Catron County

New Mexico State Engineer Denies Augustin Plains Ranch LLC Application

The New Mexico State Engineer made a decision Tuesday to deny an application submitted by Augustin Plains Ranch LLC.

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Oral History: H.B. Birmingham’s life as rancher and sheep man in Catron County

2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the Homestead Act of 1862, and the Socorro Bureau of Land Management’s Cultural Resource Program is increasing emphasis on oral history collection, particularly as it relates to homesteading.
Over the last two years, the Mountain Mail has printed oral history interviews with Dave Farr and Evelyn Fite.
H. B. Birmingham was interviewed by BLM archaeologist Brenda Wilkinson in Reserve on March 17, 2010, at the home of his friend and neighbor, Judy Griffin. At 96 years old, he has witnessed much of the history of Catron County since his birth in 1915 in Reserve.
Birmingham raised both sheep and cattle, used the Magdalena Trail (Stock Driveway) and has extensive knowledge of his family history and the history of Reserve. H. B. is a stickler for accuracy, so these excerpts from the interview are in his own words.
Brenda Wilkinson’s questions are italicized.
We were very saddened to hear of his wife, Peggy, passing in November, 2011. Peggy and H.B. were married for 61 years.

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Socorro writer recounts being a “newcomer” in Reserve

Socorro author Audrie Clifford will be holding a book signing of her just published book about living in Reserve, Another Damned Newcomer, Controversial Politics, Environmental Issues and Fun in Rural New Mexico.

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Color Season in the Gila

Shorter days, longer nights, crisp mornings, and cooler evenings mean one thing on the Gila National Forest – fall colors. The forest has breathtaking scenic views and areas with beautiful autumn colors.

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New Mexico Fishing Report

This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish, has been generated from the best information available from area officers, anglers, guides and local businesses. Conditions may vary as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.

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A Man, a Plan, 37 Water Wells: the San Augustin Desert

Submitted by Don Wiltshire, San Augustin Water Coalition

It’s been four years since someone happened to spot a legal notice in the paper: an application from the Augustin Plains Ranch, LLC to the State Engineer for permission to drill 37 rather hefty water wells out in the San Augustin Plains. The plan was to extract 54,000 acre-feet of ground water per year.

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Southwest New Mexico Fishing Report

This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish and thefishphone.com, has been generated from the best information available from area officers, anglers, guides and local businesses. Conditions may vary as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.

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Southwest New Mexico Fishing Report

This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish and thefishphone.com, has been generated from the best information available from area officers, anglers, guides and local businesses. Conditions may vary as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.

Read the rest of this entry »

Fur and Feather’s Open House

Fur and Feather Animal Assistance in Pie Town is having an open house Saturday, September 3 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Fur and Feather is now in its eighth year of rescuing lost and abandoned animals. In 2006 it became incorporated with non-profit status.

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Hunters Encouraged To Make Safety A Priority

Successful hunting trips require a combination of skill, patience and most importantly, preparation. With hunting season upon us, the Gila National Forest is encouraging preparation first and reminding hunters to brush up on important hunting safety tips before hitting the woods.

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