In August 2000, one of the most catastrophic wildfire seasons in history, President Clinton directed the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to develop a response to severe wildland fires, reduce fire impacts on rural communities, and ensure effective firefighting capacity in the future. The result was the National Fire Plan, which Congress later supported through appropriations language in the FY 2001 Appropriations Act and other written direction.

As part of its direction, Congress mandated several reporting requirements including the creation of a coordinated national 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy. It also called on the Secretaries to work collaboratively and cooperatively with Governors in the development of this strategy and as full partners in planning, decision-making, and implementation.

New Mexico’s Forest & Watershed Health Plan is based on the National Fire Plan, the 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy and the Implementation Plan developed by the Western Governors’ Association. The Forest & Watershed Health Plan addresses the issues outlined in these national-scale documents taking into account the landscape, vegetation and forest and watershed health issues specific to New Mexico. For more information on these national level plans, please click on the appropriate link below.

For more information on these national level plans, please click on the appropriate link below.

National Fire Plan
10-Year Comprehensive Strategy
Western Governors Implementation Plan