Welcome to the Southwestern Region

The Southwestern Region is 20.6 million acres. There are six national forests in Arizona, five national forests and a national grassland in New Mexico, and one national grassland each in Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle.The region ranges in elevation from 1,600 feet above sea level and an annual rain fall of 8 inches in Arizona's lower Sonoran Desert to 13,171-foot high Wheeler Peak and over 35 inches of precipitation a year in northern New Mexico.  map of forest locations »

Features

Proposed Recreation Fees and Comment Information

We are accepting comments on proposed changes to the management of the developed recreation program. These changes will impact campgrounds and day-use sites on the Carson, Gila, Lincoln, and Santa Fe National Forests, and the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands. Comment period ends December 31, 2020.

Court Approves Stipulation to Modify Injunction for Certain Activities

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.

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Spotlights

New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse

Information on the listing of the New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse.  Summary and background information, links to projects and reference material.

Bark Beetle Outbreak

Information on bark beetle effects.

Travel Management

Information about off-highway vehicle use on national forests and grasslands.