Silver City officials are considering a temporary reroute of the Continental Divide Trail through the Boston Hill trail system to improve safety for hikers entering town. The proposed route would move hikers off U.S. 180 and away from the Snake Hill area, using a short trail connection from Truck Bypass Road to existing Boston Hill trails. The plan would require limited trail work and additional signage and is intended as an interim solution while efforts continue to develop a permanent off-highway section of the Continental Divide Trail through the area. The proposal aims to reduce hikers’ exposure to vehicle traffic while maintaining access to downtown Silver City.
As of the morning of June 10, the Bear Fire on the Quemado Ranger District of the Gila National Forest remains active at approximately 60 acres under hot, dry, and windy conditions. Located about 23 miles southeast of Quemado, the fire is burning in heavy forest fuels and brush, and the cause remains under investigation. Firefighters are continuing suppression efforts, including preparations around the Mangus Lookout Tower and nearby communication infrastructure, while scouting access routes and constructing fire lines with the assistance of bulldozers. Aviation resources, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, are supporting ground crews with water and retardant drops, reconnaissance, and hazard detection such as spotting flare-ups.
The Hidalgo County Heritage Society is leading a multi-phase effort to improve and preserve Mountain View Cemetery. The project’s first phase will install a wrought-iron arch spanning the cemetery’s existing brick entrance pillars, creating a prominent gateway to the historic site. Future improvements include adding benches throughout the cemetery, identifying and marking veterans’ graves and other historic burial sites, and upgrading roads and pathways.
In New Mexico news:
A confirmed case of New World screwworm in a dog in Lea County has prompted concern among animal health officials and pet and livestock owners in New Mexico. The parasite is the larva of a fly that feeds on living tissue after laying eggs in open wounds or body openings, causing painful and potentially serious damage in animals and, in rare cases, humans. Veterinarians are urging owners to regularly check pets for wounds, unusual discharge, foul odors, or signs of irritation, and to seek immediate care if infection is suspected.
