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 15, 2012:

GAME COMMISSION LANDS IN PECOS CANYON UNDER STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
BEGINNING MONDAY -- NO CAMPFIRES ALLOWED

SANTA FE – State Game Commission properties adjoining the Santa Fe National Forest, including campgrounds and fishing areas in Pecos Canyon, will be under Stage 2 fire restrictions because of extreme fire danger, the Department of Game and Fish announced today. Adjoining areas in the forest are also under Stage 2 restrictions.

Stage 2 restrictions prohibit all campfires. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, propane grills or heating devices that meet the fire underwriter’s specification for safety will be allowed. Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited.

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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