Local News Releases

QUEMADO, NM, Oct. 16, 2024 – The Gila National Forest, Quemado Ranger District is preparing to use prescribed fire to treat approximately 1,718 acres in the Slaughter Mesa area south/southeast of Quemado Lake starting in early- or mid-November as staffing, fuels, and weather conditions allow. The prescribed burn will occur in meadow and ponderosa pine forest habitats, targeting primarily grass and ponderosa pine trees.

Mayor Ken Ladner will address the Silver City Rotary Club on current issues facing the city.

The Rotary Club will also present a check for $2,000 to the Indian Springs Ranch and Warriors Retreat. The money was raised from a Rotary bake sale, donations from the public, and a $1,000 match by the Silver City Rotary Foundation.

The mission of the ranch is to "provide first responders, veterans, and active-duty service members a quiet guest ranch experience utilizing equine therapy methods and scenic beauty to soothe the soul."

Baby Aster (Chaetopappa ericoides) Photo credit Russell Kleinman "Exploring the Flora of Silver City (2022-Present): Adventure, Discovery and Fun"

Nearly three years ago, a group of like-minded botanists and plant-lovers got together to begin a project that had never been done before: to inventory all the naturally occurring plants within the limits of Silver City. They named it the Flora of Silver City, NM, Project. The Gila Native Plant Society has asked the Silver City Flora team to present their findings in an evening program on Friday, October 18, at 7:00 pm, "Exploring the Flora of Silver City (2022-Present): Adventure, Discovery and Fun."

Near Little Walnut and Pinos Altos areas this fall and winter

SILVER CITY, NM, Oct. 15, 2024 – The Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District is assessing conditions in preparation for burning slash piles in the Little Walnut and Pinos Altos areas this fall and winter. Slash piles are the result of past hazardous fuels reduction adjacent to communities and infrastructure at risk. Burning the slash completes the treatment by removing the activity fuels from the forest. These projects will be implemented over the fall and winter, when firefighting resources are available and weather and fuels conditions promote the desired fire behavior.

The tiny village of Gila is hosting a first annual Scarecrow competition and the town is getting colorful and fun! The Gila Valley Farmers Market is hosting this event and it has had the most splendid response.

Currently we count 18 entries are fully assembled and posted in front of the Gila Market, Gila Valley Library and Cliff/Gila HMS Clinic. When asked to summarize the entries, one is left at a loss due to the vast diversity of materials and organizations producing their renditions of a scarecrow.

GLENWOOD, NM, Oct. 15, 2024 – The USDA Forest Service will resume construction activities at Mineral Creek tailings pile site in mid-October 2024. The site is located within the Mogollon Mining District, near the community of Alma, New Mexico on the Glenwood Ranger District of the Gila National Forest.

In June 2023, the forest service made the decision to pursue an environmental remediation at the site to address approximately 175,000 cubic yards of mine waste material containing elevated levels of lead. Construction work will include re-grading the material to stable shape and armoring it with locally sourced rock riprap. Disturbed areas will be seeded at the end of the project.

Ten-day Interested person status request period opened October 10

SILVER CITY, NM, Oct. 15, 2024 – The objection filing period for the Gila National Forest revised land management plan and associated final environmental impact statement, draft record of decision, and the Southwestern Regional Forester's Species of Conservation Concern list for the Gila National Forest ended on September 30. The Forest Service received 15 eligible objections. These objections are detailed in a legal notice that was published on October 10. The objections may be viewed online in the Public Comment/Objection Reading Room at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51887.

The Big Ditch Crickets with Jeanie McLerie (front row center) and her husband Ken Keppeler.The Big Ditch Crickets, a community band, announced a family-friendly and gender-free dance in the ballroom of the Murray Hotel, 200 W. Broadway St. in Silver City, 6:30-9:00 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024. Suggested donations are $10/individual or $15/two, with children under 12 welcomed free.

The event will have a Halloween theme, so attendees are encouraged to try out their costumes. Carol Ann Fugagli will teach and call the dances, all of them easy to learn and fun for all ages. No experience necessary!