Rickman: Promises, Credibility & North Mesa Open Space
By JIM RICKMAN
Los Alamos
I’ve read with interest all the hype and hullabaloo regarding the conversion of North Mesa open space into a bike park and other things. I’d like to offer one more perspective on the issue.
Back in May 2000, the National Park Service negligently ignited an uncontrolled inferno that incinerated the homes of some 400 Los Alamos families and forever altered the physical landscape of our community. Perhaps unbelievable to present-day citizens, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was highly functioning and nonpartisan, and politicians of both major parties Read More
Los Alamos Scout Troop 122 Goes To Carlsbad Caverns
Los Alamos Scout Troop 122 recently went on a trip to Carlsbad Caverns in southern New Mexico. Pictured: Alex Euler at an exhibit at the Carlsbad Caverns visitor center. Courtesy photo
Steve Mosier, Broderick Euler, Brandon Keller, Javier Chacon, and Christopher Delgado look over a diorama of the caverns. Courtesy photo
Scout Troop 122 descends into the mouth of Caverns. Courtesy photo Read More
Daily Postcard: Icy East Fork Stream Meanders Through Valles Caldera National Preserve
Daily Postcard: Icy East Fork stream meanders through Valles Caldera. NPS/L. Ray Read More
Helping Butterfly Conservation Take Flight: PEEC Invites Community To Free Virtual Talk By Xerces Society March 5
A juniper hairstreak butterfly. Courtesy/PEEC
PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites the community to a free virtual program, Helping Butterfly Conservation Take Flight, 6-7 p.m., Thursday, March 5. This online talk explores the beauty, importance, and vulnerability of New Mexico’s butterflies and the meaningful steps each of us can take to help protect them.
New Mexico is home to nearly half of all butterfly species found in the United States, making it a hotspot for pollinator diversity. These charismatic insects pollinate crops and gardens, support Read More
Weekly Fishing Report: Feb. 23, 2026
By GEORGE MORSE
Sports and Outdoors
Los Alamos Daily Post
Several lakes in Northeast New Mexico will open for fishing Feb. 28. Morphy Lake State Park, Clayton Lake State Park, Charette Lakes and Maxwell Lake 13 will open after being closed for the winter. Clayton Lake was stocked Feb. 18 with 4,001 rainbow trout in preparation for the opener.
Be sure to call 575.377.1594 to check on ice conditions at Eagle Nest Lake. The weather forecast indicates a warming trend so ice conditions may deteriorate.
Fenton Lake is still not open for ice fishing. There is some open water.
Small streams at higher Read More
Bandelier Announces Paid Americorps Internships
Los Alamos County Expands Bulk Brush Collection Services Due To Wildfire Concerns
A local brush pile. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
In response to the dry and warm winter season and associated wildfire concerns, Los Alamos County is expanding curbside bulk brush collection services offered to residents during the weeks of Feb. 23, March 9, and March 23.
Please note the following guidelines and limitations, which help ensure that the curbside collection process runs smoothly and efficiently:
- Residents must sign up and schedule a bulk pickup by contacting Environmental Services by phone at 505.662.8163 or email at solidwaste@losalamonm.gov.
- A maximum of 15 bulk service
LANL Adds Documents To Electronic Reading Room
LANL News:
The following documents have been added to the Los Alamos National Laboratory Electronic Reading Room.
The document(s) have been submitted to fulfill one or more requirements of the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
- FTWC Radioactive Air Emissions Summary, Volume 2 Environmental Sampling & Expanded Plume Modeling
- Fee Assessment Class 1 Permit Modification to Add Structure to the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Hazardous Waste Facility Permit, EPA ID#NM0890010515
Daily Postcard: Cedar Waxwing At Overlook Park
Daily Postcard: A cedar waxwing perches on a branch Saturday at Overlook Park. Photo by Richard Skolnik Read More
Posts From The Road: Kingman, Ariz.
Welcome to Kingman: An overhead neon-lit banner sign over Route 66 welcomes visitors to the city of Kingman. Ariz. The welcome sign is framed with two Route 66 shields on each end of the banner. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Hilltop Motel: The Hilltop Motel sits in its original location on Route 66 in Kingman, Ariz. The motel has been renovated, but the rooms were redesigned into apartments. The original sign has also been renovated and shines nightly with the bright neon lights very popular during the busiest years of the route. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
By GARY WARREN
Photographer Read More
Snow Day … The Pajarito Mountain Ski Patrol Has Been Keeping Los Alamos Scientists Safe And Happy For 75 years
The Pajarito Mountain Ski Patrol has been keeping Los Alamos scientists safe and happy for 75 years. Photo by Kyle Dickman
By KYLE DICKMAN
Science Writer
Los Alamos National Laboratory might be the only large scientific institution where it’s possible to do world-class science in the morning, ski powder at lunch, and be back in the office for a two o’clock meeting. One crisp and snowy January morning, this point wasn’t lost on three Lab managers and volunteer ski patrollers—Katie Higgins, Hans Herrmann, and Eric Brown. They were lounging inside Pajarito Mountain’s patrol shack, waiting Read More
Daily Postcard: Sunset Highlights View From NM 4
Daily Postcard: Sunset highlights the view from the White Rock Y early Saturday evening along NM 4. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More
New Mexico Environment Department’s Emerging Contaminants Program Launches PFAS Dashboard For Drinking Water Systems
NMED News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department’s (NMED) Emerging Contaminants Program today launched an interactive dashboard that allows residents to view PFAS testing results for their local public water system.
Since its launch in 2024, the program has helped 523 New Mexico public water systems sample for PFAS. A total of 15 systems tested above federal drinking water standards for PFAS. Through the Emerging Contaminants Program, NMED is working with these systems to evaluate the contamination and remediation options.
“Clean, safe drinking water starts with data-driven Read More
County Issues Traffic Advisory On Crane Transport Through Town To Los Alamos Golf Course Set For Monday
Map showing crane activity scheduled for Monday in the parking lot at Los Alamos Golf Course. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
As part of the HVAC upgrade project at the Los Alamos Golf Course Clubhouse, a 50-ton crane will travel through town on Monday, Feb. 23.
The crane’s route will follow N.M. 502/East Road to Trinity Drive and Diamond Drive, arriving at 4244 Diamond Dr. Movement is scheduled between noon and 1 p.m. Monday.
The east end of the Los Alamos Golf Course parking lot will be closed from noon to 5 p.m. to accommodate crane operations. All crane activity will remain within the east parking lot Read More
Wildlife Department Seeks Public Comment Regarding Hybrid Striped Bass Stocking At Elephant Butte State Park
New Mexico Wildlife News:
SANTA FE — Members of the public will have an opportunity to provide input next month as the New Mexico Department of Wildlife is proposing to stock hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, into Elephant Butte Reservoir.
The Department will hold a public meeting from 6-7 p.m., March 5, in the Boat Training Building at Elephant Butte Lake State Park (7 Ridge Road in Elephant Butte). Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting to learn about the proposal and provide comments.
Those unable to attend the meeting in person may also provide comments by email at DGF-Fisheries-Management@dgf.nm.gov Read More
Daily Postcard: Mountain Bluebirds At Overlook Park
Daily Postcard: Female Mountain Bluebirds perch on a branch as snow falls Friday at Overlook Park. Photo by Richard Skolnik Read More
Rio De Chama Acequia Association To Host Community Listening Session Saturday At Chamita Community Center
Members of the Rio de Chama Acequia Association (RCAA) spent Thursday afternoon at Hernandez Elementary School teaching second graders about Acequias. Rick Martinez, center, and RCAA Youth Leader Javier Vigil. is our youth leader and is following a model shared by the New Mexico Acequia Association.
RCAA Youth Leader Javier Vigil on Thursday afternoon at Hernandez Elementary School, teaching second graders about Acequias following a model shared by the New Mexico Acequia Association. Courtesy/RCAA
RCAA News:
The Lower Rio Chama Watershed Project, led by the Rio de Chama Acequia Association Read More
Santa Fe National Forest Announces Seasonal Hiring For Upcoming Recreation Season
SFNF News:
SANTA FE — Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) is hiring seasonal employees for the upcoming recreation season and is encouraging local residents to apply.
“Our seasonal employees are the backbone of summer operations—keeping our campgrounds, trails and recreation sites open, safe and welcoming for visitors,” Forest Supervisor Shaun Sanchez said. “These positions offer meaningful work, hands-on experience and the chance to support public lands close to home.
The Santa Fe National Forest is recruiting for a variety of roles, including:
- Series Grade: GS-0462-3
- Position: Forestry
It’s Snowing At Pajarito … Tickets Available Now
Pajarito Mountain Ski Area is open today, Saturday, and Sunday, Courtesy/Pajarito
PAJARITO News:
Just in time for reopening, Pajarito picked up a couple inches of snow this week and it’s snowing right now – check the live cams and see for yourself.
Pajarito Mountain Ski Area is open today, Saturday, and Sunday, and it’s shaping up to be a great weekend. Lift tickets are under $70 (while supplies last), and when purchased online by midnight the night before visiting, purchasers receive $10 in Bird Bucks to use on food, drinks, or gear.
Listen To The Stars: How Blind Astronomer ‘Hears’ The Cosmos At New Mexico Museum Of Space History Launch Pad Lecture March 2
NMDCA News:
ALAMOGORDO — The groundbreaking work of blind astronomer Wanda Díaz-Merced will be brought into focus at the New Mexico Museum of Space History Launch Pad Lecture 9-10 a.m., Friday, March 6.
Museum Curator Brianna Buller will introduce visitors to Díaz-Merced’s methods, demonstrate how data can be translated into audio patterns, and highlight how these approaches open doors for researchers with diverse abilities while enriching how all scientists interpret information from space.
Drawing from her lived experience with disability, Díaz-Merced has created new ways of engaging Read More