Portions of the Bosque to Close Temporarily

The City’s Open Space Division (OSD) will be temporarily closing certain trails in the Bosque next week, while City and New Mexico Forestry Division (NMFD) crews treat stumps of invasive trees. This work is part of an ongoing forest health initiative to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. Trail closures will be in place on both sides of the Rio Grande from just north of Central SW, to just south of Bridge SW. Work will begin on Tuesday, October 15, and is scheduled to be completed within a week.

“We’re taking proactive steps to preserve and protect the beauty of the Bosque for Albuquerque’s next generation,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The need now is to reduce fire risk and restore health to the ecosystem in the area.”

OSD and Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) secured a nearly $1 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reduce wildfire risk in the Bosque. OSD completed the first phase of the project in April, treating nearly 200 acres with a focus on removing non-native species. After initial work, the City began implementing a Habitat Action Plan that includes removing and distributing the cut wood and mulch piles, planting native plants with the support of volunteers, and follow-up treatments for invasive tree species. Some invasive species resprouted following initial treatment, so the standard ecological restoration practice is to follow-up with targeted, direct spot treatment of stumps of invasive species (Siberian elm, Salt cedar, Russian olive, and Tree of Heaven) with small amounts of herbicide.

Invasive plants in the Bosque often out-compete native plants, causing negative impacts, including a reduction in plant/animal biodiversity, water availability, and soil health. Invasive plants also grow densely, increasing fire risk.

“Temporary closures for retreatment will be brief and the retreatment is essential to protecting the large initial investment in the project,” said Parks & Recreation Department Director Dave Simon. “We appreciate the public’s patience while we improve the health of the bosque for years to come.”

While crews are working, signs will be posted at affected trails notifying the public about temporary closures. OSD is urging the public to stay out of closed areas. OSD and its partners will continue to reestablish native vegetation in the project area over the next few years so that wildlife can thrive, resulting in greater biodiversity and ecosystem resiliency.

To learn more about the proactive, preventative work, click here. You can find maps, trail etiquette, visitor use and regulations, and information on how to actively participate in the health of the Bosque by becoming a Trail Watch or Fire Watch volunteer through the Open Space website.