Silver City, NM, August 14, 2025— Gila National Forest officials invite the public to attend a public meeting regarding the Black Fire Recovery – Phase 1 project for disaster recovery and restoration being planned on the Black Range, Wilderness, and Silver City Ranger Districts. The meeting will be held at the Upper Mimbres Fire Department – Thunderbird Station, Mimbres, New Mexico Thursday, August 28, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The Black Fire burned more than 327,000 acres of state, private, and Gila National Forest lands, creating a mosaic of burned and unburned stands that experienced low, moderate, and high severity wildfire. Immediately after the fire, a very strong 2022 monsoon season caused widespread flooding and erosion within the fire perimeter and downstream.
Since the Black Fire, the forest has been working with numerous partners including Bat Conservation International, National Forest Foundation, Sierra Soil & Water Conservation District, and Natural Curiosity to develop long-term plans for disaster recovery and restoration of 24 watersheds that were affected by the fire and subsequent post-fire flooding or downstream effects. In September 2024, Gila National Forest Supervisor Camille Howes approved a Watershed Restoration Action Plan (WRAP) that identifies the type and scope of work that needs to be completed to restore watersheds to proper functioning conditions. We know restoration and recovery of the vast Black Fire landscape will be a long-term process.
The intent of the meeting is to have conversations focused on a preliminary list (Phase 1) of the projects identified in the WRAP for recovery and restoration opportunities in the watersheds impacted by the Black Fire. We are seeking public input and insight on the activities and methods considered to help improve the proposal. There will be Forest Resource Specialists and members from our partner groups available to discuss the projects and activities.
