Visitors to Lake Roberts Ignoring Basics of Public Hygiene Silver City, NM, April 28, 2020 -- The Gila National Forest wants to thank the visiting public for respecting the campfire ban. Even though our visitors are being careful by not using campfires, they are showing some disrespect for basics of public hygiene. Law enforcement and recreation patrols reported additional examples of visitor misuse, including garbage left behind and piles of human waste outside locked toilet facilities. “The health and safety of our employees and the public remain our top priority in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Forest Supervisor Adam Mendonca said. “That priority is severely compromised when members of the public are irresponsible and leave trash and ignore the basics of public hygiene.” Managers on the Gila NF understand that many people are seeking solace in the outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic, but with recreation opportunities come responsibilities. While most visitors follow current health guidelines and recreate responsibly, the few who don’t endanger themselves and others. The Forest Service has implemented closure orders in alignment with federal guidance and state public health orders to limit the spread of COVID-19. Although the forest remains open to the public, social distancing and restrictions on group size still apply. In addition, the increased risk that cleaning up fecal matter and toilet paper to the Forest Service employees involves may require that Lake Roberts boat docks and fishing area be closed to the public. If you plan to visit the national forest, please be considerate of others, including the residents of gateway communities like Mimbres and Silver City. Avoid unnecessary exposure and follow the rules and guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/gila or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.



