Silver City, NM, March 12, 2019—For Immediate Release. Outfitters and guides provide unique services to the public and the Gila National Forest values this contribution. We are now in our fourth year of using the outfitter and guide proposal process implemented by the Forest in the spring of 2015. Forest officials are reminding the public that the special use permit administration process requires that forest-wide outfitter and guides comply with the following guidelines:

1. The deadline to submit outfitter and guide proposals for the 2019 operating season is June 1, 2019. After this date, proposals will not be processed until next calendar year. This allows permit applicants and Forest management sufficient time to coordinate and complete the authorization process before planned operations.
2. This process applies to new outfitter permit proposals and to existing permit holders who would like to extend or renew permits and to outfitters requesting changes to existing permits that would require additional environmental review and compliance. 
3. All permitted outfitters and their guides on the Gila National Forest must carry a copy of their special use permit (first page, signature page and amendments) and their operating plan when operating on National Forest System Lands. This ensures that permit holders are recognized by Forest Service personnel and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish personnel as permitted and licensed outfitter/guides in the field. 

Permitted outfitters and guides play an important role in forest management. Consistent permit management protects natural resource values, public health and safety, and is consistent with the land and resource management plans outlined in the Forest Plan. Failure to comply with the terms of special use permit documentation and operating plans can result in administrative action against a permit.     

For more information, please visit the forest website here or contact Christa Osborn, Recreation Program Manager, at 575-388-8421. For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at here.