New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MAY 6, 2022:

Monastery Lake will remain closed due to extreme fire danger

SANTA FE – Due to drought and extreme fire danger, Monastery Lake will remain closed until further notice. The closure of Monastery Lake is consistent with other closures in the area issued by the Pecos Ranger District and Pecos Canyon State Park.

Department of Game and Fish conservation officers will continue patrols at Monastery Lake to ensure the public complies with the closure. Alternative fishing opportunities can be found in the Department’s weekly fishing and stocking reports.

Monastery Lake is leased by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for public fishing from the Benedictine Monastery in Pecos through the Open Gate Program. More information on the Open Gate Program and the opportunities it provides to private landowners and public recreationists can be found on the Department’s website.

Anglers, campers, hikers and hunters are urged to check fire restrictions statewide before heading afield. Wildlife Management Areas observe the same fire restrictions put in place by the New Mexico Forestry Division or issued for adjoining National Forests, Bureau of Land Management or State Trust lands.

To provide the most up-to-date fire information in New Mexico, the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) has established a Joint Information Task Force (JIC) in coordination with multiple state agencies. Please visit the wildfire page on the DHSEM website and their Facebook account for fire updates and more information.

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