The Gila National Forest has released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
for their Gila Travel Management Plan.

Public Comment Sessions have been scheduled on January 13, 15, 20, and 29 in New Mexico. Please plan to attend.

>Click here to read the DEIS on the Gila NF website.
>Visit our Online Action Center for talking points & submitting comments

The Gila National Forest has been under assault from off-road vehicles for decades, but the Forest Service is taking steps to protect this national treasure.  The place that served as the inspiration for Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac needs your presence at public meetings in January to help prevent the serious negative impacts of far too many roads.  It is important for hikers, campers, birders, plant lovers, hunters, and ranchers to show their support for protection of the Gila’s plants, soils, riparian areas, wildlife, and quiet areas.
Critically endangered Mexican gray wolves call the Gila National Forest home and will need your voice to protect them from poorly managed roads and motorized trails. Please make time to speak out for the wildlife in the Gila National Forest.
A series of open houses will be held throughout January, giving you an opportunity to review and ask questions about the environmental impact statement for travel management.
Please drop by anytime between the hours listed below.

Click to view Gila NF Public Comment Sessions Locations in a larger map

Thursday, January 13, 3 – 7 pm
Sierra Fair Building, 2953 South Broadway, Truth or Consequences

Saturday, January 15, 10 am – 4 pm
Grant Co. Business & Conference Center, HWY 180 at 32nd St. Bypass, Silver City, NM

Thursday, January 20, 3 – 7 pm
Catron Co. Fairgrounds, Hwy 12 at “The Lane” turnoff, Reserve, NM

Saturday, January 29, 10 am – 4 pm
Hotel Encanto, 705 S Telshor Blvd, Las Cruces, NM

Summary Information on the DEIS:
The Forest Service developed 5 alternatives: B thru G.
The best environmental alternatives are E, D, and G, which all protect the San Francisco River, and the Lower San Francisco Wilderness Study Area by closing it to motorized travel.  It was previously proposed to designate a road through the area.

>VISIT OUR ONLINE ACTION CENTER<
for TALKING POINTS
and to FAX YOUR WRITTEN COMMENTS.