Black Fire Recovery

The 2022 Black Fire encompassed 327,263 acres of the Gila National Forest, most of which occurred within the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area. The forest is working with partners, Bat Conservation International, National Forest Foundation, Sierra County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Natural Curiosity to assess and restore damage to rangelands, watersheds, and ecosystems.

In September 2024, the forest and partners completed a Watershed Restoration Action Plan covering three counties and 24 watersheds impacted by the fire or its downstream effects.