Glenwood, NM, June 15, 2018—Forest Supervisor, Adam Mendonca has signed a Temporary Closure Order Number 06-18-002. Native Fish Restoration Activity Closure Order for the Catwalk Recreation Area effective immediately. This closure order is for June 20 beginning at 8:00 a.m. until June 21, or until rescinded.

As part of the Gila Whitewater Trout Restoration Project, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) will be using rotenone to eradicate non-native fish from the waterways in Whitewater Canyon. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that rotenone is highly effective for selective removal of invasive fishes and that the resulting concentrations of ingredients poses little, if any, hazards to public health. Once the rotenone has been introduced, the water will then be treated with a neutralizing agent, potassium permanganate, which prevents the treated water from being carried beyond the project area. It is Federal regulation that people cannot be near the water corridor while these treatment and neutralizing processes are in place.

NMDGF will be treating the water on June 20. The Gila National Forest expects to be able to open the entry gate to the Catwalk Recreation area by noon on June 21 to allow visitors into the Catwalk.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila