TAOS, New Mexico – Sept. 24, 2020 – The Carson National Forest is assisting The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) in a closure order for the use of piscicide (rotenone) and rotenone neutralizer (potassium permanganate) to restore Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout and the native fish community to the upper Rio Costilla Watershed on the Carson National Forest Valle Vidal Management Unit. This closure order will be in effect from Questa Ranger District, from Sept. 25 through Oct. 8. The NMDGF will have an information booth on Forest Road 1950 (main Valle Vidal Road) with personnel to interact with the public during this time.
Fast Facts:
• The Closure Order closes public access to FR1900 from 09/25 (12 AM) thru 10/08 (11:59 PM). Costilla Dam operators are exempted and can use FR1950 to access Costilla Dam.
• The public can still drive on FR1950 through the closure area but the public may not exit their vehicles inside the closure area. This restriction applies to FR1950 from the west boundary of the Valle Vidal to the junction of FR1950 and Little Costilla Creek.
• Hunters and Outfitters holding ELK-3-406 licenses can coordinate with the NM Dept of Game and Fish to access areas not actively being treated with piscicides and act in compliance with the treatment advisory notices within the Closure Area.
• Holders of grazing permits and their employees may coordination with Mexico Department of Game and Fish personnel to access portions of the Closure area relative to livestock management needs in areas not being actively treated with piscicides and acting in compliance with advisory notices within the Restricted Area.
• Federal, State, or Local Officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource(s) are also exempted from the Closure Order restrictions.
• This order can be enforced by any commissioned law enforcement officer.
The purpose of this Order is to provide for the protection of public health and safety by limiting the potential for incidental or accidental exposure to the fish piscicide during the period the fish piscicide is being applied. Visit the Carson National Forest Facebook and Twitter for more information.
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Forest Service
Carson National Forest
208 Cruz Alta Road
Taos, New Mexico 87571
(575) 758-6200
www.fs.usda.gov/carson
Media Contact: MaryAnna Clemons
maryanna.clemons@usda.gov
