Gila National Forest — Project Detail

Install water system for improved livestock grazing management. Includes two new wells, eight new storage tanks, 12 new drinkers, and 5.25 miles of above-ground black plastic pipeline to connect wells, tanks, and drinkers.

Gates will be installed at five openings to the Palomas Creek Cave to protect sensitive bat and other wildlife habitat. Recent and ongoing vandalism within the cave system indicates human activities and presence within the cave system that may harm bat habitat through disturbance and disease spread.

Use prescribed fire and hand and mechanical thinning to reduce natural fuels and improve timber stand health and wildlife habitat on 2,402 acres of the Silver City Ranger District. Project would retain large trees, removing ladder fuels and altering the vertical and horizontal continuity of fuels.

Proposal has multiple vegetation treatment types including mechanical thinning, hand thinning, herbicide application, and prescribed fire in order to protect the Wildland Urban Interface from wildfire.

Reissue a special use permit for utility cooridor access and maintenance

Issue special use permit to Sierra County for the use of Emory Pass and Lookout Mountain to improve 911 emergency communications

Installation of a collector, fixed to a metal frame with a base of cinder blocks approximately 2x2 feet in size to collect precipitation event data.

Re-issue existing special use permit for operation and maintenance of a SNOTEL site located at McKnight

Reissue existing special use permit for use of Prior pasture for maintaining a corral, storage building and 200 acre pasture at Prior Cabin for administrative purposes

Renewal of expired permit for maintenance of existing water system and maintenance of access roads in Fort Bayard to be issued to Fort Bayard Medical. Center/State of NM.

Harris (previously Pierce): Access to residence along Walnut Creek Rd. Rickman Easement: Access to residence in Little Walnut.

Special Use permit for operation and renovation of existing 9 hole golf course located at Ft. Bayard. Repair T-boxes to original state, designate greens and clear weeds, clear fairways to the 1964 layout of the course.

Proposal is to issue USGS a Special Use Permit for installation and maintenance of a proposed gaging station located on the San Francisco River west of Luna, NM

Issue Special Use Permit for segment of fiber optic cable installation on national forest lands

Project is to improve habitat for Gila Trout by stabilizing eroding banks, constructing large pools for overwintering and planting riparian vegetation for creek shading.

Amend existing communication site permit to add the following proposed improvements: generator, 1000-gallon propane tank, & fencing around each improvement. Per safety guidelines, propane tank will be placed more than 100ft from existing facilities.

The Gilita Creek watershed supports a recovery population of Gila trout & is listed under the Clean Water Act Section 303d for temperature & nutrient impairments. Project objective is to improve stream, riparian, and meadow habitats.

Proposal is to issue a SUP to WNMT for a 2nd communication site on Radar Brushy. Site proposal includes adding a generator & propane tank to an existing tower site & enclose area with a fence. Would be a backup system for 911 and FAA systems.

Amend existing special use permit for additional improvements, maintenance and upgrades of existing improvements, and widening of the airstrip

Bonaventure Inc has proposed to drill approximately 11 drill pads within the Burro Mountains for mineral exploration. Drill holes would be approx. 300 feet deep. Project is located in previous disturbed mining area.

Reissue Special Use Permit to Catron County Commission for the use of existing 2 acre transfer station by the community of Glenwood, NM.

Complete restoration activities and install recreation signage to improve visitor experience and mitigate unintentional resource damage issues within the San Francisco Wilderness Study Area (WSA).

Prescribed within 2,027 acres for the purpose of hazardous fuels reduction downslope of Signal Peak

Navopache proposes to install approx 0.4 miles of powerline from its current end point in Pleasanton along Hwy 180 to the Catron County Transfer Station.

Construct a formal trailhead for the Signal Peak Trail and construct a re-route to connect the trailhead to existing trail system

Develop a water source site for wildlife which includes well, open trough drinker with escape ramp, storage tank and fence placement to protect infrastructure and limit vehicle access.

Reroute 2 segments of trail within Gila Wilderness along West Fork of the Gila and Turkey Creek and construct a trail to connect the trailhead to the Military Road trail, which would remove hikers from having to hike on Hwy 15.

Maintain grasslands and thin/burn ponderosa and pinyon juniper for wildlife purposes.

Reissue a special use permit for access and maintenance of a public road easement on Forest Service Road 4009W

Reissue a special use permit for an easement for access and maintenance of Forest Road 854.

Proposed project is for the installation of a 48,000 gallon water tank for use by Apache Creek Volunteer Fire Dept. Tank will be located at the former Aragon Transfer Station.

Issue a special use permit to T-Mobile West LLC, for a proposed new communication site to be installed within the Fox Mountain Communication Site.

Issue a special use permit for the access and maintenance of the existing WS Ditch (i.e. ditch, sand traps, and pipeline)

Proposal is to develop the Rain Creek Trailhead parking area & improve experience of visitors to Sacaton Airstrip and Rain Creek Trailhead. Proposal includes single vault toilet & shaded picnic area. NOTE:OCT 6th-Extended comment period on proposal.

Reissue a special use permit for maintenance and use of existing buried PVC water transmission pipeline <12" diameter for irrigation use.

Reissue the special use permit for use of a communications site and radio equipment at the Fox Mountain Communication Site.

Reissue as one master special use permit, the individual permits for utility corridor access and maintenance for two transmission lines in Quemado, Glenwood and Reserve.

Construct 1 mile of new standard trail that will serve as a CDT Connector trail serving local and thru hikers near the Little Walnut Rd and Bear Creek Ben Lily Overlook areas.

Reissue a permit for road easement along FSR4035C to private residence.

ROW permit reissuance for the Marks ROW to access private property along Catwalk Road (.32 miles length, 33 feet in width and approx. 1.3 acres)

Expand existing parking lot at Dragonfly Trailhead by 150ft to North along Elias Road, add signage and drainiage for system.

Reissuance of a special use permit to Grant County for use of radio equipment on Copperas Peak Communication Site

In coordination with Federal Highways Admin (FHA), FHA is proposing to replace the Romero and South Fork Negrito bridges due to deterioration and safety concerns.

Hand thinning treatement to improve forest health while mitigating intense fire along the primary ingress and egress route for multiple land owners. Buffer of approximately 47.8 acres along FSR172.

Replace existing barbed wire fences with steel pipe fencing and replace failed water catchments.

Reissuance of a special use permit for continued use and maintenance of communication equipment and building at the Glenwood Brushy Communication Site.

Purpose is to re-issue existing non-recreation special use permits to allow for continued use of facilities and roads permits within the Quemado Ranger District.

Assess and design four trailheads and barriers to prevent motorized intrusions into the Aldo Leopold Wilderness

Permittee will install a pump and black plastic pipe on the surface from Black Hawk mine area approximately 1/4 mile to an identified trough on Forest Service land. Use would be part year for up to 2 years.

Develop new wells with solar pumps, install new water storage tanks & drinkers, place plastic pipeline on ground, construct & replace corrals to better disperse cattle on allotment.

Reissue special use permit to Tucson Electric Power for utility corridor access and maintenance on Gila National Forest. Most helpful to receive comments on this project proposal by September 16, 2022

Drill a well and development new water for year-round wildlife and seasonal cattle use. Includes well, pipeline, and troughs.

Propose to conduct lethal and non-lethal feral cattle removal from the Gila Wilderness to address the presence of feral cattle. Feral cattle have negatively impacted habitat, water quality, riparian, and wilderness character.

This project proposes to authorize livestock grazing consistent with Forest Service policy and to provide long-term management direction for domestic livestock grazing. The Black Bob Allotment is proposed to be split into two Allotments.

Propose to permit the 0.13 miles from existing gate to private land where there is adequate space for motor vehicles to turn around versus in narrow canyon at private land. Install a walk through swing gate for access to NFS lands.

Freeport-McMoran Chino Mines has applied for a permit to drill 13 exploratory sites on 3.6 acres east of Fort Bayard. Less than 1 mile of roads would be constructed for access.

Propose to install a 40 foot extension to existing 124 ft monopole on existing permitted site on Brushy Mountain. Most helpful to receive comments on the project by September 16, 2022.

Purpose of project is to improve existing water sources on the Agua Fria Allotment. Improvements would benefit wildlife and livestock. Proposed to install approx. 2.7 miles of pipeline, 1 or 2 storage tanks, and 2 troughs.

Ben Lilly Pond is a man-made feature with an earthen berm and primitive concrete spillway. There is a need to protect pond features from both ungulate use, public use, and vehicle parking. Propose to implement fencing and parking mngt controls.

Install and bury approximately 1.4 miles of poly pipeline and a drinking trough, to provide an alternative watering location for the excluded Adair Springs.

Reconstruct & reroute portions of the existing Ladrone Trail #127 which are impassable due to lack of maintenance & impacts from 2013 Silver Fire. Trail between Kingston & Hillsboro Peak; segments lie with Aldo Leopold Wilderness and roadless area.

Issue a Special Use Permit for installation of fiber optic line attached to existing utility line infrastructure in Sierra County, NM

Purpose of the project is to issue a road use permit to provide reasonable access to private lands and put into place a road maintenance agreement.

Wilderness RD is scoping a restoration proposal by New Mexico Environmental Dept. for projects in Black Canyon, to reduce water temperature impairment through planting, improving instream habitat for Gila trout and watershed function.

Proposal is to replace two fences around two naturally occurring meadows with pipe fence. Proposal is also to cut hazard trees.

Improve existing water sources on El Caso Allotment near Poison Cyn. These water improvement structures will benefit wildlife, including bats, and livestock. Action will install approx. 2.3 miles of pipeline, 4 storage tanks, 3 troughs, and 1 well.

Over the last several years concerns have been heard on increase of user created routes. These routes are primarily associated with illegal wood cutting or off-road motorized vehicle use. Proposal is to decommission user-routes in Luna Planning Area

Permitee to construct small riparian exclosure in T21S, R15W, section 29 to exclude livestock use and invigorate the native plant population. Project area is about 25 miles southwest of silver City in the Burro Mountains in Grant County.

The wet meadow has been affected by flows from areas burned by the 2014 Signal Fire and 2020 Tadpole Fire. This project is to hydrologically stabilize the meadow, rewet the site, and restore riparian vegetation to the system.

Proposal to conduct hard rock mineral exploration drilling (up to 14 drill pads) near the Knight Peak area in the Burro Mountains.

The privy at Hillsboro Peak & Black Mtn lookout towers are at capacity. It is time to replace both with new privies which will include such things as removing old structures, blasting and/or digging new pits, & building new structures.

Upgrade an existing diversion and ditch on Centerfire Creek. Issue a special use permit for upgrade implementation and maintenance.

Issue a special use permit to Grant County for gravel production for county road maintenance within the Burro Mountains using material from the Red Rock Gravel Pit

Project proposal will be to treat encroaching one seed juniper with thinning and prescribed fire. Project will help improve mule deer and quail habitat.

Close trail segments of the Willie Steele that access private land and construct approx. 0.5 mile of trail around private land providing access entirely on forest lands. Escondido Trail re-route has been removed & will be revisited at a later date.

Currently, many of the district trail access points, lack such things as basic directional signs, information kiosks, infrastructure, or clearly defined parking. Resource impacts have been identified, so proposal is begin implementing improvements.

Construction and issuance of a road easement to a private piece of property in exchange for a public easement across private land along an existing road for public recreation access.

Currently, about 2 miles of the CDNST and Forest Service Road (FSR) 226 share the same travel route in the Monument Park area. The purpose of this project is to separate motorized and non-motorized uses by constructing approx. 1-2 miles of new trail.

The proposed action would allow the installation of two new powerlines and associated poles on National Forest System (NFS) lands by Sierra Electric Coop. One line would be ~0.6 miles and the other ~0.4 miles in length both leading to private land.

Project will consist of prescribed fire in the Sacaton area in Little dry to reduce risk of high-intensity wildfires. Reduction of fuel loading will aid in improving wildlife habitat such as browse for deer & disrupt fuels adjacent to T&E habitats.

The purpose of the project is to improve watershed functions by re-routing a section of FSR 4072 L up onto the hill slope and remove it from within Turkey Run drainage while also improving ingress/egress for private landowners.

Issue 5 year term recreation event permit for Gila Monster Gran Fondo to use 3 rest stops along Hwy 15 - Wildhorse Mesa, Copperas Vista, and Gila Cliff Dwelling parking lot located on Silver City and Wilderness Ranger Districts.

Re-opening an existing quarry site to the New Mexico DOT for a gravel source

Reissuance of 3 expired priority outfitter/guide permits for the activities including hunting, horseback riding, and drop camps across the entire Gila NF.

Sierra Electric Cooperative, Inc. has applied to modify their permit to construct and operate 0.8 miles of re-routed segment of the powerline across NFS lands and upgrade the entire line to 14.4Kv. The old poles and lines would be removed.

Issue a 5 year term recreation event permit for Tour of the Gila for use of one rest stop at intersection of US Hwy 180 and NM Hwy 159 and stage finish area along NM Hwy 159 on the Glenwood RD.

Willow Creek supports a recovery population of Gila trout & listed under the Clean Water Act Sec303d for temperature & aluminum. The project consists of installing structures made of native sourced materials that improve riparian & stream condition.

The project proposal is to decommission a 1/2 mile of 2-track road and to treat approx. 800 acres with mechanical treatment and prescribed fire. Project will help improve watershed conditions and wildlife habitat.

Re-authorize livestock grazing for allotments on Gila NF-Glenwood RD and on A-S NF-Clifton RD. The Clifton RD allotment decisions can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57226

thin vegetation adjacent to private lands near Sombra De Gallo and Agua Fria subdivision.

Mechanically thinning approximately 957 acres of pinyon/juniper. The purpose of the project is to maintain meadow and grasslands for elk calving grounds.

Ecological restoration project: minimize impacts of high severity fire/community protection; veg/forest health mngt; improve watershed conditions; protect/conserve wildlife habitat. See also http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gila/home/?cid=STELPRD3828973

Using local, native materials, build in-stream structures and bank structures to slow water speed, encourage sediment deposition, and restore meander to stream channel. This would enhance and protect native fish habitat.

Reserve and Glenwood district removal of hazard trees.

Mining claim owner proposes to use existing closed routes to access via ATVs to prospect unpatented claim near Twin Sisters. Hand tools used for prospecting/reinforcing existing adit. Site will be camped a couple of weekends/month from May to Oct.

Reissuance of expired term permits for five outfitter operations.

Propose to decommission flood damaged South Fork Negrito CG and relocate outside of existing floodplain.

Vegetation improvement project aimed to reduce tree density in woodland and ponderosa pine forests utilizing a combination of mechanical and prescribed burning. There will also be opportunity for forest products to be available to the public.

Mineral specimen exploration and recovery from lode mining claims in proposed project area.

Proposed to add a 2nd buried water pipeline from private property to existing freshwater storage tank. Pipeline is approximately 615 linear feet in length.

Modification of existing permit to approve a well installation and associated improvements including septic system and leach field; and to level and gravel a pad for vehicle parking.

Proposed to increase existing water sources on the Jewett Gap Allotment. Improvements would benefit wildlife and livestock. Proposed to install 3 drinkers, approx. 3 miles of pipeline and 3 storage tanks within the Gap and Gallo pastures.

The project includes a combination of salvage of timber, roadside hazard tree mitigation, and site preparation for natural regeneration with the option of planting across the high and moderate fire severity areas of the Buzzard Wildfire.

Improve timber stand and wildlife habitat by prescribed fire and mechanized equipment (chainsaw, mower, dozer, etc), to restore habitat and reduce future wildfire risk by improving watershed resiliency.

Hillsboro Garden Club, under the Nat'l Garden Clubs MOU, with help from volunteers, students, NGOs etc. will work with District, to plant trees in locations severely burned in 2013 Silver fire with native trees in upland and riparian areas

The project includes implementing measures to decommission 62 miles of roads, restore road-impacted resources to productivity, and return former roadbeds to a more natural appearance. These roads have been previously closed.

Grazing allotment managment plan for the Dark Canyon and Long Canyon Allotments.

The Forest is implementing the Travel Management rule, which calls for establishing a system of roads, trails, and areas designated for motorized use; and determining suitable locations for motorized dispersed camping.

Improve timber stand and wildlife habitat. There is a need to improve timber stands resilience to risk of insect and disease infestation, drought and wildfire. Improve grassland and aspen wildlife habitat by removing encroaching trees.

Install a water system with 3.5 miles of buried pipeline, 2 drinkers, and storage tank in Antelope Pasture on Spur Lake Allotment to provide water for and improve distribution by both wildlife and livestock.

Issuance of special use permit to enable continued use of Gila NFS lands by Outfitter/Guides to conduct business operations assisting the public hunting big game species in compliance with Forest Plan and applicable laws and regulations.

Purpose of the proposal is to study and collect information on an archaeological site on the Quemado Ranger District near Toriette Lakes area. Work will be conducted by the Denver Museum using various research techniques and activities.

Allow Socorro Electric to add approx. 1 miles of standard above ground powerline on Forest Lands along County Road A010 to provide power to a private land inholding. Work would include removal of vegetation and digging holes for poles.

The project is to treat approx. 3,000 ac including WUI around private land and the Radar Brushy electronic FAA site. The areas has been identified as being at risk for high fuel loads and tree mortality related to insect and disease.

Due to post-fire flooding and ash flows fish were nearly eliminated from whitewater creek and tributaries. This project would restore native fish including Gila trout, speckled dace,Sonora and desert sucker to approx 24 miles of stream

Wide range of projects located across the Forest are being proposed, see the attached scoping document.

Issuance of 5 year special use permit for archery shooting range in Fort Bayard and Skates Canyon

Riparian enhancement by planting riparian species along Tularosa R. corridor, construct riparian exclusion fence outside of floodplain to protect riparian and wildlife habitat, and construct water system for wildlife & livestock outside the exclosure

El Paso Electric has applied to renew their permit on FS lands and amend right-of-way to include permanent access to existing authorized 345 kV transmission line for maintenance on BLM and FS lands. See http://www.blm.gov/nm/epeaccess for more info.

Issuance of special use permit for the annual Signal Peak Challenge Mountain Bike Race event on the Silver City Ranger District.

Purpose of project is to increase aircraft, pilot, and passenger safety for the backcountry airstrip that is part of the Beaverhead Work Center administrative site by removing encroaching woody vegetation from around the airstrip and flight path.

Propose to treat approx. 5,699 acres to improve timber stands. High densities of pinon-juniper, gray oak, and ponderosa pine trees have resulted in reduced tree growth and stand conditions more prone to high mortality.

Proposal to improve the parking area and trailhead design to ensure safety for trail users by creating adding signing and improve parking and access to accommodate a variety of vehicles and provide ADA accessible parking.

Improve existing water sources in the Mackey Allotment to ensure wildlife and livestock have access to reliable waters. Proposed pipeline extension and associated drinkers would provide reliable waters in lower portions of O-O and Park Pastures

Reissuance of an expired road easement to private land via Forest Road 4185 T

Reissue road easement for FSR 4001U

Treat approx. 4840 ac of historic grassland habitat being encroached by pinon juniper and ponderosa pine. Provide a wider corridor between Collins Park & Plains of St. Augustin to facilitate pronghorn antelope movement and habitat restoration.

Re-authorization of livestock grazing within the South Fork Allotment on the Black Range Ranger District of the Gila National Forest.

Reissue of expired SUP to authorize the continued occupancy, use and maintenance of the pipeline, storage tank, Road Easement for FSR 4020M to access private land

There are multiple locations where illegal motorized intrusions are occurring in Wilderness & wilderness study areas, threatening wilderness character and quality. Proposal is block motor vehicle intrusions using one or more methods of barrier types.

Re-issuance of a special use permit for a road easement located within the Wagon Wheel Lane Neighborhood Association. Easement allows for access to the subdivision for multiple landowners.

The purpose of the project is to reduce potential hazards to the public associated with open mines while protecting and preserving the intrinsic value of mining related features such as wildlife habitat and historic artifacts (25-30 possible sites)

Reroute 9 segments (approx. 19 miles) of Continental Divide Trail on Silver City RD. Reroute segments that currently overlap motorized roads and trails; and reconstruct/realign segments to Trail Class 2 design and address resource concerns

Placement and use of communication equipment on the Jack's Peak Communication Site

TEP proposes to replace the existing 20' microwave tower with a 120' tower. Along with this, two new antennas and communication radios will replace the existing equipment. The new tower will have a new concrete pad. The old equipment will be removed.

NM Dept. of Game and Fish has proposed constructing a fish passage barrier on Willow Creek to prevent the upstream movement of nonnative trout and protect an establish Gila trout population.

approximately 239 acres within the Allie/Avalanche grazing allotment will treat juniper and pinon pine using mechanized equipment and hand tools, to improve wildlife habitat and provide forage for wildlife and livestock.

To improve watershed conditions, range improvement, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce hazardous fuels.

Gila NF proposes a series of plantings to address: 1) need to increase availability of traditional use plants for utilization by the Tribes that partner w/ the Forest & 2) need to protect & expand upon the availability of habitat for pollinators.

Authorize grazing on White Signal / Ferguson Mountain Range Allotments

The Zirkles would like to acquire NFSR #4184M as their private land access road to their private property. Evaluate access needs across existing road 4184M or 4011L; private property through Zirkle; or road construction to access Darnell property.

Contribute to conservation of Rio Grande cutthroat trout by restoring it to approximately 30 miles of interconnected stream habitat in the Las Animas Creek watershed.

Restoration of wetland and riparian habitat associated with springs.

Construction of a cellular telecommunication facility for communication coverage of an area not currently served by this use.

Thinning of Pinyon-Juniper, Ponderosa Pine, and Mixed Conifer. Grassland restoration.

Repair and maintenance to 2 existing fish barriers located in McKnight Canyon and West Fork Gila River

thin pinyon juniper stands adjacent to private lands, east of Black Peak.

Remediation of physical safety hazards at abandon mine features.

Authorize livestock grazing (may include Mogollon Allotment as possible alternative)

thin vegetation adjacent to Electronic site