Silver City, NM, Apr. 15, 2025—The Gila National Forest is the traditional gathering place for local communities observing holidays all year long. As we approach Easter weekend, please recreate responsibly and help care for this special place.
When you head to the woods this weekend, remember that fire danger is currently very high to extreme, and Stage I fire restrictions are currently in effect on the Gila National Forest. Campfires, stove fires, or charcoal are prohibited except in developed recreation sites that have fire rings or grills provided by the Forest Service. Use of a propane grill that has a shutoff valve is allowed within 6-foot areas that are level and cleared of surrounding or overhanging vegetation or other flammable materials. Cigarette smoking is prohibited except within a developed recreation site, or in a vehicle, or within a 3-foot area that is barren of vegetation or other flammable materials.
Easter egg hunts with cascarones (confetti-filled eggs) are a fun part of the Easter tradition best observed at home. In the forest setting, confetti catches on the wind and scatters in an instant, quickly becoming micro litter that is notoriously difficult to clean up. Gila National Forest staff typically spend many hours of the week following Easter removing confetti litter from recreation sites. If not removed, it washes into streams and rivers or may even be consumed by permitted livestock and wildlife. In order to protect the Gila National Forest, its wildlife, and downstream resources; and to improve the efficiency of recreational operations and maintenance, we respectfully ask visitors to leave the confetti at home. For everything else you bring with you, please remember to do your part and Leave No Trace – Pack it In, Pack it Out.
For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or
