Replanting New Mexico: The Work to Rebuild Forests Lost to Fire
Replanting New Mexico: Wildfire Tree Recovery
How reforestation gives burned landscapes a second chance to thrive
New Mexico’s forests do more than just grow trees. They protect watersheds, provide wildlife habitat, and support the mountain communities that call these landscapes home. When wildfires strike — as they inevitably will — reforestation becomes a vital act of renewal.
Across the state, land managers and restoration crews are working to help these forests recover through a combination of native tree planting, erosion control, soil stabilization, invasive species removal, and long-term forest monitoring. It’s not just about putting seedlings in the ground — it’s about helping wildfire-affected landscapes adapt, regrow, and return stronger for the next generation.
Below are several major wildfires on that have left long-lasting impacts on New Mexico's tree canopy — and the ongoing recovery efforts that are helping these forests heal.
Scott Able Fire
In May 2000, a downed power line in Scott Able Canyon sparked a fast-moving fire in the Sacramento Mountains. About 16,000 acres burned, and dozens of homes were lost.
Today, reforestation in this area focuses on restoring ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer habitat, stabilizing mountain slopes, and building a more fire-resilient forest where neighborhoods and woodlands meet.
Visit the restoration area on Google Maps:
Little Bear Fire
In June 2012, a lightning strike near Ruidoso ignited the Little Bear Fire. Under dry, windy conditions, the fire expanded rapidly — burning about 44,300 acres and destroying over 240 homes. It remains one of New Mexico’s most destructive wildfires.
Ongoing reforestation work includes erosion control on steep slopes, restoration of wildlife habitat, and planting native trees to reduce future flood risks.
Visit the restoration areas on Google Maps:
Cerro Pelado Fire
On April 22, 2022, a dormant slash-pile burn re-ignited during extreme fire weather in the Jemez Mountains. The Cerro Pelado Fire burned roughly 45,600 acres, affecting forests, recreation sites, and nearby watersheds.
Recovery efforts include reseeding severely burned drainages, supporting natural tree regeneration, and repairing trails and public access areas impacted by post-fire flooding.
Visit the restoration areas on Google Maps:
Hermit’s Peak / Calf Canyon Burn — Johnson Mesa Area
The Spring–Summer 2022 Hermit’s Peak / Calf Canyon fire became the largest wildfire in New Mexico’s recorded history. Hundreds of thousands of acres were burned across the Pecos region.
Around Johnson Mesa, extreme fire behavior stripped vegetation from ridge tops and meadows, leaving fragile soils exposed to erosion. Reforestation crews are planting native seedlings, mulching bare slopes, and monitoring regrowth to help the land recover and to protect communities downstream.
Visit the restoration area on Google Maps:
Growing Hope One Tree at a Time
The effects of wildfire can last for decades — but so can the benefits of recovery. Every newly planted tree helps:
-
Rebuild wildlife habitat
-
Improve soil health and stabilize slopes
-
Store carbon to fight climate change
-
Restore recreation areas
-
Protect water supplies for communities
It’s a long road from burn scar to living forest — but restoration efforts across New Mexico are ensuring that hope continues to take root.
