New Mexico Department of Game and Fish announced a new department director. Alexandra Sandoval was selected from among four finalists being considered for the position following a national search for candidates. Sandoval is currently the agency's chief financial officer and head of its administrative services division. She began her career with the department as a game warden in Roswell and Clayton and worked her way up to a wildlife specialist and a federal grant manager before taking over the department's financial responsibilities. Sandoval will be the second female director in the department's 101-year history. She will oversee more than 300 employees and an annual budget of more ... Read More
June 10, 2014
A poacher in New Mexico has taken illegal harvest to new heights. Acting on an anonymous tip, Department of Game and Fish Officers found more than 1,600 rainbow trout in the home of Bounchanh Bounsombath, 62, of Clovis, New Mexico. The perpetrator was arrested and admitted to catching all the fish at Green Acres Lake and Denis Chaves Pond in northwest Clovis. Department hatchery workers released approximately 10,000 rainbow trout into Green Acres and Denis Chaves between November 2013 and March 2014. Licensed anglers may catch and keep up to five rainbow trout per day and may possess up to 10 ... Read More
June 10, 2014
Cowles Ponds in the upper Pecos Canyon 20 miles north of Pecos are open to the public again, featuring a ramp and path designed for people who use wheelchairs. The ponds were closed The ponds were closed for improvements, which included draining and dredging to improve fish habitat. The project cost more than $380,000 and was paid for with funding from the state Habitat Stamp program, federal money and local donations. The ponds are periodically stocked with rainbow trout by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. One 12-foot-deep pond was built for children under age 11 and people with disabilities. The other pool is 8 ... Read More
June 10, 2014
Governor Susana Martinez is soliciting proposals for river restoration projects around the state. Under the New Mexico River Stewardship Program, the Legislature approved $2.3 million in capital outlay funds to spend on projects protecting the health of rivers and watersheds, which would include lowering riverbanks, replanting native vegetation, clearing out invasive plants and restoring wetlands. Municipalities, counties, irrigation districts and community groups can apply for the funds, and winning applicants will be announced in September. Link to website - http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/swqb/RiverStewards/ ... Read More
June 10, 2014
"I finally won something!" That was the comment from Steve Slick after Pat Mileshosky called to tell him that he had won the MW Bar Ranch raffle. The drawing was held on Saturday as promised, just not at the NM Trout conservation/BBQ picnic which was cancelled. Thanks to Mary Ann Walz and the good folks at the MW Bar Ranch for donating the 2-night stay. They have been a long time supporter of NM Trout and it is greatly appreciated! Also thanks to all the folks who purchased tickets for the raffle ... Read More
June 10, 2014