Some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest is found in the 1.6-million-acre Santa Fe National Forest. Here, you can find the headwaters of Pecos, Jemez, and Gallinas Rivers; mountain streams; lakes; and trout fishing. Travel into Pecos, San Pedro Parks, Chama, and Dome Wildernesses via wilderness pack trips, saddle, or on 1,000 miles of hiking trails. Try whitewater rafting on the Rio Chama or Rio Grande from May to September. Consider turkey, elk, deer, and bear hunting, or visit one of many nearby Indian pueblos, Spanish missions, and Indian ruins. Golden aspen grace the high country from September to October and snow blankets Santa Fe Ski Basin in winter.
Abandoned campfires can cause destructive wildfires. Pay attention to fire restrictions throughout the state. And always practice proper campfire procedures. Don’t leave until your campfire is completely out and cool to the touch.
Click on the image to the left for tips on building a campfire and putting it out.
Last month USDA Forest Service received an order from the United States District Court for the District of Arizona stating that the agency’s “timber management” actions must cease on six national forests in Arizona and New Mexico pending formal consultation regarding potential effects to the Mexican spotted owl. The Court quickly responded to the request to modify the order and allowed the cutting and collection of fuelwood, which both the plaintiff and the Forest Service supported.
We have requested the court either modify or further clarify its September order. Among other things this request provides extensive information about the minimal potential impact on Mexican spotted owl of many activities that are designed to improve forest health, including stewardship contracts, timber sales, thinning and prescribed burns in specific areas, and that provide forest products such as firewood and Christmas trees to local communities.
Here in the Southwestern Region, we feel a particularly close connection to Smokey Bear and his message of fire-prevention. We are the home of the orphaned black bear cub that would become a living symbol. While we celebrate 75 years of Smokey Bear as an integral part of the nation’s popular culture, let’s take a look back at his captivating story!
A comprehensive and captivating history of fire lookouts on the Santa Fe National Forest by Barbara Zinn, who staffs the Barillas Lookout Tower during fire season.
Subscribe to this feed
