SILVER CITY, NM; July 30, 2015 - For Immediate Release - The Gila National Forest is reminding the public of Community Conversations about the Assessment Phase of the Forest Plan Revision to be held Aug. 3 - Aug. 6, 2015. During the Assessment Phase of the revision, the public is invited to help identify ecological, social, and economic conditions and trends related to the Gila National Forest. This information will aid in the development of the revised plan.

The purpose of the meetings is to create common understanding of the Forest Plan, provide opportunities to share knowledge, plans and data for the Assessment, identify values, uses and concerns related to the Gila National Forest and continue the dialogue between the forest and nearby residents, users, and interested individuals.

The multi-year Forest Plan Revision process will result in a plan that describes the strategic direction for management of forest resources for the next 15 years.

Community Conversations will occur at the following locations:

Location                                             Date          Time
Quemado Consolidated School             Aug 3        5:00 p.m.
Glenwood Elementary School               Aug 4      10:00 a.m.
Fair Building, Catron Cty Fairgrounds    Aug 4        5:00 p.m.
Grant County Conference Center          Aug 5        5:00 p.m.
Thunderbird Lodge                              Aug 6       10:00 a.m.
Sierra County Fairgrounds                   Aug 6         5:00 p.m.

The meetings will last approximately two hours. For more information, see http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gila/home/?cid=STELPRD3828671 email gilaplan@fs.fed.us or call 575-388-8201.