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U.S. Forest Service - Lincoln National Forest

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WELCOME BACK! The Lincoln National Forest will reopen TOMORROW, Friday, June 24, 2022, at 8am after being closed for a month due to fire danger. All three districts of the national forest received substantial rain over the past two weeks which significantly lowered fire danger. More rain is forecasted over the coming weeks for the forest. Forest lands, roads, trails, recreation sites, and campgrounds will again be open to visitors beginning tomorrow.
Fire Restrictions Lifted: The Lincoln National Forest will also lift fire restrictions. Over the past month, the average rainfall in the forest was 4 inches, with some areas seeing up to 5 inches.
Average rainfall in the summer months ranges between 7.6 and 13.9 inches depending on the location, so the rain we’ve gotten is significant. The ongoing rains have actually increased moisture levels to above-average for this time of year.
Visiting the Forest: Forest visitors are required to follow the Leave No Trace principles. This includes never leaving a campfire unattended, taking all trash with you when you leave, and never camping near or driving through streams.
 
Cibola NP: Forest Closures and Fire Restrictions lift tomorrow, 24 June.
Santa Fe NF: Sounds like Stage 1 fire restrictions will stay in effect. They have lifted Stage 2 and Stage 3 restrictions effective tomorrow, 24 June.
 
Forest Closures & Fire Restrictions Lifted
on Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands

Effective Friday June 24th, 2022
Monsoonal activity has increased bringing widespread precipitation across most of the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs). The fire danger level has decreased substantially within New Mexico. The Cibola NF & NGs will lift closures and fire restrictions on Friday, June 24th at 8:00 a.m. as noted below.
Forest managers consider several factors before lifting fire restrictions, including current fire danger and fire activity, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture levels, availability of firefighting resources, and local, regional and national fire preparedness levels.

“We know that these necessary fire restrictions and closures can cause a negative impact and we greatly appreciate the cooperation that we have received during this time. We are really excited to reopen the forest to the public.” Steve Hattenbach, Forest Supervisor for the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands.
Magdalena Ranger District: Lifts Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Friday June 24th.

Previously announced Bear Trap Fire Area, Road and Trail Closure Order (03-0728) still in effect.

Mountainair Ranger District: Forest reopens on Friday June 24th.
Mt. Taylor Ranger District: Forest reopens on Friday June 24th.
Sandia Ranger District: Forest reopens on Friday June 24th.
Kiowa/Rita-Blanca Ranger District: Lifts Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Friday June 24th.
Black Kettle Ranger District: Lifts Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Friday June 24th

Official Orders (Number 03-0730/0731) Posted to:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices
 
The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will lift both Stage 2 and Stage 3 fire restrictions for most of the 1.6-million-acre forest at 8 a.m. Friday, June 24, 2022, thanks to the early onset of monsoonal weather patterns which have brought widespread moisture across Northern New Mexico.

The closure order for the Cerro Pelado fire area on the Jemez Ranger District will remain in effect. The entire Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District will also remain under a fire closure order as firefighters continue to work on the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires. Although recent rains have significantly moderated fire behavior, the fire is 72% contained and could become active again if dry conditions and critical fire weather return. Persistent precipitation may also put communities in the fire area at risk for flash flooding and debris flow from the fire scar. The Pecos/Las Vegas District may be able to safely open portions of the east side of the district to the public in the near future.

Forest managers consider several factors before lifting fire restrictions, including current fire danger and fire activity, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture levels, availability of firefighting resources, and local, regional and national fire preparedness levels.

With the termination of both Stage 2 and Stage 3 fire restrictions, visitors are once again welcome to recreate on the SFNF. National Forest System lands, recreation sites, roads, trails and trailheads on the Coyote, Cuba and Española Ranger Districts as well as areas on the Jemez Ranger District not impacted by the Cerro Pelado Fire will be open to the general public, and campfires will be allowed.
 
CARSON NATIONAL FOREST TO MOSTLY REOPEN

Carson National Forest managers will rescind local fire restrictions and reopen most of the Forest at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 24, after a week of significant rainfall with more in the forecast. Similar changes will occur throughout national forests in New Mexico (check with each unit for details).

“We’re relieved by the early onset of monsoonal flows, not just for decreasing fire danger and activity but also getting people back into the Forest” said Forest Supervisor James Duran. “Some areas and limitations will temporarily remain in effect, so we are asking visitors ‘know before you go’ and check conditions before heading out.”

|| Camino Real Ranger District near fires and contingency line to remain closed ||

The Camino Real Ranger District, where the northern end of the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires are located with 72% containment, will remain fully closed until next week. This will continue to keep trails closest to Taos unavailable. Staff are currently developing a smaller closure footprint to include the fire burn area and related debris flow and flash flooding locations, as well as roads and areas affected by work on a fuel break contingency line north of the fire area.

|| Midnight Fire area on the El Rito Ranger District ||

An area surrounding the Midnight Fire, which is currently has 98% containment, will also remain closed. Details, including a map, will be posted on the Carson National Forest website by Friday morning.

|| Other closures ||

Other closures that were in effect prior to the implementation of the Stage 3 fire restrictions closure in mid-May will remain so. Those include limitations in Valle Vidal and a handful of roads west of Tres Piedras, all due to elk calving.

|| Campgrounds ||

Some campgrounds will have a delayed reopening due to staff and concessionaire needs in ramping up operations, including hazard tree and branch removal. Campers should be prepared to bring their own water as it may initially not be available as campgrounds reopen. Other services may be limited. Visitors should call ahead or check the Forest webpage beginning Friday morning for open/closed statuses.

|| Trails ||

All trails will reopen, but some remain severely impacted by windfall from the December winter squall. Trail crews and partners diligently worked through the spring to clear effected trails, including those to Wheeler Peak and Lake Williams (with a temporary reroute at the trailhead). Trails that remain very difficult to pass and are not recommended for travel include those that make up the Lost Lake Loop, which are the Lost Lake/Middle Fork (#91) and East Fork (#56) trails, and Lake Fork (#82) trail out of Cabresto Lake. Not all trails have been surveyed and more may be unpassable.

|| Current fire restrictions ||

While all local fire restrictions will be rescinded, regional fire restrictions and federal law regarding fire on national forests remain in force.
 
More from the Santa Fe NF.

SANTA FE, NM – June 23, 2022 – The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will lift both Stage 2 and Stage 3 fire restrictions for most of the 1.6-million-acre forest at 8 a.m. Friday, June 24, 2022, thanks to the early onset of monsoonal weather patterns which have brought widespread moisture across Northern New Mexico.

The closure order for the Cerro Pelado fire area on the Jemez Ranger District will remain in effect. The entire Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District will also remain under a fire closure order as firefighters continue to work on the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires. Although recent rains have significantly moderated fire behavior, the fire is 72% contained and could become active again if dry conditions and critical fire weather return. Persistent precipitation may also put communities in the fire area at risk for flash flooding and debris flow from the fire scar. The Pecos/Las Vegas District may be able to safely open portions of the east side of the district to the public in the near future.

Forest managers consider several factors before lifting fire restrictions, including current fire danger and fire activity, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture levels, availability of firefighting resources, and local, regional and national fire preparedness levels.

With the termination of both Stage 2 and Stage 3 fire restrictions, visitors are once again welcome to recreate on the SFNF. National Forest System lands, recreation sites, roads, trails and trailheads on the Coyote, Cuba and Española Ranger Districts as well as areas on the Jemez Ranger District not impacted by the Cerro Pelado Fire will be open to the general public, and campfires will be allowed.
 
SANTA FE, NM – August 8, 2022 – The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) has implemented a temporary closure for a segment of Forest Road (FR) 376 on the Jemez Ranger District to protect public health and safety from rock and debris fall impacting the Gilman Tunnels. Monsoonal weather patterns and the subsequent runoff have made it an immediate public safety issue. Road crews have removed boulder-sized rocks and debris that have fallen onto the road with the recent rainfall, but more slides and rockfall are anticipated as monsoons and saturated soils continue.

The restricted area extends a half mile north and south of the Gilman Tunnels on FR 376. The area will be closed to motorized and foot traffic. The traveling public is urged to seek alternative routes.

Press Release:
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Thanks, Grant.
I have sent in my comments to BLM Socorro. I did e mail and got a quick reply from them, that they received them.
Specifically, Ask for written reasons that they plan to close the middle of HIDDEN VALLEY for full size 4x4's. Causing 4x4's to have to turn around and drive back out to the way they drive in. Also, this closes access to other trails that start at the end of HIDDN VALLEY. Ask that CAT SCRATCH remain open for full size 4x4's and ask for written reasons for not keeping this trail open. Ask that WASHBOARD RIDGE be left open and ask for written reasons from BLM for closing this trail.
This is a multi use off road area that is used by many people.
Please take a few minutes to write down these specific comments and remind your friends to do this , too.
Thanks.
 
Seems like a never-ending struggle: anti-access groups are trying to close/limit world class routes in Moab 🤦‍♂️ Be sure to give a comment to the BLM if you enjoy Moab!

"Areas and trails such as, Hey Joe Canyon, Ten Mile Canyon, Hell Roaring Canyon, Golden Spike, Gold Bar Rim, Rusty Nail, Day Canyon Point, Dead Man Point, Bull Canyon, 3D/Mashed Potatoes Jeep trails, Dead Cow and Tubes motorcycle trails are being proposed for closure. Parts of Where Eagles Dare, Buttes and Towers, Wipe Out Hill, and 7 Mile Rim also will be potentially closed to OHV use."

Ideally we would like "a true recreation alternative where the focus is on maximizing recreation experiences – not simply proposing fewer restrictions than the wilderness/conservation alternative."


 
Seems like a never-ending struggle: anti-access groups are trying to close/limit world class routes in Moab 🤦‍♂️ Be sure to give a comment to the BLM if you enjoy Moab!

"Areas and trails such as, Hey Joe Canyon, Ten Mile Canyon, Hell Roaring Canyon, Golden Spike, Gold Bar Rim, Rusty Nail, Day Canyon Point, Dead Man Point, Bull Canyon, 3D/Mashed Potatoes Jeep trails, Dead Cow and Tubes motorcycle trails are being proposed for closure. Parts of Where Eagles Dare, Buttes and Towers, Wipe Out Hill, and 7 Mile Rim also will be potentially closed to OHV use."

Ideally we would like "a true recreation alternative where the focus is on maximizing recreation experiences – not simply proposing fewer restrictions than the wilderness/conservation alternative."


This public lands multi- usage debate has been going on for a long time. Finding a acceptable balance has not yet been achieved , so the off road community must stay involved.
 
Hey folks, Cheryl posted this up on our Facebook page.

--------------------------
Hi Everyone! Just an FYI. 126 from LA Cueva to Cuba is not passable. Since the last storm a couple weeks ago we have had people stuck/stranded DAILY (many overnight), and with the warming temps it will get worse, not better in the near future.
There will be barricades put up and travel is "at your own risk". While the volunteer FD will attempt to go get people (provided communications are available to request help), vehicle recovery will be left up to tow companies. Too much of our equipment and volunteers' personal equipment has suffered this season.
I know that if any group will be able to self rescue, it's this one, but please spread the word.
Thank you!!
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I drove up Hwy 550 on Tuesday. dirt roads generally dry around Cabezon, but just north of there, CR 11, near La Ventana is closed, mud and snow conditions . All the side dirt roads, in this area, are a muddy mess. Just turning around off the side of the highway, I nearly got stuck..
 
Hey folks, Cheryl posted this up on our Facebook page.

--------------------------
Hi Everyone! Just an FYI. 126 from LA Cueva to Cuba is not passable. Since the last storm a couple weeks ago we have had people stuck/stranded DAILY (many overnight), and with the warming temps it will get worse, not better in the near future.
There will be barricades put up and travel is "at your own risk". While the volunteer FD will attempt to go get people (provided communications are available to request help), vehicle recovery will be left up to tow companies. Too much of our equipment and volunteers' personal equipment has suffered this season.
I know that if any group will be able to self rescue, it's this one, but please spread the word.
Thank you!!
---------------------------
Sounds like an invitation for a snow wheeling trip to me 😁
 
This proposed change by the BLM could potentially devastate recreation on public lands. Members of Congress have even drafted legislation against it (but who knows if it will pass). Would be good for everyone to tell the BLM your feelings on this.

 

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