Carson National Forest managers will rescind local fire restrictions and reopen most of the Forest at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 24, after a week of significant rainfall with more in the forecast. Similar changes will occur throughout national forests in New Mexico (check with each unit for details).
“We’re relieved by the early onset of monsoonal flows, not just for decreasing fire danger and activity but also getting people back into the Forest” said Forest Supervisor James Duran. “Some areas and limitations will temporarily remain in effect, so we are asking visitors ‘know before you go’ and check conditions before heading out.”
|| Camino Real Ranger District near fires and contingency line to remain closed ||
The Camino Real Ranger District, where the northern end of the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires are located with 72% containment, will remain fully closed until next week. This will continue to keep trails closest to Taos unavailable. Staff are currently developing a smaller closure footprint to include the fire burn area and related debris flow and flash flooding locations, as well as roads and areas affected by work on a fuel break contingency line north of the fire area.
|| Midnight Fire area on the El Rito Ranger District ||
An area surrounding the Midnight Fire, which is currently has 98% containment, will also remain closed. Details, including a map, will be posted on the Carson National Forest website by Friday morning.
|| Other closures ||
Other closures that were in effect prior to the implementation of the Stage 3 fire restrictions closure in mid-May will remain so. Those include limitations in Valle Vidal and a handful of roads west of Tres Piedras, all due to elk calving.
|| Campgrounds ||
Some campgrounds will have a delayed reopening due to staff and concessionaire needs in ramping up operations, including hazard tree and branch removal. Campers should be prepared to bring their own water as it may initially not be available as campgrounds reopen. Other services may be limited. Visitors should call ahead or check the Forest webpage beginning Friday morning for open/closed statuses.
|| Trails ||
All trails will reopen, but some remain severely impacted by windfall from the December winter squall. Trail crews and partners diligently worked through the spring to clear effected trails, including those to Wheeler Peak and Lake Williams (with a temporary reroute at the trailhead). Trails that remain very difficult to pass and are not recommended for travel include those that make up the Lost Lake Loop, which are the Lost Lake/Middle Fork (#91) and East Fork (#56) trails, and Lake Fork (#82) trail out of Cabresto Lake. Not all trails have been surveyed and more may be unpassable.
|| Current fire restrictions ||
While all local fire restrictions will be rescinded, regional fire restrictions and federal law regarding fire on national forests remain in force.
Original source can be found here.
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