Kiwanis Meadow and Kiwanis Cabin closure order

[Rosyfinch]

Tijeras, NM – July 24, 2012. The Cibola National Forest and Grasslands has recently implemented a closure order and an occupancy and use restriction order on the Sandia Ranger District. The order are for:
 
·         The Kiwanis Meadow, a 16.5 acre site located north of the Sandia Crest, was closed to protect the fragile alpine meadow ecosystem. The meadow is a popular site for hiking and dispersed camping, but these activities have caused a serious loss of vegetation and has caused erosion to several trails. Closing the meadow will allow time for the vegetation to regrow, which will improve the meadow’s wildlife habitat. Closure Order 03-0434 will be in place until June 17, 2014, but can be rescinded sooner.

·         The Kiwanis Cabin is a historic structure located on the border of the Sandia Wilderness near the Sandia Crest. The cabin sits on the edge of a cliff that overlooks the Sandia Wilderness, but has a steep drop-off. To protect the public from a potentially hazardous condition, Occupancy and Use Restriction Order 03-0442 was signed to prohibit climbing the exterior walls or sitting on the roof. This order will be in place until July 12, 2014, but can be rescinded sooner.

Violations of these orders is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

The orders can be found on the Cibola’s website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola.

Lisa L. Jones
V.I.P. Coordinator
Sandia RD, Cibola NF
11776 Highway 337
Tijeras, NM 87059

[phone] x 128

email: [e-mail]