Four Rio Arriba County campgrounds could be affected by cost-cutting measures proposed by the Carson National Forest.
According to a Recreational Facility Analysis released last month, the Forest Service plans to stop maintaining Lagunitas Campground north of Tres Piedras and Trout Lakes Campground near Canjilon and only keep Echo Canyon Ampitheater open from April 1 to Nov. 30.
Plans call for the removal of the potable water system at popular Canjilon Lakes campground. However, the Forest Service would increase signage near that campground and install more grills and tables at the Canjilon Lakes Picnic Grounds at a total cost of $18,000, according to the Forest Service.
Carson National Forest spokeswoman Kathy DeLucas said if people feel strongly about an issue they should contact and comment on that issue to the Forest Service
“If they see things differently, we need to hear from them,” she said.
No dates have been set for this
Many of the Forest’s campgrounds, trailheads and picnic areas were built in the 1950s and 1960s, according to the Forest Service, and a few may no longer serve the original purpose. Some campgrounds have grown in popularity, while others are used only rarely.
“The goal is to enhance and improve areas that see heavy use and to close down areas that are not used and aren’t cost effective to maintain,” DeLucas said.