Hazard Tree Mitigation Resumes in South Fork Fire Scar Areas at Oak Grove Campground and Buck Mountain Road
Post-fire recovery work continues on the Smokey Bear Ranger District
Dec. 29, 2025 (Ruidoso, NM) — Beginning in January, crews will resume hazard tree mitigation in areas of the Lincoln National Forest impacted by the South Fork Fire. Hazard tree mitigation involves removing standing dead trees that pose a danger to human life, property, and infrastructure.
This effort will focus on Oak Grove Campground. Removal of hazardous trees is a critical step toward reopening the site for public use. Crews will also remove hazardous trees along Buck Mountain Road, an administrative road off Highway 532 that provides access to critical communication towers. Their removal will ensure safe and reliable access for servicing and maintaining the communication site.
The Lincoln National Forest remains committed to public safety and long-term recovery efforts, working to restore safe access and recreational opportunities for the community.
Key Project Actions:
Felling, skidding, and decking of hazardous trees around Oak Grove Campground.
Since Oak Grove Campground is located off NM Highway 532, crews will also remove hazardous trees near the highway. This work will require traffic control along Highway 532 to ensure public safety during operations.
Felling and removing hazardous trees along Buck Mountain Road.
Work will occur only on USDA Forest Service lands.
Planned treatment areas:
Buck Mountain Road. Map below.
Oak Grove Campground. Map below.
These areas may have closures for public safety for several days. Please watch for warning signs posted along roads and trails near all hazard tree mitigation areas before and during operations.
This project marks an important step in restoring safe access and preparing the landscape for long-term recovery. For LNF news and updates visit the LFN website, and follow on Facebook.
