BLM Taos Field Office is beginning to increase recreation access to some recreation areas
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TAOS, 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 Taos Field Office is increasing recreational access and services at some recreation sites. 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 9, 2020, the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River will reopen access to the Rio Chama River permit system. The Rio Chama permit group size will be decreased from 16 to 5 for current and future permits. Also, on this date, the Río Grande del Norte National Monument (Monument) will resume day-use fee collection at the Wild River and the Orilla Verde Recreations Areas, including the Taos Junction Bridge and Lone Juniper boat ramps.
With public health in mind, the following facilities/areas remain closed at this time:
- Orilla Verde Recreation Area campgrounds
- Wild Rivers Recreation Area campgrounds
- La Junta, El Aguaje, Rio Bravo and Taos Junction group shelters
- Wild Rivers and Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Centers
- Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Area
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At the Monument as well as on the Rio Chama, 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 focused on providing recreation and economic opportunities while protecting our local communities, staff and volunteers," said BLM Taos Field Manager Marc Jackson. "We hope to have additional recreation opportunities available soon."
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.