Forest Service Wants Your Advice; New Biz on Burro; Alan Hale Honored by NYT, and More
Follow the story with the Reader, the Voice of the Mountain.
Open to Public: NM National Forests Seeks Advisors
Have you ever wanted to tell federal entities how to spend money?
Otero County residents have an opportunity to help direct federal funding for local public lands projects through the Southern New Mexico Resource Advisory Committee, which the Gila, Lincoln and Cibola national forests are now seeking to fill.
The committee recommends how counties, including Otero and Lincoln, spend Secure Rural Schools Act Title II funds within the three national forests.
Work eligible for funding includes trail and road improvements, watershed restoration, weed control and campground infrastructure.
The committee will include 9 to 15 volunteer members serving four-year terms. Quarterly meetings are held in person or virtually, with travel reimbursed. Members are drawn from three interest categories: land use and resource industries, environmental and wildlife interests, and elected officials and the public.
Applicants must be New Mexico residents. To apply or learn more, contact Nathaniel Marquard at 575-388-8267 or SM.FS.SouthernNM.RAC@usda.gov.
Cloudcroft's Alan Hale, Co-Discoverer of Comet Hale-Bopp, Dies at 68
Hale, who made his famous discovery from his Cloudcroft driveway one night in 1995, passed away June 6 at his home here.
The New York Times ran his obituary this week, recognizing him as one of the most celebrated amateur-turned-professional astronomers of the modern era.
Read it here: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/11/science/space/alan-hale-dead.html
Shady Pines Chamber Players: This Saturday in the Round
Rails-to-Trails Seeks Volunteers
The New Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association is looking for 8 to 10 volunteers to help with trail maintenance on the Switchback Trail this Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Work will include brushing and general maintenance, removing fallen trees from the trail, and installing flags on the Harkey Pedestrian Bridge. Volunteers should meet at the Switchback Trailhead — from Alamogordo, take Highway 82 east toward Cloudcroft, turn left on Baily Canyon Road after Mile Marker 14, and park at the trailhead.
Bring water, gloves and sunscreen.
To sign up or learn more, visit nmrailstotrails.org/volunteer, email nmrailtrails@gmail.com, or call or text 575-554-2745.
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Cloudcroft Art Workshops:
Leadership Cloudcroft Wells & Springs Tour
On July 17th, Leadership Cloudcroft is heading out at 9:30 a.m. for a guided look at the water infrastructure that keeps Cloudcroft running.
Public Works Supervisor JJ Carrizal and Water Operator David Hunter will lead the way, and the group will wrap up at Ski Cloudcroft for lunch and a preview of what’s coming this season on the mountain.
Spots are limited. To RSVP for July 17th, email leadershipcloudcroft@cloudcroftreader.com.
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by Be in the Mountains Yoga:
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Cloudcroft Art Society
Located in Old Red Brick Schoolhouse: Holiday and Saturday art showsNoisy Water Winery
Family-owned winery crafting thoughtfully made wines from New Mexico grapes, inspired by mountain living.Be in the Mountains Yoga & Massage
A cozy space for yoga and massage therapy at the Village PlazaOsha Trail Depot
Your destination for unique, hand-crafted treasuresThe Stove and Spa Store
We offer a variety of services to ensure your hearth and spa dreams are met!The Lodge at Cloudcroft
Landmark Choice Among New Mexico ResortsCloudcroft Art Workshops
Enhance your artistry while enjoying the beauty and coolness of the mountains!Sacramento Camp & Conference Center
Come to the Mountain — Let God Refresh Your SoulLaughing Leaf Dispensary
Discover a world of wellness at Laughing LeafInstant Karma
Adventure Within: Transformative Yoga, Ayurvedic Wisdom, Nourishing Organics, Fair Trade BoutiqueOff the Beaten Path
Eclectic gifts & original artworkFuture Real Estate
Raise your expectations.Ski Cloudcroft
The Southernmost ski area in New Mexico.Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage
Maximizing Movement, Quality of Life ImprovementHigh Altitude
Your favorite little outdoor outfitter on Burro AvenueBlushing Yucca Esthetics
✨ Book your glow-up today✨The Elk Shed
Purveyors of Southwest + Mountain Provisions, Goods & FineryThe PAC
Pickleball Addicts of Cloudcroft—Pickleball in the CloudsPeñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative
For all the ways you love to connectBre Hope Media
Professional photo and video services
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