Mimbres, NM, September 9, 2019--The Gila National Forest, Wilderness Ranger District is closing the Gatton's Park, Unit 4 temporary fuelwood area on September 16 for public safety.

The Gatton's Park, Unit 4 is under use by a contractor through the Collaborative Forest Restoration Project and was temporarily available during the summer. The contractor will begin work again during the fall and will have heavy equipment in the unit thinning as part of improving forest health, reducing fuels in and around the Upper Mimbres area, and improving wildlife habitat.

The public is being reminded to stay out of the area for their safety, and the safety of the contractor working in the unit.

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