SANTA FE – State Game Commission properties in the Santa Fe National Forest, including campgrounds and fishing areas in Pecos Canyon are under Stage 1 fire restrictions because of extreme fire danger. Adjoining areas in the forest are also under Stage 1 restrictions.

Stage 1 restrictions limit campfires and charcoal grills to designated camp and picnic grounds. Fires must be safely contained within a department provided fire ring within developed recreation sites. Smoking is permitted only in vehicles, buildings or in developed recreation sites. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited.

Gas and propane stoves, lanterns or heating devices are permitted provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety and have on/off switches.

Game Commission properties in Pecos Canyon remain open for fishing, camping and picnics. They include the Dalton, Bert Clancy, Terrero, Mora and Jamie Koch areas. Fire restrictions also apply to Monastery Lake, Links Tract, fish hatcheries and other commission-owned or leased properties.

Department of Game and Fish officers will increase patrols in the canyon. Officers will be checking for several common violations. Those include:

• Anglers 12 and older must have fishing licenses.
• Off-highway vehicles must be registered and cannot drive on paved streets.
• Off-highway vehicle riders under the age of 18 must have a safety permit, helmet and eye protection.

Individuals 18 and older camping, hunting or fishing on the Game Commission-owned properties must have a valid hunting license, fishing license, trapping license, or a valid Habitat Management and Access Validation.

“Visitors can expect to see our conservation officers patrolling commission-owned properties,” said Colonel Robert Griego, lead conservation officer for the Department of Game and Fish. “We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, but we also expect them to follow the rules and use extreme caution with fires.” 

Anglers, campers and hikers who use state wildlife areas are urged to check restrictions before they travel. Wildlife areas observe the same fire restrictions in place by the New Mexico Forestry Division, or in adjoining national forests, Bureau of Land Management and State Trust lands. Fireworks are banned on all 105 wildlife areas that the department either owns or leases around the state.

For more information about fire restrictions statewide, please visit the New Mexico Fire Information website: https://nmfireinfo.com/.