Lincoln County Extension Office
http://lincolnextension.nmsu.edu
Lincoln County, home of Smokey Bear and the county in which Billy The Kid became (in)famous, has four distinct seasons and terrain ranging from high desert with old lava flows and yuccas to the pines and aspens on 12,000' Sierra Blanca. For centuries Lincoln County has been a ranching county, and most ranches are owned and worked by fifth-, sixth- and seventh-generation ranching families. Area attractions include the Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear State Park; Bonita Lake; Three Rivers Petroglyph Site; Ski Apache Resort; Ruidoso Downs; historic Lincoln and the Lincoln State Monument; the Spencer Theater with the nation's largest private collection of Chihuly glass; the Hubbard Museum of the American West; and the Billy The Kid Scenic Byway.
The population of Lincoln county has increased dramatically in recent years. This is due to normal population growth plus an influx of people from other areas who move here for various reasons. Lincoln County seems to be following a statewide trend. People are attracted to Lincoln county by what they perceive as positive family values, low crime rate, low cost of living, and general quality of life. Unfortunately, newcomers tend to bring the problems of their previous lifestyle with them. Traditional values common to a rural agricultural society are being degraded as an increasing percentage of the population has no historical ties to the area. Social problems that once were foreign to an area where a rural agricultural lifestyle and attitudes prevailed are now becoming more common (i.e. drugs, delinquency, gangs, etc.) among the youth. We in Extension believe that 4H clubs and associated activities provide an avenue through which these young people can direct their time and energies in a positive manner.
In addition to introduced factors, the general trend that indicates a loss of traditional positive values is becoming more evident. Generally, the population has little appreciation for food and fiber production and the commitment that agricultural producers make for conservation of natural resources.
The Extension staff works to educate residents on the historic customs and culture of the County and provide information on the importance of agriculture and resource-based industries on everyone's daily life.
Contact Information
300 Central - County Courthouse Complex
PO Box 217
Carrizozo, NM 88301
Phone: 575-648-2311
Fax: 575-648-2509
Email:
lincoln@nmsu.edu
URL:
http://lincolnextension.nmsu.edu