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 MoreUSDA Announces $500 Million to Confront the Wildfire Crisis as Part of Investing in America Agenda
Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a $500M investment from Biden’s agenda to expand the USDA’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy, crucial for Ruidoso in Lincoln National Forest. The Collaborative Wildfire Risk Reduction Program empowers local stakeholders to reduce wildfire risk and boost forest health.
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 MorePrescribed burns continue on Smokey Bear Ranger District
Prescribed burns are set to commence on September 18, 2023, in the Smokey Bear Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest as part of ongoing forest management and wildfire prevention efforts. Crews will focus initially on the eastern section near Grindstone Lake, particularly around Sawmill and Carrizo Canyons. Smoke will be noticeable in Ruidoso, the Mescalero Reservation, and surrounding recreational areas due to these operations.
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 MorePrescribed burns planned for the Smokey Bear Ranger District
Prescribed burns on the Smokey Bear Ranger District in the Lincoln National Forest will tentatively begin on September 11 and continue through September 22, 2023. Work will take place on the Brazel Push, the Smokey Bear Admin site, and the Jack’s Peak East unit. 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 MoreLincoln National Forest West Mountain Fire Final Update /August 29, 2023
Crews from the Smokey Bear Ranger District are finishing work on the West Mountain Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire that began on August 3, 2023. The completed work is part of long-term goals in forest land management and wildfire mitigation efforts in the Lincoln National Forest. This is the final update on the West Mountain Fire unless there are any breaking developments.
Read MoreVillage of Ruidoso Returns to Level 1 Fire Restrictions
The Village of Ruidoso returns to Level 1 fire restrictions effective immediately on Friday, July 14, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. Fire danger ratings and regulations are subject to weather and climate conditions. The Village of Ruidoso will notify the public immediately of any changes. Learn more about the current protections in place.
Read MoreStage 1 Restrictions lifted for Lincoln National Forest
Lincoln National Forest has lifted Stage 1 Restrictions effective July 12, 2023, for all three districts in the Forest. The fire danger rating has also been reduced from “very high” to “high” for all three districts. However, visitors must be aware of the risks and take the proper precautions. Unattended or improperly extinguished campfires are a major contributor to wildfire incidents.
Read MoreRX burns scheduled on Sacramento Ranger District
Prescribed burns on the Sacramento Ranger District are tentatively scheduled to take place Wednesday, July 12, through Saturday, July 15, 2023. These burns are part of an ongoing schedule to clear fuels and mitigate wildfire risks. Residents and visitors in the vicinity of the burn can expect smoky conditions during and in the days following the event. Crews will be on the scene during and after the prescribed burn to monitor conditions and mitigate the threat of any spread.
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 MoreNew Mexicans Have Five Days Left to Apply for Assistance from FEMA
New Mexicans impacted by the wildfires and subsequent flooding from burn scars have only five days left to apply for assistance from FEMA. The final deadline to apply is Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. FEMA assistance can help residents find temporary housing, rebuild their homes, replace destroyed property, and more. Don’t delay. Apply today!
Read MoreFEMA Mobile Units Deployed to Assist New Mexico Residents
FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (MDRCs) will be stationed in various locations through early October to help eligible New Mexico residents apply for disaster assistance whose homes or personal property were damaged by wildfires and/or subsequent flooding directly related to the burn scars. No appointments are necessary to visit a DRC. However, the fastest and easiest way to apply for federal disaster assistance is online at: disasterassistance.gov/.
Read MoreWildfire Business Assistance Grants Now Available
Businesses and self-employed individuals who experienced financial loss due to recent wildfires will soon be able to apply for financial assistance through the Economic Development Department's Wildfire Business Assistance Grant Program. Eligible applicants may qualify for up to $20,000 in support. Applications will open on Aug. 15 and will close on Aug. 26, 2022. The NM Economic Development Department is hosting an informational webinar on Aug. 11 at 9:00 am to review details and answer questions. Click here to register for the webinar.
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 MoreUpdate: Cienigita Fire on Mescalero Reservation - June 7, 2022
The Cienegita Fire, located approximately four miles northwest of the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation, remains at 37 acres. Crews and aerial resources made excellent progress over the past day bringing the fire’s total containment to 95%. There are currently no Ruidoso neighborhoods in any phase of the READY, SET, GO evacuation status.
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