Order Numbers: 03-03-03-24-01
03-03-03-24-11
Albuquerque, NM, August 30, 2024 – The Cibola National Forest has terminated the closure order on the Magdalena Ranger District for the Bear Trap Fire Area and Road Closure Order (03-03-03-24-01) and has issued a new order (03-03-03-24-11) for the continued closure of Bear Trap Campground.

03-03-03-24-01: The termination of this order effective August 31st now allows access to areas and roads originally closed from the May 2022 Bear Trap Fire to include the Hughes Mill Campground and NFS Road 549 (Withington/Beartrap Road).

03-03-03-24-11: Bear Trap Campground will continue to remain closed. This Order shall be in effect from August. 31, 2024, at 12:00 a.m. through December 31, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. unless rescinded. The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety from post-Bear Trap Fire flooding area. Bear Trap Campground suffered significant damage during and after the fire, bathrooms are currently not functional and unsanitary. Road going into Bear Trap Campground is extremely rough and in poor condition. Flash flooding events are still a potential threat within this area.

DESCRIBED AREA/ROAD: Beartrap Campground located within T4S R7W Sections 12, North of Eagle Spring, South of Monica Saddle, West of Beartrap Spring, East of FR 549. See attached map.

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.
A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

For more information on this order contact: Magdalena Ranger District Office: 575-854-2281
The official order 03-03-03-24-11 is posted on the Cibola NF & NGs website under Alerts & Notices.