PITCH IN ON PUBLIC LANDS
The Santa Fe National Forest is seeking volunteers on Saturday, the third fee-free day of the year for national forest sites.
The Santa Fe National Forest is asking northern New Mexicans to celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday by volunteering to work on popular trails that need a little TLC, or simply take advantage of the third fee-free day of the year to visit your favorite forest sites.
Last year, more than 200,000 volunteers at 2,600 locations across the country accomplished an estimated $18 million in public land improvements as part of National Public Lands Day, the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands, according to a news release.
The Santa Fe National Forest this year is offering two volunteer opportunities to get outside with friends and family while practicing environmental stewardship:
Project No. 1 is work on the Lower Winsor Trail in the Española Ranger District (park on south side of Hyde Park Road near Santa Fe ski area). Meet at Chamisa Trailhead by 8:45 a.m. for 9 a.m. orientation. Trail work includes elevating the trail through a narrow section of the canyon. Return to trailhead by 3 p.m. RSVP to Dean Fry at 505-490-8959 or email thedeanfry@gmail.com
Project No. 2 is work on the Cabra Loop Trail near Los Alamos in the Española Ranger District. Meet at the trailhead near Los Alamos Cemetery at 9 a.m. Trail erosion issues will be addressed by constructing water bars, grade dips and nicks. Return to trailhead by 2 p.m. RSVP to Jennifer Sublett at 505-753-7331 or email jasublett@fs.fed. us for tool assignments and questions
Organizers advised that long pants, long sleeves, above-ankle boots, and leather gloves are required for trail improvement work. Remember a daypack with lunch, water, and sunscreen. Hardhats and tools will be provided.
Fees at all national forests and grasslands will be waived at many day-use sites, such as picnic grounds, non-reserve campgrounds and developed trailheads.
Visitors should contact the appropriate district office to confirm which sites are included in the fee waiver.
Coyote Ranger District can be reached at 575638-5526; Cuba Ranger District , 575-289-3264; Jemez Ranger District, 575-829-3535; Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District, Pecos 505-757-6121, Las Vegas 505-425-3535; Española Ranger District, 505-753-7331.