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Glenwood, NM, September 19, 2019—Forest Supervisor, Adam Mendonca has signed a Temporary Closure Order Number 06-19-008 Native Fish Restoration Activity Closure Order for both sides of Whitewater Creek and other areas as described in the order. This closure order is effective from 8:00 a.m. September 25, 2019 through midnight on October 3, 2019 or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

As part of the Gila Whitewater Trout Restoration Project, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) will be using rotenone to eradicate non-native fish from the waterways in Whitewater Canyon. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that rotenone is highly effective for selective removal of invasive fishes and that the resulting concentrations of ingredients poses little, if any, hazards to public health. Once the rotenone has been introduced, the water will then be treated with a neutralizing agent, potassium permanganate, which prevents the treated water from being carried beyond the project area. It is Federal regulation that people cannot be near the water corridor while these treatment and neutralizing processes are in place.

NMDGF will be treating the water from September 25 through October 3. The Catwalk Recreation Area will remain open for visitors. The area past the end of the Catwalk is part of the closure and the project work area and is not accessible to the public.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/gila

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