In this edition of Around the Forest, we visit some recent June highlights.
GILA WILDERNESS CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF SOLITUDE The Gila Wilderness, located in southwestern New Mexico’s Gila National Forest, is a remarkable and vast expanse of protected land that holds a special place in the history of conservation and outdoor recreation in the United States. Established in 1924, the Gila Wilderness was the world's first designated wilderness area, predating the Wilderness Act of 1964, which paved the way for the creation of many other Wilderness areas across the country. www.fs.usda.gov/features/gila-wilderness
IMPROVING THE AFFORDABILITY OF FOREST SERVICE HOUSING Chief Moore alongside Secretary Vilsack and Under Secretary Wilkes announced a temporary housing refund that we estimate will benefit 4,500-5,500 employees in Forest Service housing through the end of fiscal year 2024. www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/leadership/update-housing-improving-affordability-forest-service-housingquarters
PIRATES ISLAND RESCUE AT LOWER SALT RIVER ON JUNE 14, 2024 On June 14, 2024, Tonto National Forest Law Enforcement Officers, Special Agents and a Patrol Captain rescued over 100 stranded tubers at Pirates Island along the Lower Salt River in Mesa Ranger District. These tubers had fallen off their tubes and were caught in debris and overgrowth from large tree branches, which jutted 10-15 feet over and into the water, obstructing the passage. czcams.com/video/KNp40w_35SE/video.html
NATIONAL GRASSLANDS WEEK! JUNE 16 - 22, 2024 These wind-swept seas of grass and wildflowers-four million acres in all-have witnessed the pageant of the frontier, the Dust Bowl, and the dramatic recovery into a great national treasure. www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/national-forests-grasslands/national-grasslands