Restrictions & Closures

Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations 261.50 (a) gives each Forest Supervisor the authority to issue orders which close or restrict use of the of described areas within the area over which he/she has jurisdiction. An order may close an area to entry or may restrict the use of an area by applying any or all of the prohibitions authorized in Title 36, Part 261, Subpart B, of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Closure Order Map

Alerts

• Safety Tips for Strong Wind Events

  Date(s): Dec 1, 2022

  Strong winds can create hazards in the forest. Here are some tips to help keep safe:

  • When possible, stay out of the Forest when there are strong winds that could blow down trees.
  • Strong winds may weaken unstable trees. Be particularly watchful during wind events, not just for falling trees and limbs but flying debris.
  • If you are already in the forest when winds kick up, head to a clearing out of reach of any potential falling trees.
  • Strong winds can make driving difficult, especially high profile vehicles such as motorhomes, campers and trucks. Be careful on bridges and overpasses.
  • Pay attention to high wind advisories and high wind warnings issued by the National Weather Service.

  More tips can be found at the Know Before You Go webpage about wind.

• Icy and Snowbound Roads

  Date(s): Nov 22, 2022

  Winter weather can post its own challenges for drivers on paved and dirt roads. Here some tips to consider before heading out:

  • Check current and forecast weather conditions.
  • Make sure that your car is in good mechanical order. Check tire condition, antifreeze and motor oil levels, and the entire exhaust system for leaks. Ensure that all hoses and belts are in good condition.
  • Pack extra layers of clothing, including rain gear, socks, gloves or mittens, and a warm hat.
  • Bring a winter emergency kit, which should include a flashlight, map and compass, matches in a waterproof container, whistle, fire-starter, nylon cord, pocketknife, high-energy food, plastic tarp, space blanket, signal mirror, first aid kit, duct tape for repairs, and a metal container for melting snow.

  For all of our driving tips, go to the "Know Before You Go" webpage on driving.

• Cold Temperatures

  Date(s): Oct 25, 2022

  Temperatures are frosty and snow is sticking at higher elevations, with overnight lows beginning to dip into single digits in some parts of the Forest. This change in weather is a good reminder that recreating during winter weather conditions can pose its own challenges, including hypothermia.

  When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can produce. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy, resulting in hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.

  To help prevent it, wear proper clothing in cold temperatures to protect your body, including layering your clothes. The outermost clothing layer should be wind-proof and water-resistant; inner layers should be wool or synthetics that are warm when wet. As you get hot and sweat, you can shed a layer or two and still feel comfortable.

  For more information and tips, go to our Hypothermia "Know Before You Go" webpage.

• Questa Ranger District hours

  Date(s): Oct 18, 2022

  The Questa Ranger District office hours will be intermittent Mondays through Fridays (closed weekends) due to low staffing. Please call ahead (575-586-0520) before heading out to check if the office is open. Forest product permits, including fuelwood permits, are not being sold at this time.

• Tres Piedras Ranger District office hours

  Date(s): Oct 17, 2022

  Public hours are temparily reduced at the Tres Piedras Ranger Station due to low staffing. Current hours are:

  • Open Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. thru 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. thru 3 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving Day)
  • Closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
• Regional Motor Vehicle Code

  Date(s): May 31, 2019 - Jun 1, 2023

  PROHIBITIONS:

  • Operating any type of vehicle that does not comply with the Motor Vehicle Code for that state. 36 CFR 261.54 (a)
  • Operating any type of vehicle in a manner inconsistent with the Motor Vehicle Code for that state. 36 CFR 261.54 (b)
  • Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization. 36 CFR 261.54 (c)
  • Operating a vehicle in violation of the Motor Vehicle Code for that state. 36 CFR 261.54 (d)
  • Being on the road while operating any type of vehicle in violation of the Motor Vehicle Code for that state. 36 CFR 261.54 (e)
  • Operating any type of vehicle carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the rights or safety of other persons or in a manner or at a speed that would endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property. 36 CFR 261.54 (f)

  See Order 03-00-00-19-002

Closures

• Office Closures on Thur., Nov. 24

  Date(s): Nov 22, 2022

  All Carson National Forest offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24, for Thanksgiving Day. 

  Upcoming federal holiday closures include Monday, December 26 (Christmas Day observed) and Monday, January 02 (New Year's Day observed).

• Restriction of Domestic Sheep or Goats

  Date(s): May 26, 2021 - Dec 31, 2025

  Prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any domestic sheep or goat.

  The Restricted Areas are within the Congressionally designated boundaries of the Latir Peaks Wilderness Area, Columbine Hondo Wilderness Area, Pecos Wilderness Area, Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River Corridor, and Dome Wilderness, as depicted in Exhibit A of this Order.

  The purpose of this Order is to protect bighorn sheep from diseases transmitted by domestic sheep and goats.

  This Order will be effective on May 28, 2021, at 08:00 a.m., and will remain in effect until December 31, 2025, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

  View Order
  View Exhibit A (Map)
  View Assessment of Need

• Occupancy and Use Restrictions Closure Order 02-489

  Date(s): Feb 10, 2021 - Jan 31, 2025

  The Carson National Forest implemented an Occupancy and Use Restrictions Closure Order 02-489 beginning February 10, 2021, for the entire Forest.

  The purpose of this Order is to protect National Forest resources and to provide for public health and safety. The order prohibits possessing an alcoholic beverage, parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions, being publicly nude, or camping for a period longer than allowed by the order.

  • View the Closure Order

  This Order will be effective on February 10, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. and shall remain in effect until January 31, 2025, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

• Wildlife Habitat Protection - Valle Vidal Unit Closure

  Area(s): Cimarron Campground, McCrystal Campground, Valle Vidal Unit

  Date(s): Jan 1, 2021 - Jul 1, 2025

  The Carson National Forest is implementing two seasonal closure orders on the Valle Vidal Unit for the protection of elk and to ensure elk herd survival.

  The Wildlife Habitat Protection Valle Vidal Unit Closure Order 02-489 will be effective annually from January 1 to March 31, for the East Side of the Restricted Area, which includes Cimarron and McCrystal campgrounds (see map), and from May 1 to June 30, for the West Side of the Restricted Area (see map). The Order will remain in effect until July 1, 2025, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

  • View the Closure Order and Map
• Regional Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions

  Date(s): May 31, 2019 - Jun 1, 2023

  Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.SO(a) the following acts are prohibited in the area as described in this Order and as depicted on the attached map hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the "restricted area"), within the Southwestern Region National Forests and National Grasslands in the states of New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Oklahoma.

  View Order