EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The public can learn more about plans to help the Gila National Forest recover from the devastating 2022 Black Fire.
A public meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 28 at the Upper Mimbres Fire Department, Thunderbird Station in Mimbres, New Mexico.
The meeting will be about phase 1 projects to recover and restore land from the Black Fire, which burned more than 327,000 acres of state, private and Gila National Forest land.
After the fire, a strong monsoon season caused widespread flooding and erosion within the fire permimeter and downstream.
Since the Black Fire, officials with the Gila National Forest has been working with numerous partners including Bat Conservation International, National Forest Foundation, Sierra Soil nad 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 flooding.
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, officials with the Gila National Forest Said.
“We know restoration and recovery of the vast Black Fire landscape will be a long-term process,” the national forest said in a news release.
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,” the news release said.
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