Welcome to the Carson National Forest

The Carson National Forest is one of five National Forests in New Mexico. The National Forests are America's "great outdoors," here to serve the American people at work and play!

Some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest is found in the 1.5 million acres covered by the Carson National Forest. Elevations rise from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest in New Mexico. Our objective is to maintain that natural beauty. More information about the forest

Recent News

• Temporary Health and Safety Closure Order

  Release Date: Sep 24, 2020  

• Carson National Forest and Local New Mexico Musicians Featured in National Public Lands Day Virtual Event

  Release Date: Sep 24, 2020  

• National Public Lands Day, Seasonal Campground Closures

  Release Date: Sep 21, 2020  

• Forest Service Hiring for 2021 Field Season

  Release Date: Sep 18, 2020  

Features

Court Approves Stipulation to Modify Injunction for Certain Activities

Updated: July 23, 2020

On October 23 the court issued an order approving the recently filed stipulation to modify the ongoing court-ordered injunction, allowing select timber management activities to resume. These activities include the cutting of the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree, personal Christmas tree cutting, the cutting of personal use forest products such as vigas and latillas, special product collection by tribes for ceremonial purposes, and the cutting of certain hazard trees.

We continue to extend our gratitude to our state and federal partners and countless community leaders for their continued support. We are committed to being as open and transparent as possible in notifying interested groups and individuals when we take steps aimed at alleviating the stressors of the recent court-ordered injunction.

Forest Plan Revision

Forest plans provide strategic direction to guide management of the forest resources and is a framework for decision making on site specific projects and activities. The Carson National Forest is currently in the process of revising its existing planning rules.

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Spotlights