Carson National Forest Updates Protections in Valle Vidal

Carson National Forest Supervisor James Duran has signed forest orders to continue protections for one of New Mexico’s largest elk herds. The order renews the longstanding closure for wintering range and spring calving while formalizing important protections for wildlife and habitat, based on the forest’s recently updated land management plan.

The restrictions prohibit camping

• within a half mile of Forest Service roads, except for in Cimarron and McCrystal Campgrounds when open,
• within 100 yards of natural water,
• and 300 yards of constructed waters, such as water tanks for cattle.

Visitors may continue to overnight park in designated pullouts to facilitate dispersed camping outside of restricted areas.

The prohibition will help protect wildlife habitat and be consistent with the New Mexico Habitat Protection Act.

Campgrounds reopen April 1 with limited services. Online reservations at Cimarron Campground are accepted, with dates available as early as May 22.

A wildlife protection prohibition was also renewed. Possessing, storing, or transporting domestic sheep or goats in some wilderness areas and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River Area continues to be prohibited to protect bighorn sheep from diseases.

Violations of any of the prohibitions can be punishable as a Class B misdemeanor and a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

All of the forest orders are listed on the Alerts section of the Carson National Forest website.