US Forest Service - Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands

10/30/2020

Bat Houses - Bat Conservation International

#BatWeek celebrates conservation of bats! Some things you can do at home to protect bats include:
1) Install a bat house! BCI offers free downloadable designs.
2) Don't tear down that dead tree!
3) Don't use pesticides.
4) Keep cats indoors.
Visit #BatConservationInternational below for more tips on how to do these things!

Bats are an important part of a functioning ecosystem. Making a bat-friendly place in your backyard supports the ecologically essential role bats have in the environment, including pest-control, pollination and seed dispersal.

10/29/2020

The infamous fungal disease, #WhiteNoseSyndrome, has killed millions of bats in North America.

The causal fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has spread from East to West across the U.S. When severe, it appears as a white powder, often on the nose of a bat.

Hibernating bats are most affected. The fungus causes them to awake prematurely during #hibernation and use up precious winter energy stores.

Land managers and researchers have ramped up bat surveys to document populations and detect the fungus.

There is currently no cure for White-Nose Syndrome. Scientists globally are studying the disease and experimenting with methods for control. #BatWeek #science #BatThreats

Click to learn more: https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/static-page/what-is-white-nose-syndrome
Photo Credit: Ryan von Linden

10/29/2020

Today for #BatWeek, its #ThrowbackThursday!

Check out this Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus), netted on the Canadian River in 2016. Our very own Kristen Warren, Wildlife Biologist for the Kiowa/Rita Blanca National Grasslands, worked with Texas Tech researchers to survey bats along the river. #CibolaNFNG #CibolaKiowaDistrict #KRBNationalGrasslands #pallidbat #science #batnetting
Photo Credit: Dr. Tigga Kingston

10/28/2020

During #BatWeek, we want to highlight #science at the Cibola!

Bats emit high frequency sounds used for ecolocation that can be detected and used to identify different species!

Every year, we set up acoustic monitoring devices at remote field sites on the Kiowa, Rita Blanca, Black Kettle, and McClellan Creek National Grasslands. As bats fly by, their sounds are recorded! The data then play a part in the North American Bat Monitoring Program, or NABat.

NABat’s goal is to create a continent-wide program to monitor bats at local to range-wide scales that will provide reliable data to promote effective conservation and long-term viability of bat populations across the continent. Many government and non-governmental organizations participate.

See these images for a look at our field sites, acoustic monitoring devices, and data! #NABat #batacoustics #ecolocation

10/28/2020

What Is Echolocation? | Earth Unplugged

Today's #BatWeek topic is #Ecolocation!

The phrase "blind as a bat" is actually a misnomer! Bats have perfectly good eyesight, but since nocturnal bats need to move around in the dark, they've evolved the ability to paint a mental picture of their environment using their own sounds and hearing!

Check out this excellent video by #BBCEarth to see how it works!

Echolocation allows animals to build up an understanding of their surroundings but how does it work? Subscribe to Earth Unplugged for more amazing animal vid...

10/27/2020

3 Fun Facts About Bats!

Kids can celebrate #BatWeek too! Tune in to #SciShowKids to learn about how bats navigate the darkness, hang upside down, and care for their babies! #batfacts #ecolocation #batmoms 🦇

You don’t have to be Batman to think bats are awesome! Learn some fun facts about these furry flying mammals. ---------- Like SciShow? Want to help support u...

10/27/2020

Resolution on Mexican Spotted Owl Litigation Moves Forest Restoration Forward

Oct. 28, 2020 - Today, the US District Court of AZ approved the joint stipulation for dismissal of the lawsuit and injunction concerning the Mexican spotted owl. The injunction, that has limited certain timber management activities over the past year, is now dissolved. http://fs.usda.gov/goto/r3/mso


Oct. 27, 2020 – Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and WildEarth Guardians reached an out-of-court resolution in the case WildEarth Guardians vs. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, et al. CV-13-00151-TUC-RCC in U.S. District Court in Arizona concerning the Mexican spotted owl.

Per the resolution, the parties have jointly filed for dismissal of the associated injunction with the Court. Once the Judge approves the motion, the injunction that has limited certain timber management activities across the five national forests in New Mexico and on the Tonto National Forest in Arizona over the past year will be dissolved. Forest Service staff will work individually with affected local businesses for plans to resume activities on National Forest System lands.

"The agreement reached today along with the work of the recently established Mexican spotted owl Leadership Forum will increase transparency, communication, and coordination around forest health and wildlife conservation efforts" said Acting Regional Forester Sandy Watts. "The affected forests are eager to resume work on the ground, demonstrating our commitment to conducting sustainable restoration projects in a way that benefits all."

The resolution contains six parts, including securing funding for continued owl population trend monitoring through 2025, conducting research to better understand the effects of thinning and prescribed burning on owl populations, data sharing, and greater collaboration for conservation of the Mexican spotted owl. For more information visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r3/mso.

10/27/2020

Do you like chocolate, mangos, cashews, or tequila? Thank a bat! Bats are responsible for pollinating more than 500 species of flowers worldwide, and 70 percent of all the tropical fruits we enjoy need bats for pollination!

Fruit-eating bats are great seed dispersers. Some of these bats spit out fruit seeds, and some pass them (the other way 💩) in flight, scattering seeds far and wide, including across deforested areas in need of regenerating. That's right, fruit eating bats assist in reforestation, too! #BatWeek #lesserlongnosedbat #pollinationbybats 🦇🌼🌲🌵🌻🌺

Photo Credit: J. Scott Altenbach

10/26/2020

Cooped up inside? Why not celebrate #BatWeek by trying some batty recipes for goodies and treats made with bat-dependent ingredients!

Cozy up with a Batty Hot Chocolate 🦇. Entertain the kids with some Bug Juice 🦟. Heat things up with the Tequila Salsa🌶. Or unwind with a Batty Temptation🍹 #MondayMotivation

See the full Celebrating Bats Cook Book for more recipeshttps://batweek.org/wp-content/uploads/BatCelebrationCookBook-UPDATED2018.pdf

10/26/2020

Next up in our #BatWeek series is WINGS! Bats belong to the order Chiroptera, from the Greek meaning “hand wing”. Check out this diagram to see how your bones compare with a bat's!

A bat's elongated finger bones support the wing membrane (patagium) and help it maneuver efficiently while hunting prey and navigating through the environment. The thumb is detached from the wing, which helps bats crawl around on rough surfaces.

Check out this video for some amazing footage and science behind bats in motion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNNAxCuaYoc . #batflight
Photo Credit: Project EduBat

10/26/2020

Happy Bat Week! Did you know there are about 1,240 species of bats!

Different bats have different diets. About 2/3 of all bats species eat insects, but some eat nectar, pollen, fruit, fish, and even blood!

Bats come in a range of sizes- the smallest species weighs less than a penny, and the biggest is over two pounds with a wingspan of 6ft!

For more bat facts and educational activities, check out Project EduBat https://batslive.pwnet.org/edubat/ ! #BatWeek #BatEducationActivities #mondaymotivation
Photo Credit: Merlin Tuttle & Bryan Bongey

10/26/2020

With inclement and hazardous weather conditions expected throughout the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, district offices may have delayed openings or closures this week.

Please call district or supervisor’s offices for business needs.

Magdalena Ranger District: 575-854-2281

Mountainair Ranger District: 505-847-2990

Mt. Taylor Ranger District: 505-287-8833

Sandia Ranger District: 505-281-3304

Black Kettle National Grasslands: 580-497-2143

Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands: 575-374-9652

Cibola National Forest & Grasslands Supervisor Office: 505-346-3900.

10/24/2020

Home - Bat Week

Bat Week starts today! Join us for this international celebration of bats. All week, we’ll be sharing lots of great information about bat biology and conservation, including some bat science happening on the Cibola! #BatWeek #CibolaNFNG

BAT WEEK OCTOBER 24 – 31, 2020 Bat Week is an annual, international celebration of the role of bats in nature BAT WEEK IS AN ANNUAL, INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION OF THE ROLE OF BATS IN NATURE COUNTDOWN TO BAT WEEK Day Hour Minute Second About Bat Week Bat Week is an international, annual celebration ...

10/22/2020

The Cibola National Forest will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions at 8 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020 on the Mount Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts

The Carson National Forest and Santa Fe National Forest are also entering Stage 1 fire restrictions on Friday, an indication of the widespread risk of unseasonal wildfires across northern New Mexico.

The purpose of the Stage 1 restriction is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions. The restrictions will also help protect the health and safety of firefighters and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PROHIBITIONS:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except in Forest Service developed camp and picnic grounds where grills and stoves are provided by the Forest Service.
36 CFR 261.52(a)
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 CFR 261.52(d)
3. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR 261.52(f)

EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from the provisions in this Order:
1. Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
2. Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Resident owners or lessees of land and holders of Forest Service recreation special use authorizations within the restricted area are exempt from Prohibition No. 1 above ONLY, provided such fires are within a permanent structure.
4. Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device.

RESTRICTED AREA:
All National Forest System lands, roads and trails within the boundary of the within the Cibola National Forest, Cibola, McKinley, Socorro, Catron, Sierra, Torrance, Valencia, Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Lincoln Counties within the State of New Mexico as depicted on the attached map at Exhibit A.

This Order will be in effect at 8:00 AM on Friday October 23, 2020 and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2020 or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. The order 03-0703 imposing fire restrictions this Friday is posted under Alerts & Notices on the Cibola NF & NGs website.

Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both. [Title 16 USC 551, and 18 USC 3559, 3571 and 3581].

If you have any questions about the fire restrictions, please contact:
Magdalena Ranger District: 575-854-2281
Mountainair Ranger District: 505-847-2990
Mt. Taylor Ranger District: 505-287-8833
Sandia Ranger District: 505-281-3304
Cibola National Forest & Grasslands Supervisor Office: 505-346-3900.

10/19/2020

National Forest Products Week has begun

“Our Nation’s magnificent forests are a source of commerce, recreation, and pride for all Americans. America’s woodlands are capable of producing a myriad of products and materials that bolster our economy, improve our daily lives, supply our environment with clean air, and provide countless Americans an escape to hike and relax in a tranquil and picturesque setting. During National Forest Products Week, we appreciate the essential role forests and forest products play in our livelihood and prosperity, and we renew our commitment to maintaining these treasured woodlands for future generations.”

The President has declared October 18-24 as this year's National Forest Products Week.

10/19/2020

****Fire Update****
Tijeras, New Mexico October 19, 2020 1:00 pm.
Mars Fire is now 80% contained.
#marsfire #cibolanfng #sandiard

10/19/2020

Mars Fire Remains at 20 Acres

Mars Fire News Update
October 19, 2020

#MarsFire #CibolaNFNG #SandiaRD

Tijeras, NM, October 19, 2020 – The Mars Fire burning in the Manzanita Mountains, southwest of the intersection of Mars Court and Raven Road reached 20 acres in size at 10 pm last night. Crews work…

10/19/2020

Mars Fire Burning in the
Manzanita Mountains

Tijeras, NM, October 18, 2020 – Fire crews are currently engaged on a brushfire reported this afternoon on the Manzanita Mountains.

The Mars Fire burning southwest of the intersection of Mars Court and Raven Road is estimated to be two acres in size. The fire is burning in ponderosa pine and pinon juniper fuel types. Resources supporting the fire include a Bureau of Land Management hand crew, Forest Service and Bernalillo County Fire Department engines, a helicopter and fixed wing heavy tanker aircraft. Successful water bucket drops have been made and firefighters continue to work toward hand line and containment through the night.

No evacuations are recommended at this time.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.

10/15/2020

Enjoy the peak of fall colors in New Mexico!

https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/fall-colors/science-of-fall-colors

Photo: Mountainair Ranger District.
Forest Service photo by Arlene Perea

10/13/2020

Termination of closure order for Colorado 2 Fire
Mt Taylor Ranger District

Cibola National Forest and Grasslands officials have terminated closure order 03-0701 for the Colorado 2 Fire area effective October 13, 2020.

The Colorado 2 Fire has not advanced in the last few days. Interior smokes are being monitored by Mt Taylor Ranger District fire crews. Crews continue to monitor fire lines and check for hotspots.

03-0701 order was issued on October 8th to protect the public before and during the suppression activities of the Colorado 2 Fire.

The Continental Divide Trail section of FSR 453 is now open for passage.

For information about the termination of this closure order, please contact: Mount Taylor Ranger District at 505-287-8833.

Termination - Order Number: 03-0702

10/11/2020

Final Update: Colorado 2 Fire
Mt Taylor Ranger District

Management of the Colorado 2 Fire will transition to the Mt. Taylor Ranger District at 8 am Monday. This will be the final news update unless there are significant changes in fire activity. The fire remains at 257 acres and is 75% contained.

Firefighters continue to patrol, monitor and mop up hotspots along the perimeter of the Colorado 2 Fire. Fire operations will continue with engines, hand crews and water tenders.

The Colorado 2 Fire Closure Order (03-0701) shall remain in effect until further notice and the signed closure order and closure area map can be viewed and downloaded at www.fs.usda.gov/cibola. Any changes or lifting of the closure order will be posted on Cibola National Forest and Grasslands website and official page.

Continental Divide Trail will be continued to be rerouted to NFSR 451B, 451 and 239.

Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”

The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Firefighters are conducting operations under protocols to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

Residents and visitors to the area may see occasional smoke over the next several days as interior pockets of vegetation continue to burn within the fire perimeter. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

Following the fire, a resource advisory group will be conducting assessments to identify impacts from the fire and recommend actions for mitigation and management of the burned area in the Colorado Canyon.