Friends of Santa Fe National Forest group meeting

6:30-7:30 pm, Tuesday, January 17
REI Santa Fe

There will be an informational meeting put together by the US Forest Service regarding the start-up of a Friends of the Santa Fe National Forest group.

If you would like to attend, please contact Jennifer Sublett at 505-753-7331. They will need a head-count to make sure they have adequate seating.

As you may know, during the last two fire seasons, the Santa Fe National Forest experienced five major wildfires, with one last summer becoming the largest fire in New Mexico history. During the aftermath of these events, many members of the public offered to help rehabilitate the trails and forested areas. These offers, coupled with the growing public interest in other volunteer work, have demonstrated the dedication of the public to their public lands. In response to this interest, the Santa Fe National Forest would like to encourage members of the public to start a non-profit “friends” group for the continued benefit of the National Forest’s trail, heritage, wildlife, land, and water resources.

Recently, we researched the benefits of friends groups supporting agencies around the country. The results are astounding and impressive. The Friends of the Forest, Inc. group in Sedona, Arizona, supports the Red Rock District with projects related to heritage, trails, wildlife, range, and visitor services. This group amassed 30,000 volunteer hours last year! In nearby Pecos Historic National Park, the friends group collaborated with the Park to secure a grant to build a new trail to highlight the Civil War Battle at Glorieta Pass battlefield. The possibilities for collaboration to accomplish crucial resource goals are almost endless.

If you enjoy the Santa Fe National Forest and would like to get involved with this opportunity, please attend a meeting on January 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe REI’s Community Room. During this meeting, Jennifer Sublett, Volunteer Coordinator for the Espanola and Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger Districts, and Kerry Helke, a Forest volunteer, will present further research on the benefits of starting and supporting a friends group for the Santa Fe National Forest. Details will also be provided regarding the steps for making a non-profit friends group a reality.

Please consider informing others about this opportunity as well. We welcome Forest users, community and business leaders, and anyone else with an interest in starting a friends group. If you would like to attend, please contact Jennifer Sublett at jasublett@fs.fed.us or Kerry Helke at kerry.peavey@gmail.com. I look forward to meeting you at the January 17 informational meeting at Santa Fe REI’s Community Room. If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to get involved, please contact Jennifer at 505-753-7331 for more information.

Sincerely,

/s/ Maria T. Garcia
MARIA T. GARCIA
Forest Supervisor