Three major forests in New Mexico announced closures effective Thursday morning. The U.S. Forest Service announced Tuesday a forest-wide closure order will be issued for the Santa Fe National Forest and the Carson National Forest. The Cibola National Forest will also be implementing a Stage 3 forest closure for the Mt. Taylor, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts.
A closure means that public access will be prohibited. All lands, recreation sites, roads, trails and trailheads, within the restricted boundaries, will be closed to the general public.
Violating the order carries a Class B misdemeanor, which includes as much as a $5,000 fine for individuals/$10,000 for organizations and/or up to six months’ imprisonment.