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, MAY 3, 2013:

FIRE RESTRICTIONS COMING TO STATE LANDS; GAME AND FISH PATROLLING COMMISSION PROPERTIES

SANTA FE – Spring winds and record drought are creating high fire danger throughout the state. In response, fire restrictions on state lands throughout the state, including those belonging to the State Game Commission, go into effect at 8 a.m. May 8.

Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary-designate David Martin and State Forester Tony Delfin announced the fire restrictions Friday. The restrictions apply to all non-municipal, non-federal, and non-tribal lands in the state. For details about the restrictions, please click here.

In addition, Department of Game and Fish employees will increase patrols on State Game Commission-owned properties beginning May 9. The conservation 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 GAIN permit with 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.”

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