A Firewood Program Keeps Taos Elders and Families Warm

Many Taos residents, particularly elders and low-income households, rely on firewood as their primary heat source. The problem is many residents also face significant challenges accessing and processing firewood due to physical limitations, financial constraints, and limited availability. When Rocky Mountain Youth Corps received a donation of four truckloads of wind-damaged trees from Taos Ski Valley, they saw an opportunity to address this critical community need. In need of support, they reached out to LOR. LOR’s funding will help Rocky Mountain Youth Corps hire a project manager and crew supervisor to expand their Wood for Good program, which will process and distribute 100 cords of free firewood to approximately 200 households—all while training youth in conservation skills and reducing wildfire risks in surrounding forests.