Order Number 03-03-04-25-17

Albuquerque, NM, December 10, 2025 – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF&NGs) has issued a temporary winter road closure order (Order 03-03-04-25-17) for National Forest Road 245, starting at the gate at New Canyon Campground up to Capilla Peak Campground as shown on the attached map.

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and prevent natural resource damage from vehicular traffic during the winter months while the ground/soil is saturated within the closure area.

This Order will be effective on Thursday December 11, 2025, at 5:00 a.m. and shall remain in effect until March 30, 2026, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited within all National Forest System lands as described in this Order (the "Road Closure") and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, within the Mountainair Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, Torrance, New Mexico.

1.    Going into or being upon the Described Area.  36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e)

2.    Being on the road 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e)

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e) the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1.    Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 CFR § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).

2.    Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

3.    Landowners accessing their private property.

Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for individuals and $10,000.00 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581 (b)(7)).

The official order 03-03-04-25-17 will be posted on the Cibola NF & NGs website under Alerts & Notices.

For more information on this order contact:

Mountainair Ranger District in Mountainair, NM, (505) 847-2990

Cibola NF&NGs Forest Supervisor's Office in Albuquerque, NM, (575) 346-3900