Due to Heavy Equipment Hazards and Removal

Order Number 03-03-03-24-14

Albuquerque, NM, October 3, 2024 – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF&NGs) has issued a closure order (Order 03-03-03-24-14) for National Forest System (NFS) areas and roads in the Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map. This Order shall be in effect from October 4, 2024, at 12:00 a.m. through October 22, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. unless rescinded. The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety from post-accident hazards and removal of a large piece of equipment overturned on a steep slope above a trail.

DESCRIBED AREAS/ROADS
The following areas are closed to entry as shown on attached map: Township 4 South Range 3 West Sections 04 & 05, Southeast of South Baldy trail, Northeast of Timber Peak/ Six-mile trail and West of Water Canyon. Starting at Forest System east on Road 235 33.991910, -107.159280 going North to 33.999945, -107.159950 going East along Trail 11 tying back into FR 235 at 33.992464, -107.176321.
The following road is closed to entry as shown on attached map: Forest System Road 235 from Water Canyon Mesa Trail Head Trail #13, to the gate into the Magdalena Ridge Observatory.

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following are prohibited in/on the National Forest System (NFS) areas and roads in the Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map:
1. Going into or being upon the Described Area listed below. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e),
2. Being on the road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e)

EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of official duty.
3. Langmuir and Magdalena Ridge Observatory Staff accessing their work site.
The official order 03-03-03-24-14 posted on the Cibola NF & NGs website under Alerts & Notices.

For more information on this order contact:
Mountainair Ranger District in Mountainair, NM, (505) 847-2990,
Cibola NF&NGs Forest Supervisor's Office - Albuquerque, NM, (575) 346-3900