The Volunteer Center, April 23, 2014  »

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) toured the Volunteer Center in Silver City. The organization, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, provides educational programs and nutritious food for children and seniors in need. The center also runs the Kid’s Café Program where kids and teens learn healthy eating habits from local volunteers.

Wallow Fire Overlook, April 22, 2014 »

U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who both serve on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, toured the Wallow Fire overlook to discuss wildfire prevention and restoration treatment programs. They went over the history of wildfires in the Gila National Forests and viewed the Wallow Fire burn scar. They also discussed the role treatments to restore forest health in the wild land urban interface play in keeping communities safe during fires. The senators were joined by U.S. Forest Service staff and members from The Nature Conservancy. The visit was part of a day-long tour in Arizona and New Mexico focused on the senators' bipartisan efforts to address catastrophic wildfire prevention and recovery needs along the states' neighboring border and across the country.

K & B Timberworks, April 22, 2014 »

U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who both serve on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, toured K & B Timberworks at the Old Reserve Mill to discuss hazard tree removal and the challenges of operating a mill at the heart of areas that need treatment. James Kellar, the company’s president, briefed the senators on his company’s effort to build strong relationships with stakeholders through collaborate forest restoration programs. The senators were joined by U.S. Forest Service staff. The visit was part of a day-long tour in Arizona and New Mexico focused on the senators' bipartisan efforts to address catastrophic wildfire prevention and recovery needs along the states' neighboring border and across the country.

Catwalk National Recreation Area, April 22, 2014 »

U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who both serve on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, toured the Catwalk National Recreation Area to discuss the damage caused by severe flooding last year and the work the Gila and U.S. Department of Transportation are doing to restore the trail to ensure it is safe for visitors to use again. Senator Heinrich stressed the need to repair the trail so it can help boost tourism and grow the region’s economy. The senators were joined by U.S. Forest Service staff and local business owners. The visit was part of Senators Heinrich and Flake's day-long tour in Arizona and New Mexico focused on their bipartisan efforts to address catastrophic wildfire prevention and recovery needs along the states' neighboring border and across the country.

UPDATE: On May 1, 2014, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that the Federal Highway Administration will provide $4.4 million in funding from the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) program to restore the Catwalk Trail in the Gila National Forest. Read more.

Four Corner Forest Products Sawmill, April 22, 2014 »

U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) tour the Four Corner Forest Products Sawmill with manager Kurtis Vaagen to discuss the company’s role in processing logs from local forests that need restoration.

Forest Energy Corporation, April 22, 2014  »

U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) discuss wood energy production, forest restoration, and stewardship contracts with Forest Energy Corporation President Rob Davis.