SILVER CITY, N.M. – With winter approaching, the Silver City Ranger District on the Gila National Forest will be implementing seasonal closures for some campgrounds from November 12 to March 31, 2015.

Temporarily closed for the winter:
· Iron Creek Campground, located in the Black Range Mountains off N.M. 152
· Lower Gallinas Campground, located in the Black Range Mountains off N.M. 152
· Upper Gallinas Campground, located in the Black Range Mountains off N.M. 152
· Railroad Canyon Campground, located in the Black Range Mts. off N.M. 152
· Cherry Creek Campground, located off N.M. 15
· McMillan Campground, located off N.M. 15

Please note that there are dispersed camping opportunities in the Black Range area along FR4087, FR4087A, FR4204X off of State Highway 152 and past the Forest Service boundary along Grant County Road 3-77 and FR 886 – commonly referred to as the Royal John Mine Road.

Visitors are reminded to be aware of weather conditions and the potential for flooding in areas across the forest. Always follow "Leave No Trace" principles, dispose of waste properly and leave the campsite clean for the next forest visitor. Please always practice campfire safety:

· Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of 5 feet in all directions.
· Make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water to put it out.
· Have a responsible person in attendance at all times.
· Never leave your campfire unattended!
· Avoid making a campfire during the windy part of the day.
· To make sure your campfire is out, drown with water and stir with dirt, making sure all
burned materials are extinguished. Feel with your hand to make sure it's out cold.
· Every campfire will be put DEAD OUT before leaving it.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Silver City Ranger District at (575) 388-8201.