Alerts
Forest Alerts
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Bighorn and Cosmic Campground Temporary Closures
The Gila National Forest is issuing a temporary closure order for the Bighorn and Cosmic campgrounds, in effect from 8 a.m. on August 24, 2026 until rescinded. The campgrounds are expected to re-open Saturday, Aug. 29. This order serves to protect public health and safety during construction… -
Harmful algae detected in Lake Roberts
The New Mexico Environment Department is warning visitors to use caution at Lake Roberts due to the presence of harmful algae blooms. Harmful algae blooms, or HABs, occur when certain types of algae grow excessively in water, posing potential health risks to people and animals. HABs can appear… -
Cattleguard replacement on FR 522
8/17 - 8/21: Crews will replace cattleguards along Forest Service Road (FSR) 522 in the Tierra Blanca area, southeast of Kingston. The road will remain open, but slow down and watch for heavy equipment and workers. -
Quemado Lake Area/Trail Closure - Harmful Algal Blooms
The Gila National Forest has issued a public health and safety area closure of Quemado Lake due to a harmful algal bloom. The area closure will remain in effect until December 31, 2026 at 6 a.m., or until NMED advises that the lake is safe for public use. -
Ben Lilly and Willow Creek Campground Closure
The Gila National Forest is issuing a temporary closure order for the Ben Lilly Campground and the Willow Creek Campground, in effect from 6 a.m. on July 21, 2026 through October 16, 2026 (or until rescinded). This order serves to protect public health and safety as monsoonal flood events have… -
Bear Fire Area/Road Closure
An area closure goes into effect at 6:00 a.m. Saturday, June 13 for all National Forest System lands east of Catron County Road A095 (Mangas Road), as well as all roads and trails within the area closure (see map). -
Romero Creek bridge replacement and traffic closure north of Luna (FR 220)
June 1 - November 5The Gila National Forest will close approximately 1.5 miles of Forest Road (FR) 220 north of Luna while a contractor for the Federal Highway Administration removes and replaces a bridge over Romero Creek, just east of Romero Lake. FR 220 will be closed near the Romero Creek… -
Potentially Dangerous Animal Encounters
Spring usually coincides with increased animal activity, and this year is no exception. Over the past couple of months, we have received reports of possibly rabid and aggressive animals near popular recreation areas:In early April, we received multiple reports over one weekend of suspected rabid… -
Vandalism on forest defers maintenance, decreases public safety
Resources diverted from recreation improvements and law enforcement to address damage from vandalismRepairing, restoring, and investigating vandalized sites takes Forest Service time and U.S. taxpayer money away from making other improvements on the 3.3 million acres of the Gila National Forest.… -
Gila National Forest Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
PROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Gila National Forest (including those lands identified on the Gila National Forest Map as Apache National Forest, within the State of New Mexico)…