The Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District has several vegetation projects planned for the fall and winter months. These projects are related to hazardous fuels reduction, wildlife habitat improvement, watershed function enhancement, and wildland urban interface treatment.
The Jaybird Prescribed Fire is planned for the first available weather opportunity after October 1. The 2,565-acre project is adjacent to NM Highway 15 and Meadow Creek. This low intensity prescribed fire will treat critical Mexican-spotted Owl habitat by reducing the chances of high severity fire through a reduction in accumulated forest vegetation. Land managers will factor in several variables including the dryness of the fuels and weather patterns to determine the appropriate time to begin ignitions. Smoke is expected to settle in the upper Mimbres Valley and potentially impact NM Highway 15 and 35. Visitors are asked to use caution if they see firefighters or signs related to prescribed fire.