work put into this two-year project, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in preventing emergencies. The commission unanimously approved the new forest management plan, marking a crucial step towards enhancing community safety and environmental stewardship in Sandoval County.