New Mexico Veterans Memorial Grounds Temporarily Closed

The City is temporarily closing the grounds of the New Mexico Veterans Memorial, including the amphitheater, effective immediately because of the presence of large number of European Starlings. The non-native, invasive birds, estimated at 50,000, have been using the Memorial as a winter roosting area for several weeks. The presence of this many birds has caused serious maintenance and safety issues. The large amount of droppings has made the grounds unsightly and unusable for the public.

The City is taking a variety of steps to address this situation. Non-lethal methods will be used to disperse the birds and discourage roosting. Once the birds are gone, the City will completely clean and sanitize the Memorial. Displacement of the roost from the Memorial will not negatively affect the birds, which are expected to find another roosting location.

“We regret the inconvenience to the public and the disruption to the birds, but we must take action to protect this sacred space that honors our veterans,” said Parks and Recreation Department Director Dave Simon.

The Parks and Recreation Department is working with the Aviation and Environmental Health Departments to eliminate roosting habitat, remedy unsanitary conditions, and reopen areas closed for public use. The closure is expected to last several weeks. While most of the grounds are closed, the Memorial visitor center will remain open and events scheduled for the visitor center will continue. The Parks and Recreation Department is working with organizations who have scheduled events on the grounds to relocate or reschedule those events.