Closed...

I walked out to the deck for my morning coffee today and was surprised how heavy the smoke was in the Sandia mountains...I mean, one could look directly into the sun because of the thick smoke. And then this announcement. They closed access to the streams I fish!!!!

The U.S. Forest Service announced a forest-wide closure order will be issued for the Santa Fe National Forest and the Carson National Forest, effective Thursday morning. 

The Cibola National Forest will also be implementing a Stage 3 forest closure for the Mt. Taylor, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts.

The orders will be effect from 8 a.m., May 19, until Dec. 31 – but could be lifted earlier. During the closure, public access will be prohibited due to the ongoing active wildfires and extreme fire danger. Update: until July 18, replacing earlier notice of Dec. 31.

All National Forest System lands, recreation sites, roads, trails and trailheads within the restricted boundaries will be closed to the general public. County and state roads that cross through the closed lands will remain open to vehicles and businesses in nearby communities. 

Violating the order carries a Class B misdemeanor, which includes as much as a $5,000 fine for individuals/$10,000 for organizations and/or up to six months’ imprisonment.