National Climatic Data Center, 14 November 2003

This persistent drought has had an impact on resources in the state. The USDA's NRCS noted that, averaged statewide, New Mexico reservoirs were at 18% of capacity as of early October. This statewide figure compares with other years at this time:

• 2003: 18%
• 2002: 23%
• 2001: 44%
• 2000: 48%
• 1999: 65%
• 1998: 57%
• 1997: 62%

CLIMAS scientist Gregg Garfin explained that the drought has contributed to the death of many trees in the Southwest, including pinyon and ponderosa pine. More recently, high elevation spruce and Douglas fir were being affected, as well as lower elevation manzanita (a drought resistant species) and other species.

As noted by The Boston Globe (10/23), the extended drought coupled with a bark beetle infestation is killing New Mexico's state tree, the pinon pine:

"Things are bad enough," said George Duda, a forester with the New Mexico State Forestry Division in Santa Fe, that "many areas around Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque are experiencing 90 percent pinon die-off."

Instead of the fire-blackened trunks that have scarred New Mexico's hillsides in recent years, swaths of brown trees are visible around Santa Fe in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Fire officials are already assessing deadwood concentrations and plans of attack in preparation for what they expect will be a busy fire season next year.

Gino Schiavone, owner of Native Scents in Taos, relies on pinon sap and fresh needles for his incense and other products. "We're taking a wait-and-see attitude right now," he said of his supply. "What's really concerning us is fire. We're surrounded by the Kit Carson National Forest, and you look out and see huge patches of brown. It would just take one lightning strike."

Additional information may be found at:

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2003/10/23/drought_insects_killing_southwests_pinon_trees_boston_globe/