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Climate Change Could Send African Antelopes Roaming Across the American West by 2100

Juan Oliveros
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Climate Change Could Send African Antelopes Roaming Across the American West by 2100

Even decades after African antelopes were introduced to New Mexico for the purpose of hunting, they could soon be seen roaming well outside the state’s boundaries. Since climate change is altering the American West, these hardy animals are now in a position to move into new habitats situated hundreds of miles from their present range.

A University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign study published in the Journal of Mammalogy examines how gemsbok, African antelopes introduced to New Mexico in the 1960s and 1970s for hunting, could expand their range significantly by 2100 due to climate change. Using public sighting data and statistical modeling, researchers found suitable habitat could extend into Texas, Arizona, Utah, California, and potentially as far as Washington and Montana, as previously isolated habitat patches become climatically connected.

The gemsbok’s desert adaptations, including minimal water needs and tolerance for heat, combined with few natural predators in the Southwest, could facilitate this spread. Researchers caution that actual expansion depends on additional ecological factors, but warn the potential spread raises concerns about competition with livestock and native wildlife, and impacts on plant communities, suggesting land managers should prepare for possible ecological changes.

The gemsbok are powerful antelopes adapted to life in the desert and are native to southern Africa. They have shown that they can cope well when they are introduced to New Mexico during the 1960s and 1970s, have spread over 100 kilometres from their original release sites, and flourished in the dry areas similar to their native habitat.

A study carried out at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign indicates that by 2100 the habitat suitable for gemsbok could see a substantial expansion. Their range might extend from New Mexico through into Texas, Arizona, Utah and California. They could possibly even reach southern Washington and Montana. 

This introduced species is tolerant of both heat and drought. But it is worth questioning how it might impact the native wildlife, plants, and livestock as the Southwest becomes hotter and drier.

The Journal of Mammalogy featured the research.

Public reports

Researchers used public wildlife-sighting reports to estimate where gemsbok might survive as the climate changes.

Nathan Alexander, the lead author who began this project as a doctoral student at the University of Illinois and is currently a postdoctoral scholar at Southern Illinois University, stated that the team made use of observations posted on websites such as iNaturalist. Those reports were put together by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, which is an international repository of biodiversity data.

The researchers employed a statistical model known as Maxent to identify the environmental conditions associated with gemsbok sightings.

They examined factors such as temperature shifts, rainfall, plant cover, terrain ruggedness, and human population density. Then, they used that information to identify places with similar conditions under future climate scenarios.

The maps indicate the areas in which habitats could become suitable for gemsbok. It does not mean, however, the antelopes will definitely end up reaching or setting up populations in all of those areas.

Isolated habitats could become connected

A major finding is that parts of suitable habitat, currently divided by land or climate barriers which gemsbok cannot readily cross, could combine to form bigger, connected areas as the conditions change, and this increased connectivity would make it easier for gemsbok to extend beyond their present range.

Kieran Andreoni, who at present serves as conservation director for the Southern Plains Land Trust in Colorado and was involved in this research when he was a master’s student at Illinois, pointed out that western Texas, western New Mexico, and Arizona are particularly important areas to keep an eye on. He also mentioned that some parts of California, for example Death Valley, could be possible habitats.

If the habitats in question are separated by a considerable distance, then natural barriers can stop animals from moving between them. However, if the areas are linked together, this results in the creation of new routes by which animals can spread and establish themselves in new locations.

Even if the climate and vegetation are suitable the gemsbok may not spread; their actual expansion will also be determined by their movement patterns, reproduction, access to habitat, and other ecological factors.

Desert adaptations could give gemsbok an advantage

Gemsbok are native to the Kalahari Desert and to other dry regions of southern Africa, where survival involves having to contend with scarce water and intense heat. The structure of their bodies and the way they behave make them particularly well adapted to dry environments since they obtain a large part of their water from the plants they eat and therefore do not need to drink as frequently.

Adult gemsbok may weigh about 450 pounds, or 204 kilograms, and it is particularly noteworthy that they are able to meet most of their water requirements without having to drink frequently.

Bob Schooley, who is one of the co-authors and heads the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences in Illinois, stated that these antelopes provide a clear example of animals that are adapted to conditions which are expected to become more common in the Southwest.

These adaptations could enable the gemsbok to survive in areas where some other large herbivores are coming under increasing environmental stress.

Just because gemsbok can tolerate harsh climates does not mean that they will flourish in all areas; local plants, competition for food, extreme weather, and other factors will still determine where they can live.

Few natural predators could complicate the picture

In Africa the gemsbok evolved in conjunction with large predators like lions and hyenas. Lions and hyenas are not present in the American Southwest. Although mountain lions and coyotes will hunt gemsbok, they are not likely to have the same effect on gemsbok populations.

The fact that gemsbok have a tolerance to drought and are subject to comparatively little predation may account for their ability to survive and spread, which in turn causes concern regarding their effects on ecosystems outside of their present range.

Since they are large herbivores, gemsbok could compete with cattle and native wildlife for food and their feeding habits could also lead to changes in plant communities, particularly in areas where both water and plants are already scarce.

How big these possible effects are is still uncertain. The habitat maps indicate only where gemsbok could possibly live, not how many will go there or the amount of damage they might cause.

What eventually takes place will be determined by the growth of the gemsbok population, by the state of the habitat, by the interactions with other species, and by the responses of wildlife management.

A warning about changing ecosystems

The study indicates that climate change may cause changes in the areas where both indigenous and non-native species are able to live.

An animal that was introduced for the purpose of hunting might once again have the opportunity to spread as the environment changes. In the case of the gemsbok, the characteristics which enable them to survive drought could allow them to live in areas that are much further afield from those in which they were first released in New Mexico.

Researchers predict that by 2100 the American West could have a great deal more connected habitat for these African antelopes.

It has not yet been determined whether the gemsbok will really spread that far. But this possibility could mean that conservationists and land managers must prepare for ecological changes before a species expands and becomes more difficult to control.

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Albuquerque Fashion Week Puts Local Designers and Inclusive Styles in the Spotlight

Ruben Reyes
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Albuquerque Fashion Week Puts Local Designers and Inclusive Styles in the Spotlight

Albuquerque Fashion Week is giving local designers a platform to challenge fashion norms, showcase handcrafted clothing, and bring a wider range of identities and body types to the runway.

Albuquerque Fashion Week’s third Enchanted Elemental installment, “Nocturnal Flame,” will showcase eight New Mexico designers presenting fall collections at the Wheels Museum on Oct. 16. The event emphasizes handmade, locally produced fashion as an alternative to mass production, alongside greater representation of diverse body types, genders, and cultural identities.

Participating designers include Carly Trujillo, who blends Irish, Indigenous Mexican, and Palestinian influences while addressing body inclusivity, and Dei Jahvu of Design Luv ABQ, who challenges gender norms through androgynous tailoring. Joseph Romero of Joe’s Bows will debut a full collection inspired by Mexican and Hispanic women’s history and Albuquerque’s denim manufacturing heritage, with organizers emphasizing sustainability and showcasing local creative talent.

The event’s third installment of its Enchanted Elemental series, “Nocturnal Flame,” will feature eight New Mexico designers presenting fall collections at the Wheels Museum on Friday, Oct. 16. The show begins at dusk and will include music and fire performances.

Organizers say the event is about more than clothing. It also highlights local artists’ creativity, the value of handmade fashion, and the importance of representation in an industry often criticized for narrow beauty standards.

“There are designers here in Albuquerque who are making phenomenal work,” said Jakia Fuller, the event coordinator. “A lot of times, people forget about the talent that’s literally in their own backyard.”

The participating designers are Serena Sandoval, Design Luv ABQ, ARTPXPI, Joe’s Bows, Salvaged Nostalgia, Carly Trujillo, Tan House Studio and Son of Picasso. Their collections range from couture and avant-garde designs to ready-to-wear pieces, with all eight creating one-of-a-kind garments in-house.

Fuller, who curated the sustainable-design exhibition “The Art of ReUse” at Richard Levy Gallery in January, said local production and handmade clothing can offer alternatives to mass-produced fashion.

“Sustainability is such an umbrella term, so you have to be very clear about … what vein of sustainability you’re tapping into,” Fuller said. She said organizers specifically wanted designers to produce their work in-house for “Nocturnal Flame.”

The runway also aims to broaden who gets represented in fashion. Fuller said Albuquerque de

are putting diverse body types at the center of their shows rather than relegating them to secondary presentations.

That approach is reflected in the work of Carly Trujillo, whose collection explores her Native Genízaro and Irish ancestry while expressing solidarity with Palestinians. Her designs will combine Irish tartans, Indigenous Mexican huipiles and Palestinian keffiyehs.

Trujillo said fashion became more meaningful to her when she realized clothing could help tell stories about identity, history and community.

Having been identified as a fat person for much of her life, she said she did not always see fashion as something that welcomed people with bodies like hers.

She now wants to create clothing people can wear to express themselves as they are, rather than something they must aspire to fit into.

“It’s not about aspiration, but more about our lived experience and a form of expression,” Trujillo said.

Other designers are using the runway to question traditional ideas about gender and style.

Dei Jahvu, a 20-year-old transgender and nonbinary designer behind Design Luv ABQ, said she tries to cast genderqueer models and create garments that challenge conventional gender roles.

For this year’s show, Jahvu is designing trousers and a jacket for nonbinary model Evan Evangeline, aiming to embrace androgyny through tailored clothing. The collection also incorporates red accents and flame-inspired textures, including a suit with a spiky train extending from the back.

“My collection is intended to be loud and out-of-the-ordinary and to disrupt the regular,” Jahvu said.

The show will also mark a milestone for Joseph Romero, founder of Joe’s Bows, who started making bow ties in 2019 using fabric from secondhand men’s shirts purchased at estate sales.

Romero said his first full runway collection draws inspiration from Mexican and Hispanic women’s history, particularly women who challenged traditional expectations for how they should dress.

His designs combine Day of the Dead-inspired floral patterns with denim workwear, with looks for both men and women. The denim also pays tribute to Albuquerque’s former Levi’s factory, which closed in 1997, and the generations of railway workers whose stories are represented at the Wheels Museum.

The show is a showcase to move beyond the bow ties that first established his business and present a complete collection. Some participating designers already have established reputations in the region, while others are making their runway debuts.

‘Protect These Precious Treasures!’ Nearly 600 New Mexico Residents Speak Out Against USDA Plan to Scrap Forest Protections Covering 1.6 Million Acres

Juan Oliveros
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‘Protect These Precious Treasures!’ Nearly 600 New Mexico Residents Speak Out Against USDA Plan to Scrap Forest Protections Covering 1.6 Million Acres

Nearly all New Mexico residents who commented on a federal proposal to repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule oppose it, with 589 of 594 comments urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to preserve protections for roughly 1.6 million acres of the state’s forestland.

Nearly all New Mexico residents who submitted comments on the USDA’s proposal to repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule opposed the change, with 589 of 594 comments urging protection of about 1.6 million acres of forestland. Commenters, including hikers, ranchers, and even a child, described concerns over watersheds, wildlife, and the loss of solitude in wilderness areas like the Gila National Forest.

Nationwide, the USDA received over 370,000 comments, with analysis indicating over 99% opposition. The agency argues repeal would aid local forest management and reduce wildfire risk, a claim disputed by environmental advocates. Only five New Mexico commenters supported repeal, including a ski resort manager citing local control benefits. The USDA’s final decision remains pending.

All 120 comments specifically mentioning New Mexico’s national forests backed keeping the rule, citing threats to watersheds, wildlife and the solitude of wilderness areas.

Beyond concerns about environmental protection, many residents described the forests as places of solitude, spiritual renewal and personal connection with nature — experiences they fear could be lost if the U.S. Department of Agriculture moves forward with its proposal.

“We must protect them like the precious treasures that they are,” one elderly New Mexico resident wrote, describing wilderness solitude as a rare commodity in the modern world.

The comments came after the USDA closed its public comment period Oct. 6 on a proposal to eliminate the rule, which limits road construction, logging and other development across roughly 58 million acres of national forests nationwide.

The rule protects approximately 1.6 million acres of New Mexico forestland.

Residents fear losing the wilderness experience

One commenter recalled a backpacking trip in the Gila National Forest, where roughly one-quarter of the forest is protected under the Roadless Rule.

“We never saw nor heard another person, vehicle or anything else manmade,” the commenter wrote, describing a night sky filled with stars and being awakened by a large herd of elk thundering past.

“Nature is actually quite loud when it’s not drowned out by humans and our trucks, cars, heavy machinery, utility infrastructure constantly buzzing,” the person added.

The commenter said the experience inspired a hope to return to the Gila and trek through its distinctive wilderness again.

Another resident, who described himself as elderly, said his experiences in New Mexico’s wild places had been among the most meaningful of his life.

He hoped his sons would have the same opportunities to explore the forests, develop a love for nature and find the same sense of restoration.

The importance of preserving those experiences appeared repeatedly in the comments. Twenty-four mentioned “solitude,” while 20 described protected areas as “sacred.”

Even a 6-year-old child weighed in, writing about climbing trees and rocks and skiing in the Cibola National Forest.

“I think you should keep the Roadless Rule,” the child wrote.

More than 370,000 comments nationwide

The USDA received more than 370,000 public comments between Aug. 18 and Oct. 6 on its proposed repeal.

An analysis by the Center for Western Priorities, an environmental advocacy organization, used an artificial intelligence language model to examine the submissions and concluded that more than 99% opposed eliminating the rule.

In New Mexico, opposition came from people identifying themselves as ranchers, hikers, hunters, fishermen and business owners in communities surrounding the Gila National Forest.

Environmental organizations also mobilized residents against the proposal.

New Mexico Wild submitted letters opposing the repeal that carried the signatures of approximately 3,300 state residents. The group also organized a series of public hearings after the USDA declined to hold its own hearings on the proposal.

The range of people opposing the repeal underscores how the debate extends beyond conservation organizations to residents who value forests for recreation, livelihoods and the preservation of natural landscapes.

USDA says repeal would help forest management

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the administration’s intention to repeal the Roadless Rule while visiting Santa Fe in June 2025.

The administration has argued that ending the rule would return decision-making authority to local forest administrators, help reduce wildfire risks and support the logging industry.

Among the five New Mexico commenters who supported repeal, several raised concerns about wildfires and argued that the existing restrictions impede practical forest management. Four did not provide their names, which was optional.

Environmental advocates, however, dispute the argument that removing roadless protections would necessarily reduce wildfire risks.

They contend that constructing roads in previously protected areas can increase the likelihood of human-caused fires. Studies have also found that wildfires are less common in areas covered by the Roadless Rule, according to reporting by Source NM.

The disagreement highlights a central question in the federal debate: whether removing restrictions would improve forest health and wildfire management or expose previously protected landscapes to greater development and additional risks.

Ski resort manager backs local control

The only identified New Mexico commenter supporting repeal was John Paul Bradley, general manager of Sipapu Ski Resort in the Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico.

Bradley said a roadless area adjacent to the resort could not be managed to improve forest health under the existing restrictions.

“We believe in returning decisions to the local level and giving the Forest Service all the tools and support they need to actively manage these beautiful national forests across the West,” he wrote.

Bradley did not respond to requests for further comment.

For opponents, however, the prospect of greater access for logging, road construction and other development raises concerns that go beyond forest management. They fear losing wildlife habitat, watershed protections and the remote landscapes that give residents and visitors a chance to experience nature without the constant presence of human activity.

With the public comment period now closed, the USDA faces a record of overwhelming opposition among the New Mexico residents whose submissions were reviewed. Whether those concerns will influence the department’s final decision remains to be seen.

‘To Honor the Identity of Native People’: New Mexico Gears Up for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 12

Gregg Morgan
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‘To Honor the Identity of Native People’: New Mexico Gears Up for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 12

Indigenous Peoples’ Day just around the corner, and New Mexico is preparing the events and activities to mark the occasion. Will you join the celebrations this Monday?

“I think it’s important to acknowledge and honor the identity of Native people throughout our country and our state in particular,” Indian Affairs Secretary Josett Monette said in a statement. “And really respecting Tribal sovereignty and recognizing that Indigenous people in New Mexico bring a wealth of contributions to our state.”

The Native Art Market is welcoming visitors for its soft opening as Santa Fe hosts a lineup of events. Co-founder Heather Tracy said maintaining a presence in New Mexico is important to the organization. 

Tracy said Native arts and crafts generate billions of dollars, yet Native Americans see less than one percent of that revenue

“Our whole mission is just to create safe spaces for Natives to sell directly to the public,” Tracy said. “We feature over 200 Native artisans and they receive direct deposits for their purchases.”

Santa Fe will close out its weekend lineup on Monday with the fourth annual Native Nations Powwow at Santa Fe Plaza.

Meanwhile, in Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Avanyu Plaza will offer a full day of activities on Monday. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., you can enjoy dance performances, face painting, and more.

The Native Collective Leadership of Albuquerque will hold a community celebration at Tiguex Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Former NMSU and Kentucky football standout Shiyazh Pete is also scheduled to attend. 

“I hope that we continue to set the standard as we have throughout the country,” Monette said. “It’s important to work together and in partnership for the betterment of the entire state.”

Overnight Crash in Albuquerque Kills Three, Leaves One Severely Burned 

Gregg Morgan
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Overnight Crash in Albuquerque Kills Three, Leaves One Severely Burned 

A single-vehicle crash in western Albuquerque claimed the lives of three individuals and severely burned another person overnight Saturday, Albuquerque police said. 

The Albuquerque Police Department said officers arrived near Unser Boulevard and Ladera Drive NW about 1:35 a.m. following the accident. 

Investigators found that a purple 2013 Infiniti was traveling north on Unser from Interstate 40 at a high speed when it ran the red light at Ladera.

Police said the car went out of control just past Ladera and crashed through three trees in the median. The vehicle then caught fire, resulting in the death of three people at the scene. 

Authorities said rescuers airlifted a fourth person to Lubbock, Texas for treatment for severe burns.

As of Saturday, police had not identified the victims, and the crash remains under investigation.

New Mexico Extends Tax Deadlines for Flood-Hit Residents and Businesses: What Everyone Should Know

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico Extends Tax Deadlines for Flood-Hit Residents and Businesses: What Everyone Should Know

New Mexico taxpayers and businesses affected by September flooding have more time to file and pay their taxes, with the state extending several deadlines into January 2027 and waiving penalties and interest on eligible delayed payments.

The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department said the extensions are intended to help individuals and businesses recovering from the floods, which may have disrupted access to financial records, accounting systems and other resources needed to meet tax obligations.

The relief marks the first use of authority granted under House Bill 291, passed during the 2026 legislative session. The law allows the department to waive interest when tax extensions are granted for good cause, including natural disasters.

Previously, state law allowed penalties to be suspended during an extension but still required taxpayers to pay interest.

“New Mexicans rebuilding after devastating floods in recent weeks may not have access to the records and systems needed to pay and file their taxes right now,” Taxation and Revenue Secretary Stephanie Schardin Clarke said. “This extension allows those taxpayers a grace period so they can focus on recovering.”

Which tax deadlines have been extended?

The department announced revised deadlines for several state tax obligations:

  • Personal income tax: The October 15 deadline has been extended to January 15, 2027.
  • Estimated income tax payments: Payments originally due October 15 are now due January 15, 2027.
  • Business and excise taxes: Deadlines originally scheduled for October 26, November 25 and December 28 have been extended to January 25, 2027.

The business and excise tax relief covers gross receipts tax, compensating tax, withholding taxes, oil and gas taxes, combined fuel tax and other excise taxes.

How can taxpayers request relief?

Taxpayers seeking disaster-related relief must submit Form TRD-41432, Disaster Relief Extension Notification, to the department by email or mail.

The form can be filed before submitting a return or after receiving a notice assessing late-payment penalties and interest.

Those who need additional time beyond the disaster-relief extension can also submit Form RPD-41096, Extension of Time to File.

Both forms are available on the department’s Forms and Publications page under “Extensions.”

Completed forms may be submitted through either channel:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mail: New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, P.O. Box 630, Santa Fe, NM 87504-0630

For more information, taxpayers can consult department bulletins 100.49 and 100.43, available under “Publications,” then “Bulletins,” on the same website.

Strong Winds, Gusts Up to 50 mph Threaten New Mexico on Sunday

Juan Oliveros
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Strong Winds, Gusts Up to 50 mph Threaten New Mexico on Sunday

Wind gusts of up to 50 mph could affect parts of New Mexico on Sunday, October 11, raising the risk of hazardous driving conditions and potentially disrupting the final Mass Ascension of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta as stronger southwest winds move across the state.

The stronger winds could create challenges for the fiesta’s final Mass Ascension, though light surface winds in the morning may allow organizers to hold at least a static balloon display.

Showers and thunderstorms spread across western, northern, and central New Mexico overnight, with precipitation continuing into Sunday morning in some areas. Local forecasts indicate Albuquerque will be mostly dry early in the day.

Conditions are expected to deteriorate in the afternoon, with widespread southwest winds of 25 to 40 mph across much of the state. Isolated areas could see gusts as high as 50 mph, and the chance of rain will continue into the evening.

The National Weather Service predicts mostly sunny conditions in the Albuquerque metropolitan area, with a high near 82°F. South winds of 20 to 25 mph could gust up to 35 mph, and there is a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms after 3 p.m.

The temperature is expected to fall to about 57°F overnight, with partly cloudy skies and a continued chance of showers in the early evening.

Western New Mexico may see stronger winds Sunday afternoon, with gusts reaching 35 to 45 mph as upper-level winds strengthen and a surface trough develops. Wind advisories are in effect for some areas near the Four Corners, including parts of the Black Mesa area, the Chinle Valley, and the Chuska Mountains.

The anticipated winds could lead to dangerous driving conditions, especially for people operating trucks, recreational vehicles, and other high-profile vehicles on open roads.

People are also advised to secure loose outdoor objects. Residents in fire-prone areas should stay alert for elevated fire-weather risks if humidity drops.

Breezy conditions are likely to continue into early next week before winds gradually decrease. Daytime highs are expected to remain mild, generally ranging from the 70s to the 80s.

Residents and visitors should monitor the latest forecasts and advisories from the National Weather Service office in Albuquerque as conditions change.

New Mexico Launches New Crackdown on Orphaned Oil Wells With Over 1,600 Remain Awaiting Cleanup

Ruben Reyes
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New Mexico Launches New Crackdown on Orphaned Oil Wells With Over 1,600 Remain Awaiting Cleanup

New Mexico is expanding its efforts to address abandoned oil and gas wells, with more than 1,600 wells still awaiting plugging or remediation under existing state orders.

The state Oil Conservation Division has established an Orphan Well Bureau to identify abandoned wells, oversee plugging operations, and remediate sites that may pose environmental risks. The bureau is intended to increase the state’s capacity to address a backlog that has persisted despite recent increases in plugging activity.

The initiative follows the unanimous passage of House Bill 80 during the 2026 legislative session. The law redirects most revenue from the state’s oil and gas conservation tax into the Oil and Gas Reclamation Fund, which supports plugging abandoned wells and reclaiming associated production facilities.

The Oil Conservation Division, part of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, plugged 114 wells in fiscal year 2026. Officials expect the new bureau to build on that work, though it has not yet set annual targets.

Sidney Hill, a public information officer with the department, said the bureau is expected to have 13 employees by the end of its first year.

The planned staff will include plugging engineers and supervisors, field inspectors, environmental scientists, environmental operations personnel and specialists in program and grant management.

Reclamation fund will cover the bureau’s staffing and operating costs, Hill said. Officials cannot set specific annual plugging goals until the bureau is more fully staffed.

Abandoned wells can require extensive work to seal them properly and restore surrounding land. Unplugged or improperly sealed wells can allow oil, gas, and other contaminants to migrate into the environment, depending on site conditions.

The new bureau is intended to expand the state’s ability to manage those risks while coordinating the technical and environmental work needed to close abandoned sites.

More than 1,600 wells awaiting action represent a significant workload for regulators, who must assess sites and determine the work needed to plug wells and remediate associated facilities.

The bureau’s progress will depend in part on staffing and the resources available through the reclamation fund as the state works to address its abandoned well inventory.

Governor Lujan Grisham Urges New Mexicans to Grab Free Day-Use Access to State Parks Through April 30

Juan Oliveros
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Governor Lujan Grisham Urges New Mexicans to Grab Free Day-Use Access to State Parks Through April 30

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is urging New Mexico residents to get outside and take advantage of free day-use access at most state parks, available through April 30.​

The governor highlighted the opportunity in a recent social media post, writing, “Come outside! New Mexico residents can now have free access to our state parks on a day-use basis until April 30th.”​

Residents can visit the official New Mexico State Parks website to find the nearest park. The annual benefit runs from Oct. 1 through April 30 and waives standard day-use entry fees for New Mexico residents who show a valid state ID. Nonresidents must still pay regular fees.

The program covers about 35 state parks and is intended to expand access to outdoor recreation during the cooler fall and winter months.

​“Fall is a great time to return to a favorite park or discover one you haven’t visited,” New Mexico State Parks Division Director Toby Velásquez has said in related announcements. “We invite New Mexicans to bring their families, try something new, create new memories, and make spending time outdoors part of their traditions.”

​In addition to free day-use entry, the maximum camping stay increases to 14 consecutive days during the off-season, though camping fees still apply. The free-access program does not cover parking at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park in Albuquerque or admission to Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park in Carlsbad.

​Officials note that the peak season for state parks runs from May through September, when most revenue is generated, much of it from out-of-state visitors.

​During the off-season, New Mexico residents have more opportunities to visit local parks when crowds are smaller and temperatures are milder—conditions well suited for hiking, fishing, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

​Visitors can plan trips, check current conditions and view upcoming events, including fall activities such as art programs, Halloween events and seasonal fishing opportunities.

​The state’s park-finder tool can help residents identify the closest destination.

​The governor’s message comes as New Mexicans look for accessible ways to enjoy the state’s natural scenery. With free entry available for the next several months, state officials hope more families will get outdoors and make outdoor recreation a regular part of their lives.

New Mexico Tech Astronomers Help NASA Track City-Killer Asteroids

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico Tech Astronomers Help NASA Track City-Killer Asteroids

Two astronomers at New Mexico Tech played a key role in an international effort to assess the threat of an asteroid that briefly raised fears of a potentially devastating impact on Earth, highlighting how ground-based telescopes help protect the planet from space hazards.

Dr. William Ryan, senior astronomer, and Dr. Eileen Ryan, director of the Magdalena Ridge Observatory (MRO), are featured in NASA’s documentary Planetary Defenders: This Is Not an Exercise, which follows scientists as they tracked asteroid 2024 YR4 and calculated its chances of striking Earth in 2032.

The documentary, recently released on NASA+ and YouTube, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the planetary defense network that searches for potentially hazardous asteroids and determines whether they pose a danger to Earth.

Both astronomers have been NASA Hazardous Asteroids researchers since 2008. Their observations at the observatory near Socorro, New Mexico, contributed to the effort to establish the asteroid’s trajectory and assess its potential threat.

The episode illustrates a central challenge in planetary defense: an asteroid that initially appears unremarkable can become a serious concern when early observations suggest a possible collision course with Earth.

From routine discovery to planetary alert

Asteroid 2024 YR4 was discovered on December 25, 2024, by Dr. Larry Denneau of the University of Hawaii. Initially, it appeared to be one of the many near-Earth objects detected by astronomers each year.

But calculations based on its observed position soon elevated the level of concern.

On January 27, 2025, NASA reported an Earth-impact probability above 1.2%, prompting increased attention from astronomers monitoring the object. The estimated probability subsequently climbed to a peak of approximately 3.1%.

Although the odds still favored a miss, the possibility of an impact warranted further investigation. An asteroid of this class could cause severe destruction if it struck a populated area.

Scientists faced a limited window to gather observations during the asteroid’s first period of visibility. Its next favorable observing opportunity would not arrive until 2028, while the projected close approach was expected in December 2032.

The challenge was to determine the asteroid’s orbit precisely enough to establish whether Earth was actually in danger.

A mountain-top telescope joins the defense

At Magdalena Ridge Observatory, the Ryans used the MRO 2.4-meter telescope to observe 2024 YR4 from January through March 2025.

The telescope collected high-precision positional measurements, known as astrometry, which helped astronomers refine the asteroid’s orbit. Researchers also gathered physical characterization data, including information about its rotation and spectral properties, to improve their understanding of the object.

The work was particularly demanding because the asteroid was extremely faint, appearing at approximately visible magnitude 24.

“The Magdalena 2.4-meter telescope is one of the largest in NASA’s Planetary Defense network and was well suited to making ground based observations of 2024 YR4, as the asteroid was very faint at visible magnitude V~24,” Eileen Ryan said.

The telescope’s capabilities were enhanced by a mirror originally built for the Hubble Space Telescope, according to the observatory’s account of the campaign.

The New Mexico team worked alongside researchers using the 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope in Arizona and other observatories around the world. Combining measurements from multiple facilities allowed scientists to improve their calculations and narrow the range of possible future trajectories.

The observations demonstrated why planetary defense depends on more than discovering an asteroid. Scientists must continue tracking it, measure its motion accurately and update impact probabilities as new evidence becomes available.

Impact probability falls to zero

The additional observations quickly changed the assessment of 2024 YR4.

On February 19, 2025, researchers lowered the estimated probability of an Earth impact to about 1.5%. The following day, the probability fell to approximately 0.27%.

Observations continued into April. By April 1, scientists had enough information to rule out an Earth impact in 2032, effectively eliminating the immediate threat.

The asteroid had not disappeared, but its projected trajectory no longer posed the feared collision with Earth.

“This was an excellent demonstration of NASA’s Planetary Defense network doing its job to assess risk via ground based observations and plan accordingly,” Ryan said.

The episode underscored the importance of communicating changing risk estimates accurately. An early impact probability is not a prediction that a collision will occur; it is an assessment that can rise or fall as astronomers collect more precise data.

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