Southern portion of the day use site remains closed due to flood damage

The Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District modified the area closure covering the Mogollon Box Day Use Area, opening the northern portion of the site for public access. The southern portion of the day use area remains closed to all entry.

“As spring is warming up, the mountain snowpack is beginning to thaw, raising local streamflow and drawing an annual rush of rafters to the Gila River,” said Silver City District Ranger Elizabeth Toney. “I am modifying the area closure covering the Mogollon Box day use area to allow public access to the Gila River. The southern portion remains closed due to more extensive flood damage to the road, picnic sites, and the restroom, which filled with sediment during flooding last year.”

The Gila National Forest roads crew continues its efforts to recover from sustained flooding events last summer and fall.

Roads that provide critical private access are prioritized for repair over roads that only provide public access to National Forest System lands or recreation sites. Long-term planning is needed for the Mogollon Box Day Use Area to identify what facilities and features are desired, and to produce a sustainable plan of development for the recreation site.