Santa Fe National Forest Offices Close Wednesday, Dec. 5 National Day of Mourning in Honor of President George H. W. Bush

By SFNF

Santa Fe National Forest (Forest) Supervisor’s Office and all Ranger District offices will close Wednesday, Dec. 5 for the National Day of Mourning in honor of President George H.W. Bush who passed away Friday.

All offices will resume regular business hours Thursday, Dec. 6.

If you plan to visit the forest, please follow “Leave No Trace” principles:

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impacts
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of other visitors

Know before you go.  Check the weather forecast and be prepared for seasonal fluctuations, including rain and the potential for flash floods.  Use good judgment and basic safety precautions when hiking, fishing or camping in the Forest.  Although fire danger is decreased, campfire safety and preventionis always a priority.  Never leave a campfire unattended, and make sure coals are cold to the touch before leaving the area.  For more information, call the local Ranger Districtoffice or the Forest Headquarters at (505) 438-5300.

The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 30 percent of the nation’s surface drinking water to cities and rural communities and approximately 66 million Americans rely on drinking water that originated from the National Forest System. The agency also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.