MONTE VISTA – Fire restrictions will be removed as of Wednesday, July 18, for all lands managed by the Rio Grande National Forest, Bureau of Land Management San Luis Valley Field Office and Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Campfires are allowed in designated fire grates in developed campgrounds managed by each of the agencies and when dispersed camping on lands managed by the Rio Grande National Forest and San Luis Valley Field Office.

Monsoonal flows have brought moisture and higher humidity to the San Luis Valley and upper Rio Grande watershed. Although some areas have not yet received much rain, long-term weather forecasts predict continued monsoons. Indices measured by wildland fire managers indicate a downward trend in fire danger throughout the upper Rio Grande watershed.

Although conditions are improving, visitors are encouraged to clear all burnable material within three feet of campfire rings, keep fires small and extinguish them completely, and never leave a campfire unattended. Visitors are also reminded that fireworks are always illegal on federally managed lands.

For more information, call the Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 719-852-5941.