Little Bear Fire Information and Resources

Ruidoso Free Press

16

July 3, 2012

Little Bear Fire

Information & Resources Little Bear Recovery Center now open The Little Bear Recovery Center is now open. This center is designed to be a resource of information for survivors of the Little Bear Fire in Lincoln County. If you or someone you know has suffered any kind of loss during this incident, the Little Bear Recovery Center is here to help. There are literally thousands of people from dozens of organizations in the Lincoln County area that are working together to try to offer assistance to the survivors of the Little Bear Fire incident. One of the main functions of the Little Bear Recovery Center is to help survivors navigate through all the information and resources to try to find the right solution to meet their immediate and long-term recovery needs.

The Little Bear Recovery Center is also the coordination point for many of the volunteers that are working together to provide assistance to the survivors.

For information about donations, volunteering or if you are a survivor of the Little Bear Fire who needs help, please go to littlebearrecovery.org for the latest information.

48 between mile marker 14 and 15 between Capitan and Bonito Park. It is approximately 1.75 miles north of the Hwy 37 turn off. It is on the east side of Hwy 48 (that means if you are coming from Capitan, then it will be on your left. If you are coming from Alto/Ruidoso, it will be on your right). The actual physical address is 1470 Hwy 48.

When is the Little Bear Recovery Center open?

Thanks to the dedication of the volunteer men and women who are staffing this office, the Little Bear Recovery Center is open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday.

We are closed on Sunday.

What will you find at the Little Bear Recovery Center?

If you are a survivor of the Little Bear Fire and have suffered a loss as a result of the fire, you’ll find: •

Where is the Little Bear Recovery Center located?

The Little Bear Recovery Center is located on Hwy

People who are ready, willing and able to assist you as you begin to navigate through the options and choices that you are facing during this difficult time. Our case managers will work with you from beginning to end. We are local volunteers

that have committed to helping you for the long haul.

•

Volunteer organizations that can offer you help from debris cleanup to insurance questions.

•

Resource guides and directories of available resources to help you answer questions quickly now and in the future.

If you are a volunteer wanting to help in the recovery effort, you’ll find: •

People who can direct you to the right path of volunteering whether it is physical help, spiritual help, technical help, babysitting, etc.

•

Volunteer coordinators that will help get you qualified to start volunteering in this effort.

•

Training for your specific area of help.

•

Volunteer organizations and experts that can help you get involved in their ongoing efforts.

Please call Phil Appel at 575-937-8677; email: phil@apptechasp.netto.

Public safety first priority as BAER treatments begin informing residents and travelers of the dangers posed by flooding and runoff during rain events.

2. Work will begin to repair roads that were damaged during the fire and reinforce roads to lessen the impacts from increased runoff of water and debris. This road work may include removal or replacement of culverts, installation of water bars, in-sloping and out-sloping to reduce erosion on gravel and dirt roads, grading or resurfacing, and installation of drain dips.

The US Forest Service BAER assessment team submitted an initial burned area report that has been approved for funding. A considerable amount of burned area assessment has yet to be performed, but the BAER team strategy is to complete the entire assessment in several phases. The team will submit interim reports and requests for funding at several intervals so that projects can continue to be implemented as they are approved and funding becomes available.

Under the approval for this initial burned area report, the following projects will begin this week on National Forest lands within the burn area:

3. Removal of severely burned trees that pose a safety hazard along county, state and Forest roads adjacent to Lincoln National For-

1. Warning signs will be purchased and placed in and around the fire area

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est lands will begin in areas that are critical to public safety.

For information on programs and services that assist homeowners and businesses affected by the fire, or for

flood preparedness information, visit the Little Bear Recovery Team website at littlebearrecovery.org/ or contact their public information phone line at 575258-INFO (4636).

PNM supports fire relief efforts: contribution to Red Cross, outreach for bill assistance PNM employees heard reports of the Little Bear Fire in the Ruidoso area served by PNM and immediately asked two questions: What can we do to help, and is the company doing anything beyond its work to restore outages?

PNM had a ready answer to the second question. It had pledged an initial $5,000 to the American Red Cross relief efforts in the community, and later pledged another $5,000 to be used as a challenge grant to spur other donors to give. The PNM contribution is funded by shareholders and not through customer rates.

“PNM was the first company donor to proactively reach out to the American Red Cross with an offer to help in this disaster,” said Red Cross Regional CEO Cindy Adams. “We hadn’t even started reaching out to potential donors when the offer for assistance from PNM arrived. We are so appreciative for the financial assistance but also for the challenge that PNM was able to issue to encourage others to donate and double the impact of their giving.”

On June 21 and 22, PNM also

reached out to victims who needed a helping hand with utility bills while coping with losses related to the fire.

The company accepted and processed PNM Good Neighbor Fund applications at the Ruidoso PNM office, 1100 Mechem Drive on both days.

PNM experienced some outages in the Buck Mountain area related to the fire and completed restoration on Friday, June 15. Restoration required clearing trees and roads to replace burned lines. The majority of customers served by PNM in Ruidoso did not have fire-related outages since the fire had not reached the village itself.

However, hundreds of local residents in and around the community have been affected with the loss of homes and other property.

“The fire has created a number of new challenges for the citizens of Ruidoso and surrounding areas, but the community has pulled together to successfully meet those challenges head on,” said Steve Dettmer, PNM team manager. “We are pleased to be a part of that community effort.”

County Commissioners arrange emergency funds Courtesy of Mark Doth Lincoln County Commissioner The County Commission has called no less than five emergency meetings and one regular meeting to authorize funding for firefighting and the recovery effort. On June 9, the Commission met in Capitan and an Emergency Declaration of Disaster was authorized. On June 12, we met again to pass resolution 2011-04 called the Lincoln County Emergency Declaration. On this day Governor Martinez signed an executive order to release $750,000 for the recovery effort. On June 13 we met again to authorize up to $100,000 from Lincoln County. On June 18, the Lincoln County Commission met to pass resolution 2011-42 relaxing

requirements of the Lincoln County Solid Waste ordinance dealing with disposal pertaining to the fire. On that day Governor Martinez by executive order released another $750,000 for recovery efforts from fire in the state of New Mexico. Of this amount $400,000 was dedicated to Lincoln County to help with flood mitigation efforts. On June 22, the Lincoln County Commission met to authorize an additional $500,000. On June 29 the Lincoln County Commission met again to authorize accepting a loan of $680,000 from the New Mexico State Board of Finance. Specific areas of spending were $215,000 for communication improvements, $215,000 for the Alto Dam and $254,000 for flood mitigation.

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Ruidoso Free Press

July 3, 2012

Environment Department issues boil water advisory for Enchanted Forest Water Corporation, Bonito Park Nazarene Conference Center and Villa Madonna Precautionary boil water remains in effect for all other burn areas

New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Drinking Water Bureau field staff have been dispatched into neighborhoods inside the Little Bear Wildfire burn area that have been reopened to evacuees. Preliminary assessments show that numerous drinking water systems within the burn area have been damaged and may be compromised. With these new assessments, the NMED has issued a mandatory boil water advisory for: • Enchanted Forest Water Corporation • Bonito Park Nazarene Conference Center What you need to do if your water system has told you to • Villa Madonna boil your water: The water system Boil all your tap water for five minutes before you use it for: consumers of Enchanted 3 Drinking Forest Water Corporation, 3 Brushing your teeth Bonito Park Nazarene 3 Making ice Conference Center and Vil3 Washing your hands before eating lage Madonna are advised 3 Washing dishes, cooking surfaces, raw foods or rinsing to seek an alternate source food of drinking water, such as 3 Preparing other drinks like baby bottles, Kool-aid, sun tea, bottled water, or boil the ice tea, frozen juices, etc. water for five minutes beHow long? fore drinking, cooking and Keep using boiled water until the New Mexico Environment dishwashing.

Department or your water systems tells you it’s safe to use tap The NMED is also water. If you stop without being told it’s safe, you and your family renewing and reminding could be at risk for getting sick. all evacuees returning to Why? homes/cabins within other When tests show that public water maybe polluted with burn areas that a precauhuman or animal waste, a boil water notice may be issued to make tionary boil water advisory sure that people won’t get sick from drinking it. Boiling water is remains in effect. the preferred method to get rid of microorganisms.

“The boil water advisory remains precautionWhere do I go to find out about boil water notices or adviary in the rest of burned sories for my drinking water? areas until we can confirm Contact your community water system or the New Mexico water sample results,” says Environment Department Drinking Water Bureau at 1-877-654NMED Deputy Secretary 8720 or go to www.nmenv.state.nm.us/dwb/BoilWater.htm Butch Tongate. “In many What if I get sick because of my drinking water? locations, we still canCall the New Mexico Department of Health at 1-505-827not access drinking water 0006. For information, visit our website at www.health.state. systems in the burn area. nm.us.

Therefore, we strongly Tips on boiling water: recommend all returning 1. Fill a pot or pan with cold water. Avoid using water from evacuees boil their water hot water taps because it could have high amounts of metals and or use bottled water until minerals in it from the water heater. we can make an official 2. Start timing after the water boils. You may see little determination.” bubbles forming at the edges of the pot; these are just air bubbles NMED staff continues from the water. When steady streams of big bubbles are sent up to collect water samples from the bottom of the pot, your water is starting to boil. in the burn area to ensure 3. Boil for five minutes. drinking water systems are 4. The flat taste of boiled water can be improved by pouring it providing uncontaminated back and forth from one clean glass into another – called aeration, drinking water. Additional or by allowing it to stand for a few hours, or by adding a pinch of mandatory boil water adsalt for each quart of water boiled. visories will be issued as warranted pending final Frequently asked questions: sample results.

Can I use this water to take a shower?

The NMED is also Yes, but avoid swallowing any water. asking all evacuees to conWhat if I have a cut? serve drinking water when You should generally use cooled boiled water on open cuts, returning to areas which wounds or sores. have been impacted by the Should my pets get boiled water too?

Little Bear Fire. The fire Yes, this is a good idea because many pets, such as dogs, may have damaged electrican get some of the same diseases as humans and can give these cal wires or other water fadiseases to their owners. cilities which are critical to producing drinking water.

Is it OK to water my plants?

If unable to produce drinkYes, it is OK to water your plants with possibly contaminated ing water, the systems must tap water without boiling it first. rely on existing storage I have a tap filter or filtering water pitcher, do I still need to until critical water facilities boil my tap water? are repaired. Water conserYes, most pitchers that have a water filter do not filter out vation allows the systems bacteria. If you have other filters on your refrigerator, on your additional time to make the faucet, or under your sink, read the package insert to see if the needed repairs and avoid filter removes bacteria. If in doubt, boil the water. complete water outages.

Who is at most risk for getting sick from microorganisms in For more information, contaminated water? call NMED CommunicaThe very young, the very old and people with a weakened tions Director Jim Winability to fight disease or infections due to illness or treatments are chester at 505-231-8800 most affected by microorganisms. or Joe Savage, district manager, at 575-973-0009.

Boil water order

17

Update on recovery operation The Little Bear Fire recovery operation is in full swing as Lincoln County and a number of partners are working on projects designed to lessen the post-fire impacts on Lincoln County residents and the infrastructure.

Here is a quick overview:

• The Watershed Restoration & Protection Task Force continues its aggressive evaluation and restoration process. Drainage evaluation teams are assessing drainage areas affected by the fire to identify hazards and prioritize the mitigation work.

• Grass seed for reseeding burned home sites is available at the Upper Hondo Soil and Water Conservation District office, next to the USFS work center in Capitan.

Enough seed for one acre will be provided to affected property owners. For additional information, call 575-354-2220.

• The Bonito Lake water source for The City of Alamogordo has been shut off due to questions about water quality. The New Mexico Environment Department Drinking Water Bureau is in the process of assessing water wells in the burn area and will recommend mitigation measures to prevent damage to wells from future flood events.

• Property owners in the burned area who are uninsured or underinsured may contact the Little

Bear Recovery Center at the Mormon Church on Highway 48 north of Ruidoso at 575-616-7900 for assistance with debris removal and other needs.

• Anyone needing assistance with tree removal in the burned area may contact Mike Caggiano with New Mexico Division of Forestry at 575-937-1789.

• A number of Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD’s) have set up assistance to help those who have lost their homes or suffered property damage. This assistance ranges from feeding centers to debris removal and is available to anyone who has experienced loss in the fire area.

• A Recovery Guide, designed to provide citizens with information regarding assistance, has been developed and is available at the Little Bear Recovery website, littlebearrecovery.org.

• The disaster recovery team has set up an information number, 575258-INFO (4346), that is designed to put citizens in direct contact with an individual who can provide information regarding animal assistance, basic needs, health and well-being, insurance assistance, legal assistance, debris removal, and other services that may be needed. This information line will be staffed Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Donations of goods available to fire victims Christian Services of Lincoln County, Inc. received a shipment of goods from the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Team out of Nashville, Tenn. These are available to anyone affected by the fire - not necessarily just loss of homes. This includes food, personal care items, child care items, cleaning items and many other things.

Christian Services of Lincoln County also

has an abundance of clothing, so anyone who is helping with cleanup and needs clothing which can be worn until it’s filthy and then thrown away is welcome to come and take what they need.

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Ruidoso Free Press

16

July 10, 2012

Little Bear Fire

Information & Resources

Little Bear recovery center – Update Here are some guidelines for donations: • As mentioned before, we are all set with clothing, so please do not donate clothes.

• If you want to donate items to the Donations Center, please make sure the items are clean and in good working order. New or “like-new” items are the best choice. Remember that most of the survivor families have no means to clean or fix up items as they are currently displaced from their homes.

If you have a lot of older items that can still fetch some money at a garage sale, consider having a sale and then either donated the proceeds directly or purchasing new items to donate to the survivors. We appreciate you and your desire to give. Please help work together with us to provide the best assistance possible for our friends and neighbors in need.

• Survivors who are working on the recovery of their property are in need of tools (power and hand and garden), gloves and work boots.

Courtesy of Phil Appel

The Little Bear Recovery Team in Lincoln County continues to help survivors of the Little Bear Fire Incident to cope with their loss and provide guidance during their recovery. There are several new developments that are going on with regards to the ongoing recovery efforts and some preventative measures that are going on here with regards to the potential flooding hazard within the Rio Bonito Watershed.

Little Bear Recovery Center

The Little Bear Recovery Center has had a very busy few first weeks. Since they officially opened on June 23, they have had nearly 90 families that suffered loss of land and/or property come by and register with one of the case workers.

They now have more than 35 people who have volunteered their time and dedicated their hearts to helping the survivors of this incident as case workers. Each survivor who registers is assigned a caring associate to help guide them through their own personal recovery process. If you are a survivor of the Little Bear Fire and have not registered with the Recovery Center, please come by the center and do so. You can also start the registration process online at www.littlebearrecovery.org and clicking on the Survivor tab.

Note: The Recovery Center has changing its hours. The new hours will be from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday - Saturday.

Financial donations

The Little Bear Recovery Center has begun to receive some financial donations from various sources. They wish to thank all of you that have given to the Little Bear Fire Fund. You can participate by clicking on the Donate button on the website www.littlebearrecovery.org. Or you can send money directly to City Bank of Ruidoso, Attn: Little Bear Relief Fund, 1096 Mechem Dr. #103, Ruidoso, NM 88345, 575-258-2265. One hundred percent of all money donated to this fund will go directly to the benefit of the survivors.

All administrative costs are being graciously covered with funds outside of this source so we can make this promise. As the case managers identify the specific unmet needs of each family, your donations

Little Bear Donations Center

The Little Bear Donations Center is in full operation. The Donation Center is located at 1940 Sudderth Drive in Ruidoso, right across the street from the Circle J Barbecue. If you have items that you would like to donate, please feel free to take them to the donation facility Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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will play a critical part in this recovery effort. The more money that is donated, the more complete of a recovery solution can be offered. Please carefully consider donating to these families today.

Volunteers

Many people have taken the time already to fill out the volunteer forms on the website and have been connected with our volunteer coordination team. The Recovery Team would like to thank you for your willingness to participate in this recovery effort. The full recovery may last for many months, so please be aware that the opportunity for you to use your specific skills may be today or it may be sometime in the future. But rest assured, our coordinators will contact you as the needs arise. If you want to volunteer and have not already done so, fill out the online form at http:// littlebearrecovery.org/volunteers or visit the Little Bear Recovery Center on Hwy 48, two miles north of the Hwy 37 turn off.

There are some immediate needs

relating to volunteer efforts in preparation for flood conditions that may arise with our monsoon season, especially along the flood plain of the Rio Bonito watershed.

To get information on how you can help with this effort visit http://littlebearrecovery.org/2012/07/02/sandbaggersneeded-immediately.

The Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief Team has set up a relief effort at the Angus Church of the Nazarene. This ministry still needs volunteers for the all-important effort of assisting the survivors with sifting through debris and cleaning off their home sites. Please read the following post to get information about how you can help with these efforts: http://littlebearrecovery. org/2012/07/01/all-hands-on-deck-samaritans-purse-really-needs-our-help.

Aerial application of grass seed to begin on Little Bear fire area The burned area assessment report has been completed for the Little Bear Fire, and all Burned Area Emergency Response treatment recommendations and funding requests submitted to date have been approved.

Aerial application of grass seed will begin during the week of July 8. Aerial seeding will occur in two or more phases, starting on approximately 12,000 acres of heavily burned lands within Lincoln National Forest. Once the grass seed has been spread by fixed wing aircraft, straw mulch will be placed by helicopter on a portion of those seeded areas where slope and terrain allow.

Aerial seeding in high elevations has been found to be very successful in the Southwestern Region. Straw mulch protects the grass seed and encourages germination by retaining moisture, in addition to providing immediate ground cover on heavily burned areas where vegetation has been lost. This combination of grass seed and straw mulch is one of the most effective BAER treatments available and was hugely successful on the Wallow Fire in Arizona and western New Mexico.

BAER work to armor and recondition roads is progressing well. However, repairs to roads will be ongoing throughout the monsoon season as flows produced by heavy rains continue to impact roads in and around the fire area. Culverts are being cleaned and maintained to remove debris. Rolling

dips and water bars have been installed on several Forest roads that are frequently used by the public to carry water away and reduce washouts.

Removal of hazard trees is about 90 percent complete along roads and in areas that are critical to public safety. The toilets in the public restrooms at Forest Service campgrounds have been pumped to prevent them from contaminating the water runoff during heavy rains.

Burned area emergency response

Suppression rehabilitation is nearly complete on 39 miles of dozer line, which is also being treated with grass seed; and on 34 miles of line constructed by hand.

Lincoln National Forest is working alongside numerous agencies and organizations including Lincoln County, Village of Ruidoso, Mescalero Apache Tribe, City of Alamogordo, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), NM Dept. of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Upper Hondo Soil and Water Conservation District, NM Department of Transportation, and NM Environment Department to lessen the impacts from heavy rains and help residents prepare for flooding and debris flows. For more information on services available to residents or for help with treatment on private lands, visit http:// littlebearrecovery.org/ or our InciWeb page at www.inciweb.org/incident/2926.

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Samaritan’s Purse, in partnership with Angus Church of the Nazarene, has begun recovery work.

Immediate help needed

There is an immediate daily need of more volunteers to help homeowners impacted by the Little Bear Fire by; sifting for personal items, loading debris into dumpsters, cutting trees, and providing emotional and spiritual support. If you think you could help us with any of the above please come and join us any/all days Monday through Saturday.

To volunteer please arrive at Angus Church at the following times: Morning shift: 7:30 a.m. You can work a half-day or a full day.

Afternoon shift: 12:30 p.m.

There will be a short orientation covering safety and Samaritan’s Purse work policies, after which we will assign you to a team and have you working as quickly as we can.

Volunteers need to be a minimum of 16 years of age. If you are 16 or 17 you must be accompanied by a responsible adult (with a release signed by your parent). If you are 18 years or older, you will only need to complete a SP Volunteer Release.

Please come appropriately dressed for difficult and hazardous work. Wear long pants, work boots, leather work gloves and a hat. Sunscreen is strongly suggested. We will provide coolers full of ice and water and a sandwich/snack for lunch.

Other needs

Besides volunteers, we have the need for dump trucks or dump beds, skid steers and trailers, shovels and wheel barrows.

If you are able, you may download and complete the volunteer forms prior to arrival by going to the following URL: www.spvolunteernetwork.org.

For more information, call the church office at 575-336-8032.

The mission of Samaritan’s Purse

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.

July 10, 2012

Ruidoso Free Press

Flash flood awareness Isolated thunderstorms producing lightning and areas of heavy rain that increases the potential for flash flooding. Residents are being asked to be vigilant if they see or hear of rainfall moving into the area. The county will be issuing evacuations via the Reverse 911-Code Red system to residents within 100 yards of all affected rivers and streams as rain starts to fall. Residents are urged to take every evacuation order seriously and to move to higher ground at the first sign of rising water. Do not wait – evacuate.

Skies may be clear where you are but rain falling upstream through the areas affected by recent fires may move downstream more rapidly than usual.

Water flows coming from the Little Bear Fire burn area will be full of ash and debris making them heavier and more dangerous. Consider evacuation routes that avoid main roads at the bottoms of canyons which can unexpectedly flood. Do not drive through any flooded area. Waters may be full of silt which is extremely slick and can quickly cause loss of traction. You will not be able to see through flood waters carrying ash and debris to determine whether the roadway is intact.

Waters flowing in creeks and streams that is black and full of ash and debris is dangerous and may contain toxic run off from burnt structures upstream. Do not allow your children to play in or near these waters or allow your pets to drink from them. The dark murky waters can disguise other hazards. Please keep children and pets away from creeks, streams and arroyos – even if they are dry.

Homeowners are being urged to keep culverts on their private property free of debris and to move animals, equipment and anything that could be carried downstream by flood waters to higher ground now. Alert systems are in place but you may have only a short time to respond once an evacuation notice is issued. The Lincoln County Watershed Protection & Restoration group is clearing debris from drainages in 200 square miles of Lincoln County. It is the landowners personal responsibility to clear debris from private property.

Monitor current weather conditions

at www.srh.noaa.gov/abq.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Upper Hondo Soil and Water Conservation District are teaming up to help landowners restore burned areas and minimize erosion and flooding. Native Grass Seed to cover one acre is available free of charge at the Upper Hondo SWCD office in Capitan, 516 W. 1st St. (Hwy 380), 354-2220, across from the Capitan High School. This seed will have to be covered with mulch and watered. Mulch is also available (as much as you need) at the Capitan UHSWCD office, at the Little Bear Recovery Center on Highway 48 between MM 14 and 15, and at the entrance to The Ranches of Sonterra, Unit 1, Villa Madonna and Nazarene Church Camp (Bonita Park).

New Mexico State Forestry is now taking orders for fall delivery of oneand two-year-old seedlings from their New Mexico Conservation Seedlings program. Native trees and shrubs are available for a very reasonable price.

Go to their webpage at www.nmforestry.com to order on line or call 505476-3325 to have information mailed to you.

A Recovery Guide, designed to provide citizens with information regarding various forms of assistance, has been developed and is available at the Little Bear Recovery website (www.littlebearrecovery.org). The disaster recovery team has set up an information number, 575-258-INFO (4636), that is designed to put citizens in direct contact with an individual who can provide information regarding animal assistance, basic needs, health and wellbeing, insurance assistance, legal assistance, debris removal and other services that may be needed. This information line will be staffed Monday- Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Recovery and preparedness assistance can also be found at: http:// lincolncountyready.com.

If you are cleaning up a burned structure, you should be aware of the inherent hazards. Learn how to protect yourself by consulting: www.tpaa. com.au/files/Fire%20Clean-Up%20 Summary, www.epa.gov/naturalevents/ returnhomeadvisory.htm, and www. calepa.ca.gov/Disaster/Fire.

PNM supports fire relief efforts: contribution to Red Cross, outreach for bill assistance

PNM employees heard reports of the Little Bear Fire in the Ruidoso area served

by PNM and immediately asked two questions: What can we do to help, and is the company doing anything beyond its work to restore outages?

PNM had a ready answer to the second question. It had pledged an initial $5,000 to the American Red Cross relief efforts in the community, and later pledged another $5,000 to be used as a challenge grant to spur other donors to give. The PNM contribution is funded by shareholders and not through customer rates.

“PNM was the first company donor to proactively reach out to the American Red Cross with an offer to help in this disaster,” said Red Cross Regional CEO Cindy Adams. “We hadn’t even started reaching out to potential donors when the offer for assistance from PNM arrived. We are so appreciative for the financial assistance but also for the challenge that PNM was able to issue to encourage others to donate and double the impact of their giving.”

On June 21 and 22, PNM also reached out to victims who needed a helping hand with utility bills while coping with losses related to the fire. The company accepted and processed PNM Good Neighbor Fund applications at the Ruidoso PNM office, 1100 Mechem Drive on both days.

PNM experienced some outages in the Buck Mountain area related to the fire and completed restoration on Friday, June 15. Restoration required clearing trees and roads to replace burned lines. The majority of customers served by PNM in Ruidoso did not have fire-related outages since the fire had not reached the village itself. However, hundreds of local residents in and around the community have been affected with the loss of homes and other property.

“The fire has created a number of new challenges for the citizens of Ruidoso and surrounding areas, but the community has pulled together to successfully meet those challenges head on,” said Steve Dettmer, PNM team manager. “We are pleased to be a part of that community effort.”

17

Increased water flow seen downstream of Bonito Lake One storm dropping two inches of rain in the general vicinity of the Little Bear Fire burn area produced heavy flows of water in some rivers, creeks, streams and canyons. Flooding was seen in Kraut Canyon and some others that are usually dry. A break in the rain overnight allowed water to recede from the affected waterways. More rain is expected and flash flooding is possible. The Lincoln County Watershed Protection & Restoration group is out in force again this morning clearing debris out of affected waterways to minimize the impacts of fire debris compromising critical infrastructure. There have been no reports of injuries or damage to homes. All evacuations were temporary and limited.

First Christian Church on Hull Road has made themselves available to take evacuees if any evacuations are issued today. The Lincoln County Emergency Services will be monitoring waterways as rain starts to fall throughout the county and will notify residents as necessary of any developing hazardous situations County road crews are clearing flood debris from roads in Sierra Vista, Sun Valley and on Bonito Lake Road. Roads above Bonito Lake and at Monjeau continue to be littered with debris. Bridges

throughout the county held well during this rain event.

Residents are being urged to keep an eye on the weather by monitoring NOAA weather radio or www.srh.noaa.gov/abq/ and to be aware of the effects of rain falling upstream.

Waterways holding Less than one inch of rain and isolated reports of hail were reported Friday in the general vicinity of the Little Bear Fire burn area. Waterways held well throughout the county minimizing effects downstream.

Efforts continue to maintain the capacity of Bonito Lake and Alto Lake. Earlier work by Lincoln County Watershed Protection & Restoration group to clear debris from waterways in the vicinity of the fire has been successful and has created significant positive impacts downstream. After each rain event the situation is reassessed with the top priority to maintain the capacity of these reservoirs. The level of Bonito Lake is reported as nine feet below the spillway as of July 6.

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The move to our new location at 1098B Mechem Drive was a smooth one. Stop by the office and meet the new staff.

Stroud Insurance will gladly run a “FREE” costimator on your home. Based on the costimator, you can decide if your current policy covers what it needs to cover.

If flood is a concern of yours, with the monsoon season upon us, Stroud Insurance is approved by FEMA to handle all of your flood insurance needs.

Contact us at 575-258-3377 for details.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Steve B. Stroud Stroud Insurance Agency

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Donations of goods available to fire victims Christian Services of Lincoln County, Inc. received a shipment of goods from the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Team out of Nashville, Tenn. These are available to anyone affected by the fire - not necessarily just loss of homes. This includes food, personal care items, child care items, cleaning items and many other things.

Christian Services of Lincoln County also

has an abundance of clothing, so anyone who is helping with cleanup and needs clothing which can be worn until it’s filthy and then thrown away is welcome to come and take what they need.

Contact: Margo Mayo Christian Services of Lincoln County, Inc. 415 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, christianservices@live. com. 575-257-4381

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Ruidoso Free Press

16

July 17, 2012

Little Bear Fire

Information & Resources recovery and preparedness progress Skies are expected to clear across Lincoln County for the next 3-4 days producing only isolated light rain. This will give the Lincoln County Watershed Protection and Restoration group an opportunity to make more progress clearing debris from waterways that are expected to see higher than usual flows during the monsoon season. Heavy rains last week kept the contractors out of the watershed areas due to concern of flash flood for many hours each day. After each rain event it was necessary to focus attention on clearing roadways of rocks, boulders, ash, silt and mud. Crews expect to clear roads of debris throughout the summer monsoons. The heaviest flows of water, silt and debris have been seen in and around Bonito Lake,

and in Eagle Creek affecting the Alto Lake reservoir.

Maintaining the capacity of Alto and Bonito Lakes to function as reservoirs is a top priority and pumps have been installed to move water downstream. The Lincoln County Watershed Protection & Restoration group is a multi-agency response involving 19 cooperating agencies from Lincoln and Otero County.

Sandbags are available to residents and are limited to 50 per homeowner. The limit is in place primarily due to the high number of homes affected by the fire and potential flooding. Additional sandbags may be approved as the need arises and on a case by case basis. Sandbags can be collected at the Lincoln County Emergency Operations Center at 111 Copper Ridge

Bikers pitch in for fire survivors

Courtesy photo

The Reapers Motorcycle Club of Ruidoso was honored to lead the pack of more than 50 motorcycles to the Lincoln County Little Bear Donation Center with two truckloads of goods, including one of food and water, kitchen supplies of all kinds, kids school backpacks and other supplies brought by different motorcycle clubs from Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Roswell and El Paso. Of these seven clubs, the Vietnam/Legacy Vets MC put together this helping hand for the Little Bear Victims by bringing bikers together to help a community in need.

Road.

NRCS is available to discuss slope stabilization and flood mitigation that homeowners can complete on private lands. Call 575-648-2941.

Upon the request of Governor Susana Martinez, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared a disaster in Lincoln County as a result of the Little Bear Fire. The declaration will make low-interest loans available to homeowners, renters and businesses that incurred physical damage from the fire. In addition, businesses that suffered economic hardship because of the Little Bear Fire may also be eligible. SBA representatives will be on hand at the Little Bear Fire Recovery Center at the Old Mormon Church, 1470 Highway 48, Capitan, NM 88316, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Everyone who suffered a loss during the fire is encouraged to apply even if they don’t end up taking a loan since this application will get them in the system for any government assistance that may be available. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed primary residences. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. SBA can also lend additional funds to homeowners and businesses to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize damage from future fire.

Applications for assistance can be filed through Sept. 7 but the SBA representatives will only be on hand here in Lincoln County to help file the applications until July 26. No applications will be accepted after Sept.

7. More information is available by calling 1-800-6592955 or at www.sba.gov.

The Little Bear Fire Donation Center at River Crossing is requesting additional donations of cleaning supplies and tools. Shovels, rakes and gloves are in high demand. Donations can be dropped off MondaySaturday 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Donations to the Little Bear Fire Relief fund can be made at www.littlebearrecovery.org.

Little Bear BAER fact sheet

Sanctuary on the River invites the Women Survivors of the Little Bear Fire to

Beth Mitchell Public Information Officer

‘Women of Courage Inspired Living Retreat’ Saturday, July 21, 2012 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Healing art, journaling, music, gourmet salad lunch and stress-reduction techniques to help you through this challenging time.

There is no fee associated with this event! It is being hosted by Lincoln County Women.

575-630-1111 to claim the spot we are holding for you.

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the Village of Ruidoso, and other emergency personnel. us Geological survey (usGs) has worked in cooperation with the usFs and • Fire area closure: For public safety, closure of NM dept. of homeland security & emergency the Little Bear burn area remains in eff ect.

Management to install precipitation gages on • Aerial application of grass seed: Grass seed Buck Mountain, at skyview recreation site near is being spread on 19,211 acres of National Monjeau Peak, at Blue Front/Crest Trail, near Forest lands categorized as receiving moderNogal Peak, and near the Rio Bonito stables. ate to severe burn intensity. Aerial seeding will A lake-stage precipitation system has been occur at a rate of approximately 25 seeds per placed on the north shore of Bonito Lake just square foot in the areas that will also receive north of Bonito dam. A stream fl ow gauge has mulch, and at a rate of approximately 70 seeds been placed at Rio Bonito and the bridge at per square foot on areas that are being treated NM 48. Three usGs stream gages already in with grass seed only. The seed will be spread place in eagle Creek are also being used to obusing fi xed wing aircraft. tain precipitation and runoff data for the Little Bear fi re area. The data from all of these gages • Grass seed mix (certified weed-free) for covers all watershed areas aff ected by the Little Little Bear fi re area: Barley (sterile/annual) – 88 Bear Fire. percent. Barley seed can sprout in just a few days with good moisture; slender Wheat• Roads: A large amount of work to repair grass (native to the area) – 10 percent; Little roads that were damaged during the fire and Bluestem, Muttongrass and Prairie Junegrass reinforce roads to lessen the impacts from (all native to the area) – 2 percent, combined. increased runoff of water and debris has been completed, especially along Forest Roads 131, • Aerial application of straw mulch: Approxi107, 127A and 117. This road work includes mately 10,241 acres of moderately and severely removal or replacement of culverts, installaburned National Forest lands that are being tion of water bars, in-sloping and out-sloping treated with straw mulch. These mulched areas to reduce erosion on gravel and dirt roads, are also being treated with grass seed. The grading or resurfacing, and installation of drain mulch is being applied by helicopter at a rate dips. Work to recondition roads after rains and of one ton per acre, which equates to approxirunoff is ongoing. mately an inch of coverage on the ground. The straw mulch provides ground cover and retains • Hazard Trees: Removal of severely burned moisture to help the grass seed sprout. it also trees already identifi ed along county, state reduces the impacts of rainfall on the soil. and National Forest system roads adjacent to Lincoln National forest lands is mostly com• Restoring vegetation reduces runoff of water plete. however, hazard trees will continue to be and debris: Treating burned areas with seed identifi ed and removed as necessary. and mulch has proven to be highly eff ective in restoring vegetation, stabilizing soil, and reduc- • Recreation: Work to repair fire damage in recreation areas including south Fork Camping runoff of water, soil, ash, and debris. This ground is ongoing. Recreation trails have been combined treatment also signifi cantly reduces assessed but much of the work that is planned impacts on private property, roads, bridges, for the trails must be postponed until the moninfrastructure, and other values downstream. soon rains have passed.

• Early warning systems: Precipitation-gage Little Bear BAeR information: (575) 224-BAeR data, coupled with run-off model data from (2237); email: littlebear.baer@gmail.com; website: the us Forest service (usFs) BAeR Team, will www.inciweb.org/incident/2926/. provide alert information to Lincoln County,

Ruidoso Free Press

July 17, 2012

The Alto Café Fire Relief Effort

By Eric Ehrich

The Alto Café Fire Relief Effort wishes to extend their heart-felt thanks to the following young people: Sixteenyear-old Lane Southard and 12-year-old Shelby Southard offered to help with the clean up at fire victims sites. Alejandro Arguelles (14) donated his brand-new bicycle to a fire victim. Seven-year-old Ryley Lott Silva and six-year-old Jadon Lott Silva made $290 with their lemonade stand, which they brought to the Alto Café to be used in aid for fire victims. Levy Beaty (12) and Shailyn Beaty (10) volunteered to help with the storage of donated goods in the downstairs shop of the café, which now functions as a warehouse. It is truly heart-warming to see this kind of selfless spirit in our young people.

With all the volunteering and generosity, sadly, there is much more needed in terms of hands-on volunteering, donations of food, blankets and, yes, money.

The losses due to damages and total destruction of homes are massive, particularly to folks who were uninsured.

Pete and Cheryl of the Alto Café, are working tirelessly to help out with free meals and other necessities. If you have surplus items of the type mentioned above, or are willing to help out with money—whatever you can afford— please call Cheryl at 937-2853. Checks may be made out to Gateway Church of Christ; Memo: Little Bear Fire Relief.

The Salvation Army and the Samaritans Purse are active and doing a great job. But much more is needed to do this monumental job. Please help.

Flash flood awareness Isolated thunderstorms producing lightning and areas of heavy rain that increases the potential for flash flooding. Residents are being asked to be vigilant if they see or hear of rainfall moving into the area. The county will be issuing evacuations via the Reverse 911-Code Red system to residents within 100 yards of all affected rivers and streams as rain starts to fall. Residents are urged to take every evacuation order seriously and to move to higher ground at the first sign of rising water. Do not wait – evacuate.

Skies may be clear where you are but rain falling upstream through the areas affected by recent fires may move downstream more rapidly than usual. Water flows coming from the Little Bear Fire burn area will be full of ash and debris making them heavier and more dangerous. Consider evacuation routes that avoid main roads at the bottoms of canyons which can unexpectedly flood. Do not drive through any flooded area.

Waters may be full of silt which is extremely slick and can quickly cause loss of traction. You will not be able to see through flood waters carrying ash and debris to determine whether the roadway is intact.

Waters flowing in creeks and streams that is black and full of ash and debris is dangerous and may contain toxic run off from burnt structures upstream. Do not allow your children to play in or near these waters or allow your pets to drink from them. The dark murky waters can disguise other hazards. Please keep children and pets away from creeks, streams and arroyos – even if they are dry.

Homeowners are being urged to keep culverts on their private property free of debris and to move animals, equipment and anything that could be carried downstream by flood waters to higher ground now. Alert systems are in place but you may have only a short time to respond once an evacuation notice is issued. The Lincoln County Watershed Protection & Restoration group is clearing debris from drainages in 200 square miles of Lincoln County.

It is the landowners personal responsibility to clear debris from private property.

Monitor current weather condi-

tions at www.srh.noaa.gov/abq.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Upper Hondo Soil and Water Conservation District are teaming up to help landowners restore burned areas and minimize erosion and flooding.

Native Grass Seed to cover one acre is available free of charge at the Upper Hondo SWCD office in Capitan, 516 W. 1st St. (Hwy 380), 354-2220, across from the Capitan High School.

This seed will have to be covered with mulch and watered. Mulch is also available (as much as you need) at the Capitan UHSWCD office, at the Little Bear Recovery Center on Highway 48 between MM 14 and 15, and at the entrance to The Ranches of Sonterra, Unit 1, Villa Madonna and Nazarene Church Camp (Bonita Park).

New Mexico State Forestry is now taking orders for fall delivery of one- and two-year-old seedlings from their New Mexico Conservation Seedlings program. Native trees and shrubs are available for a very reasonable price. Go to their webpage at www.nmforestry.com to order on line or call 505-476-3325 to have information mailed to you.

A Recovery Guide, designed to provide citizens with information regarding various forms of assistance, has been developed and is available at the Little Bear Recovery website (www.littlebearrecovery. org). The disaster recovery team has set up an information number, 575258-INFO (4636), that is designed to put citizens in direct contact with an individual who can provide information regarding animal assistance, basic needs, health and wellbeing, insurance assistance, legal assistance, debris removal and other services that may be needed. This information line will be staffed Monday- Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Recovery and preparedness assistance can also be found at: http:// lincolncountyready.com.

If you are cleaning up a burned structure, you should be aware of the inherent hazards. Learn how to protect yourself by consulting: www. tpaa.com.au/files/Fire%20CleanUp%20Summary, www.epa.gov/ naturalevents/returnhomeadvisory. htm, and www.calepa.ca.gov/Disaster/Fire.

Donations of goods available to fire victims

Christian Services of Lincoln County, Inc. received a shipment of goods from the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Team out of Nashville, Tenn. These are available to anyone affected by the fire - not necessarily just loss of homes. This includes food, personal care items, child care items, cleaning items and many other things.

Christian Services of Lincoln County also

has an abundance of clothing, so anyone who is helping with cleanup and needs clothing which can be worn until it’s filthy and then thrown away is welcome to come and take what they need.

Contact: Margo Mayo Christian Services of Lincoln County, Inc. 415 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, christianservices@live. com. 575-257-4381

17

Women of Courage Inspired Living Retreat For the Women Survivors of the Little Bear Fire There is no fee associated with this event.

Hosted by Lincoln County Women

Saturday, July 21 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sanctuary on the River • 207 Eagle Drive • 575-630-1111 9 - 10 Debbie Nix, Reinvention Life Coach, the Value of Sisterhood

Blessing for Women, Julie Gilliland

10 - 12 Jamie Slack, Artist, Author, Journaling from Your Heart (participants will be provided a journal and colored art markers) 12 - 1 Salad luncheon provided by Perry Champion and Carol Price of café at Mountain Annie’s

Desserts provided by PEO sorority sisters, 5 minute sharing, Being there for our Sisters

Agents

500 Mechem Drive, Ste. B · Ruidoso, NM 88345 575-257-9506

1 - 3

Dana Crawford, Life Coach, the Wish, Manifesting Your Destiny

3 - 5

Janis Loverin, Contemporary Painter, the Artist Within...

Creating Your New Life!

5

Closing comments

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The move to our new location at 1098B Mechem Drive was a smooth one. Stop by the office and meet the new staff.

Stroud Insurance will gladly run a “FREE” costimator on your home. Based on the costimator, you can decide if your current policy covers what it needs to cover.

If flood is a concern of yours, with the monsoon season upon us, Stroud Insurance is approved by FEMA to handle all of your flood insurance needs.

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Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

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Sawyer Ward, Musician, Singer, Yoga Instructor, the Healing Nature of Music Coleen Widell, Executive Director of the Nest Domestic Violence Shelter, the Journey of Transformation, Rising from the Ashes Sandra Gussett, Massage Therapist, Self-Restorative Breathing Meditation

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Pet Odor Removal Carpet Repairs & Restretching • Water Damage Restoration Steam-Cleaned Sofa: $69.95 • Love Seat: $49.95 • Chairs $29.95 Dry Cleaning Available

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Ruidoso Free Press

16

August 7, 2012

Little Bear Fire

Information & Resources

Little Bear BAER Update Aerial application of grass seed

Aerial application of grass seed was completed as planned on 19,211 acres on Sunday, July 2.

Aerial application of straw mulch

trails affected by the Little Bear Fire is on hold due to the runoff from the rains.

Trails work will be underway once the monsoon rains are over.

U.S. Geological Survey, Stream and Precipitation Gauges/WaterAlert System

Aerial application of straw mulch is over 90 percent complete on the 10,311 acres designated for treatment. Straw mulch operations should wrap up by the end of this week, weather permitting.

The precipitation and stream gauges placed in the Little Bear Fire area are working well and feedback is positive from cooperating agencies and the public.

Road work

Lincoln County Watershed Protection Task Force update (multi-agency flood response effort)

•

• •

•

•

•

Shawn Wilson Excavating is still working on FR 127A in Eagle Creek and North Fork. All bridges now have a by-pass swale constructed to permit flows greater than the bridges can handle to bypass the bridges.

Gabion baskets are being installed at a major cross-drainage, as well as along a stream bed to protect a cabin situated at the edge of the stream.

FR 600 (Kraut Canyon) is closed for now and no additional work is being done at this time.

FR 107 (Bonito) was graded and approx. 50 cubic yards of rock was placed in a soft spot in the road at the junction with FR108. The adjacent ditch was also cleaned.

Rip-rap is being hauled into the area of FR107(C) and South Fork Campground in preparation for fortification in several areas.

FR 958 (Philadelphia Canyon) has been heavily re-worked to repair damage and prepare for the next storm.

Work along FR 117 (Monjeau) has been on hold due to traffic from the straw mulch operations, but work along this road will resume soon.

Hazard trees

• •

•

•

•

Hazard tree removal is ongoing as we continue to identify and take down trees along roads, trails and in other areas where public safety is at risk.

Trails

Work to repair and re-establish the

Removal of woody debris from waterways and drainages is complete.

Water from Bonito Lake continues to be released downstream using 5 large pumps. The lake level was 28’8” below the spillway as of July 27. The bacteria level at the lake is very high and the public is encouraged not to come in contact with the lake water. Water samples are also being taken from Rio Ruidoso and Eagle Creek.

Work continues at Alto Lake/Reservoir to fortify the dam, but the work at the duck pond above Alto Lake is mostly complete. Approximately 70,000 yards of material has been hauled out of the duck pond.

Upper Hondo Soil and Water Conservation District continues to assemble and provide mulch wattles to the public at no charge. Seed and wood mulch are also available at no charge through their Capitan office.

Sand bags are available at no charge at the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services.

This task force will demobilize and turn emergency response back over to Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services as of Aug. 3.

However, the task force can be reassembled if needed to respond to a flood-related emergency in the area of Little Bear Fire.

Courtesy photos

At top, loading the hopper on the Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) which takes off with a load of seed; above, one load of hay out as a second ship comes in. At right, Gabion road enforcement along FR 127A, Eagle Creek.

Ten bucks from the heart goes a long way Courtesy of Darlene Camus, Alto When Joey Camus, 7-year-old second grade student in Maryland learned of the Little Bear Fire disaster from his grandparents, Ned and Darlene Camus of Alto, he got permission from his parents to help victims of the wildfire. Joey got busy doing chores and earned $10 which he sent to his grandparents who donated the money to Christian Services of Lincoln

County’s Little Bear Recovery Project in Joey’s name.

Joey is very proud of the thank-you receipt he got back from CSLC acknowledging his donation.

A very busy boy, Joey is an excellent athlete who plays soccer, baseball and basketball in season.

He always excels in academics, and his big smile is a constant joy to his family, friends, teachers and coaches.

CFLC and Viva Ruidoso funds distributed The Community Foundation of Lincoln County is pleased to announce the distribution of over $5,100 in funding from the Viva Ruidoso Disaster Relief Fund.

The recipients are all victims of the recent Little Bear Fire and their identities are confidential due to

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protocol. This fund was established in September 2008 with the focus of providing health and human services in Lincoln County at times of need.

The Disaster Relief Fund was established after the flood in 2008. The long term goal, after assisting in the recovery from the 2008 flood, was to have the fund grow, creating an endowment whereby the principal remained untouched and using the interest only for all future Lincoln County disasters. The advisors to the fund have seen fit to distribute the fund in its entirety, as this summer has proved to be extremely difficult for many families who lost their homes.

The Community Foundation of Lincoln County continues to serve as a type of “United Way” for Lincoln County. Its vision is to recognize its donors through the award of grants which have the potential to make significant impact on and enrich the quality of life in Lincoln County communities. There is a constant focus to build a Legacy Fund of $1 million in order to grant the income each year to worthy non-profit 501c organizations. For more information please see www.cfolc.org and contact any director.

The group meets monthly at ENMU-Ruidoso.

& GRavel

Open to the public Are you interested in learning about a grant program that can provide funds to implement projects on public lands to help reduce the threat of catastrophic fires?

If so, come and learn about The Collaborative Forest Restoration Program (CFRP).

This workshop is designed to educate community members about who can apply for funds, how funds can be used, and how the grant process works.

Aug. 15 • 4 -5:30 p.m.

Fire Ops Building (Off of Cedar Creek Dr. behind the Smokey Bear Ranger Station) For information, call Christy Wampler at 575434-7386