Celebrate National Public Lands Day on September 29th

ALAMOGORDO, NM – September 26, 2012 – National Public Lands Day is Saturday, September 29th and the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy New Mexico’s exquisite weather! This is one of several dates that have been set aside each year to provide opportunities for fee-free visits to several local day use areas and campgrounds. “In celebration of National Public Lands Day, we encourage visitors to come out and enjoy the extraordinary fall weather and the natural beauty that the forest has to offer,” said Lincoln National Forest Supervisor Robert Trujillo. “This is also a day to extend thanks to the many volunteers for their efforts and hard work in a variety of forest-related projects and activities,” Trujillo added.

On National Public Lands Day, the Lincoln National Forest’s three ranger districts, fee-free sites include:

•Smokey Bear Ranger District, 575-257-4095: Oak Grove Campground (off of Ski Run Road), Cedar Creek Picnic/Pavilion, and Three Rivers Campground.

•Sacramento Ranger District, 575-682-2551:  James Canyon Campground, Upper and Lower Karr Campground, Bluff Springs, and the Trestle Recreation Area.

•Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Site, during the hours of noon to 6 pm, on the Guadalupe Ranger District, 575-885-4181.

Some sites may be temporarily closed, so it’s best to call in advance to make sure the sites or areas you plan to visit are open. All three districts do have areas that are open for dispersed camping. Camping, hiking, and sightseeing are just a few opportunities that await you.  If you want to just sit back and relax, this is the place to enjoy a unique and breathtaking setting as another long, hot summer comes to a close.

For additional information about the Lincoln National Forest, please contact the Supervisor’s Office at 575-434-7200 or any of the ranger district offices listed above. You can also find us at www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln  and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LincolnUSForest.