Forest ecologist urges lodgers‑tax support for public wildfire awareness program

JR Logan, a forest ecologist who said he organized field trips and public events funded partly with lodgers tax and foundation grants, told the council Taos County faces high wildfire risk and described two education projects: field trips to burn scars and a multi‑month public program called Del Fuego (and a related Paseo Project partnership).

Logan summarized lessons from other communities and a study that estimated reconstruction costs for a large fire scenario; he emphasized that early investment in restoration and outreach reduces later rebuilding costs and economic disruption. ‘‘This is not a hypothetical for us,’’ he told the council, noting both ecological and economic consequences of severe fires in nearby communities.

Logan described recent activities funded by lodgers tax and grants (Lor Foundation, New Mexico Association of Counties) including field trips, panel events and a March 7 program intended to bring stories of fire and recovery to broader audiences. He said the effort aims to meet people where they are — through food, art and local culture — to build public buy‑in for restoration work.

Council members asked whether lodgers tax revenue can be used for fire management. Staff said the town had received a legal opinion about permissible lodgers‑tax uses and would share it with council members. Logan also announced a Taos Valley Watershed Coalition meeting (Thursday, 1–3 p.m., Taos County Commission Chambers) and a tentative April 18 field trip to see thinning and prescribed burning work.

Council members expressed support for public engagement and for exploring additional lodgers‑tax funding to help move the outreach and restoration work forward. Logan said additional funds would be used for a broader Del Fuego program of lectures, field trips, art and classroom events across communities in Taos County.