NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Illegal off-roading has left long-term damage in Lincoln National Forest. Now, forest officials are stepping up efforts to restore the land and deter the activity.
It was an unfortunate surprise for Lincoln National Forest staff after they found deep tire tracks throughout the forest. “The group was out in quite large, largest one we’d seen to date, and unpermitted and in areas that were off-trail, off-route, undesignated areas,” said Jason Freeman, Forest Supervisor, Lincoln National Forest.
Forest officials described the cars as off-highway vehicles, like four-wheelers and ATVs. The illegal off-roading happened in the Southeast region of Lincoln National Forest. Prompting forest officials to show the public the aftermath and hopefully learn from it.
“It causes damage to wildlife habitat, causes damage to forage, and impacts authorized uses such as grazing,” said Freeman. Now crews are at work loosening the tire-tracked soil and adding seeds to restore vegetation and habitats.
Forest supervisor Jason Freeman said the cleanup did impact recreational use for others as they had to close a campground. Adding workers also had to block access to the trail areas that were affected. “Ended up putting signs up educating the public on what appropriate use of that area is,” says Freeman.
Now, warning drivers to only use designated roads and to apply for permits for anything else. “We have trails and roads that are designed for their use, designed for their impacts that are maintained and can absorb those impacts,” Freeman says.
Lincoln National Forest is asking anyone who sees illegal off-roading or finds damage from it to contact them at 575-434-7200.
