Safety and Outdoor Ethics
We love that you plan to visit the Santa Fe National Forest but would hate to see any trace that you were here. Please follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics so that the land, water, air, soil and endangered wildlife are not negatively impacted.
As a visitor to our National Forests and Grasslands, you will find many opportunities to enjoy and explore nature's creations. Our sites not only include the mighty timberlands, but mountains, hills, lakes, deserts, and the wildlife that inhabit the lands. These areas create great passageways for America's highways, byways, and backroads leading to great recreation activities. However, because of the large territories that are covered by forest, many unforeseen dangers present unpredictable challenges for our visitors to have a safe visit. The following sections will allow you to examine some of our safety challenges and additional links that will offer extended exploration of the topics.
You can also find more general safety information by following the link to the Forest Service Know Before You Go website.
Know Before You Go
Enjoy the Outdoors
Your national forests and grasslands provide a natural arena for a wide variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities. Some sites require a modest recreation fee to help provide the services and facilities at the site.
Stay Safe
The beauty and peacefulness of the forest may make you feel carefree, but you must remain vigilant for potentially dangerous situations.
Brave the Elements
The weather can change suddenly and dramatically. Be prepared by monitoring weather conditions before you set out for the day.
Respect Wildlife
We share the outdoors with a variety of animals who make the forest their home. Remember, these are not pets. Keep a safe distance from them and be careful not to disturb their habitat.
Visitor Safety
When visiting our National Forests and Grasslands remember to always be aware, alert and cautious. Some visitors have different agendas besides relaxation, exploration and recreation. These agendas may include drug production, theft, arson, and other illegal acts. Avoiding these areas if discovered is the safest course of action. Report sightings to local law enforcement personnel only after you have relocated to a safe area.
Hazardous Materials
The beautiful and cascading natural lands can be eye catchers for illegal hazardous waste dumpers. These dumpers often leave materials which range in type from syringes and materials used to make or use illegal drugs, to hazardous chemicals. Our employees and national forest and grassland visitors could easily be exposed to these substances. It hurts all of us.
Dumping causes many problems. Chemicals from household plastics, commercial chemicals and industrial byproducts leech into the soil and cause irreparable damage to the ecosystem. It is ugly, but the damage is more than skin-deep. Disease-carrying rodents and insects are attracted to these sites. Injury from accidental contact with sharp objects or chemical inhalation are possible threats to employees and visitors. These materials, which are often combustible, also pose increased risk for forest fires.
Please help keep America beautiful. Recycle whatever you can and look for products made with recycled materials. Every little bit helps. Visitors to our National Forests and Grasslands are encouraged to use public trash receptacles. Visitors must dispose hazardous waste at a commercial facility. Some examples of hazardous waste include automotive trash such as antifreeze, batteries, used oil, and empty propane cylinders.
If you see hazardous materials, or if you see someone illegally dumping, please contact a law enforcement official or the nearest Ranger District.