Photographing the Border & Protecting Forests Against Wildfires | 7.9.21

Roberto Rosales is a photographer with the Albuquerque Journal and whether he’s shooting college sports, crime scenes, or dropping reservoir levels, his style is unique and recognizable. For decades, he’s also covered the border, shining a light on the personal stories of people who are crossing into the United States seeking safety and economic opportunity. Correspondent Laura Paskus spoke with Rosales about his work and how and why he captures those images that can help us all better understand the region and its people. Albuquerque Journal photojournalist and photo editor Dean Hanson recently called it a career after 35 years at the paper. Senior producer Matt Grubs talked with Hanson, as the self-described “camera guy” looks back at his experience and shares some of his favorite images. The pair also discuss the challenges COVID-19 created for photojournalism. This month on Our Land, Correspondent Laura Paskus visits the Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico. There she discovered a unique approach to forest management. That model is based on community and is designed and created around historical government models like the acequia system. The Cerro Negro Forest Council celebrates tradition and culture in a way that has paid big dividends for the forest and those who live right close next to it.