At the regular Mora County Commissioners meeting on August 20, 2026, the Board addressed several key county reports, infrastructure updates, and community concerns:
U.S. Forest Service & Fire Updates: The Forest Service reported that excess firewood collection from Carson National Forest is limited to a 45-mile radius, which covers parts of Mora County. Roadwork is currently underway on Capulin Road and Monte Aplanado Road. Gary Martinez, Liaison Officer with California Team 8 CIIMT, updated the Board on the Frijoles Fire, which has reached 14,000 acres with 13% containment in steep, rugged terrain; no Mora County communities are currently threatened. Air Resource Advisor Rob Fischer highlighted local air quality sensors at fire stations and recommended staying indoors with air conditioning or using a box fan paired with a high-quality furnace filter to filter out smoke.
County Infrastructure & Facilities: The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) building is undergoing drainage improvements and will soon share a unified septic line with the library. Utility work for water, electricity, and drainage will wrap up before asphalt is laid, with framing and sheetrock set to begin shorty. Occupancy is projected for October 28, 2026. Additionally, the Veterans Memorial Plaza is now 99% complete.
Extension Office & Prairie Dog Concerns: Extension Agent Jessica Weber declared the combined San Miguel/Mora Fair a success. She also alerted the Board that individuals and animal activist groups have been dumping prairie dogs in northeastern New Mexico. The Board discussed potential legal consequences and referred the matter to law enforcement.
Water Protection & Public Input: Special Project Coordinator Andrew Haulzinger presented a draft of the NMED Drinking Water Bureau Source Water Protection Plan for West Mora’s public water system. Resident Gina Pacheco requested a resolution regarding Pacheco Road, a private road accidentally annexed by the county in 2020. The Commissioners promised to investigate, noting the error occurred prior to their tenure.
Local Media & Road Innovation: Publisher Raymond Sanchez introduced Mora’s local newspaper, emphasizing its focus on positive community stories rather than crime reporting. Finally, Jim Gray of Lith Tec demonstrated a proprietary technology that transforms base course, gravel, chip-seal, and asphalt into durable, concrete-like surfaces resistant to freeze-thaw damage. Impressed by the demonstration, the Board expressed interest in testing the process on a county road.
The meeting concluded with standard administrative business and budget actions.