Gates keep Wilderness Ranger District equines off of New Mexico Highway 35

MIMBRES, NM, March 1, 2024 – The Gila National Forest, Wilderness Ranger District’s horses and mules are grazing in pastures along New Mexico Highway 35, between mileposts 14 to 17. Recently, a rash of forest gates left open in this area has resulted in horses and mules on the highway.

“There are forest roads in this area that are open to motorized travel, but all of them are gated and posted with signs asking visitors to please close after use,” said Wilderness District Ranger Brian Stultz. “Closing these gates in the pasture fence helps protect our herd of pack stock, as well as drivers of Highway 35, by keeping the horses and mules off of the highway.”

Please help keep livestock safe by closing gates after you pass through them. If there is a reason why you are unable to close gates, please reach out to the Wilderness Ranger District at 575-536-2250 so they can ensure all gates are functional for public use.

Brian Stultz has been selected as the new permanent Wilderness District Ranger, serving his first week on the district starting February 26. He previously served as the Glenwood District Ranger since last year and prior to that, Brian worked in wilderness advocacy with Arizona Wild and Arizona Wilderness Coalition. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 orMaribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov .