Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Happy Father's Day….And Don't Bring The Matches

Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

Dad and Daughter

This weekend is Father’s Day (Sunday June 17), and if history is any indication, the Jemez Mountains will be a popular destination for Dad and family. Camping, fishing, hiking and relaxing will all provide mountain activities for Dad. Fenton Lake (4900 fish), Jemez River (1500 fish) and San Gregorio Lake (8000 fish) have all been stocked for the weekend.

Now….for a word of caution. The  Santa Fe National Forest Jemez Ranger District will elevate fire restrictions to Stage II on Monday,  June 18, 2012, 8:00 am.

The following will be prohibited: (Under Stage II Fire Restrictions) (more…)

Bear Springs Fire Has Little Effect On Jemez Recreation

Tuesday, June 5th, 2012

San Antonio Campground

The Bear Springs Fire was started by lightning and reported on Sunday June 3, 2012 at 6:36pm. The fire is located approximately 6 miles NE of Ponderosa and 6 miles SE of Jemez Springs. As of  today (6/7) just over 622 acres had been consumed with 75% containment. Much of the new growth in acreage is because of strategic backburn operations. Some crews have been released today, and demobilization will continue as the fire winds down.  Smoke will continue to be visable for several days as interior fuels burn out.

Forest Road 266 and Paliza Campground, both near Ponderosa have been closed. No other campgrounds or recreation areas within the Santa Fe National Forest, Jemez Ranger District  are affected by this fire. San Antonio, Redondo and Jemez Falls Campground as well as Fenton Lake State Park are all open for camping. Stage I Fire restrictions are in place within all of Santa Fe National Forest.

Memorial Day 2012

Monday, May 28th, 2012

Memorial Day Weekend is traditionally the busiest and most profitable of the year for the store. We thank you for your friendship and patronage.

More importantly, today we pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this great country. Please take a moment, as we will today, to remember those that have served and given so much.

May your Memorial Day be safe and rewarding.

Happy Mother's Day

Friday, May 11th, 2012

I don’t know how you do it Moms. You are very special. Whenever I see a Mom juggling groceries and kids in a parking lot…. I am amazed. Whenever I see you coming home from work and providing a meal, helping with the homework and baths or showers….I am amazed. When I see you shuffling the kids to school, soccer practice, baseball or football….I am amazed. Whenever I see you in the audience supporting your children’s recital or concert….I am amazed. Whenever I think of childbirth….I am amazed. Whenever I realize that moms ‘don’t get sick’ while everybody around them does….I am amazed. (more…)

Forest Service Campgrounds Set To Open

Friday, May 4th, 2012

Set To Open

All Forest Service Campgrounds within the Santa Fe National Forest – Jemez Ranger District are scheduled to open Friday May 11th. This includes San Antonio Campground, Redondo, Jemez Falls, and Paliza Campgrounds. All campgrounds will have camp hosts and will be first come first served. Group areas at San Antonio, Jemez Falls and Paliza will be by reservation only. Water continues to be an issue, so I would advise to fill your RV tanks prior to coming up. All picnic areas and day use areas opened Friday May 4th including Jemez Falls Picnic Area.

Jemez Mountain Thunderhead

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

April Thunderstorm Over the Jemez

Photos such as this are normally reserved for July and August. A combination of Gulf moisture and New Mexico mountains will form afternoon thunderstorms almost every afternoon during the summer months of July and August. To see this activity during the month of April is pretty unusual. While this storm dropped very little rain on the Jemez, I am hoping that this is a good sign. Weather forecasters are saying that the ‘La Nina’ pattern is loosening its grip and is being replaced with ‘El Nino’ which historically means more moisture for the Southwest. Our snow totals for this past winter were not bad, as I calculated about 80% of normal snowfall here in La Cueva. Perhaps, with a return to El Nino conditions, we can get back to average or better moisture in New Mexico and the Jemez Mountains. The seven day forecast is showing an increasing chance of rain towards the end of this week. Maybe we’ll get a drop or two.

Turkey Season

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

Lorenzo and His Two Nice Gobblers 2010

Sunday April 15th was the opening day for Spring turkey season in New Mexico and the Jemez Mountains (unit 6A/6c). The Spring hunt runs through May 10th. Spring turkey hunters will be issued two carcass tags with their license. Bag limit is two bearded turkeys. Cost of a license is $25. In addition, a game hunting license ($15) is required along with Habitat Stamp ($5) and Habitat Management Stamp ($4).

 

Paving Project Begins

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

Hwy 126 Paving Project

Paving on a 1.3 mile stretch of NM Hwy 126 began on Monday April 2nd and will conclude later this year in October. The project will extend the existing pavement beginning at MM27 west 1.3 miles. The new pavement will end just west of the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery turnoff.

General Contractor is Steve Manning Construction out of Redding, CA and according to project manager Debbie Kullman (Federal Highway Administration) there are four or five sub-contractors that are local. This project will cause traffic delays especially for those accessing the Kid’s Pond at the hatchery. One lane traffic will be the norm with pilot vehicles leading the way. While complete closures will occur, the delays should be no more than 30 minutes. While this project will shrink the length of dirt road on Hwy 126 between La Cueva and Cuba by 1.3 miles, there are no immeadiate plans to pave the remaining twelve miles.

Now is the Time

Sunday, March 25th, 2012

Rio Cebolla Above Fenton Lake

Springtime at Fenton Lake

The thawing of Fenton Lake is nearly complete and now is the best time of the year to fish Fenton. The fish are hungry, active and anxious to attack your offering. Some of Fenton’s larger fish become a little careless this time of year….so, now is the time to latch onto that trophy. In spite of its small size, the lake holds some Browns up to 32″ and many Rainbows in the 14 to 20 inch range. For the larger fish, use a large spoon or spinner. Big bait = big fish. The lake was stocked recently with over 2000 Rainbows and anglers were doing very well this past weekend with most baits. Any color of Powerbait seemed to be the most effective.

Most streams in the Jemez Mountains are running high and muddy right now and fishing can be considered difficult at best. The exception is the Rio Cebolla both above and below Fenton Lake. This little stream is running high but clear and has been recently stocked. Fisherpeople did well this past weekend using Powerbait of any color…it seems.

Spring Break – Jemez Mountains

Tuesday, March 13th, 2012

Rio San Antonio Spring Runoff

Here is some important information if you are planning to spend some time in the beautiful Jemez Mountains during your spring break vacation. While things can be very ‘spring-like’ in the city it is still kind of ‘winter-like’ here in the Jemez Mountains at higher elevations. Much of the Jemez is still covered in snow, forest roads are closed, as are most campgrounds. Fenton Lake is still (as of today) completely covered in ice. Fenton Lake State Park is open for camping with limited space…six spots. Additionally, Vista Linda Campground at mile marker 13.2 on Hwy 4  is completely open with 13 units. There is a $10 per night charge at both Fenton Lake and Vista Linda.

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