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Santa Fe National Forest Offices Close for Memorial Day; Stay Safe Over the Holiday Weekend

By SFNF

All Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) offices will be closed Monday, May 27, 2019, in observance of Memorial Day.  Forest offices will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 28.

Last year, SFNF fire personnel found 84 abandoned campfires over the three-day Memorial Day weekend in spite of Stage 2 fire restrictions which prohibited campfires and other activities. This year, after a winter with above-average moisture and snowpack, conditions on the forest are much different, and there are currently no fire restrictions on the SFNF. But fire managers are asking the public not to be complacent.

Unattended campfires are still the leading human cause of wildfire. If you plan to gather family and friends around a campfire, please do it responsibly and safely by following Smokey Bear’s campfire safety procedures. Never leave your campsite until the fire is completely extinguished and cold to the touch. Visitors are reminded that fireworks and explosives are always prohibited on federal lands.

If you decide to take advantage of warmer temperatures to get outdoors this weekend, adhere to the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics to leave your favorite part of the SFNF ready for the next visitors to enjoy. Refer to the 2019 Motor Vehicle Use Maps, available at all SFNF offices and online, so you know which roads and trails are open to motor vehicle traffic.

Finally, if your plans include water activities, be aware of the spring runoff which has increased flow on rivers and streams to potentially dangerous levels. As always, let someone know your plans, including your itinerary and when you expect to return home. Do not rely on cell phones for safety because you may not always have cell coverage in remote sections of the forest.

Law enforcement officers, fire personnel and recreation staff will be patrolling over the Memorial Day weekend to ensure visitor safety.

For additional information please contact your local Ranger District or the Forest Headquarters at 505.438.5300.

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