EXPANDING PROGRAMS & IMPACT ACROSS OUR REGION New space, new programs, and growing partnerships drive the next phase of wildfire resiliency training. Submitted by: Hank Blackwell, WRTC Director The Wildfire Resiliency Training Center (WRTC) at Luna Community College expand its programs, partnerships, and impact across the region. This spring marks an important milestone as the remodel of the General Studies building is now complete, and WRTC has officially moved into its new center. The updated space includes offices, state-of-the-art classrooms, meeting areas, and storage space that will allow the program to better serve students, community, partners, and the Luna campus! The Center is supported by a dedicated and growing team. Staff members include Wes Schuchman, Assistant Director; Valerie Thompson, Program Manager; Lydia Okojie, Budget Fiscal Analyst; and Betty Bastai, Administrative Assistant Instruction is supported by three highly qualified, nationally certified contract wildland instructors - Ray Corral, Adrian Porchas and Sunbear Vierra along with contract videographer and photographer Barb Odell. Academic advising support is provided by Dan Leavell, PhD., a nationally recognized expert in forestry, land and forest restoration, and post-fire rehabilitation. WRTC has also achieved national certification to deliver all National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses and curricula, expanding opportunities for workforce training and professional certification in wildfire resiliency and land restoration. Looking ahead to the summer, WRTC will fully fund the River Source summer student land and forest restoration program for the Las Vegas area, which will begin early this summer. This program provides students with hands-on experience while supporting important land and forest restoration work in the region. Training capabilities have also expanded with the addition of the SimTable, an advanced simulation and training device that strengthens course delivery, planning exercise, and community outreach programs. Another significant milestone is the launch of the first-of-its-kind Reentry Wildland Training and Certification Program in partnership with the NM Department of Corrections. The program provides training for individuals preparing to enter the workforce following release. The first training at Springer Correctional Facility was a Mar. 09, 2026
success, with additional classes scheduled for Roswell and Santa Rosa facilities in late May and early June. As the seasons shift, WRTC is also focusing its spring and summer activities on high school and early college engagement, along with expanding community outreach and land and forest restoration training efforts. With growing programs, partnerships, and training opportunities, WRTC is building momentum for the future of wildfire resiliency education and workforce development in our region. A key part of that future is the voice and leadership of students. To help guide this work, WRTC is creating a Student Advisory Board comprised of high school, community college, and university students who will provide valuable feedback and perspective from this critical population. Through the Wildfire Resiliency Training Center, Luna Community College continues to expand opportunities for students while supporting wildfire preparedness, land stewardship, and workforce development across the region.
For more information, please contact:
Wesley Schuchman, Assistant Director
505-454-5323
wrtc@luna.edu
The SimTable is a three dimensional, interactive sand table used for fire modeling and numerous other real time simulations. It gives the Wildfire Resiliency Training Center an expansive capability for realistic modeling scenarios that will enhance and grow our training and outreach possibilities.
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