Order Number 03-03-04-25-02

Albuquerque, NM, January 18, 2025 – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF&NGs) has issued a road closure order (Order 03-03-04-25-02) for National Forest Road (NFR) 245, starting at the gate at New Canyon Campground up to Capilla Peak Campground as shown on the attached map.

This Order will be effective on Sunday January 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. and shall remain in effect until March 30, 2025, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and prevent natural resource damage from vehicular traffic during the winter months while the ground/soil is saturated within the closure area. The closure will also protect public health and safety while the USFS is conducting planned forest management activities in this area.

PROHIBITIONS: Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b) the following are prohibited on the NFSR 245 and the Capilla Peak and New Canyon campgrounds in the Mountainair Ranger District:
1. Being on NFSR 245. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e)
2. Entering or using Capilla Peak or New Canyon campgrounds or any portion thereof. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(b)

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 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 an official duty.
3. Landowners accessing their private property.

Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for individuals and $10,000.00 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581 (b)(7)).

The official order 03-03-04-25-02 will be 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 in Albuquerque, NM, (575) 346-3900