Forest Service Announces Temporary Area Closure in Smokey Bear Ranger District for Restoration Work Oct. 1 to Oct. 15, 2024
The U.S. Forest Service has issued a temporary area closure [Order Number: # 03-08-01-24-006] within the Smokey Bear Ranger District of Lincoln National Forest from October 1 to October 15, 2024. This closure is part of ongoing restoration efforts following the South Fork Fire, which severely impacted the area earlier this year.
The closure is necessary to ensure public safety while aerial seeding and mulching operations take place. These efforts are designed to restore and rehabilitate forest lands damaged by the fire, with the goal of preventing soil erosion and promoting vegetation regrowth.
For a digital version of this Order, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices
Described Area
The closure area in the Smokey Bear Ranger District spans from NM Road 532 to Mescalero Apache Reservation lands in the north, follows the eastern forest boundary south to the Rio Ruidoso, and extends west along the Rio Ruidoso to the Mescalero Apache Tribal lands. It includes all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within these boundaries. The closed trails within the Smokey Bear Ranger District include South Cedar Creek Trail (T13), Perk Ridge Trail (T92), Perk Canyon Trail (T93), #93A, and Fuel Wood Road Loop (T121B). See Described Area Map below.
Prohibited Activities
The closure prohibits entry into the affected area, including all roads and trails within the designated boundaries. Specific prohibited activities include:
Entering or being upon the Described Area.
Traveling on any road within the Described Area.
Using any trail within the Described Area.
The Described Area includes the forest lands between NM Road 532, Mescalero Apache Reservation lands, and the Rio Ruidoso.
Exemptions
Certain individuals are exempt from this order, including those with a valid Forest Service permit and federal, state, or local officers performing official duties.
Enforcement
Violators of the closure face penalties, including fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or imprisonment of up to six months.
Additional Information
A detailed map of the closed area is available on the Lincoln National Forest website. The Forest Service advises anyone planning activities in the area to review the closure map and make alternative arrangements.
For further information, contact the Smokey Bear Ranger District at (575) 257-4095 or the Lincoln National Forest Supervisor’s Office at (575) 434-7200.
This closure is an important step in protecting the safety of residents and visitors while helping to restore our beloved forest. We appreciate the public's cooperation during this time.
Closed National Forest System Trails:
Trail #13, #92, #93, #93A, #121B
