Old growth mixed conifer and ponderosa pine forests in the area represent one of the largest intact old growth forests remaining in the southwest. Substantial concentrations of Mexican spotted owls and other old growth dependent species are found within the sale area. Under this alternative, the Gila NF would remove livestock from the area, discontinue all fire suppression activities, and initiate intensive monitoring of forest recovery. Activists are already planning for woods action should this sale slip through the current moratorium on cutting in MSO habitat. A survey of rural residents in southwestern New Mexico counties found a majority favored re-introduction of the Mexican wolf.
Current plans entail extensive river channelization, and dike and levy construction.
This stretch of the upper Gila still supports many species which have already been extirpated from the rest of the Gila basin including the loach minnow and spikedace, and the largest remaining population of southwestern willow flycatchers. The Southwest Center is already planning litigation should a permit be issued for this project. If you experience difficulty posting messages to it or have any questions, please contact the listowner. See Mailing List Information for available contact data.