New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
dan.williams@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 1, 2012:

STATE GAME COMMISSION PROPERTIES IN PECOS CANYON UNDER FIRE RESTRICTIONS

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, the Department of Game and Fish announced today. Adjoining areas in the forest are also under Stage 1 restrictions.

Stage 1 restrictions limit campfires to designated camp and picnic grounds, where fires must be safely contained within a developed recreation site. Smoking is permitted only in vehicles or buildings, in developed recreation sites, or in areas cleared at least three feet in diameter of all flammable material. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited.

Gas and propane stoves, lanterns or heating devices are permitted providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.

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 properties.

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 Public Lands Information Center website, www.publiclands.org/firenews/NM.php, or the New Mexico Forestry Division Web site, www.emnrd.state.nm.us/FD/.

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