Glenwood Catwalk

Catwalk Recreation Area Scheduled to Reopen

Glenwood, NM; March 3, 2014 – The Gila National Forest is planning to reopen the Catwalk Recreation Area in conjunction with the Glenwood Dutch Oven Cook-Off April 5, 2014. This follows efforts by U.S. Forest Service and N.M. Department of Transportation personnel to improve road conditions along N.M. Highway 174, remove debris from picnic areas, and clear approximately ½ mile of the historic trail.

Debbie Cress, Glenwood District Ranger says, “Thanks to cooperation and coordination between state and federal agencies, we were able to accomplish a great deal of work in January and February.” The public is encouraged to visit and appreciate the beautiful scenery and trees along the creek. This will be a great opportunity for a trip to enjoy the Catwalk and all that the Glenwood area has to offer.

Short-term work to restore the Catwalk area includes:

• Completed channel work to return Whitewater Creek flows to the upper low water crossing. 
• Cleared sediment, logs, and other debris away from picnic tables.  
• Cleared landslides and stabilized handrails along the historic trail from the picnic area to the steps constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). 
• Removed metal debris from the picnic area and channel.

Installation of interpretive signs and removal of hazardous trees will occur in March prior to reopening the trail. The closure of the universally accessible trail and Whitewater Creek from the CCC steps to the junction of Gold Dust Trail #41 will remain in effect following reopening of the lower portion of Catwalk National Recreation Trail. Cress adds that the Forest Service intends to continue working with community members and interested agencies throughout the upcoming months to develop a long-term plan for the Catwalk.


Please contact the Glenwood Ranger District office for further information, (575) 539-2481.

Punky Moore
Acting Public Affairs Officer
Gila NF
575-388-8367

Catwalk Fundraiser Nov 23

Catwalk Fundraiser Dinner/Dance 

Saturday, November 23, 3-7 PM

Uncle Bill's Bar, Reserve NM

Hello my name is Leisil Luera and we are putting on a benefit dinner and dance in Reserve, NM at Uncle Bills Bar for the Catwalk that was damaged in the flood in September. The Catwalk in Glenwood is a very historic site in our rural county in NM. This attraction brings 20,000 to 30,000 people a year to our small county. The Catwalk is a very beneficial asset and brings much needed revenue to all of our local businesses. It is also a place that so many love to visit throughout the whole year. It is in terrible shape since the flood, so we are hoping to help reopen this wonderful site. 

The benefit, at Uncle Bill's Bar, will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 23. The minimum to attend the benefit is $10, this includes dinner as well as the dance, if anyone would like to donate more they are welcome to. If you cannot make it and would like to donate please send donations to Uncle Bill's Bar 230 N Main, Reserve, NM 87830. ID is required to enter the benefit.

If anyone has questions call Uncle Bill's Bar at 575 533 6369 or 575 5381582

Uncle Bill's Bar also has a Facebook page

Catwalk Receives Major Flood Damage

Glenwood, NM; September 19, 2013—Preliminary assessment of flood damage to the popular Catwalk National Recreation Trail has determined that major damage has occurred due to the recent unusually intense rainstorms in the area. The entire Catwalk area will remain closed indefinitely due to the inaccessibility of the area.

N.M. Highway 174 to the Catwalk is impassable due to landslides, damage to the highway and high water levels at the low water crossings. Water levels in Whitewater Canyon remain high and dangerous. Complete assessment of the Catwalk and Whitewater Picnic Area will occur when it is safe to do so and access has been restored. 

“Decisions about reopening the facility will wait until safe vehicle access has been restored and the entire trail has been evaluated as the full extent and severity of the damage to the Catwalk is unknown at this time,” District Ranger Pat Morrison said.

The National Weather Service indicates that very little additional rainfall is needed to trigger flooding. Despite the overall decrease in rain activity, flood advisories or warnings can still be expected.

Flood damage to the Catwalk area at this time includes:

• Portions of the Civilian Conservation Corps rock stairs were damaged including the trail’s metal grillwork.
• A 30 foot section of the cement bridge that crosses Whitewater Creek has been washed away. 
• Several landslides and rockslides have occurred along both the “universal trail” and the “old” trail 
• Debris including trees, branches, boulders, rocks and sediment are present in the Whitewater Picnic Area, parking area, and access road.

“I know this is a huge disappointment to everyone especially since the Catwalk trail had been recently restored and re-opened to the Octagon. My main focus at this time is the protection of life and property,” adds Ranger Morrison. Please contact the Glenwood Ranger District office for further information, 575.539.2481.

Andrea G. Martinez
Public Affairs Officer
GILA NATIONAL FOREST
3005 Camino del Bosque
Silver City, NM 88061
575.388.8211 office
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GilaForestPAO
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gilaforest/sets/

Catwalk’s Recent Rockfall Requires Changes

Glenwood, NM; June 4, 2013—Glenwood District Ranger Pat Morrison has announced that a rockfall that occurred on June 2, 2013, has damaged the rock stairs on the primitive trail and the cliff above the stairs remains unstable. For safety purposes, the Catwalk National Recreation Area is temporarily closed from the head of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) stairs (approximately ¼ mile from the parking lot) to the end of the trail. This includes the suspended portion of the trail and all of the trail in the upper canyon.

“Although this recent rockfall requires the temporary closure of the Catwalk, the Whitewater Picnic Area remains open for day-use. The ¼ mile portion of the trail leading from the picnic area to the closure gate can still be enjoyed for a brief walk and view of the canyon area, and its many trees and vegetation,” says Ranger Morrison.

Ranger Morrison adds, “I appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding of this recent event.  The unstable cliff above the trail presents a serious hazard for visitors and until the rockfall can be removed and the cliff evaluated for further rockfall potential, the trail will remain closed.”

The accessible trail remains closed pending completion of the safety inspection and maintenance contract for the rock face area above the trail. The Glenwood Ranger District is working with Catron County and the local community to develop alternatives to manage the Catwalk during the monsoon season.

Please contact the Glenwood District office, (575) 539-2481, for updated information prior to visiting the area. Further  information may also be obtained from the forest website:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila

Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place for the Gila National Forest!

Andrea G. Martinez
Public Affairs Officer
Gila National Forest
3005 E. Camino del Bosque
Silver City, NM  88061
  575.388.8211 office
 575.388.8204 fax
Twitter:  @GilaForestPAO

Gila NF: Another Portion of the Catwalk Expected to be Re-Opened

Glenwood, NM; May 17, 2013— Work is going full steam ahead for re-opening an additional portion of the popular Catwalk National Recreation Trail located on the Glenwood Ranger District, Gila National Forest. Forest employees, many of them firefighting personnel, are working to replace an additional ¼ mile of the trail up to the octagon (the 8-sided view area) in hopes of having work completed by Memorial Day weekend. “Although we are working towards this date, we may face some challenges with fire season upon us,” says Pat Morrison, Glenwood District Ranger. No fees are currently being charged at the Catwalk. Once the new toilet is installed, the $3.00 per vehicle fee may be reinstated.

 

“The Forest Service is supportive of the Catwalk restoration recognizing its popularity among local citizens and tourists from throughout the country and internationally; the local economies of the Glenwood area and Catron County are also of high value to us,” adds Ranger Morrison.

On May 26, 2012, the Catwalk and Whitewater Picnic Area were closed due to public safety concerns from the Whitewater-Baldy Fire Complex, the largest wildland fire in New Mexico history. Since October 6, 2012, the Catwalk trail has been partially re-opened from ¼ mile from the picnic area, including the portion of the picnic area located at the Catwalk entrance.

During times of rain events, it will be necessary to temporarily close the opened portions of the  Catwalk recreation area due to potential flashfloods and flooding. 

For other fun activities in the Glenwood area, a glimpse back in time of a historic mining community can be enjoyed at the Ghost Town of Mogollon. There are also a number of historical sites including Cooney’s Tomb, WS Cemetery and Meador’s stage stop.

Free camping opportunities are available at the Bighorn Campground and the  Hot Springs Trailhead both near Glenwood plus Pueblo Park Campground, 20 miles northwest of Glenwood.

The Blue Range Wilderness, one of the three wilderness areas on the Forest, offers abundant opportunities for hiking and solitude. From west of the San Francisco River, the road system provides opportunities for ATV rides, including some loop rides.

Please contact the Glenwood Ranger District, 575.539.2481, for further information.