ROSWELL, N.M. – With the easing of public health and safety restrictions enacted by State of New Mexico health officials, the Bureau of Land Management today announced that the Roswell Field Office is increasing recreational access and services at some recreation sites. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is working servicewide with Federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a case-by-case basis.

Beginning June 19, 2020, BLM staff will reopen vault toilet facilities at Rob Jagger’s Campground and Cave Campground as well as Haystack Mountain Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area and Mescalero Sands OHV Area.  These recreation areas have remained open throughout the pandemic; only the vault toilet facilities were closed.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At the NCA and OHV areas, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and to regularly monitor these. We continue to work closely with the Department of the Interior and follow CDC guidance to ensure public and employee spaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers. While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow the New Mexico Department of Health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, practice social distancing and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. 

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating on public lands prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.   

Details and updates on operations will continue to be posted on our website https://www.blm.gov/alert/nm-covid-19-updates and social media channels.  Updates about BLM operations are available on www.blm.gov.