by Krista Pino
Daily Lobo
This week's rain dampened the ground, but there will still be no singing, making s'mores and ghost story telling around the campfire.
Don Williams, director of New Mexico state parks, said the monsoon season will bring some relief to the state, but hasn't changed the status of fire restrictions in most parks.
Campfires, charcoals and smoking are prohibited in all state parks and on most campsites. At some state parks, campfires are permitted, but limited to recreation sites.
Although no forest fires are threatening New Mexico parks, Williams said the majority of the state remains in fire danger.
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"Unattended campfires are one of the greatest causes of forest fires," he said. "Sometimes it looks like it is out, but there's still a coal lit, and the wind will pick it up and start the whole countryside on fire."
Information about open campgrounds and restrictions can be found on the New Mexico State Parks Division Web site at www.nmparks.com.
Laura Montoya, director of Recreational Services at UNM, said the department planned a backpacking and wilderness cooking trip, but canceled it because of closures and fire restrictions.
Although camping is limited this summer, the department's trips to the Manzano Mountains and Red River are still in place. But Montoya said these trips are subject to change depending on fire restrictions.
The Student Health Center posted flyers around campus with camping tips.
Propane is permitted at open campsites, but campers should avoid open fires until after the monsoon season when the ground becomes wet, Williams said.
The campfire prohibition will be lifted eventually, he said, but campers should always be careful.
When camping, Ron Besante, nurse manager for the Student Health Center, said the most important thing for campers to bring is plenty of water because the water in the springs and rivers is not safe to drink.
"The things we worry about are dehydration, bug bites and animal attacks," Besante said.
In addition to campfire restrictions, campers should know glass bottles are prohibited in state parks. Williams said college students often like to take beer on camping trips, but should only take cans.
"I hate to bandage up a little kid's foot that has been cut up by glass," Williams said. "It makes me cringe."
