Fishing is permitted year-round as long as streams are not frozen. All anglers are required to check in at the Valle Grande Contact Station before fishing the waters within the preserve to obtain a free fishing permit. However, vehicle access to certain streams may not be available year-round and may require a backcountry vehicle permit. Up to 35 backcountry vehicle permits are available daily from mid-May through October as conditions allow.
Elk hunting is in progress thru December 6, 2017, so wearing bright colors is advised outside of the preserve’s “no hunting” zone.
A series of prescribed burn projects will be completed beginning the week of October 16th, dependent upon suitable weather and fuel conditions. The prescribed burn will take place within an approximately 2,330-acre project area in the Banco Bonito district of the preserve – north of NM State Road 4 near mile marker 30. The burn operations will be completed within a 3-10 day period. Brief traffic delays may occur during this time, but are not expected to cause road closures or disrupt visitor activities elsewhere on the preserve.