Gila National Forest planners listen to the public. Matt Schultz, the lead on the revision process, is at front right. Eric Flood, outdoor recreation planner, is in the middle at the front table. At left is a member of the public. Two other forest service employees sit at the back table, talking to community members.

The Gila National Forest held an open house in its conference room on Monday afternoon, Aug. 21, 2017. Four forest experts answered questions about the forest plan revision, currently in Phase II.

Matt Schultz, who is the lead for the forest plan revision process, noted the event would have no presentation or agenda. "The format is the easiest way for people to articulate their desired conditions for the forest. We are here to listen and answer questions and concerns."

He said the draft components of the plan "hopefully will be available for review in 2018. Maybe not the entire plan, but parts of it."

Schultz emphasized that the public may fill out comment forms or leave comment letters at the main forest office at 3005 E. Camino del Bosque, in Silver City, on any working day.