Bosque Restoration and Fire Prevention Work Underway

ALBUQUERQUE - The Parks & Recreation Department’s (PRD) Open Space Division (OSD) has begun work to reduce fire risk, make firefighter response easier, and help restore native habitat in the Rio Grande bosque.

“Protecting the bosque requires real action, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This work ensures one of Albuquerque’s most precious natural spaces flourishes for generations to come.”

“These projects are especially important to protect our beloved bosque as the City is experiencing record temperatures and extremely dry conditions,” said PRD Director Dave Simon “We want to be ready for what could be a challenging fire season.”

Jetty Jack Removal 

Jetty jacks are metal structures, often connected by thick wire, that were placed in the bosque decades ago to control the river channel. Unfortunately, they hinder movement of firefighters and equipment in the area, especially at night. OSD will work with Youth Conservation Corps crews to clear wires in preparation for removal of jetty jacks in three areas: Campbell Road to Montaño on the east side of the river, south of Bridge on the west side, and north of Rio Bravo on the east side.

Hazardous Fuels Reduction

OSD is partnering with the New Mexico State Forestry Division and Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District to treat up to 126 acres on the east side of the Rio Grande (from Campbell to Montaño). The project’s first phase starts the week of March 30, with treatment of a small demonstration area of around 20 acres. The rest will be treated in fall 2026 and spring 2027 following migratory bird nesting season. Treatment includes removing invasive tree species and dead and downed woody material. Follow-up will involve retreating resprouts of invasive species and planting native vegetation for wildlife habitat. OSD will offer walking tours of the demonstration area to answer the public's questions about these types of projects and explain ways to get involved through programs like FireWatch and Bosque Stewards.

Wildlife Habitat and Stewardship

OSD completed a detailed study of existing conditions between Campbell and Montaño to guide a long-term plan to improve wildlife habitat while minimizing wildfire risk. This information was then used to develop a more specific hazardous fuels reduction plan in collaboration with the NM State Forestry Division and the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District. The plan identifies where ongoing weed mitigation is needed as well as ideal locations for seeding and planting native shrubs and trees to support a variety of wildlife. OSD will implement this work after the fuel reduction project with a combination of staff, volunteers, and youth crews. OSD also works with biologists to assess project areas for wildlife habitat, including bird nesting areas, and will do biological monitoring during the fuel reduction and jetty jack removal projects. Trees or areas identified as habitat are left alone along with a 50-foot buffer.

Every year OSD and Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District work with hundreds of students and volunteers to plant native trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers in the bosque. This past winter, OSD had help from 788 students and 114 adults to plant trees and shrubs in the bosque. They also launched the Bosque Stewards volunteer program last year and now have 38 dedicated volunteers helping with ongoing restoration. OSD coordinates with Albuquerque Fire and Rescue as well on a fire watch training for volunteers. To learn more or volunteer, contact Jonathan Donovan, [email protected]

Fuel Reduction Trail Closures: Cutting and removing invasive trees and dead wood in an 18-acre area north of Campbell and west of the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park will actively start March 30 and be complete by April 15.

To learn more about these projects, visit: https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/bosque-thinning-project