Officials recently announced restrictions have been lifted and the Santa Fe National Forest has reopened.
Officials lifted Stage 2 and Stage 3 fire restrictions for most of the forest, opening it for visitors beginning June 24, according to KOAT 7 News. The 1.6-million-acre forest has been closed to the public since May 19 due to dry conditions that increased the risk of wildfires.
The start of monsoon season changed the outlook. Julie Anne Overton, public information officer of Santa Fe National Forest said it’s because of “the early onset of monsoonal moisture, we’ve gotten a lot of good, persistent, widespread precipitation on the forest,” KOAT 7 reported.
Restrictions have been lifted and campfires are allowed, but visitors are urged to exercise caution.
“Even if there is a lot of moisture on the ground right now, we are still in an extreme drought situation and we really don’t want to have to deal with any more wildfires,” Overton said. “We want to enjoy this lovely break from fire.”
While Stage 2 and Stage 3 fire restrictions for most of the forest have been lifted, restrictions for the Cerro Pelado Fire area in the Jemez Ranger District remain in place, KOAT 7 reported. The Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District also will remain closed as crews work on the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire.
Visitors can find information about which trails, and camping grounds are open at nmfireinfo.com.
