May 2020 – Friends of the Pecos National Historical Park

Park Announces Plans for 2020 Summer Fishing Season

Pecos National Historical Park Fishing program — Photo Credit: David Lemke

Pecos National Historical Park will offer summer fishing permits for the Pecos River within the park boundaries. The 2020 summer fishing season will begin June 11^th and end August 3^rd. Please note that summer fishing hours will be from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Pecos National Historical Park uses an online reservation system. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. A $15 per day fee must be paid online during the online reservation process. Please note that anglers are required to check in and acquire a special use permit at the park visitor center prior to fishing. For more information related to fishing, visit the park website https://www.nps.gov/peco/planyourvisit/fishing.htm.

Within the park, three miles of the Pecos River are divided into three sections or “beats.” This approach offers anglers roughly one mile on the Pecos River to fish with up to two other people for the day. Three beats (for up to nine anglers per day) are available on the reservation system.

For more information about the park in general, contact Pecos NHP at (505) 757-7241 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/peco. You will also find our listings on the New Mexico True website (newmexico.org) and Tourism Santa Fe (santafe.org). Please like on us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PecosNHPnps or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pecos_nps).

Pecos National Historical Park is Beginning to Increase Visitor Services

PNHP News

Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center — Photo Credit: Stan Ford

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Pecos National Historical Park is increasing recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning June 1, Pecos National Historical Park will offer a staffed outdoor information table in front of the E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center to provide orientation information and answer questions. This service will be available between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Summer fishing permits for the Pecos River within the park boundaries will be available for the summer season (June 11 – August 3). Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. A $15 per day fee must be paid online during the online reservation process. Please note that anglers are required to check in and acquire a special use permit at the park visitor center prior to fishing. For more information related to fishing, visit the park website https://www.nps.gov/peco/planyourvisit/fishing.htm.

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

The E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center and WNPA Bookstore
The Forked Lightning Ranch House
Access to the kivas along the main unit trail

The park grounds are open 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

National Park Service’s Pueblo Parks Group Implements Stage II Fire Restrictions

Park Events

Due to the increased risk of wildfire in the region, the Pueblo Parks Group, which includes Bandelier National Monument, Fort Union National Monument, Pecos National Historical Park, and Valles Caldera National Preserve, will enter Stage II fire restrictions on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 8:00 AM. These restrictions are necessary to help land management agencies reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires.

Under Stage II restrictions:

• All fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, propane grills, or heating devices is allowed three feet or more from flammable material such as grasses or pine needles.

• Smoking is prohibited, except in enclosed vehicles or buildings.

• Welding or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame is prohibited.

• Operating or using any internal combustion engine off paved or graveled roads is prohibited. Generators are allowed if equipped with an approved spark arresting device and used in an area that is barren or clear of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.

• The use of all firearms and explosives are prohibited, including but not limited to, fuses or blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, and tracers or incendiary ammunition.

• The operation of motor vehicles off established roads, motorized trails or established parking areas is prohibited, except when parking in an area devoid or vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.

Several criteria are used to determine when to implement fire restrictions, including fire activity levels, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, and the availability of firefighting resources. Fire restriction criteria are routinely evaluated, and restrictions could be upgraded or downgraded at any time. Therefore, visitors should check the park’s website for alerts. Know before you go. Fire restrictions in New Mexico can be found at www.firerestrictions.us/nm and fire updates are posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website at https://www.nmfireinfo.com.