All Are Welcome But Please Recreate Responsibly over Labor Day Weekend – SFNF Offices Closed Sept. 7 for the Holiday

By SFNF

With the three-day Labor Day weekend ahead, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) is bracing for a huge influx of visitors – far more than a holiday weekend would normally bring.

There are many reasons for the big crowds: state parks and campgrounds are still closed to out-of-state tourists and overnight camping; COVID-19 has closed many indoor recreational and entertainment options; and perhaps last but not least, people are just weary of quarantining at home.

“We welcome everyone who wants to get outdoors, enjoy their public lands, maybe even discover the national forest for the first time,” Acting Forest Supervisor Debbie Cress said. “We also want to remind our visitors that if you plan to spend the holiday weekend on the national forest, please do so responsibly.”

The SFNF is under Stage 1 fire restrictions, which prohibit campfires and charcoal grills unless you are using a Forest Service-installed fire ring or grill in a developed campground. Fire risk is unusually high for September due to prolonged drought, unseasonably high temperatures and low humidities.

Responsible recreation, especially under COVID-19 conditions, extends beyond fire prevention. Garbage is a problem. Too many people are leaving too much garbage across the forest. Visitors should be prepared to follow “Leave No Trace” principles, including disposing of waste properly and respecting wildlife. Ideally, “pack it in, pack it out” means you take your trash home with you if trash receptacles on the forest are full. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed in developed recreation areas (campgrounds and picnic sites), parking lots and on interpretive trails.

In the interest of public health and safety, please follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)guidance and comply with state public health orders to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Avoid crowded areas and park only in designated areas. Do not impede emergency access by blocking roadways, fire lanes or driveways.

All SFNF offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in observance of Labor Day.  Virtual business hours will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Stay safe and stay up to date by checking the SFNF website and following the forest on Facebook and Twitter.