Catron County

Catron County is named after a famous attorney and Santa Fe political leader, Thomas B. Catron. Catron County became a county on February 25, 1921.

Catron County is the largest county in land size in the State of New Mexico, but has the third smallest population of any New Mexico County. The county covers almost 7,000 square miles and is comprised of mostly rugged mountainous terrain. Less than 20% of the land in Catron County is privately owned with the balance of the land being public. Approximately 3,500 people make up the population of the county. Reserve is the county seat and largest town in the county, which boasts a population of about 400.

The Apache and Gila National Forests border one another in this area; the two forests combined cover much of Catron County. The Continental Divide zig-zags through this mountain complex which is characterized by rugged slopes, narrow canyons, rocky formations, clear mountain streams and evergreen forests. There is good trout fishing, big game hunting, and an abundance of elk, deer, bear, big horn sheep, mountain lion, and wild turkey. Most sportsmen use four-wheel drive vehicles, but horse and mule are also popular forms of transportation. There are many dirt roads throughout the National Forest in the county, but the Forest Service warns that they should be considered “dry weather” roads and should not be attempted during wet weather without first checking with the local Forest Service ranger station. A good rule to remember is that any unpaved road in Catron County is a “dry weather” road.

Catron County has many campgrounds on National Forest land with facilities or find a quiet place under the pines to set up camp. All Forest Service ranger stations have maps of their forest districts, listing the camping areas and their facilities.

Upcoming Events

Sep
27
Wed
2023
16 Hour Verbal De-Escalation @ Dona Ana County, Las Cruces, NM
Sep 27 @ 8:00 am – Sep 28 @ 5:00 pm

RSVP

Description
This 16-hour training teaches students verbal de-escalation skills that apply psychology to aid a highly agitated person in bringing their emotions under control. This training is intended for Detention Staff and Sheriff’s Deputies. 16 Hr De-Escalation Las Cruces (PDF)

Course is free to NMC Law Enforcement Insurance Pool Members.  Non-members can inquire about attending (pending availability) for a fee.

Sep
29
Fri
2023
FREE Online Webinar: Effective Employee Discipline
Sep 29 @ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Good afternoon,

We are pleased to announce another opportunity to attend Effective Employee Discipline Training:  

ON-LINE

INSTRUCTOR:  Mark Allen, NMC Loss Prevention Attorney

Date: Friday, September 29th, 2023

Time: 9:30AM – 12PM

Participant certificates will be provided.  

Target Audience: Any county supervisor, manager, and HR employees tasked with advising on discipline.  

Description: This training will provide the keys to correct poor performance in a fair and equitable manner without inviting litigation.  Participants will come away with a better understanding of the role of discipline and when it is warranted; progressive discipline and determining the appropriate discipline; drafting effective disciplinary documents; conducting predetermination (Loudermill) hearings and understanding the principles of due process; the importance of treating employees fairly & consistently; the roles of the supervisor/manager; HR, and legal in the disciplinary process, and the keys to avoiding liability when imposing disciplinary action. The principles taught (if followed) will increase the odds of avoiding disciplinary appeals and winning if appealed.

Registration Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LvJrltN2Twud8DmkReeEgw

 

 

Oct
11
Wed
2023
16 Hour Verbal De-Escalation @ Roosevelt County, Portales, NM
Oct 11 @ 8:00 am – Oct 12 @ 5:00 pm

RSVP

Description
This 16-hour training teaches students verbal de-escalation skills that apply psychology to aid a highly agitated person in bringing their emotions under control. This training is intended for Detention Staff and Sheriff’s Deputies. 16 Hr De-Escalation (PDF)

Course is free to NMC Law Enforcement Insurance Pool Members.  Non-members can inquire about attending (pending availability) for a fee.