Santa Fe, NM (KKOB) — The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) reminds visitors to the Cuba
Ranger District that Forest Road (FR) 69 is closed to all motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and
all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), from May 15 to June 30 to protect elk cows during the calving season.
The seasonal road closure provides suitable habitat for elk cows during the calving season. During May
and June each year, elk cows seek areas that have cover and forage. Disturbances, including motorize
traffic and human interaction, can cause the cow to abort or abandon her calf. Once the calf is born,
mother and baby remain in the area for about 10 days until the calf is strong enough to follow its
mother to higher country.
“The annual closure of Forest Road 69 is disclosed in the seasonal closure section of our Motor Vehicle
Use Map,” Cuba District Ranger Patrick M. Petracca said. “Visitors can still walk in the area, but we ask
you to be respectful around our elk during this critical herd-sustaining process.”
Federal, state, and local officers, members of an organized rescue team or firefighting force, landowners
accessing their private property and any others authorized by permit are exempt from the closure order.
Violation of the closure order is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000
for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, imprisonment of not more than six months, or both.
For more information about the seasonal closure of FR 69, please call the Cuba Ranger District at (575)
289-3264.
