​​​June 30th, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
June 28, 2026 
Contact: 
media@backcountryhunters.org 


Public Land Sell-Off in Senate Defeated After National Uprising by Hunters, Anglers, Public Land Advocates 


Proposal collapses under weight of bipartisan pushback, grassroots outcry, and parliamentarian ruling 

Washington, D.C.—Today, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, North America’s leading public lands advocacy group, is celebrating the 
announcement that Senator Mike Lee’s (R-UT) controversial public lands disposal provision has been formally withdrawn from the Senate’s budget reconciliation bill. This reversal follows a wave of national opposition—led by BHA members and supporters across all 50 states—who mobilized and kept the pressure on for weeks. 

 “This win belongs to the hunters, anglers, and public landowners who stood up and said loud and clear: Our lands are not for sale,” said Patrick Berry, BHA President and CEO. “BHA members flooded the phone lines, sent emails, rallied their communities, and kept the pressure on until this provision was pulled. We didn’t just show up—we led the charge.” 

 In a 
single day of action on June 25, BHA supporters delivered more than 33,148 messages to Congress—a record-breaking outpouring that pushed the org’s total number of grassroots actions taken since May to 137,000 and helped make this proposal politically untenable. 

 From small-town fly shops and family-run gear companies to industry giants and conservation influencers, BHA’s partners joined forces to amplify the call — and elected officials across the aisle took notice. 

 “We extend our sincere thanks to Representative Ryan Zinke for his unrelenting leadership throughout this fight on behalf of hunters and anglers along with Representatives Mike Simpson, Dan Newhouse, Cliff Bentz, and David Valadao for recognizing that this public land sale provision was unacceptable,” said Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government Relations for BHA. “We also applaud Senators Steve Daines, Tim Sheehy, Jim Risch, and Mike Crapo for taking a stand in defense of America’s public lands legacy as well as Senator Martin Heinrich for his consistent championship of this cause. Together, we showed that when public landowners speak with one voice, we cannot be ignored.” 

 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers seeks to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. To learn more about issues important to BHA’s membership, visit
https://www.backcountryhunters.org/our_issues


"Back Country Horsemen Of America Is always Fighting the Fight for Our Public Lands Too"


June 24th, 2025

​From: Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

June 24, 2025 
Contact: 
media@backcountryhunters.org 

To: Debbie Spickermann

USDA Rescinds Near Quarter Century Old Protections for 58.5 Million Acres of National Forest Lands 

Reversal ignores two decades of public input, jeopardizing wildlife, water, and wildfire resilience across America and in our largest intact temperate rainforest.
 

MISSOULA, Mont.—Backcountry Hunters & Anglers strongly opposes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 
recent decision to roll back the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule—removing long-standing protections for 58.5 million acres of national forest lands across 39 states. For 24 years, the Roadless Rule has provided bedrock safeguards some of America’s most remote and ecologically valuable public lands from roadbuilding and development. Removing these protections not only directly contradicts decades of public input—it threatens the very character of the backcountry. 

 “The Roadless Rule was never about closing roads or locking people out,” said Kaden McArthur, BHA’s Director of Policy and Government Relations. “It allows for exceptional backcountry recreation and includes exceptions for access to inholdings, mineral leases, and timber projects that reduce fire risk or benefit wildlife habitat. But let’s be clear: our national forests already have twice as many miles of roads as the entire U.S. National Highway System. Repealing the Roadless Rule isn’t about improving forest management—it’s about expanding a development network that threatens intact landscapes hunters, anglers, and wildlife can’t afford to lose.” 

 A Public Process Undermined 

Developed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Roadless Rule was finalized after 600 local public hearings were held and direct input was received from more than 1.6 million Americans, with 95% in support. 

  In 2020,
the Trump administration repealed protections for more than 9 million acres of the Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska, despite 96 percent of public comments being in opposition. At the time, more than 1,000 BHA members and supporters delivered comments, urging the USFS to reinstate previous protections that ensured the backcountry character, and fish and wildlife habitat, of our nation’s largest intact temperate rainforest remained intact. In 2023, BHA applauded the reinstatement of those protections by the USFS. 

 Increased Risk of Wildfires 

Contrary to claims made by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, a 32-year analysis of wildfire data across national forests—and analyzed by The Wilderness Society—shows that wildfires ignite three to four times more frequently within just 50 meters of roads compared to roadless and designated wilderness areas. 
Nearly 85% of wildfires are human caused, and 90% of wildfires start within half a mile of a road – repealing the Roadless Rule will only increase fire risk on our public lands. Importantly, fire management activities are currently allowed in Roadless Areas 

 Roadless Area Conservation Act, Reintroduced 

That’s why BHA strongly supports the 
reintroduction of the Roadless Area Conservation Act, led by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Representative Andrea Salinas (D-OR). This legislation would codify the Roadless Rule into law, ensuring that protections for our most rugged and remote national forest lands can’t be undone by administrative rollbacks now and in the future. 

To learn more, and to
 support the Roadless Area Conservation Act,

visit backcountryhunters.org


June 24, 2025

From: Outdoor Alliance

CONSERVATION POWERED by OUTDOOR RECREATION


Dear Michele,
Breaking news: Senator Mike Lee’s proposal to sell off up to 3.3 million acres of public lands appears to have been removed from the Senate’s budget reconciliation bill.

 Over the past two weeks, hundreds of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts—alongside hunters, anglers, motorized users, and conservationists—spoke up to defend public lands. Late yesterday evening, the land sales were removed on a technicality by the Senate parliamentarian, meaning that this dangerous proposal is out of the budget bill for now. 

 Lawmakers heard you, and the proposal to sell off millions of acres was already facing strong headwinds and was on the cusp of being scaled back or removed prior to this ruling.

 This is a big win—for a few important reasons:

Those 3.3 million acres will remain public, for now, accessible to the 175 million Americans who recreate each year.
The outdoor community showed up in force. In just days, more than half a million letters poured into Congress—a volume we've never seen before.
Lawmakers responded. In the past week, multiple Senators publicly opposed the sell-off proposal, sending a clear signal that these ideas aren’t welcome.

 Thank you for raising your voice. This community continues to show that when public lands are under threat, we are ready to fight for them.

 That said, we’re not out of the woods yet. Senator Mike Lee has already indicated he plans to revise his proposal and push again for public land sell-offs—this time with narrower language that he hopes will pass.

 We’ll keep fighting—and we hope you will too.


                                                               "KEEP THE PRESSURE ON"

Thank you for protecting public lands with us,


Tania Lown-Hecht

VP of Communications & Strategy




​​June 20th, 2025

BackCountry Hunter and Anglers


​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
June 19, 2025

CONTACT: 
media@backcountryhunters.org 

 BHA Unveils Map Highlighting Hunter-Angler Impact as Senate Pushes Public Land Selloff 

Grassroots campaign nears 75k calls and emails made; “Flood the Lines Day” aims to unleash wave of 25,000 more on June 25.

MISSOULA, Mont.—Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) today released an interactive state-by-state See Map (SEE MAP)  ArcGIS Story Map pinpointing Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service parcels eligible for sale in the latest draft of the Senate budget reconciliation bill. But this is no ordinary map: as part of BHA’s ongoing United We Stand for Public Lands campaign, the tool pairs policy with personal stories—photos and impact statements from hunters and anglers whose cherished memories and traditions are rooted in these very places. 

The map launch comes as the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee—chaired by Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)—
advances budget reconciliation language mandating the sale of upwards of 3 million acres of public lands across 11 Western states. The proposal not only mirrors the House measure BHA helped defeat in May—it expands it dramatically. 

“Momentum is on our side, but victory will require every single one of us,” said Nadia Marji, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for BHA. “Every call, every message, every dollar, every voice—each one matters. This is our moment to stand united, Flood the Lines, and make it unmistakably clear that our public lands and waters are not for sale.” 

 “Flood the Lines” Day 

In response to the looming threat, BHA is organizing a 
nationwide mobilization on Wednesday, June 25, called “Flood the Lines.” The goal: generate 25,000 calls and messages to U.S. Senators in a single day. To learn more, visit HERE

For supporters who’ve already taken action to contact their elected officials and ask, “What else can I do?” Marji’s answer is simple. 

“Do it again—call again, send another email, share impact stories across social media, engage your friends and family who may not be aware... Keep going until we win.” 

 More Than Land at Stake 

The Senate’s proposal sidesteps public input and the process for selling public lands established by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act nearly 50 years ago. It also bypasses the bipartisan Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA), which ensures that proceeds from public land sales are reinvested in conservation and public access.  

Beyond the unprecedented selloff, the legislation includes multiple rollbacks BHA strongly opposes:  

Reversing protections that blocked construction of the private 211-mile Ambler Road through Alaska’s Brooks Range—threatening the Western Arctic Caribou Herd and one of the greatest wildlife migrations in North America;  

Mandating new oil and gas leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge;  

Eliminating critical reforms that curtailed speculative, noncompetitive oil and gas leasing on public lands.  

BHA is calling on Congress to reject these provisions and urges its members and supporters across the nation to contact their elected officials, utilizing
BHA’s dedicated Action Center here.


June 20th 2025

NEW MEXICO WILDLIFE FEDERATION NEWS ALERT

Public Lands Rally June 23 in Santa Fe to Oppose Pending Legislation to Sell Federal Lands
The New Mexico Wildlife Federation calls on everyone to attend a rally in Santa Fe on June 23 to show opposition to pending legislation to sell off millions of acres of federal land.
The 2025 meeting of the Western Governors Association will be happening in Santa Fe that day and U.S. Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum is scheduled to attend. We need to send these officials the message that our public lands must stay in public hands.


The federal appropriations bill that's pending Senate calls for the sale of millions of acres of federal land that are administered by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The sale would affect lands in New Mexico and around the West.
"We want everyone in New Mexico, regardless of political party, to show up and oppose this misguided legislation," said Jesse Deubel, NMWF executive director. "This is a grave threat to our state and to our country. We need to fight like hell.
"As New Mexicans, and as Americans, we all rely on public lands to provide hunting and fishing opportunities," Deubel said. "We cherish our public lands for all sorts of recreation, and for the solitude they provide.They're a priceless part of our heritage, and we have the obligation to turn them over to future generations better than we found them."
New Mexico's entire congressional delegation opposes the land sale provision. New Mexicans still have the opportunity to reach out to friends and family members in other states to ask them to contact their congressional delegation and demand they oppose this.
The NMWF calls on all hunters to attend the Santa Fe rally dressed in hunting camouflage clothing to send a clear message of who we are and where we stand.
Many other conservation groups are also encouraging their membership to attend. The NMWF is looking for a large turnout to send a clear message to the visiting governors and the interior secretary.  
"Future generations will never forgive us if we snooze on the sidelines while this epic ripoff sails through," Deubel said. "We need to fight, and we need to win.".
                                                                                   "
SUPPORT OUR WORK"



​​June 6th,2025

From: Senator Martin Heinrich <donotreply@heinrich.senate.gov>
To: secretary@bchnm.org
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 at 08:40:24 AM MDT
Subject: Responding to your message

June 9, 2025
Dear Ms. Michele Odom,

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are illegally dismembering our federal programs, undercutting the critical services that millions of Americans rely on daily. From the Senate floor to the evening news to legislative efforts, I have repeatedly expressed my disgust at what President Trump and Mr. Musk are doing. That includes Republican schemes to sell off public lands to fund tax handouts for billionaires.
Our public lands are owned and loved by all Americans. They fuel our thriving outdoor recreation economy in New Mexico and across the West and sustain outdoor traditions like hunting, fishing, and camping that are the pillars of Western culture. I deeply appreciate just how special and irreplaceable our public lands are to our way of life and our livelihoods in New Mexico. I am extremely concerned that Republicans' reconciliation bill could include provisions to sell off our public land to wealthy out-of-state landowners, who will be able to turn our most beloved and sacred public lands into their fenced-off private resorts. Using public land sales as a revenue source sets a dangerous precedent that puts our most treasured outdoor spaces at risk. For these reasons, protecting our public lands is among my top priorities as your senator and Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. 
On April 4, 2025, Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and I led an amendment to the Senate’s budget resolution to prevent the privatization of our public lands. This amendment would have blocked Republicans' public land sell offs as a way to generate revenue. Unfortunately, it failed by a vote of 48–51. Although the vote on our amendment failed, the amendment reinforces our commitment to protecting America’s public lands from short-sighted exploitation and keeping them in public hands for future generations to enjoy. These lands are not just economic assets, they are vital spaces for recreation, conservation, wildlife habitat, and cultural heritage. I will continue to fight against any attempts to turn public treasures into private profits and ensure that our public land remains open and accessible for all.
Thank you for reaching out to me on this important issue. Your experiences, ideas, thoughts, and concerns inform my work and decisions. I hope you will write me again on this or any other issues that are important to you.
For more information and additional details about legislation, please visit my website,  You can also follow me on Twitter (@SenatorHeinrich) and join me on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorHeinrich.

Sincerely,
MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator
MH/ms


June 6th, 2025
From: Senator Ben Ray Lujan <donotreply@lujan.senate.gov>
To: secretary@bchnm.org
Sent: Friday, June 6, 2025 at 04:54:24 PM MDT
Subject: Message from Senator Ben Ray Lujan
June 6, 2025

Dear Ms. Michele Odom,
Thank you for reaching out to my office. Keeping in touch with my constituents is my greatest priority, and I appreciate the opportunity to engage with you on such an important topic.
Our public lands, including our national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and conservation lands are American treasures that have received decades of bipartisan support. Locally led conservation efforts can provide a sustainable economic base for rural communities while preserving important traditions and safeguarding nature. To ensure our natural spaces can be enjoyed for generations to come, we need to mitigate and compensate for the ecological disruption resulting from climate change, deforestation, land use conversion, and irresponsible resource extraction and development.
Unfortunately, President Trump and Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” have recklessly fired the federal employees that are tasked with protecting the public lands that many New Mexicans enjoy. President Trump has also paused and terminated funding agreements that fund critical public land conservation and restoration projects across the state. As a result of these unconstitutional actions, New Mexicans and Americans across the country have experienced long wait times accessing National Parks and watched as important public land conservation and restoration projects have stalled.
On February 20, 2025, I co-led an amendment to the Senate Republican’s Budget Resolution to reverse these Trump and Musk-led layoffs and rehire the federal workers in charge of safeguarding our nation’s public lands. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans blocked my proposal and the amendment failed by a vote of 52-48. In response to the unconstitutional funding freezes, I have also sent multiple letters to the Trump Administration making it clear that Congress holds the power of the purse.
President Trump has also signaled that he intends to sell off public lands to fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. Our public lands are not – and should not be – up for sale. For this reason, on April 4, 2025, I voted for an amendment to the Senate Republican’s Budget Resolution to prohibit President Trump from privatizing America’s public lands. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans again blocked the amendment by a vote of 53-46. Please rest assured that I will continue to fight to keep our public lands accessible to all.
Beyond pushing back against President Trump’s actions, protecting and conserving public lands remains one of my top priorities. This Congress, I am proud to have led the New Mexico delegation to reintroduce the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act to protect Chaco Canyon and the greater landscape surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. This legislation will prevent future leasing and development of oil, gas, and minerals on federal lands that are located within a 10-mile buffer zone around the park. This proposed Chaco Protection Zone will preserve the ancestral sites and cultural patrimony in and around Chaco Canyon. I was glad to see that the Biden Administration put in place a 20-year oil and gas leasing ban in and around the Chaco Canyon and I am working to ensure that President Trump upholds these protections.
I continue to oppose efforts to open up our natural spaces to irresponsible resource extraction. This Congress, I introduced the Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act, which updates a mining law from 1872 that has allowed mining companies to exploit public resources for free, pass environmental costs onto taxpayers, and engage in speculation with minimal government oversight. I am also proud to have joined the New Mexico delegation in re-introducing the Pecos Watershed Protection Act. The delegation introduced this legislation after President Trump confirmed that it will reverse the U.S. Forest Service’s decision under the Biden Administration to protect the Upper Pecos Watershed from new mining operations. In addition to advocating for passage of the Pecos Watershed Protection Act, I will continue to press the Trump Administration to not walk back this withdrawal. These efforts build on years of relentless advocacy from the community to safeguard the Upper Pecos Watershed from all mineral development and we can’t afford to lose the progress made. 
I am also proud to support the Buffalo Tract Protection Act  and legislation to establish the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness in Taos County. In addition, I support the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act, which would maintain funding for conservation and cultural programs in northern New Mexico, as well as the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act, which would establish protections for the Gila River, its watershed, and the surrounding landscape.
Once again, thank you for expressing your concerns on this important matter. I am humbled to serve New Mexico in the Senate, and I look forward to continuing to hear from you. I hope you will consider keeping in contact with me by subscribing to my newsletter. If you are looking for assistance navigating a federal agency, or would like to speak to a member of my staff in New Mexico, please visit my website  for more information.

                                 Sincerely,
                                 Ben Ray Luján
                                 United States Senator



December 23, 2024

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Management Plan

The Bureau of Land Management, Taos Field Office announce the approval of a Monument Management Plan for Río Grande del Norte National Monument. They followed the Presidential Proclamation precluding motorized trails within the monument.  We thank the BLM for following protocol .

August 5, 2024

Albuquerque Open Space Meeting

After drafting  letters and petitions to the councilors objecting and asking them to put this amendment on hold until further transparency is given to the public.  They rejected the offer.  However, they left it up to City Parks and Recreational Department to trail layouts.  City Parks and Recreation did disallowed e-bikes on certain trails of interest to us. 


We thank everyone who signed the petition and wrote letters to the City Council. 

May 2024-

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Management Plan


The National Monument area of the Rio Grande del Norte is changing their plan to allow e-bikes on all trails.  However as noted in all National Monuments : 
Final NEPA# DOI-BLM-NM-F020-2020-0015-EA

After further, careful review, the BLM recognizes that the Presidential Proclamation that established Rio Grande del Norte National Monument precludes motorized trails within the Monument. Therefore, e-bikes are permitted to be used only on roads designated OHV Open. 


Public comment until May 23, 2024

https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2024165/510


March 2024-

National Economic Impact Study of the US Horse Industry

Our partners, the American Horse Council (AHC) and the AHC Foundation, recently released their highly-anticipated National Economic Impact Study of the US Horse Industry. AHC conducts the rigorous survey roughly every five years. BCHA is one of many organizations that provides financial contributions to assist the extensive research necessary to produce the report. The latest results highlight the significant and growing contributions to the US economy that result from the multi-faceted equine industry. 

AHC’s report includes a comprehensive overview of economic benefits and trends within the recreation sector, which the report describes as “the largest sector of the horse industry”—larger than the US competition and racing sectors. The report will serve as an important frame of reference for AHC, BCHA and partners when shared with elected officials, state and federal land management agencies, and the tourism industry. 

Importantly, the report notes that trail riding is enjoyed by 9.8% of the US population, or by about 13 million households. The vast majority of trail riders, 87%, utilize public lands. According to the report:

“The recreation sector supports more than 277,000 direct jobs and adds $14.5 billion in direct value to the national economy. These direct impacts drive a further $22 billion in added value to the economy and more than 189,000 jobs from indirect and induced effects.”


February 2024-​SB9

The "Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund" passed and was signed by the governor.  Thank you to all who help get the vote out!   Now fully funded to 10 State programs  which include forest restoration, building trails, and emergency relief for wildfires. 


February 2023 -BLM Socorro Public Comment

​​Re: DOI:BCM-NM-A020-0037-EA
The Socorro office  has completed an EA for trails that connect the Socorro Rodeo and Sport Complex to Box Canyon Recreation Area, and the trail is currently open for Non-Motorized multi-use.  They have proposed some different stacked loops, as well as a potential way of connecting down to the Bosque trail system using a cement culvert under I-25.  They are asking for allowance for class 1,2,&3 E-bike use on these non-motorized trails and are planning a total of 500 miles of trails for future use.  Public comment is until Feb. 24,2023.  Please go to this link and give your opinion.  BCHNM is in support of the trail system, however non-motorized trails are just that non-motorized, and the new ruling down from BLM 43 CFR 8340.0-5(a) allows the overseeing managers to decide whether to allow e-bikes on non-motorized trails. Say no to e-bikes on trails for equine, hikers, and mountain bikers.  Follow this link: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2022862/510
 

October 2022 -

 NM Outdoor Economics Conference

NMOE was held in Taos from Oct 5-7, 2022. They had an attendance of 350 people.  Many dignitaries were there such as county, state, federal, and outdoor groups such as fish, bicycling, hunting, and more.  A new state division started in 2017,  NM Outdoor Recreation Division is starting a campaign called, “Slow & Say Hello!”  instead of the traditional triangle design on right of way.   The main goal is to eliminate conflict with users. 


Also noted,  the Horse Thief Mesa Trail will be part of the Rio Grande Trail. Also, a few equestrian trails are being designed in the Carson National Forest Area. Construction to begin on the parking lot in Summer of 2023. The Enchanted Circle Trails Association attended and have several trails for horses and would love to have a group adopt a trail for maintenance.  They are all National Forest or Wilderness areas and he’s done all the paperwork to have it done.  In return, you’ll get signage identifying your group.

On the San Lorenzo trail near Socorro, the state is working on making it an example of an “Adaptive Trail System” throughout the state.  They are looking at state lands and seeing which ones can be converted for trail use. They are also working on the Petroglyphs trail as well.  The minimum time frame from start to finish is 4 years. 


May 2021- Horse Thief Mesa TMP

Horse Thief Mesa is part of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, BLM, and US Forest Lands.  They are revising their plans to allow a variety of trails to run together.  As equestrians we are concerned with over lapping with motor vehicles and the layout of the parking areas.  We voiced our concerns and revisions were made.


After review of the public comments, the agency chose Alternative E, which approves 14 miles of new trail segments contingent upon pending surveys that provide for the avoidance of important cultural and biological resources and the completion of respective consultations with Native American Tribes, the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as required by law.

The decision also includes limiting motorized travel to 6.34 miles of routes to maintain access for fishing, hunting, fuelwood collection, and other uses, while closing approximately 10 miles of largely redundant two-track routes.and as of January 2024 they have received access for the parking area and working on completing


Update: In January 2024 they gained access to National Forest Lands, and with additional funding will complete the parking area.


August 18, 2020 - Hale Lake Management EA

BCHNM responded to the Hale Lake Area Management Public Comment period in the Smokey Bear Ranger District in the Lincoln National Forest.  The Plan proposed giving special designation to e-Bikes to non-motorized trails. BCHNM opposes motorized bicycles (e-bikes) onto trails that are intended to be shared by hikers, equestrians, and others.  Our primary concerns were safety, potential impacts of e-bike use, not supporting the EA analysis of the Forest Service policy, and the main fact is an e-bike is motorized and should not be on a non-motorized trail. 


Final Decision: Successful

Hale Lake responded with eliminating e-bikes from non-motorized trails.


April 10, 2020 - Revision of Forest Plan for the Gila National Forest

Backcountry Horsemen stated the following : 

  • Building partnerships and volunteerism in assisting with the planning and maintenance of all trail systems.  A well distributed trail system should be maintained to protect the opportunities for solitude, to implement and maintain the purpose of the wilderness, and not be limited.  In 2019, the Gila chapter cleared trees and maintained 135 miles of trail in the Gila. Many of those severely degraded. 

  • Continuing to maintain historic structures such as the log cabin at Mogollon Baldy,  Hillsboro Peak, and White Creek cabin.


Final Decision : Feb. 1 2025