Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Landowner Hazard Tree Assistance Requests

The New Mexico Forestry Division (Division) is accepting requests for hazardous tree mitigation assistance from landowners impacted by the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire. Federal money supports the implementation of this project through the Division. The Division is hiring contractors who will plan and carry out hazard tree projects. Landowners requesting assistance will be evaluated for eligibility and prioritized based on the following criteria: 

1) The property must be in Mora County or San Miguel County within the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon burn scar. 

2) Hazard trees on the property must exist within two tree heights of roads, powerlines, and/or structures. Hazard trees include disaster-damaged trees that:

• are leaning more than 30 degrees from vertical, 
• have more than 50% of the canopy damaged, 
• have split trunk exposing the heartwood, or
• have 40% exposed roots. 

3) Properties in close proximity or adjacent to other landowners who have requested assistance will receive priority.

 Steps in the process: 

1. The Division will receive landowner’s requests and verify eligibility. 
2. A contractor will contact the landowner to schedule a site visit and develop a map indicating which trees are eligible for removal, how slash (tree residue) will be treated, and where logs will be placed or chipped on the landowner’s property. No slash or logs shall be removed from landowner properties as a part of this project. 
3. The contractor will submit the plan to the Forestry Division for approval. 
4. The Division will review the plan and work with the contractor on any necessary revisions.
5. The Division will issue a notice to proceed to the contractor for approved plans.
6. Work can begin on the property in accordance with approved plans.