ENVIRONMENT
Carson National Forest lifts fire restrictions
Also plans Wheeler Peak closure for tribal ceremonies
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Carson National Forest is dialing back fire restrictions in effect since the spring as it prepares to close the area around New Mexico鈥檚 tallest peak, where Taos Pueblo holds private tribal ceremonies each August.
Previous restrictions on smoking, campfires and other permissible forms of burning were rescinded at 6 a.m. Tuesday. The Forest Service cited 鈥渁 decrease in overall fire danger from sustained monsoonal moisture, increased humidity and high public compliance.鈥�
The order revokes enacted on June 30 and ordered on April 24, but the regulations could be reenacted at any time if conditions change.
National prohibitions on certain forms of burning remain in effect at all times, such as burning without a permit, discharging incendiary or tracer firearm ammunition and abandoning campfires before
Gila National Forest also lifted Stage 2 fire restrictions on Monday, and the Bureau of Land Management Roswell Field Office rescinded restrictions in the Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and its Rio Bonito acquired lands in Lincoln County on Friday.
Statewide fire restrictions on nonfederal, nontribal and nonmunicipal lands, however, remain in effect under the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.
Human activity remains the leading cause of wildfire, but firefighters are responding to an increased number of lightning-caused fires this summer as seasonal monsoon weather brings increased thunderstorms across the state.
Multiple small lightning-caused fires were reported in the Carson forest over the past week, but firefighters were able to contain them quickly due to rainfall and high humidity.
The Carson forest is also reminding the public of its annual closure of Wheeler Peak and three other nearby trails 鈥� Williams Lake, Wheeler Summit and Lost Lake 鈥� from Aug. 21- 28.
The Williams Lake basin, a popular summer hiking destination accessible from Taos Ski Valley, and the ridgeline from east of Taos Cone to Simpson Peak will also be closed next month.
Taos Pueblo uses the area for private tribal ceremonies each summer on and around the 13,167-foot peak, the highest point in New Mexico.
鈥淲e are fully committed to coordinating across jurisdictions with traditional communities, including those that require access to continue cultural practices that predate the Forest Service鈥檚 management of the area,鈥� Forest Supervisor James Duran said. 鈥淚 recognize the inconvenience this temporary closure brings to visitors and do appreciate their flexibility.鈥�
John Miller is the Journal鈥檚 northern New Mexico correspondent. He can be reached at jmiller@abqjournal.com.
