Lincoln National Forest: Updated Area Closure for Smokey Bear Ranger District
June 21, 2024
The Lincoln National Forest has issued an updated area closure for the Smokey Bear Ranger District, encompassing National Forest System lands, roads, and trails. This order aims to ensure the safety of firefighter personnel and the public as firefighting efforts continue on the Blue 2 and South Fork wildfires.
Restricted Area Details
The closure covers National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within and around the Smokey Bear District on the Lincoln National Forest. The boundaries of the restricted area are as follows:
Western Boundary: Begins at the junction of National Forest Service Road (NFSR) 400 and NFSR 108 Tanbark, follows NFSR 108 Tanbark to NFSR 107, continues along NFSR 107 to Big Bonito Trail #36, then to Aspen Trail #35, follows Aspen Trail #35 to Crest Trail #25, and then to Trail #78, ending at the Forest Boundary.
Southern Boundary: Extends from Trail #78 east for approximately 4.75 miles, then south for about 6 miles along the Forest Service boundary to the Mescalero boundary, continuing east along the Forest Service and Mescalero boundary for roughly 18 miles.
Eastern Boundary: Starts at the southeast corner of the forest bordering the Mescalero, extends north along the Forest Boundary for approximately 12 miles, then west along the Forest Boundary for about 16 miles, and continues north along the Forest Boundary for roughly 9.25 miles to the junction of NFSR 400.
Northern Boundary: Runs from NFSR 400 west to the junction of NFSR 108 Tanbark Canyon.
Enforcement and Penalties
Violating these prohibitions is a Class B misdemeanor. Penalties include a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
Order Number: #03-08-01-24-004
The Village of Ruidoso urges all residents and visitors to respect the closure order for their safety and to support the efforts of our dedicated firefighting personnel. Stay updated and stay safe.
