BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – While the weather is sure to draw more people outside, the U.S. Forest Service is getting ready to shut down a big area at the top of the Sandia Mountains.
The U.S Forest Service’s thinning project spanning 140 acres around the Sandia Crest Switchback Trail should launch in April to help address wildfire risks. That means some popular areas are expected to stay closed through the summer.
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“If you’ve driven up the crest highway or hiked a nearby trail, you’ve probably noticed a lot of dead and dying trees,” Sandia District Ranger Ken Born said. “These dead trees are contributing to high fuel loads on this part of the mountain and creating a wildfire hazard.”
The planned closures will be in phases while the Forest Service and contractors complete the work. In phase one, starting in April, crews will thin 140 acres of the forest. Multiple trails will be closed from April through the fall of this year…