Photo: Demolition of low-water crossing.

Silver City, NM; November 4, 2011 The temporary closure of the popular Little Walnut Picnic Area on the Silver City Ranger District, Gila National Forest, is expected to continue through mid-December due to the complexity of reconstruction of low water crossings and the time needed for concrete to set before vehicles can travel along the crossings.  Reconstruction began in early October and was expected to be completed the end of October. Location of the picnic area is six miles north of Silver City, off Little Walnut Road on Forest Road 506.

District Recreation Specialist Ricky Sedillo reports that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements are 98% completed and the two low water crossing have been excavated.  "During the reconstruction project within the picnic area, we are asking the cooperation of the public to abide by the temporary closure and respect safety signs posted in the vicinity of the construction site. As soon as reconstruction is completed and it's safe for the public, the picnic area will reopen for the winter. As work progresses, the temporary closure dates may continue to be adjusted,” says Sedillo.

The temporary closure includes three areas within Little Walnut; the two large group reservable areas known as “East” and “West” picnic grounds, and the individual (free) picnic sites on the north end of the picnic area.

Reconstruction work on the low-water crossings will restore eroded crossings and eliminate a safety hazard for vehicles within the picnic area.  The  ADA improvements include adding concrete sidewalks to a portion of the individual picnic area, a handicapped-accessible picnic table, and new gates for the two large group areas just beyond the second low-water crossing.

The Gomez Peak Pavilion (large group reservable area) and trailhead remain open; these areas are NOT affected by the reconstruction. In addition, many popular trails are accessible by using the Gomez Peak trailhead and then connecting with other trails in the area, or using the Wagon Wheel Loop trailhead (Trail #700) off  FR 506 approximately ¾ mile further north of the Little Walnut entrance.

Free trail maps of the Little Walnut-Gomez Peak area are available by visiting the Forest web site: www.fs.usda.gov/gila. Additional information may also be obtained by contacting Sedillo at (575) 388-8201.                               - End-