Lincoln National Forest Begins Hazard Tree and Fuels Reduction Work Near Ruidoso
Post-fire recovery work in the South Fork and Blue 2 fire scars may result in temporary closures around Cedar Creek and other Forest Service recreation areas.
October 21, 2026 (RUIDOSO, NM) — The Lincoln National Forest has begun hazard tree mitigation and fuels reduction work within the South Fork and Blue 2 fire scars on the Smokey Bear Ranger District as part of ongoing post-fire recovery efforts.
Work began October 21, 2026, and will involve heavy machinery in multiple areas near Ruidoso. The Forest Service is encouraging residents and visitors to avoid active work areas while operations are underway. Temporary public closures are expected during peak work periods to help protect the public and Forest Service personnel.
Work Locations
According to the Lincoln National Forest, work is planned in and around the following locations:
Cedar Creek Road (88)
Monjeau Road (117)
Eagle Creek Road (127A)
Bonito Road (107, 107C and 107D)
Philadelphia Canyon Road (598)
Ski Run Road (Highway 532)
Oak Grove Campground
South Fork Campground
Perk Canyon Trailhead
Map Caption: Lincoln National Forest map showing disaster recovery fuels reduction Blocks 1 and 2 near Cedar Creek northwest of central Ruidoso. Map courtesy of the USDA Forest Service.
Hazard Tree and Fuels Reduction Work
Hazard tree mitigation will include cutting and removing dead or dying trees along roads and around recreation sites, including South Fork Campground. The work is intended to improve safety and help restore access to Forest Service recreation areas.
Fuels reduction work will include mastication or cutting of dead and dying trees within a 1,000-acre area of National Forest System land centered along Cedar Creek Drive near Ruidoso. The Forest Service will prioritize tree removal near trails, infrastructure and neighboring private property. Larger trees may be stored for later sale as commercial timber or fuel wood, while other material may be chipped for future soil-cover applications.
Supporting Cedar Creek Trail Recovery and Reforestation
The work is also an important step in the longer-term recovery of the Cedar Creek area.
The Forest Service plans to restore the Cedar Creek Trail system in 2027. Removing hazardous trees now will help provide safer conditions for restoration crews and, ultimately, future trail users.
The Cedar Creek treatment area has also been designated as a 2028 reforestation site. Removing hazardous trees and debris will improve crew access and seedling survivability, while wood chips generated through mastication can provide soil cover to help improve soil stability and reforestation success.
Stay Informed About Closures
Residents and visitors should be aware that access may change as work progresses. The Forest Service has not announced that all of the locations listed above are currently closed; rather, temporary closures are expected during peak work periods.
For the latest Lincoln National Forest alerts and closure information, visit:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln/alerts
For additional Lincoln National Forest information and post-fire recovery updates, visit:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln
The Village of Ruidoso will continue sharing relevant information from the Lincoln National Forest as post-fire recovery work progresses.
