New Guide Highlights USDA and FEMA Disaster Assistance Programs for Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Recovery

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Jan. 25, 2024 – The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offer a variety of recovery programs to help farmers, ranchers, communities and businesses that have been hard hit by wildfire. To better assist those affected by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding, USDA and FEMA, in collaboration with the State of New Mexico, have published a new resource guide, Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Disaster Assistance At-A-Glance. 

This is a quick reference guide to available USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and FEMA disaster assistance programs. The reference guide briefly describes each program, including funding limits, application process and agencies involved. 

Programs highlighted include:

• FSA’s Emergency Conservation Program – provides emergency funding and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland and conservation structures damaged by natural disasters.
• FSA’s Emergency Forest Restoration Program – provides technical and financial assistance to owners of non-industrial private forests to restore forest health and resources damaged by natural disasters.
• NRCS’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program – provides recovery options aimed at relieving imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms and other natural disasters.
• FEMA’s Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act - provides compensation for those impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent floods. 

A variety of restoration practices may be needed to restore the natural resources and return the land to its pre-disaster use. The reference guide also summarizes the restoration practices that may be needed and indicates which program or agency may provide assistance.

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Disaster Assistance At-A-Glance reference guide can be downloaded here and is located on farmers.gov/protection-recovery/wildfire. 

Get Assistance 

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act provides compensation for those impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding. The Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office can provide compensation for costs associated with Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire related damage. Notices of loss are due by November 14, 2024. The claims office has locations in Mora, Las Vegas and Santa Fe and can be reached by calling the Helpline at 505-995-7133.

Download the guide for instructions on how to develop and submit a claim.  

For more information regarding USDA, contact the Mora County USDA Service Center at (505) 425-3594 ext. 2, or the San Miguel County USDA Service Center at (505) 425-3594 ext. 2.