Septic System Regulation Changes

New Mexico Environmental Department regulations covering installation of septic systems have changed. Especially important is the September 1,2008 deadline for obtaining a permit for a septic system on a one-half acre lot. After September 1, 2008, only "Advanced Systems" will be allowed on one-half acre lots. The majority of Deer Lake Estates lots fall in this category. Per Ms Martinez of the New Mexico Environmental Department, most important at this point is for anyone planning to install a new system on a one half acre lot to obtain a permit before September 1. The permit will be valid for a year from the date of issue, providing that amount of time to install the system.

Aspen Road Improvement - as of July 2008

The Sandoval County Road Department workers have graded Aspen Road and added a layer of "Red Dog" gravel. This laver of gravel should help protect Aspen Road from washing out and becoming rutted when wet. The result is a smooth road surface which allows much improved access to the properties along Aspen Road. Here's a picture of what Aspen Road looks like now.

License Plates & Bumper Stickers

Deer Lake license plates and bumper stickers are available for purchase from board members. License plates are $10.00 and bumper stickers are $3.00. Display one or both on your vehicle(s).

Wildfire Protection Plan

Deer Lake has been an active participant in completion of the Cuba Area Community Wildfire Protection Plan. This project, funded by the New Mexico Association of Counties, has been completed. The Cuba Area CWPP is a comprehensive mid-level document that describes the condition of and wildfire threat potential to the communities in the Cuba area. Click here to view the completed Cuba Area CWPP.

Defensible Space Thinning Project

Per Rod Haynes of New Mexico Forestry and Brian Velarde of the Cuba Soil and Water Conservation District, contracts have been approved and are in place to allow resumption of the thinning project. Brian's plan is to contact those who were in line for thinning when the project was halted due to snow last fall. Results are impressive, to say the least. Here're a couple of pictures that show how lots look after thinning, along with one that's representative of how they looked before clearing. Keep in mind that it's the landowner's responsibility to keep the undergrowth from growing back up once the clearing is complete.