Op-ed: Waiting Is No Longer an Option for Western Forests

This piece originally appeared as an op-ed in the Santa Fe New Mexican on February 22, 2026.

After the devastating 2022 Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon wildfire, northern New Mexico is still living with trauma, contaminated water, and a long road to recovery. In this op-ed published by the Santa Fe New Mexican, San Miguel County Commissioner Max Trujillo explains why waiting is no longer an option for Western forests and why active, bipartisan forest management is essential to protect our communities, culture, and public lands.