GRANTS, N.M. – The monthly Grants City Council Meeting took place on August 20 and lasted nearly five hours, in which they discussed developments in the Fire & Rescue department and local outdoor initiatives. The discussions highlighted accomplishments, training updates, and future projects that aim to enhance community safety and recreational opportunities. Fire & Rescue
Training sessions have been extensive, with members participating in aircraft crash training at Milan Fire Department for four hours, vehicle extrication training at Route 66 interstate towing for five hours, and solar panel battery storage in San Fidel.
The department has recently installed a new fire skid unit, which has already proven its worth. Responding to a wildland call, the unit, according Fire Chief Mike Maes “did a great job. [It] did exactly what we wanted it to do.” As of the 20th, it had been on two deployments.
The garage is in the process of being built and will house the Defender side by side, EMS skid unit, gear, et cetera. However, the expansion of the station has been put on hold, though it will be discussed in a few weeks.
Another addition to the department is the SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) breathable air compressor, the first new unit the department has purchased in about two decades. Regular air quality tests will ensure that personnel are working with safe and breathable air, contributing to their safety and effectiveness during emergencies.
At the end of the month, four personnel are set to graduate from probation, and two will progress to the fire academy for further training. Additionally, a new medic is expected to join the team in September, enhancing the department's capabilities.
Additionally, at the recent Tri-state fireman’s convention, the Grants Fire & Rescue team was first place in the five-man competition and third place in another category.
Cibola Outdoors Initiative
The Cibola Outdoors organization aims to increase the gross receipt tax for the community through the promotion of outdoor recreational opportunities, specifically gravel cycling, hiking, and mountain biking. According to Les Gained, by leveraging the RERC grant, Cibola Outdoors has evolved into a vital component for community engagement, focusing on responsible land and people management.
A study highlighted by Gaines revealed that many residents had previously perceived limited recreational options in Cibola County; however, recent surveys identified numerous community assets, changing the narrative about outdoor activities available in the area. “Some things that I take for granted and that we might take for granted in our com- munity is a big thrill for some people.” Gaines stated.
A recent completion of Zuni Canyon Road, which serves as an entrance to the Quartz Hill Trail System, is now accessible to cyclists through the Trail Forks app.
Cibola Trail Alliance Furthering the agenda of outdoor engagement, the Cibola Trail Alliance presented its initiatives aimed at preserving and developing trail systems in Cibola County. Their mission focuses on uniting enthusiasts across various outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.
The presentation stated “Cibola Trail Alliance (CTA) is a passionate and active organization dedicated to outdoor recreation and the preservation and development of trails in the Mt. Taylor Ranger District of Cibola County, New Mexico. The group’s mission to foster a community of trail enthusiasts, including hikers, cyclists, ATV riders, runners, and horseback riders, is a great way to promote the enjoyment and sustainability of the outdoors.”
The CTA is steadily making progress with a 24mile stacked loop non-motorized trail system currently being developed in Lobo Canyon. Notably, they have secured substantial funding through various grants, including their initial award in 2022 for $9,000, their recent expansion grant for $500,000, and contacts with Ancestral Lands crews and Rocky Mountain youth corp contract of $170,000, with an additional pending grant of $25,000.
The organization is currently seeking volunteers to assist in these projects, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in sustaining and furthering outdoor recreational activities in the region.