Last weekend we had problems with visitors blocking roads and not respecting each other’s social distance. I will have to close Sandia District if we have continued overcrowding and emergency vehicle access is blocked. Please encourage everyone to respect each other’s social distance, seek out areas that are not crowded and most importantly not block traffic or gates.

Steve Hattenbach
Forest Supervisor
Forest Service
Cibola National Forest & Grasslands
p: 505-346-3804
c: 505-506-7170
steven.hattenbach@usda.gov
2113 Osuna Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
www.fs.fed.us
Caring for the land and serving people
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Cibola National Forest & Grasslands Limits Services While Remaining Open for Dispersed Use

Albuquerque, NM: March 27, 2020 – The Cibola National Forest and Grasslands is limiting visitor services at developed recreation sites during the current public health emergency caused by COVID-19. Visitors should expect limited amenities on the forest and anticipate practicing Leave No Trace practices. Toilets are not being serviced and are closed to use, and trash receptacles are not being emptied.

In order to protect the health and safety of yourself, other members of the public, and Forest Service staff, please recreate responsibly. We encourage our visitors to follow the below practices:
· Do not visit the forest if you are sick and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
· Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene before and during your visit to the forest.
· Take your trash with you when you leave. Trash overflowing the receptacles becomes litter and can be harmful to wildlife and attract predators.
· Please make arrangements for using the restroom before or after your visit to the forest. Unmanaged waste creates a health hazard for our employees and for other visitors.
· Follow the state of New Mexico’s health orders on group size.
· Keep a distance of at least 6 feet from other visitors.
· If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location. Also consider avoiding the forest during high use periods.
· Follow regular outdoor safety practices, such as planning for weather conditions, wearing proper clothing, staying hydrated, and notifying others of your plans.

We need your help during this time to protect our public lands and each other. Responsible recreation assists us in keeping the forest open to hiking, dispersed camping, and other dispersed recreation uses.

To keep ourselves, our communities and our outdoor spaces safe and healthy please remember to Leave No Trace. For more information on Leave No Trace during this time https://lnt.org/the-leave-no-trace-recommendations-for-get…/

For more information on Leave No Trace and “The 7 Principles” https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/

For information on the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, check out our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola or join the conversation on Facebook.