Next event scheduled December 14, 2023 at 9:00 in Truth or Consequences

SILVER CITY, NM, Nov. 15, 2023 – Over the past year, Gila National Forest Supervisor Camille Howes hosted six Coffee with Camille events in Silver City, Glenwood, Truth or Consequences, Reserve, and Quemado. These 2-hour open public forums have allowed members of the Gila communities to meet with Supervisor Howes and discuss issues of concern.

“I have highly valued these opportunities to meet and converse with members of the public and am grateful for the participation of those who attend,” said Supervisor Howes. “While they have not always been comfortable, I learned something new during each of these events that has helped me improve my frame of understanding of the issues that are of concern to the public and that affect us all.”
During past Coffee with Camille events, we have discussed a broad range of issues that truly reflect the all-encompassing nature of public land management. Watersheds, and their ability to deliver high-quality water for public use and natural resource benefits are of deep concern to both the forest and the public. Of equal concern is the need for well-managed rangelands that support livestock grazing as an economic driver of this western landscape, while keeping livestock out of areas where they don’t belong. We heard concerns about the poor quality or closed status of roads and trails that support outfitter and guide services, and community and recreational access. We discussed the need for forest restoration, which relies on a robust timber industry to support this work. Many members of the public and the forest alike are concerned about illegal firewood harvesting, improper use of motor vehicles, unattended campfires, and other public activities on the forest.

Above all, Coffee with Camille events have shown that the people of the Gila National Forest, both within and outside of the agency, are intrinsically connected to this landscape for their psychological, spiritual, economic, and physical wellbeing. This is a good common ground starting point from which to move forward with collaborative decision-making that seeks mutually beneficial solutions for public land management.

The next Coffee with Camille will take place at the Ralph Edwards Civic Center (Red Room) at 400 W. 4th Ave., Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 14. We hope you will join us. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov .