Our Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands are over 1.9 million acres in size. Elevation ranges from 5,000-11,301 feet. Our forest includes the Datil, Gallinas, Magdalena, Bear, Manzano, Sandia, San Mateo, Mt. Taylor, and Zuni Mountains. There are four wildernesses contained within our forest: the Sandia Mountain, Manzano Mountain, Withington, and Apache Kid. The Cibola National Grasslands are located in northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and northwestern Texas, and are 263,954 acres in size.

Recreation Facility Analysis

The Cibola National Forest and Grasslands are in the process of studying our developed recreation site program, as part of the Recreation Facility Analysis (RFA.) You can help us be reviewing the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands Proposed RFA Program of Work and letting us know your concerns and suggestions.

Travel Management

The new Travel Management Rule requires the Forest to designate a system of roads, trails, and areas open to motor vehicle use. Learn more about the Travel Management Rule and Planning process. Get involved!

Cibola National Forest and Grasslands Plan Revision Website

Notice of Initiation Published (September 2008)

We are currently re-initiating a process that began in the mid-1990s to revise the current Cibola National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (1985). From 1995 to 1999, the Forest collaborated with the public through meetings, newsletters and public notices and to develop a set of Geographic Area Assessments that describe existing and desired conditions. In 2000, the Plan revision process was postponed due to uncertainty regarding planning regulations and budgets.

In re-initiating plan revision, we decided to have a separate National Grasslands Plan, distinct from the National Forest Plan. Thus, we will first revise a plan for the Grasslands. Once we approve the revised Grasslands Plan (2008) we will begin revising the Plan for the mountains districts, and approve the revised Forest Plan in 2010.

The revised Plans will provide a framework to use when conducting the more detailed and site-specific planning, environmental analysis and public involvement required for all proposed land use activities.

Film Permits

National forests are a popular location for the commercial filming and still photography industries.  Many motion pictures, television series and commercials have been filmed on the national forests of Arizona and New Mexico.

In January 2007, FirstGov.gov announced that it changed its name to USA.gov

Website in Progress!

Please excuse us for any inconvenience we may cause as we work to build a better web site for our customers. We will also be working hard to expand our information services to the public as well. Come back and visit us on regular basis.

Mountainair Ranger District To Begin Travel Management

MOUNTAINAIR, NM – January 13, 2009 – The Cibola National Forest is hosting three community meetings as part of the public involvement process for addressing Travel Management on the Mountainair Ranger District.

CAPULIN SNOW PLAY AREA CURRENTLY CLOSED

FOR THE OPENING OF THE CAPULIN SNOW PLAY AREA

Check with the Ranger Station for the status of the area: 505-281-3304

When open the Snow Play Area will be unsupervised. Snow, weather, administrative needs, and road conditions may reduce the days and hours this area is available for use.

PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Click here for more information.

SANDIA RANGER DISTRICT MONITORING WEATHER TO CONTINUE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PILE BURN FR 462

TIJERAS, NM, January 5, 2009 – Weather permitting the Sandia Ranger District will continue with their fuel reduction program throughout the month of January.

SANDIA RANGER DISTRICT ANNOUNCES WINTER CLOSURE OF THE UPPER SECTION OF LA LUZ TRAIL

November 25, 2008 - The Sandia Ranger District announced the closure of the upper section of the La Luz trail (Trail 137) due to unsafe weather and trail conditions.