Fire threat closes bosque, Wildlife Refuge open

The bosque area of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District is fully closed due to fire danger as of 8 a.m., Friday, June 29.

In a press release on Tuesday, the MRGCD announced that all roads and ditch paths near the bosque and treed areas through Socorro, Valencia and Sandoval Counties will be closed to all traffic until further notice. Such areas in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County will continue to be under Stage II fire restrictions as defined by the U.S. Forest Service.

This closure does not extend to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

“The refuge has no plans to close regular public access,” said Acting Refuge Manager Aaron Mize. “The Auto tour loop, observation decks and hiking trails will remain open.”

While the Bosque del Apache has not closed, they have adopted Stage II fire restrictions as of June 15.

Stage II fire restrictions prohibit the following

• Open fires anywhere;

• Smoking except in an enclosed vehicle;

• Cutting tools or gas torches, unless a special permit is issued;

• Leaving established roads, parking areas, trails, blinds and decks.

Fireworks and explosives are always prohibited in both bosque areas.