Date: August 27, 2011
Lincoln National Forest to Lift Fire Restrictions - Effective 8/18/2011 @ 8:00am
Alamogordo, NM (August 16, 2011) – Effective August 18, 2011, at 8:00 a.m., Lincoln National Forest officials will lift the Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Continued rainfall has eased the fire danger from extreme to moderate.
“A wetter weather pattern has set up over the forest,” said Acting Lincoln National Forest Supervisor Garth Smelser. “The Lincoln National Forest went through many months with no moisture, and this warranted a Stage IV Emergency Area Fire Closure. With the recent monsoon rains, we will continue to monitor the summer pattern but also want to remind the public to do their part and ensure a safe and fire-free forest, any time of the year.”
Visitors to public lands should continue to be fire safe and not have a false sense of security about campfires or other sources of ignition because of the recent rainfall. Under moderate fire danger conditions, fires can still start from most accidental causes, as well as from lightning. Land managers will continue monitoring the need to restrict certain uses on public lands as conditions change.
“We sincerely thank the public for their efforts and their patience over the past several months,” Smelser said. “The collaborative fire prevention messages from forest personnel and our surrounding mountain communities decrease wildland fire starts on private and federal lands.”
The Lincoln National Forest offers a myriad of recreation opportunities such as hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding. Stop by a District Ranger Office, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for more information.
Also, the mountain communities of Cloudcroft, Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Sacramento, Weed, Mayhill, and High Rolls are open for business as usual and offer lodging, shopping, and dining opportunities.
As always, fireworks are prohibited on all public lands. When planning a trip to National Forests, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.
For fire safety tips or more information on fire restrictions across New Mexico, check out www.nmfireinfo.com or call the interagency Restriction and Closure Hotline at (877) 864-6985.
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Date: August 27, 2011
JEMEZ AND CUBA RANGER DISTRICTS LIFTED FROM STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS
August 19, 2011(SANTA FE, NM)— The Santa Fe National Forest lifted Stage I Fire Restrictions on both Jemez and Cuba Ranger Districts effective today, Friday, August 19.
The announcement comes after the Forest Service lifted restrictions on most of the Santa Fe National Forest from Stage III Fire Restrictions on July 30.
The Las Conchas Fire and Pacheco Fire burn areas remain in Stage III Fire Restrictions.
"Recent moisture and favorable rain forecasts helped bring the Jemez and Cuba Ranger Districts out of restrictions,” said Bruce Hill, Jr., Santa Fe National Forest spokesperson. However, we still want to remind the public to be responsible in-and-around the entire forest year-round.”
Burned areas created significant safety hazards for anyone that might be thinking about entering into a burned area, including threats from flash flooding, falling trees and rolling rocks.
“The closures were necessary to help ensure public health and safety, which is why the Las Conchas Fire and Pacheco Fire burn areas remain off limits,” Hill said. “The public has been patiently waiting for restrictions to be lifted. We appreciate their understanding.”
The Santa Fe National Forest offers a myriad of opportunities from camping, picnicking, and fishing to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. For more information on the Santa Fe National Forest, call Bruce Hill, Jr. (505) 438-5320.
For a copy of the Las Conchas and Pacheco Fire Area Closure Orders please visit: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/sfe/conditions
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Date: August 16, 2011
COCHITI LAKE REOPENS WEDNESDAY AUGUST 17TH
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Reopens Cochiti Lake Wednesday
ALBUQUERQUE - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Albuquerque District will reopen Cochiti Lake Project public use sites and recreational facilities, except for the Tetilla Recreation Area, on August 17.
The Tetilla Recreation Area on the east side of the lake, including the Tetilla boat ramp, campground and Santa Cruz Road will remain closed for the remainder of the recreation season.
The main Cochiti boat ramp will only be open and accessible to boater traffic during the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. No boats will be allowed to remain on the lake overnight. Due to potential for unpredictable canyon flooding upstream, boaters are requested to remain in the main body of the lake and not attempt any upstream travel.
"I am still concerned about the potential for large debris flows and flash flooding in the area surrounding our Cochiti Lake Project, as the effects of the Las Conchas Fire have presented us with a rare set of circumstances that could significantly impact both public safety and water quality in the lake," said Lt. Col. Jason Williams, Albuquerque District Commander. "Therefore,
the District is reopening the project with a coordinated emergency plan in place."
The plan stipulates that every effort will be made to contact boaters to warn of potential hazards, and park rangers will make a sweep of the lake starting at 5 p.m. to remind boaters the ramp will be closing at 7 p.m.
"We'll continuously evaluate the situation and react accordingly, even
reverting to normal operations when conditions allow," Lt. Col. Williams said.
Recreation users can contact the National Recreation Reservation Service for camping reservations at 1-877-444-6777. For more information, visit the Cochiti Lake Project on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/usace.cochiti.lake (http://www.facebook.com/usace.cochiti.lake )
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Date: August 13, 2011
MOST OF SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST UNDER NO FIRE RESTRICTIONS
The Santa Fe National Forest completely lifted fire restrictions for most of the forest effective Saturday, July 30.
“The recent arrival of monsoonal rains and other changes in weather patterns have brought a welcome relief from extreme conditions,” said Forest Supervisor, Maria T. Garcia.
The Las Conchas Fire and the Pacheco Fire areas will remain in Stage III Fire Closures. The Jemez Ranger District, portions of the Cuba Ranger District and the Valles Caldera National Preserve will implement Stage I Fire Restrictions.
The Valles Caldera will resume normal summer activities excluding those which normally occur in the burned areas. Fishing programs remain suspended until further notice.
During Stage I Fire Restrictions campfires are only allowed in Forest Service developed camp and picnic grounds where grills and grates are provided. Smoking is permitted only in vehicles, in developed campgrounds, or in areas cleared at least three feet in diameter of all flammable material. Gas and propane stoves, lanterns or heating devices are permitted providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of fire work or other pyrotechnic device is illegal.
The Paliza Campground on the Jemez Ranger District will remain closed while it continues to be used as a spike camp for firefighters from the Las Conchas Fire. Jemez Falls campground will be closed this weekend, but opened on Monday, August 1. The Holy Ghost Campground on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District is undergoing facility reconstruction and remains closed.
The Las Conchas fire has created significant safety hazards for anyone entering the burned area, including threats from flash flooding, falling trees and rolling rocks. We are placing a high priority on assessing hazards that would potentially affect the public using Forest System Roads that access private land within the burned area.
For more information on the Santa Fe National Forest, call Bruce Hill, Jr. (505) 438-5320. For the Valles Caldera National Preserve information, call (866)382-5537. For a copy of the Las Conchas and Pacheco Fire Area Closure Orders please visit: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/sfe/conditions
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Date: August 10, 2011
TENT ROCKS REOPENS
Tent Rocks Monument to Reopen
Albuquerque, N.M. – Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (Monument) will reopen on Saturday, August 13. However, the road is closed beyond the Monument’s main parking area to the Veteran’s Overlook. The public is asked to adhere to any posted closures within the Monument.
The Monument had been closed since June 29 due to the Las Conchas fire and the subsequent threat of flooding. During the closure, BLM and Pueblo de Cochiti, with assistance from the Las Conchas Incident Management teams, have taken precautionary measures to minimize flood potential and install early alert flood systems in Peralta Canyon and the Monument.
Visitors to the Monument, located downstream from the fire area, should check weather forecasts prior to their visit. Any anticipated thunderstorms in the high country above the Monument may not be noticeable from the hiking trails when storms are approaching. Visitors should be prepared for temporary road closures or the possibility that they could be temporarily stranded if stream or low level crossings are compromised by flood flows or debris. Heavy rains, especially in the high country affected by the fire, can occur at any time of the day but are generally more common in the afternoons. Early arrival at the Monument is recommended. The Monument is currently open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week.
The BLM appreciates the public’s patience during the closure of the monument. For more information, please visit the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument website: http://www.blm.gov/nm/tentrocks (http://www.blm.gov/nm/tentrocks )
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Date: August 4, 2011
CARSON LIFTS ALL FIRE RESTRICTIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CARSON NATIONAL FOREST TO LIFT ALL FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Taos, NM, August 4, 2011 – With the continued rain of the past week, the Carson National Forest has decided to lift all fire restrictions effective today for all forest service lands within the Carson.
As recreation and fuelwood gathering activities resume on the forest, please be cautious on muddy Forest System Roads.
Although the Forest has received much needed moisture, the opportunity for wildfires still exists. Remember not to park in dry grassy areas and make sure your campfire is dead out by drowing with plenty of water. If the coals are cold enough to touch, they are cold enough to leave.
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Date: August 4, 2011
CIBOLA TERMINATES FIRE RESTRICTIONS ON THREE DISTRICTS
CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST AND GRASSLANDS TERMINATE FIRE RESTRICTIONS ON THREE DISTRICTS
Albuquerque, NM, August 4, 2011– Cibola National Forest and Grasslands Supervisor Nancy Rose announced that three districts are rescinding their fire restrictions on August 5. “These districts have been getting widespread precipitation and district staff have determined that the moisture levels in the vegetation are high enough to limit the spread of any human or natural-caused wildfires,” Rose said.
With the recision of the fire restrictions, all designated forest roads and campgrounds will be open and campfires will be allowed. Visitors are asked to use caution when maintaining campfires and to remember that the use of fireworks of any kind is strictly prohibited on all National Forest lands.
Fire Restrictions on the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands are as follows:
Mountainair Ranger District is lifting all fire restrictions at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, August 5, 2011. Fuelwood permits will not be immediately available. For more information, go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola (http://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola ) and click on the Mountainair Ranger District Quick Link, then click on the Mountainair Fuelwood Permits Quick Link. You may also contact the district office at 505-847-2990.
Sandia Ranger District is lifting all fire restrictions at 8:00a.m. on Friday, August 5, 2011. All designated forest roads and picnic areas will be open except for Las Huertas and Capulin picnic grounds. For additional information, please call Karen Takai at 505.281.3304.
Magdalena Ranger District is lifting all fire restrictions at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, August 5, 2011. All designated forest roads and campgrounds will be open and will allow campfires at that time. Fuelwood permits are available at both the Magdalena District office and at the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Albuquerque. You can obtain fuelwood information by using the Cibola National Forest web page: http://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola (http://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola ) and click on the Magdalena News link. For additional information, please contact the district office at 575.854.2281.
Mt. Taylor Ranger District has no fire restrictions.
Black Kettle & McClellan Creek National Grasslands (including Lake Marvin and Lake McClellan), are in Stage II fire restrictions. For additional information, please call 580.497.2143.
Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands are in Stage II fire restrictions. For additional information, please call 575.374.9652.
Finally, visitors are asked to pay close attention to weather conditions, as thunderstorms quickly move in to the areas. Please be prepared to move to safety when hiking on forest roads, trails and ridge tops.
For more information about current fire restrictions, please go to Cibola National Forest and Grasslands: http://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola (http://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola )
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Show all Press
Releases and Official Orders for New Mexico |
08-27-11
Lincoln National Forest to Lift Fire Restrictions - Effective 8/18/2011 @ 8:00am
08-27-11
JEMEZ AND CUBA RANGER DISTRICTS LIFTED FROM STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS
08-16-11
COCHITI LAKE REOPENS WEDNESDAY AUGUST 17TH
08-13-11
MOST OF SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST UNDER NO FIRE RESTRICTIONS
08-10-11
TENT ROCKS REOPENS
08-04-11
CARSON LIFTS ALL FIRE RESTRICTIONS
08-04-11
CIBOLA TERMINATES FIRE RESTRICTIONS ON THREE DISTRICTS
Show all Press
Releases and Official Orders for New Mexico
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