Planning

There are almost 21 million acres of National Forests and Grasslands in the Southwestern Region. These lands are special to those who live here or visit. They play a key role in our daily lives.  

Managing the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands

• The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands encompasses 1.9 million acres across New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, with elevations ranging from 2,000 ft. to 11,301 ft.
• The Cibola National Forest is comprised of 4 “sky island” ranger districts: Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena, and Mt Taylor covering more than 1.6 million acres in New Mexico.
• The Cibola National Grasslands include four National Grasslands and are managed under two ranger districts: Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands covering approximately 230,526 acres in northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and northern Texas and Black Kettle and McLellan Creek National Grasslands covering 32,735 acres across western Oklahoma and northern Texas.
• The Cibola has a total of eight mountain ranges: Datil, Gallinas, Magdalena, Bear, Manzano, Sandia, San Mateo, and Zuni Mountains
• The Cibola also has four wilderness areas: Sandia Mountain, Manzano Mountain, Withington and Apache Kid.

Forest Plans determine the management direction and guidance for each National Forest and National Grassland. These Forest Service land management guides are developed, under the National Forest Management Act (NFMA). 

Discover the World Around You!

The Cibola has two plans: one for the Forest and another for the Grasslands. These plans contain information about current and desired conditions, vegetation, fish and wildlife habitats, water and soils, wildernesses, cultural and historic resources, diversity of plant and animal communities, wild and scenic rivers, sustainable recreation, fire and fuels management and much more. 

These reports, assessments, maps and plans are available for you to review. They are a great way to learn more about your federal lands!