Silver City, NM; July 12, 2013-- Funding for Phase I implementation for the Silver Fire BAER treatments, Gila National Forest, has been approved and ground work has begun. Closure gates have been received and will be installed on Hwy 152 and the Royal John Mine Road System. Warning signs are in the process of being installed at trailheads, roads, and recreation areas to warn the public of hazards when entering burned areas, and the possibility of flooding in those areas.  Crews are removing debris and sediment at culvert locations, and drainage features are being installed to allow for proper drainage of the roadways.

 
Seeding and mulching will soon begin over areas of high burn severity. The seeding is intended to provide for quick establishment of vegetative ground cover to maintain soil productivity, water quality, and reduce threats of flooding to downstream communities.  Mulching will also assist in seed germination and overall seeding success.
 
Other treatments to be implemented are the stabilization and maintenance of the Black Range Crest Trail #79, the stabilization of archaeological sites, and the removal of woody debris from stream channels that run parallel to Middle Percha Creek along Forest Road #40, directly above the town of Kingston.
 
Drainages in the vicinity of the Silver Fire have received precipitation, and flows have carried ash and sediments to the outlying communities. Citizens affected by these flows can contact the Grant County Emergency Services Office at (575) 574-0065, or the Grant County Planning Office at 575-574-0007.  The contact for Sierra County Emergency Services is (575) 743-0451.  In case of emergency dial 911.