BLM Roswell issues emergency closure for Ft. Stanton-Snowy River Cave NCA and Lincoln tracts

Due to extreme fire danger, the Bureau of Land Management Roswell Field Office will temporarily close the Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and Rio Bonito Acquired Lands, also known as the Lincoln tracts. The closure is effective on May 25, 2022, at 8 a.m., and will continue until further notice.  

During the closure, it is prohibited to enter the restricted areas, which includes BLM administered land within the Ft. Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and the Rio Bonito Acquired Lands within Lincoln County.  

EXEMPTIONS: 

 The following persons are exempt from this order: 

 1. Persons with a permit that authorizes actions specifically prohibited by this closure order. 

 2. Persons involved in the operations of permitted range management activities. 

 3. Persons conducting business under special use permit related to communications or utilities maintenance.  

 4. Any Federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty. 

The purpose of this order is for the protection of public health and safety by minimizing chances for wildfire starts. Abundant dry fuels, extreme fire danger, and expected worsening fire conditions, has prompted this action. To view this order, visit https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2022-05/fire-restrictions-closure-ft-stanton-snowy-river-cave-roswell-220525.pdf. 

The use of exploding targets and fireworks is prohibited on all BLM-managed lands in New Mexico by statewide order. For more information on this statewide order, visit  https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2022-01/Fire-Prevention-Order-NM910-22-01-final-508.pdf. 

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Restitution for total costs of fire suppression or damage will be borne by the violator. 

The BLM appreciates the public’s cooperation in helping to minimize the number of human-caused wildfires. For more information, please contact the BLM Roswell Field Office at 575-622-5335 or the BLM NM Fire Restrictions site.  Additional fire restrictions information can be found at www.nmfireinfo.com. 

Map of BLM closure area at Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and Lincoln Tracts in Lincoln County, NM.