Taos County Forest and Watershed Health Program Manager J.R. Logan on preparing for an early fire season and acknowledging climate grief.

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus.

This week on Voices of Taos join producer Laura Martin Baseman as she talks with J.R. Logan, Taos County Forest and Watershed Health Program Manager. Logan shares how his experience at the Taos News and the LOR Foundation laid the groundwork for his current role managing natural resources through contracts with Taos Soil and Water Conservation District and Taos County.

One of the projects Logan helps coordinate is the Forest Mayordomo Program, which employs locals adjacent to Carson National Forest to thin areas at risk of severe fire. Even with good management, Logan candidly warns that Taos County will likely see a catastrophic fire in the near future. He hopes this honesty won't paralyze people with fear, but encourage them to prepare. There are a lot of things people can do to protect their homes and land, including visiting the New Mexico State Forestry website on defensible space.

Logan and Martin Baseman also discuss climate grief. In February the Conservation District hosted Maud Powell who helped local land managers grapple with losses due to climate change. Logan emphasizes how the event was important for people in the community to share their grief, especially after the Calf Canyon—Hermits Peak fire. 

How to protect your home from wildfire

Climate Grief Resources

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