Lincoln National Forest raises fire danger rating to "high" effective April 19, 2024. Visitors are urged to use caution with campfires; human activities are a major cause of wildfires. Safety measures include thorough extinguishment of fires and avoiding dry areas. More info: www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln.
Prescribed Burns planned for Smokey Bear Ranger District
The Smokey Bear Ranger District on the Lincoln National Forest will conduct prescribed burns in the Cedar Creek Prescribed Burn Project Area from April 9 to 19, 2024. Due to current conditions, the dates can be subject to change. Crews will be targeting slash piles on approximately 87 acres within the 730-acre Cedar Creek Prescribed Burn Project Area. Exact ignition dates depend upon agency administrator approval and can be postponed on short notice due to developing conditions at the burn site.
Read MoreLincoln National Forest announces increase in fees for 2024
The Lincoln National Forest (LNF ) is increasing camping fees at four developed campgrounds, decreasing extra vehicle fees at two campgrounds, and increasing a daily shelter reservation fee for the Cedar Creek Group picnic area. The forest is also adding a standard amenity recreation fee to three day-use areas and increasing fees for the Sam Tobias Memorial Group Campground.
Read MoreNew Mexico National Forests announce new statewide recreation pass
The USDA Forest Service Southwestern Regional office, in conjunction with Lincoln National Forest, has announced the Enchantment Pass, a new recreation pass specifically for day-use sites on the national forests of New Mexico.
Read MoreGet your Christmas tree-cutting permit for Lincoln National Forest
If you’re feeling ambitious and want to cut your own Christmas tree, Lincoln National Forest will begin selling Christmas tree permits on November 14, 2023. The cost is $10 each plus a $2.50 processing fee with a limited number of permits available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a limit of one permit per household. Online Christmas Tree Permits
Read MoreJack’s Peak Prescribed Burn planned on Smokey Bear Ranger District
A prescribed burn on the Smokey Bear Ranger District in the Lincoln National Forest will tentatively begin on September 14, 2023. Work will occur on the Jack’s Peak East unit, a 250-acre area east of Ancho. Operations will cease or be canceled on short notice if it is determined that conditions are not optimal.
Read MoreLincoln National Forest decreases fire danger rating
The Lincoln National Forest has reduced the fire danger rating from “moderate” to “low” effective August 31, 2023. The lowered rating applies to Smokey Bear, Sacramento, and Guadalupe Ranger Districts. As always, it is important that visitors are aware of the risks and take the proper precautions. Unattended or improperly extinguished campfires are a major contributor to wildfire incidents.
Read MoreFire Restrictions in place for Lincoln National Forest
Stage 1 Restrictions to be enforced effective June 28. The Lincoln National Forest has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restriction as dry weather and heightened fire danger risk continues. Learn what is prohibited under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.
Read MoreLincoln National Forest Reopens on Friday, June 24, 2022
The Lincoln National Forest will reopen on Friday, June 24, 2022, at 8 am after being closed for a month due to fire danger. All three national forest districts received substantial rain over the past two weeks, which significantly lowered fire danger. The Lincoln National Forest will also lift fire restrictions.
Read MoreCitizens are Reminded to Not Fly Drones Near Wildfires
The Forest Service reminds all citizens not to fly Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS or drones) near wildfires. It impedes the ability to fight the fire with Aircraft. If you see this happening, please report it immediately. Thank you. If You Fly, We Can't. Learn more >>
Read MoreBLM plans prescribed burn activities in Chaves and Lincoln counties
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will conduct prescribed fire operations beginning this week and lasting through May. The agency plans to burn approximately 1,400 acres throughout Chaves and eastern Lincoln counties (weather dependent) and will take several days to complete. Smoke from the burn may be visible from nearby communities.
Read More16 Springs Prescribe Fire on the Sacramento Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest Scheduled for Spring 2022
Fire officials on the Sacramento Ranger District in Cloudcroft, NM, plan to implement prescribed fire operations on the 16 Springs Prescribed Fire project beginning in March and carrying into April of 2022. The 16 Springs Prescribed Fire is targeting 564 acres and is located on federal land five miles north of Mayhill, NM. The project lies within the Dry Burnt Canyon.
Read MorePrescribed Burns Scheduled on the Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District
The Smokey Bear Ranger District on the Lincoln National Forest is planning to conduct prescribed burns in the Grindstone and Perk Canyon areas west of Ruidoso as early as Tuesday, February 8. Prescribed burning will continue throughout winter and spring as conditions allow. Crews will begin by targeting areas in Indian Canyon and will expand further into the units over the coming months. The prescribed burns will include broadcast burning and pile burning, depending on the location.
Read MoreLincoln National Forest: Prescribed Burn near Indian Canyon Scheduled Sept 30, 2021
The Smokey Bear Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest will conduct a prescribed burn near Indian Canyon in the Grindstone area on September 29, 2021. Smoke will be visible in Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs and will likely drift to the east.
Read MoreCora Dutton Prescribed Burn Planned for Smokey Bear Ranger District Planned
Fire managers on the Smokey Bear Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest hope to take advantage of favorable conditions, including fuel moisture levels, air quality, and forecasted weather to conduct pile burning north of Cora Dutton road and about 1 mile southwest of the town of Capitan. Planned ignition date: 9/21/21. Updates: www.nmfireinfo.com
Read MoreLincoln National Forest to Host Three Virtual Public Meetings on Management of the Forest for the Next Decade
Lincoln National Forest is hosting three virtual public meetings to discuss the Draft Forest Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement. This is a part of the Forest Plan Revision process. The Forest Plan will guide forest management practices for the 1.1 million-acre Lincoln National Forest in Southern New Mexico for the next 10 to 15 years.
Read MoreLincoln National Forest Fire Restrictions Lifted Beginning Friday, July 2, 2021
July 1, 2021: The early arrival of the seasonal summer monsoons, accompanied by higher humidity levels and lower temperatures, has reduced fire danger across the forest resulting in the lifting of fire restrictions within Lincoln National Forest beginning Friday, July 2, 2021, at 6 am. Fires, campfires, grills, and smoking will once again be permitted within Lincoln National Forest. Fireworks remain prohibited and are always illegal in the National Forest.
Read MoreCaution urged ahead of the summer season as dry conditions fuel a wildfire risk
With southern NM being drier than we've seen in years, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners has issued a Declaration of Fire Danger Emergency (Resolution 2020-44) in accordance with Lincoln County Ordinance 2017-03 and Lincoln National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. The emergency declaration includes a ban on all burning of open flames, fires, campfires (except in official designated areas), trash, shrubbery, or other material of any kind except by permit. Help keep our forest, firefighters, and local communities safe. Dry conditions are expected to continue through June. These fire restrictions help prevent wildfires so you can continue to enjoy the forest for many years to come.
Read MoreThree Rivers Fire Update – May 11, 2021
On Sunday, May 9th, the Three Rivers Fire transferred to a Type-4 interagency organization due to continued fire suppression success, which has resulted in limited fire activity. The remaining Three Rivers firefighting crews continue to work on extinguishing any hotspots they discover and monitoring the fire area in case the fire does try to progress. The fire perimeter changed slightly due to a small spot fire that had been burning and smoldering for days and eventually burned together with the main fire. This resulted in a slight increase in the overall acreage burned.
Read MoreThree Rivers Fire Update – May 8, 2021
This will be the final update for the Three Rivers Fire. If you have fire questions, please contact the Smokey Bear Ranger District at (575) 257-4095. Acres: 7,033 acres Containment: 40%. Yesterday crews completed control lines along the west side of the fire coming down from the Big Bear area. Isolated smoke from a smoldering log was seen yesterday by firefighters who flew a reconnaissance mission in a helicopter, however, the perimeter of the fire has not grown for over a week.
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