County Manager Webb plans public meeting with wildlife services on nuisance animal guide

The Grant County work session on August 14, 2025, featured a significant update regarding wildlife services and community resources. A county representative shared insights on the recent renewal of the wildlife services contract and expressed a commitment to better understand the available resources.

During the meeting, it was noted that the wildlife services are currently undergoing a transition with their supervisory staff. The county manager, Webb, indicated that once this transition is complete, the wildlife services will be invited to present at a future meeting. This presentation aims to provide the public with an opportunity to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of the services offered.

Additionally, the representative highlighted a productive meeting with the county extension agent, Jessica Massengill. The extension office serves as a valuable resource for residents seeking advice on gardening, farming, and other agricultural issues. Massengill reported an increase in inquiries related to dying trees, attributed to ongoing drought conditions.

In an effort to further assist the community, the representative proposed the creation of a nuisance animal guide. This guide would address common concerns about local wildlife, including snakes, gophers, woodpeckers, bees, coyotes, mountain lions, and bears. The initiative aims to consolidate information from various agencies, including the USDA, US Fish and Wildlife, and New Mexico Game and Fish, to provide residents with comprehensive resources.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing public awareness and education regarding wildlife management and agricultural support. Future discussions and presentations are anticipated to strengthen community engagement and resource accessibility.