Santa Fe National Forest implements closure order in Cuba Ranger District

The Santa Fe National Forest issued a closure order in the Cuba Ranger District Wednesday to protect public health and safety while the state of New Mexico conducts repairs to State Highway 126

The repairs include drilling operations, which will result in heavy equipment blocking access to Forest Road 98 at State Highway 126.

The closure order will be in effect from 8 a.m. June 13 through midnight Sept. 30 unless rescinded.

Operating motorized vehicles on Forest Road 98 and Forest Road 98 A from NM Highway 126 to its junction with Forest Road 533 is prohibited.

Violation of the closure order is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, imprisonment of not more than six months, or both. Federal, state and local officers, firefighters, members of an organized rescue team and any others authorized by Forest Service permit are exempt from the closure order.

For more information, contact the Cuba Ranger District Office at 575-289-3264, or the Santa Fe National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 505-438-5300.