Mechanized Thinning Work - Sandia Ranger District

Order Number 03-03-05-25-03

Albuquerque, NM, February 3, 2025 – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF&NGs) has issued an area closure order (03-03-05-25-03) for the Cedro 4 Project Area east of Forest Road 462 and southeast of Forest Road 12 on the Sandia Ranger District of the Cibola NF&NGs, described below and shown on the attached map.

This Order shall be in effect from February 10th, 2025, at 0600 through May 31st, 2025 at 0600, unless rescinded.

The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety during mechanized thinning work as specifically shown attached map.

This Closure Order includes the area east of Forest Road 12. The described area is located east of Forest Road 462 and southeast of Forest Road 12 on the Sandia Ranger District.

Trails included within this closure order are as follows:

05606 Lower Pine From its intersection with Tablezon (north end of closure) to its intersection with Gear Grinder (north end of closure).
• 05629 Tablezon from its intersection with Lower Pine (north end of closure) to its intersection with Gear Grinder (north end of closure)
• 05630 Gear Grinder from its intersection with Lower Pine (north end of closure) to its intersection with Lone Pine (central area of closure).
• 05607 Pinyon from its intersection with Lower Pine (north end of closure) to its intersection with Bear Scat (central area of closure).
• 05628 Lone Pine from its intersection with Pinyon (eastern area of the closure) to its intersection with Meadow Single Track (southwest end of the closure).
• 05027 Bear Scat from its intersection with Pinyon (central area of closure) to its intersection with Poker Chip (south end of the closure).

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. §§ 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Sandia Ranger District, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order (the "Described Area/Roads/Trails"):

1. Going into or being upon the Described Area which is closed for public health and safety. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).

2. Being on a road within the Described Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e);

3. Being on a trail within the Described Area 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with a Forest Service permit, contract or agreement specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

2. 2. 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)].

3. 3. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an 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, and3581.

The official order 03-03-05-25-03 will be posted on the Cibola NF & NGs website under Alerts & Notices.

For more information on this order contact:

Sandia Ranger District Office – Tijeras, NM (505) 281-3304

Cibola NF&NGs Forest Supervisor's Office - Albuquerque, NM, (575) 346-3900