BLM Taos Field Office is beginning to increase access to Lone Juniper and Arroyo Hondo campgrounds
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TAOS, N.M. — 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 Taos Field Office is increasing recreational access and services at some recreation sites within the Lower Gorge of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument. 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 18, 2020, the Lone Juniper and Arroyo Hondo campgrounds will open for day-use in order to alleviate pressure on local boat ramps. With public health in mind, the following facilities/areas remain closed at this time: day-use at Petaca, Pilar, Rio Bravo, Rio Pueblo and Taos Junction Campgrounds as well as the vault toilets in Orilla Verde and the Lower Gorge. The Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center will also remain closed.
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.
"We are pleased to be able to open some additional recreational sites within the Taos Field Office,” said BLM Taos Field Office Manager Marc Jackson. “We encourage the public be considerate of other users of the facilities by operating in a clean and safe manner.”
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.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.