The Gila National Forest, Silver City District is rescinding the entire Silver and Signal Fire Emergency Road and Trails Closure Order (O#: 06-349) effective Tuesday, July 26, 2016. The closure order can be found at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/gila/alerts-notices/?aid=25954 

The areas to be open were initially closed due to hazardous trees, dangerous falling rocks, flooding and debris on roads and trails from the Signal fire in 2014 and the Silver fire in 2013.

In a burned area, fires weaken and kill trees. They can easily fall from weakened root systems. Rolling rocks are a hazard as rain or snowmelt loosens soil and vegetation that may be holding them along slopes. Tree roots and stumps can be dangerous as the only evidence may be a thin layer of ash or soil. Unsuspecting visitors can step on one and end up with their foot and leg in a deep hole.

These hazards have been mitigated along roads and trails within the closure. Hazard trees have been dropped, along these corridors only. However, people need to be aware hazards may exist within the interior burn scar.

Visitors should be aware of weather changes that may affect road conditions as well as limited visibility due to dust.

All roads and trails within the order will now be opened. The complete list can be found within the closure order (see link above).

The down and dead wood left behind from the Signal Fire is available with a free use permit. This is for down trees along the roads. No standing trees may be cut. These permits are available at the Gila National Forest Office at 3005 Camino del Bosque, in Silver City, NM. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

For more information, please call Forest Supervisor, Adam Mendonca at 575/388-8304