Trail news - Lincoln National Forest

	Lincoln National Forest to continue with forest closure
	Alamogordo, N.M. (May 8, 2008) – Southeastern New Mexico continues to be dry – no precipitation has fallen with each passing weather front. Wind has been a factor each time a front passes through New Mexico, which generates strong winds, Red Flag fire conditions and reinforces Lincoln National Forest fire management officials of the need to continue with the Forest Fire Closure Order. The Stage III Forest Fire Closure Order went into effect on May 1, 2008, at 8 a.m., and will remain in force until rescinded by the Acting Forest Supervisor, Jacqueline Buchanan. This means the following acts are prohibited within the Lincoln National Forest: No horseback riding, hiking, off-highway vehicle use, picnicking, etc., in the restricted area. Areas closed to public use are all Lincoln National Forest lands within the Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe Ranger District. Lincoln National Forest officials do not take this action lightly. The first and foremost thought is firefighter and public safety before implementing restrictions and closures. Another part of the process is the environmental conditions and projected weather - factors taken into consideration when making this type of decision. Fire restrictions and forest closures are useful tools in limiting the occurrence of human-caused fires. Forest officials target problem areas and try to implement restrictions and closures to minimize disruptions to the recreating public and effects on local economies. Since weather has been one of the precursors, full forest closure is the best decision involving the public, firefighter safety and the livelihood of our mountain communities. The Sacramento Ranger District concessionaire campgrounds near Cloudcroft; the Guadalupe Ranger District Sitting Bull Falls Day Use area, along with the Sunspot Astronomy and Visitor’s Center, Sunspot, NM, remain open. Guests who use the Forest concessionaire campgrounds and Sitting Bull Falls area are reminded they cannot access Forest lands for recreation purposes. Also, within the concessionaire campgrounds, the use of petroleum fueled stoves for cooking purposes, along with lanterns or heating devices is authorized because these devices are not considered fires, provided such devices meet the Fire Underwriter’s specifications for safety. The use of all other campgrounds, day use picnic areas and cabins on the Forest are closed. All National Forest System Roads are closed, but all interstates, state and county roads through the Lincoln National Forest remain open. The use of Fireworks is strictly prohibited on all National Forest System Lands. A significant amount of moisture will be required to reduce the extreme fire danger and the Lincoln National Forest will reopen to the public when sufficient precipitation is received to adequately reduce our extremely dry conditions and reduce the risk of wildfire to a manageable level. Southern New Mexico is known for its low-land desert and high mountain communities. The Village of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Capitan, Cloudcroft, Tularosa, Timberon, Sacramento, Weed, Carlsbad, and Queen communities are open, accessible, and business as usual. Check with the local chamber of commerce or business and inquire what fire restrictions are in place that may involve your recreation or travel plans. Stores, restaurants, lodging and other services are available and will be open for all visitors use. To report a fire, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-695-1663 or (575) 434-2286 or dial 911. For more information on current fire restrictions on public lands in New Mexico and Arizona, call 1-877-864-6985. This is a toll-free hotline sponsored by natural resource agencies in the Southwest. Please visit our website: Southwest Area Wildland Fire Operations at www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire. For more information about the Fire Closure Order or the Lincoln National Forest, please contact the Supervisor’s Office at (575) 434-7200, or one of the following District Offices at: - Smokey Bear Ranger District – (575) 257-4095 - Sacramento Ranger District Office – (575) 682-2551 - Carlsbad Ranger District Office – (575) 885-4181 All offices are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.