Coronado National Forest closes 55 miles of land near U.S.-Mexico border

The U.S. Forest Service has issued a public health and safety closure order for a 55-mile section of the Coronado National Forest along the U.S.-Mexico border. The restriction, signed by Forest Supervisor Kerwin Dewberry, is intended to protect the public during the construction of single- and double-wall projects by contractors for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The closure is scheduled to remain in effect until January 20, 2029. Violators of the order may face fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, as well as up to six months in prison. While areas near the Coronado National Memorial are restricted, officials noted that the nearby Arizona Trail and certain areas like the San Rafael State Natural Area and Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge are exempt.

The decision has drawn criticism from environmentalists and lawmakers. Biologist Myles Traphagen of the organization Cuenca los Ojos suggested the closure might be politically motivated, noting that the restricted area extends up to 1,500 feet north of the border, well beyond the standard 60-foot Roosevelt Reservation easement. Additionally, Representative Adelita Grijalva has called for greater transparency, questioning the lack of public consultation regarding the widespread restriction of federal lands.