Truth or Consequences, NM, October 17, 2019 -- 108 volunteers on the Black Range Ranger District, Gila National Forest contributed 6,000 hours of service during the 2019 fiscal year equating to over $152,000 of volunteer labor. Volunteers ranged in age from middle school students up to senior citizens. The projects they completed include:
- maintaining and servicing rest rooms at two campgrounds, an overlook, a work center, and two rest stops
- clearing and maintaining equestrian and hiking trails
- planting native trees within the 2013 Silver Fire
- performing monitoring and surveys within grazing allotments
- educating youth and others on natural resource management
- excavation and data recovery work on archaeologic sites
- performing supportive duties for administrative operations
- educating and outreaching on fire management
The district is grateful for the tremendous efforts these volunteers put forth to help maintain and improve critical resources as well as educating members of the public. Their selfless acts of service helped ensure important work was accomplished in lieu of reduced budgets. The Black Range Ranger District believes these volunteers are unsung heroes to the District, Forest, and American public and extend our thanks and gratitude to them! If you are interested in volunteering on the Black Range Ranger District, please contact Dennis Fahl; dennis.fahl@usda.gov or 575-894-6677.