At a staff meeting on Wednesday, Cibola National Forest leaders announced a shift in focus towards “mission critical” projects, including uranium mining, in response to recent executive orders. This news comes amidst a wave of federal actions, including the termination of 15 employees. The meeting revealed concerns among employees over the confusion surrounding the directives from the Trump administration and newly appointed USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Cibola National Forest, spanning nearly 2 million acres across New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, contains areas like Mount Taylor, which is significant to the Navajo Nation. Forest leaders indicated that uranium mining in the region could resume, especially in the vicinity of Mount Taylor. The Roca Honda and La Jara Mesa uranium projects, both in the planning stages for over a decade, were mentioned as top priorities.
The potential reopening of these mines would be the first in New Mexico in over 50 years. However, the projects have faced opposition from environmental groups, particularly due to concerns about their impact on local water resources and the environment. The Roca Honda mine, for instance, would involve dewatering processes that could displace billions of gallons of water, risking contamination.
Despite regulatory hurdles, including the need for extensive environmental reviews, some experts expressed concerns about the Forest Service’s commitment to these projects, especially given the potential environmental and cultural impacts.
The meeting also addressed recent staffing changes, with 15 employees terminated, mainly those involved in maintaining recreational sites. Some employees were also allowed to resign voluntarily. The meeting emphasized the shifting priorities of the Forest Service, as well as the potential for further job cuts in the future.
While uranium mining projects are gaining priority, Cibola National Forest officials acknowledged that work on these projects will take time, as they must go through the National Environmental Policy Act process before any decisions are made.