Washington, D.C. — U.S. Forest Service and the State of New Mexico today signed a next-generation agreement that builds on a successful shared stewardship partnership. The agreement expands opportunities for timber production, new wood uses, landscape restoration, and reducing wildfire risk to communities, ecosystems, and local economies across New Mexico. “This 20‑year commitment strengthens our partnership with New Mexico to increase fuel treatments and protect the watersheds that serve as the state’s critical water towers,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “By aligning federal and state resources across priority firesheds, we will accelerate restoration, expand wood utilization, and reduce wildfire risk across millions of acres that communities depend on for water, wood products, recreation, and jobs.” “This agreement means more boots on the ground in New Mexico doing the hard work of thinning overgrown forests and reducing fuel loads before the next fire season.” said New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.