GRANTS, NM – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands issued a three-and-a-half-year moratorium on alcohol, extended camping stays, nudity and specific parking across the forest.
These orders took effect May 20 at 6 a.m. and will remain for years, expiring Dec. 31, 2027, unless rescinded earlier.
Cibola NF&NG said in a statement that this action is being taken to protect “National Forest and Grassland resources and to provide for public health and safety.”
What is Prohibited?
Cibola NF&NG has outlined four specific actions that are now prohibited in the forest.
1. Camping in the Cibola National Forest for 14days in a 45-day period. This includes both consecutive and non-consecutive stays within that 45-day period.
2. People under age 21 possessing an alcoholic beverage of any kind, so long as it meets the legal state definition for an alcoholic beverage.
3. Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions.
4. Public nudity. These orders took effect May 20 at 6 a.m. and will remain for years, expiring Dec. 31, 2027, unless rescinded earlier.
What is Exempted from Prohibition?
There are some exemptions to the rules, specifically to the alcohol possession restriction.
For clarity, people over the age of 21 are allowed to consume and possess alcohol in the forest. The prohibition is only for people under the legal drinking age.
If a person exploring the forest has written permission to park in violation of posted orders, they are exempt from the parking prohibition.
Federal, state, and local law enforcement are exempt from all rules so long as they are acting in an official capacity.
To read more about the order, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/ale rts/cibola/alerts-notices This order is in effect for the Cibola National Forest, including the Mount Taylor Ranger District. Contact the ranger district at 505-287-8833 for more information.
Prohibitions Include Alcohol, Nudity, Extended Camping