Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Gila National Forest Reserver Ranger District is one of 186 federal sites selected to receive a field trip grant from the National Park Foundation. In March, Reserve Ranger District archaeologists will do a classroom presentation and lead a field trip for Reserve Independent fourth graders. The grant supports the Every Kid in a Park initiative of getting fourth graders and their families into parks, public lands, and waters that belong to all Americans. National Park Foundation grants have made it possible for more than 400,000 students, including this year’s grantees, to visit national parks and lands.
The Silver City area was issued the first Red Flag Warning for the season on Monday. Gila National Forest officials remind visitors to the forest to always practice fire safety, and to follow these campfire guidelines: clear all flammable material away from the fire a minimum of five feet in all directions; make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water available to put it out; have a responsible person in attendance at all times; never leave your campfire unattended; avoid making a fire during the windy part of the day; feel with your hand to make sure the fire is out cold before leaving it.
Fire management personnel are planning to conduct the Slaughter Mesa Prescribed Fire on the Quemado Ranger District starting in late February and continuing through April as conditions allow. The Slaughter Mesa project involves 2,600 acres, approximately five miles east of Quemado Lake.
The Gila National Forest uses the Fort Bayard pastures for winter grazing of stock – horses and mules. This includes the trail system north of Highway 180 through the Fort Bayard area to the Servis Corral. Stock are currently in the Rifle Range Pasture, south of Servis Corral, which is different than previous years when they are usually in the Barrel Spring Pasture, north of Servis Corral. This change is in preparation for the Cameron Creek Prescribed Fire scheduled for the spring of 2016. Forest visitors should be aware of this potential and plan accordingly, especially if riding horses or if accompanied by dogs. Dogs and other horses may excite the stock. Visitors should keep a safe distance, not attempt to approach them and restrain dogs from harassing the stock.
Silver City MainStreet Project held a by-invitation-only program and movie on Thursday evening, Feb. 25, 2016, to honor those who donated or were otherwise involved in the successful completion of the renovation of the Silco Theater.
