ALBUQUERQUE, NM – May 17, 2022 – Based on extreme fire danger, the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF& NGs) will implement Stage 3 Forest Closure on all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the boundary of the Mt. Taylor, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts. Maps identifying the Restricted Areas are attached and made part of this Order as Exhibits A, B, and C.
This Order will be in effect at 8 AM on Thursday May 19, 2022, and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2022, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.
Some exemptions to this order apply. The fol-lowing persons are exempt from the provisions in this Order:
1. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
2. Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty as approved by the District Ranger.
3. Residents using roads in the Restricted Area to the extent necessary to access their private property.
Any violation of the prohibitions in this Order is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581(b)(7)). Official Order 03-0727 is posted on Cibola National Forest and Grasslands Alerts & Notices.
All existing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect:
Mt. Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair, and Sandia Ranger Districts: (Order 03-0724) Stage 2 Fire Restriction effective on April 29th, 2022
Additional information regarding fire restrictions and closures call: Mt. Taylor Ranger District Office: 505-287-8833