The Gila National Forest has announced plans for prescribed fire operations this fall, pending all required approvals. Planned projects include the SU Community Slash Pit in the Reserve Ranger District, the Sheridan Community Slash Pit in the Glenwood Ranger District and slash piles at the Fort Bayard Administrative Site in the Silver City Ranger District. These operations are expected to continue through the spring as weather conditions permit. For public safety, temporary closures may occur in these areas during prescribed burns, and warning signs will be posted along nearby roads before and during operations.
Silver City has been announced as the newest branch of Tree New Mexico (Tree NM), a nonprofit urban forestry organization dedicated to serving communities statewide through large-scale tree planting and tree care programs. To celebrate its expansion into the area, Tree NM is launching a name and logo contest to help support future initiatives in Silver City. These efforts will focus on planting trees to mitigate the urban heat island effect, a condition in which concrete, asphalt, and other man-made surfaces absorb and retain heat, resulting in significantly higher temperatures in city environments. The deadline for contest submissions is October 3. For more information and to submit your entry, visit website.
The Village of Columbus is highlighting the progress achieved through the New Mexico Clean & Beautiful Grant Program, which has brought improvements to the Village Plaza and surrounding community spaces. With enhanced landscaping and greenery, upgraded walkways and seating, and youth-led initiatives to maintain a clean and welcoming environment, the plaza has become a vibrant centerpiece for residents and visitors. As part of a broader vision, the revitalized plaza reflects the Village’s history, welcomes guests, and helps strengthen community connections.
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The U.S. Forest Service is considering a proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which currently limits road construction and timber harvesting on certain national forest lands. In the Gila National Forest, nearly a quarter of the forest—about 730,000 acres—is designated as “roadless.” Critics of the rule say the restrictions have made forests harder to manage, leaving them overgrown and more vulnerable to catastrophic wildfires. They argue that local managers need more flexibility to thin trees, reopen roads, and carry out fire-prevention work. If the Roadless Rule is repealed, forest supervisors would have more authority to decide when and where roads can be built or maintained. Supporters say this could improve both forest health and public access. Opponents worry the change could still threaten wildlife habitat and backcountry recreation. The proposal is now in the public comment stage, and residents have until September 19th to weigh in.
You can read the proposal and submit comments online at website—just search for docket FS-2025-0001. This is your opportunity to share how you believe the future of the Gila National Forest should be managed. Again, to make public comments go to website—just search for docket FS-2025-0001. Public comment closes tomorrow.
