Glenwood, NM, May 7, 2020 – The Gila National Forest Glenwood Ranger District will be reopening the Catwalk Recreation Area and Whitewater Picnic Area as of Friday, May 8. The low water crossing right before the parking lot has a small amount of standing water. Be cautious as snow melt continues and could cause the water to rise.

The restrooms will be cleaned to the standard that we, as an agency, can achieve based on staffing and cleaning supplies. Please bring your own hand sanitizer as we will not be stocking that. Please consider your own health and sanitation as you use the restrooms. The railings on the Catwalk Suspension Bridge will not be sanitized. Be advised that the Catwalk National Recreation Trail and the bridge system is fairly narrow, and there is no opportunity for social distancing if you need to pass another person.

The situation where we have had to close the developed recreation areas, restrooms and day-use areas is temporary. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, forests do not have a stockpile of cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE). High demand for cleaning supplies and PPE has led the USDA Forest Service to decide to limit excessive purchases so as not to compete with healthcare workers who desperately need these supplies.

We know that it is stressful to remain inside during this global pandemic, and that getting outside is good for both mental and physical health. Being a good steward will give us all these. Please pack out your trash.

We continue to recommend that visiting public follow all CDC guidelines for social distancing and also be aware of, and in compliance with the New Mexico State Health Guidelines per the Modified Public Health Order effective May 1, 2020:
Continue maintaining gatherings of no more than five people
New Mexicans remain at home except for outings essential to health, safety and welfare

Law Enforcement will be out and actively monitoring usage, compliance, and social distancing guidelines. They can issue citation notices for failing to dispose of garbage, waste or sewage in the proper receptacles.

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