SILVER CITY, NM, June 17, 2024 €“ All Gila National Forest offices will be closed Wednesday, June 19 for the Juneteenth federal holiday. 

"June 19 marks day when federal troops rode into Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved peoples be freed," said Gila National Forest Supervisor Camille Howes. "I can think of no better way to celebrate freedom for all Americans than by a visit to your national forest for a family picnic, a hike, or just to breathe in the air and take in the scenery. In that spirit, June 19, 2024, the Juneteenth Holiday is a fee free day on all federal public lands."

With fire danger currently "very high", please take care with fire during your visit. Campfires must be attended at all times and out cold to the touch with your bare hand if you leave it for any period of time. Keep plenty of water and a shovel handy so you can drown your fire and stir the water into the coals when the time comes to put it out. Maintain a clean site and pack out your trash and equipment with you when you leave.

Offices will resume normal business hours on Thursday, June 20, with most offices open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (The Black Range and Quemado ranger district office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .