Silver City, NM, January 12, 2021—For Immediate Release.  All Gila National Forest offices and ranger stations will be closed on Monday, January 18 in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Regular business hours will resume Tuesday, January 19.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on January 18, 2021 is the 26th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader's life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as "a day on, not a day off," MLK Day Is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to Improve their communities. For more information on how to serve your community see MLK Day of Service.

Despite the office closure, fire personnel, law enforcement officers, and recreation staff will be on-duty on the holiday for the safety of visitors. The Catwalk National Recreation Trail and the Whitewater Picnic Area will be fee-free due to the holiday.

Fee free days in 2021 are: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 18, President's Day on February 15, National Get Outdoors Day on June 12, National Public Lands Day on September 25 and Veterans Day on November 11.

Know Before You Go. Check the weather for the specific part of the forest you will be visiting at the National Weather Service. Remember to practice good campfire safety and respect your public lands by packing out your trash.   

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