Property owners and their guests will continue to have access to private lands within the Forest. All communities, big and small, adjacent to the Forest will also remain accessible to the public. The Villages of Cloudcroft and Ruidoso will still be fully accessible to visitors. While outdoor restrictions on smoking, open fires, and other regulations apply to both locations, visitors may picnic, use propane-style cook stoves in Village park space, and enjoy the many amenities that Cloudcroft and Ruidoso offer. We encourage people to visit in spite of these restrictions.
Visitors are welcome to participate.
There are also many other events planned throughout the summer in Ruidoso and the surrounding areas. Ground and air patrols will be increased throughout the closure period to detect violators. The public is also encouraged to call their local law enforcement agency or Forest Service office to report violations of any local restrictions or the Forest closure. The Cerro Grande Prescribed Fire Investigation Report was delivered to the Secretary of Interior, Bruce Babbitt on May 18, 2000. Both yesterday and today, LASG has been making aerial radioactivity measurements in the smoke plume.