U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich touring the John T. Harrington Reforestation Center today in Mora. Courtesy photo

U.S. SENATE News:

MORA — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich toured the John T. Harrington Reforestation Center today in Mora. Sen. Heinrich recently secured $1 million in congressionally directed spending for the center’s seed bank and seed collection efforts.

The center is a partnership between New Mexico Highlands University, New Mexico State University, University of New Mexico, and the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department’s Forestry Division to meet New Mexico’s current and future reforestation needs.

Heinrich, a leading advocate for legislation that tackles the climate crisis, will continue engaging with New Mexico institutions of higher education to provide federal funding that supports efforts like forest protection.

Heinrich worked to secure and support the passage of over $18 million for New Mexico colleges and universities in the recent Omnibus Appropriations Agreement for Fiscal Year 2022. For a full list of funding click here.

Key attendees include:

• Dr. Owen Burney, Director of the John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center in Mora, Associate Professor, New Mexico State University
• Dr. Joshua Sloan, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Associate Professor, New Mexico Highlands University
• Dr. Matt Hurteau, Professor, University of New Mexico
• Laura McCarthy, State Forester, Forestry Division, New Mexico Department of Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources
• Dr. Alan Barton, Director of the NM Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute
• Dr. Leslie Edgar, Associate Dean, New Mexico State University
• Max Baca, Vice President for Finance, Administration, and Government Relations, New Mexico Highlands University
• Collin Haffey, Forest and Watershed Health Coordinator, New Mexico Department of Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources