(Albuquerque, NM – July 9, 2026) — The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands has issued a road and area closure order (Order 03-03-04-26-16) for National Forest Road (NFR) 245, starting at the forest boundary to Capilla Peak Lookout to include New Canyon and Capilla Peak Campground Areas as depicted on the attached map.

The purpose of this order is to protect public safety during the demolition and removal of decommissioned University of New Mexico observatory buildings located on top of Capilla Peak. National Forest Road (NFR) 245 is a narrow road with few pullouts, requiring closure to provide safe ingress and egress of heavy equipment removing material from the site. 

This order shall be in effect from July 13, 2026, at 6:00 AM through October 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM, unless rescinded.

The following acts are prohibited within all National Forest System lands as described in this Order and as depicted on the attached map:

1.     Going into or being upon the Described Area.

2.   Being on the road.

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 C.F.R § 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. 

A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

The official order 03-03-04-26-16 will be posted on the https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/alerts 

For more information on this order contact:

Mountainair Ranger District: 40 Ranger Station Rd., Mountainair, NM 87036 (505-847-2990)

or the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands Supervisor's Office: 2113 Osuna Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113 (505-346-3900)