Area Closure for Sandia Crest “Switchback” Hazard Tree and Fuel Reduction Project

UPDATE this section with new order date

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service 
Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands
Sandia Ranger District
Area Closure for the Sandia Crest Switchback Project Area 

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. §§ 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Sandia Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area”):

1. Going into or being upon the Described Area which is closed for public health and safety. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).
2. Being on a road within the Described Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e)
3. Being on a trail within the Described Area.36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a). 

EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Person with a Forest Service permit, contract or agreement specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission. 
2. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2)].
3. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA
This Closure Order includes the area shown in Exhibit A, Switchback Crest project area along the NM-536. Parking Areas and Trails included within this closure order are as follows: 

• Sandia Crest parking lots (Crest House, Upper, and Lower parking lots).
• Ellis parking lot. 
• 10K parking lot (south side of Crest Highway).  No parking on south lot, turn around only for NM-536 Hwy closure. 
• FR 488 from the Ellis Trail head to its intersection with the described area polygon (see map).
• 05009 Rocky Point from its intersection with the Ellis Trailhead to its intersection with FR 488.
• 05014 Klaus from its intersection with the Challenge Trail to its intersection with King of the Mountain Ski area trail.
• 05015 Sandia XC Ski Loop from its intersection with the Klaus Trail to its intersection with itself (loop).
• 05016 Kiwanis Meadow Trail from its intersection with the Switchback Trail to its intersection with the Crest Trail.
• 05084 Crest Spur from its intersection with La Luz to the Crest house parking lot.
• 05093 Kiwanis Cabin Trail from its intersection with the Crest Trail to its intersection with Kiwanis Meadow Road Trail.
• 05094 Kiwanis Meadow Road from its intersection with the lower crest parking area (Heli pad) to its intersection with the Kiwanis Cabin Trail. 
• 05098 Crest House Nature from its beginning point to its intersection with the Crest trail.
• 05130 North Crest Trail from the Crest parking lot to its intersection with the described area polygon (see map).
• 05130 South Crest Trail from the Crest parking lot to its intersection with the Four Seasons Trail. 
• 05202 Ellis from the Ellis Trailhead to the boundary on the described area (see map).  
• 05203 Survey from its intersection with the Switchback Trail to its intersection with the described area boundary.
• 05233 Challenge from its intersection with the Ellis Trailhead to its intersection with the 10K intersection.
• 05271 Switchback from its intersection with Crest House Nature trail to its intersection with FR 488. 
• 05272 Buried Cable from its intersection with the Switchback Trail to its intersection with the Switchback Trail.
• 05339 Gravel Pit from its intersection with the Crest Trail to its intersection with the Four Seasons Trail.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety during mechanized thinning work in the Sandia Crest Switchback project area as specifically shown in Exhibit A.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from April 1st, 2026, at 0600 through January 15th, 2027, at 0600, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/alerts.
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions. 
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by 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. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Sandia Ranger District in Tijeras, NM (505) 281-3304, and Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office in Albuquerque, NM (505) 346-3900, for more information about this Order. 
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.