FORESTRY

Ruidoso's Forestry Department preserves and manages the municipality's forests, focusing on wildfire prevention, forest health, and ecosystem preservation. It collaborates with various agencies to implement policies promoting long-term forest vitality, public safety, and environmental stewardship.

Be Fire Safe.

Remove dead trees and flammable materials around your property now to protect your home from wildfires. This includes dead branches, fallen leaves, and long grass.

Fuels management costs vary based on slope, tree density, and proximity to roads. Treating an acre with a structure typically costs $1,200 to $2,000, while vacant land ranges from $800 to $1,300. Hazardous tree removal near homes or power lines may cost $500 to $1,500 or more.

The Village Forestry Department maintains a list of Forestry Contractors as a courtesy for property owners. Forest Contractors’ criteria for posting companies on the list are:

• Contractor must maintain a current Village of Ruidoso business license;

• Contractor must demonstrate their knowledge and experience;

• Contractor must attend periodic forest contractor meetings conducted by the Village. The meetings keep contractors updated on fuel management requirements and forest health issues.

Many of the forest contractors maintain workman’s comp and liability insurance. However, the Village does not regulate or maintain a log of forest contractors’ insurance or pricing. Property owners should secure certificates of insurance from the contractor where applicable. Pricing estimates will vary, and residents are encouraged to shop around.

Forestry Information Links 

• Lincoln National Forest

• Village Ordinance on Fuels Management

• Ruidoso - A Wildland Urban Interface Story

• Fire Behavior & the Wildland Fire Environment

• Fuels management standards (Municipal Code 42-80)

• Swallow Fire Presentation

• Ruidoso Case Study

• Get a Certificate of Compliance

• Forestry Terms

• Forestry Contractors

• WUI Map

• Getting the Work Done

• Increasing your Property Values

• Fire's Natural Role

• Living with Fire: A Guide for the Homeowner

• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Wildfire Mitigation Activities in the Wildland-Urban Interface

• NM State Lands

• Lincoln National Forest

• NM Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department

• NM Counties