Take Care of the Forest this Fourth of July Weekend

By SFNF

Although the early onset of monsoonal weather patterns may put a damper on some people’s plans to spend the Independence Day holiday outdoors, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) expects to see a good number of campers, hikers and other visitors over the long weekend. If you are planning to be one of them, please remember that New Mexico is still in prime wildfire season and recreate responsibly.

The recent moisture has provided some relief from the persistent drought, and forest managers lifted Stage 1 fire restrictions today ahead of the holiday weekend. With scattered showers and thunderstorms in the forecast every day through Monday, visitors should come prepared for inclement weather.

“Celebrating the Fourth of July on the national forest is tradition for many families. If you plan to do so, please practice situational awareness, goodcampfire safety and Leave No Trace principles,” Forest Supervisor Debbie Cress said.

SFNF offices will be closed on Monday, July 5, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday, but fire personnel, law enforcement officers and recreation staff will be patrolling the forest over the long weekend. Fireworks are always prohibited on national forests and grasslands.

Please follow these guidelines for a safe outdoor experience:

• Stay up to date on Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and New Mexico public health orders on COVID-19, including updated information for individuals who are fully vaccinated.
• Dispose of waste properly by “packing it in, packing it out,” which ideally means taking it home with you if trash receptacles on the forest are full.
• Refer to the 2021 Motor Vehicle Use Maps so you know which roads and trails are open to motor vehicle traffic, including ATVs and OHVs. Park only in designated areas. Do not impede emergency access by blocking roadways, fire lanes or driveways.
• Dogs are welcome but must be leashed in developed recreation areas (campgrounds and picnic sites), parking lots and on interpretive trails. Your dog must be under your control at all times.
• Make sure it’s not a Red Flag day before you start a campfire. Build your campfire in an area cleared of vegetation. Never abandon or leave a campfire unattended. Always have plenty of water and a shovel nearby. When it’s time to leave, extinguish your campfire by drowning and stirring until it’s the consistency of a mud pie and cold to the touch.

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