This webpage provides current and pertainent information about forest orders that may contain restrictions, closures, fire, safety alerts, and advisories.
Safety
Preparation and safety are of utmost importance while recreating in the national forest. Please observe safety alerts and notices before your excursion to the forest. Simply knowing the current conditions, closures and alerts prepares you for a pleasurable outdoor visit, free from any surprise that could deter your fun!
Rules and Closure Orders
In order to ensure the health and safety of forest visitors now and in the future, we ask you to follow the guidelines established to protect the forest and the natural environment. Long term and temporary closure orders & prohibitions are posted on the website, posted on bulletin boards, or located in the district or supervisor’s office. Alerts and Closures are posted below, as well.
The following acts are prohibited within all National Forest System lands as described in this Order and as depicted on the attached maps, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibits A and B within the Mountainair Ranger District and Exhibit C within the Sandia Ranger District, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, Sandoval, Bernalillo, Torrance, Valencia and Lincoln Counties within the State of New Mexico. The definitions of terms used in support of this Order are attached and hereby incorporated as Exhibit D.
To protect public health and safety due to increasing fire danger, the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands will implement Stage II fire restrictions on the Sandia RD effective Friday, May 11, at 12:01 a.m.
To protect public health and safety due to increasing fire danger, the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands will implement Stage II fire restrictions on the Mountainair RD effective Friday, May 4, 2018.
Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b) the following acts are prohibited within the area as described in this Order (the "restricted area"), and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, within the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands in the states of New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
1. Possessing, storing, or transporting marijuana- (Cannabis sativa L. as defined by 21 U.S.C. § 802.) 36 CFR § 261.58(t)
The following acts are prohibited within the Sandia Mountain Wilderness as described in this Order (the "restricted area") and as depicted on the attached maps, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibits A and B, within the Sandia Ranger District, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties within the State of New Mexico.
1. Entering or being in the restricted area designated as "Transition" with a group of greater than 25 persons at one time (PAOT*).
2. Entering or being in the restricted area designated as "Semi-Primitive" with a group of greater than 10 persons at one time (PAOT*).
*Persons At One Time (PAOT) is defined as "an organized or loosely formed group of individuals taking a wilderness trip whereby the group usually, but not always, begins and ends the trip as one collected party."
If you see an activity that you think is suspicious, we encourage you to report it.
CLICK HERE for what to look for, and for what to do, if you see any suspicious activity on the forest.
The National Forests and Grasslands are your lands. You have a stake in what happens on them. There are laws in place to protect the forest's biodiversity, scenic views, water, soil and the cultural heritage.
Call Local Law Enforcement, Non-Emergency phone number or Contact your local Ranger District via phone.
NOTE: Ranger Districts are open Monday through Friday.
A Road Closure Order has been issued for National Forest System Road 480 in effect August 31, 2018 and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2019 or until rescinded.
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety due to road wash out and culvert damage from recent heavy monsoonal rain.
This road closure is for National Forest System Road 480 between Ojo Redondo Campground and the intersection of FR 480 and FR 425, together with all connected spur roads, as depicted on Order No. 03-0671 Exhibit A map.
Violations of this order are punishable by a fine of $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations, or by 6 months of imprisonment, or both.
This Sandia Ranger District is beginning implementation of the Sandia Hazard and Thinning Maintenance Project in the Sandia Mountains. This initial phase will result in the closure of certain areas. More information will be posted soon on our webiste. For information on the areas that will be closed, view this PDF of the closure order.
PROHIBITIONS:
Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and Title 36 CFR 26 l .50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within all roads and trails in the area as described in this Order (the "restricted area") and as depicted on the attached maps, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibits A and B, wiLhin the Sandia Ranger District, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties within the State of New Mexico.
1. Being in the restricted area after sundown or before sunrise.
2. Possessing a beverage which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by State law.
The following acts are prohibited within the areas as described in this Order and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, within the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, in the States of New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.
1. Camping for more than 14 days, whether or not consecutive, within any 45-day period.
2. Possessing a beverage which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by state law.
3. Being publicly nude.
Publicly nude means nude in any place where a person may be observed by another person. Any person is nude if the person has failed to cover the rectal area, pubic area or the genitals. A female person is also nude if she has failed to cover both breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areola. Each such covering must be fully opaque. No person under the age of 10 years shall be considered publicly nude.
Temporary closure of area burned by the Dog Head Fire while rehabilitation is in progress. The purpose of this Order is to protect the public's health and safety during fire rehabilitation activities.
1. Operating any type of vehicle that does not comply with the Motor Vehicle Code for that state. 36 CFR 261.54 (a)
2. Operating any type of vehicle in a manner inconsistent with the Motor Vehicle Code for that state. 36 CFR 261.54 (b)
3. Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.
36 CFR 261.54 (c)
4. Operating a vehicle in violation of the Motor Vehicle Code for that state.
36 CFR 261.54 (d)
5. 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)
6. 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)
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.
1. Using an explosive; an explosive is defined as any chemical compound, mixture, or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion.
2. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework, or other pyrotechnic device.
3. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting either: ( 1) Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Standard 5100-1 a; or (2) Appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice J335b and J350a.
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