President Biden Visits NM, Reporting Challenges During Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire & Wildfire’s Impact on Mexican Wolves | 6.17.22

New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

The Line Opinion Panel reacts to President Biden’s weekend visit to our state. The panel discusses the President’s pledge to cover all the costs associated with the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, and who will be left behind with the current reimbursement strategy.

Our Land Executive Producer Laura Paskus talks with two reporters about their experiences covering the largest wildfire in state history and how you can apply for aid money if you’ve been impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.

More than 20 years ago, in 1998, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and partner agencies released Mexican wolves into the wild for the first time since the wolves had been driven to extinction in the United States in the 1970s. Today, a population of wolves lives in the Gila National Forest and across the border in Arizona. The program isn’t without its challenges, and this year, the Black Fire ignited in the Gila National Forest during denning season, where it’s affecting four wolf packs. Maggie Dwire, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Deputy Mexican Wolf Recovery Coordinator, talks with Our Land Executive Producer Laura Paskus about the Mexican Wolf and recovery efforts.

Line Host:

Gene Grant

Line Opinion Panelists:

Tom Garrity, Garrity Group Public Relations

Rebecca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of New Mexico

Julie Ann Grimm, editor & publisher, Santa Fe Reporter

Our Land Executive Producer:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Maggie Dwire, assistant wolf recovery coordinator, Mexican Wolf Program, US Fish & Wildlife Service

Patrick Lohmann, reporter, Source NM

Adria Malcolm, freelance photojournalist

For More Information:

Biden: Whatever it Takes, as Long as it Takes – Santa Fe New Mexican

Biden Ramps up Federal Help for NM Wildfire Fight – Associated Press

Locals Find a Bit of Hope in President’s Promises – Santa Fe New Mexican

Wildfire Victims Living on Land Grants Will Not Qualify For Federal Aid - KUNM

Recovery Area Map

Black Fire Maps & Information

Apply For Assistance- FEMA

Adria Malcolm – Freelance Photojournalist

Patrick Lohmann – Source New Mexico

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