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FARMINGTON, NM – With the easing of public health and safety restrictions enacted by State of New Mexico health officials, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), today announced that the Farmington Field Office is increasing recreational access and services at some recreation sites. The BLM Farmington Field Office will also open the office and public room today. The BLM is working servicewide with Federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a case-by-case basis.

Beginning June 22, 2020, the following BLM Farmington Field Office facilities are open:

• Simon Canyon Recreation Area (day-use and camping);
• Brown Springs Campground (day-use and camping); and
• Bisti Wilderness parking area (day-use only)

With public health in mind, the vault toilets at all BLM Farmington Field Office recreation sites, with the exception of the Bisti Wilderness, will remain closed to use. 

The BLM is also announcing the opening of the Farmington Field Office and public room. The hours of operations for the public to visit these areas will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The BLM requests that the public call the front office prior to arrival to ensure that the appropriate agency personnel are available to assist with the needs of the customer. Please call (505) 564-7600 for additional information.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount.  At the Farmington Field Office, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and to regularly monitor these. We continue to work closely with the Department of the Interior and follow CDC guidance to ensure public and employee spaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers. 

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited.  When recreating, the public should follow the New Mexico Department of Health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, practice social distancing and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. 

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating on public lands prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.   

"The Four Corners area offers some of the most beautiful and exciting recreational opportunities in New Mexico. The Farmington Field Office is pleased to re-open our recreational areas for the public to enjoy,” stated BLM Farmington Field Office Manager Rick Fields. “We encourage visitors to utilize public lands, but we strongly encourage them to take precautions such as social distancing and the use of facial coverings to stay healthy as they enjoy the outdoors."

Details and updates on operations will continue to be posted on our website https://www.blm.gov/alert/nm-covid-19-updates and social media channels.  Updates about BLM operations are available on www.blm.gov.