Rio Grande Bosque Projects
The Latest News
Jetty Jack Removal from Campbell to Montaño
The Open Space Division, working with contractors, will remove jetty jacks starting October 13, 2026, on the east side of the Rio Grande, south of Montaño Road and north of Campbell Road. Jetty jacks are associated with twentieth-century river management and flood control activities. However, as fires increase in the Bosque, jetty jacks can impede safe access for firefighting, public safety, and fire suppression efforts. The project includes removing wires and cables, and then the entire jacks. There will be trail closures throughout the duration of the project, which will be posted on this website and along the trail.
Alameda Open Space Solar Project
The Water Authority, in partnership with the City of Albuquerque (CABQ), will begin a project to install solar-covered parking at the Alameda Open Space beginning on June 22, 2026. The CABQ Environmental Planning Commission approved and permitted this project on November 17, 2022, as part of a larger effort to improve this outdoor recreational space by increasing shade, expanding educational opportunities for the community, and reducing energy use. The solar-covered parking will offset about 35% of the Water Authority’s electricity use at the Raw Water Pump Station, and CABQ Parks & Recreation plans to improve the landscaping and public amenities in the area after the project is completed. Site improvements include a new irrigation system and planting trees and shrubs; installing shade structures, outdoor furnishings, and educational signs; and improving trails. For more information, visit the Water Utility Authority Open Solar webpage.
Download the Construction Notice here
Latest News on the Alameda Solar Project
Bosque Projects
The Rio Grande Valley State Park, also referred to as the Rio Grande Bosque, runs the length of the Rio Grande through the heart of Albuquerque and includes 20 miles (4,300 acres) of a protected cottonwood gallery forest. The City of Albuquerque’s Open Space Division (OSD) manages the Rio Grande Bosque through a Joint Powers Agreement with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District. This major green belt provides vital services for the community and ecosystem, including critical water resources, carbon sequestration, cultural and historical connections, and habitat for numerous rare and iconic species. The Bosque also provides a variety of low-impact outdoor recreation activities to residents and visitors, including bird watching, hiking, biking, water sports, and education opportunities.
The City’s Open Space Division (OSD) is working on several projects to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildland fires in the Rio Grande Bosque and to make it safer for firefighters to quickly respond when fires occur. These projects address the concerns of firefighters and local residents expressed over the past year. The OSD is also continuing to promote a healthy ecosystem and support wildlife habitat through a variety of ongoing efforts.
Jetty Jack Removal
The US Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation began installing jetty jacks in the Bosque in the 1950s to limit flooding from the Rio Grande. By 1962, a total of 115,000 jetty jacks had been installed. Past efforts by the OSD and other partners have removed jetty jacks that are no longer serving as necessary flood-control structures, but many still remain and pose serious impediments to firefighters. When fires occur in the Bosque, a quick response is the best defense against a large-scale incident. However, firefighters cannot effectively move through areas with jetty jacks, especially at night. The OSD and MRGCD hired youth crews to start removing dangerous wires from the jetty jacks. The OSD also worked with the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division to obtain clearance to remove jetty jacks in several areas, and will work to remove the jetty jacks over the next couple of years. The three areas the OSD and partners will focus on include Montaño Rd. to Campbell Rd. on the east side of the Rio Grande, southwest of Av. Dolores Huerta, and northeast of Rio Bravo Blvd. The OSD has also been working with the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove jetty jacks southwest of Central Blvd.
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 in high-priority areas from Montaño Rd. to Campbell Rd. on the east side of the Rio Grande. The project began on March 30, 2026, and included a small 18-acre demonstration area in the first phase. The remaining area will be treated later this fall and into next year, following the migratory bird nesting season. The treatment will include removing invasive tree species and dead and downed woody material. Following the initial treatment, work will continue in the area and include removing invasive resprouts and planting native vegetation that supports wildlife habitat.
The City of Albuquerque Open Space Division and partners held two public meetings about the hazardous fuels reduction and restoration project from Campbell to Montano.
The public meeting on September 3, 2026 was a panel discussion with Q&A with audience members. See the video here: Public Meeting Video
The public meeting on June 3, 2026 included partner presentations and breakout sessions with audience members. See the video here, along with the presentations below:
September 3, 2026 video here
June 3, 2026 video here
RGNCSP Presentation, Open Space Division (OSD)
Bosque Presentation, Albuquerque Fire & Rescue (AFR)
Bosque Forestry Management, New Mexico State Forestry (NMSF)
Wildlife Habitat, (OSD)
Campbell to Montano, Ciudad Soil & Water Conservation District (CSWCD)
The OSD will also continue fuel reduction, retreatments, and planting native plants along Central Blvd. on the east and west sides of the river. This is part of a larger Habitat Action Plan following a FEMA-funded hazardous fuels reduction in 2024. Additionally, the OSD is working with the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove woody invasive species and Ravenna grass. These invasive plants contribute to wildfires, and plants like Ravenna grass tend to burn very hot and serve as ladder fuels. Removing these invasives while planting native plants promotes a healthy ecosystem where wildlife can thrive in plant communities they have long adapted to.
Public Comments
For more information, contact the Bosque Manager at (505) 768-4204 or email [email protected].
Wildlife Habitat and Stewardship
The OSD initially worked with GeoSystems Analysis to conduct a detailed study of the existing conditions in the project area (Montaño Rd. to Campbell Rd.) and to develop 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. This will be implemented after the fuel reduction project, utilizing a combination of staff, volunteers, and youth crews. The OSD also works with biologists to assess project areas for wildlife habitat, including bird nesting areas, during the implementation of the fuel reduction and jetty jack removal projects. Trees or areas identified as habitat are left alone, along with a 50 ft buffer.
Every year, the 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, the OSD has worked with 788 students and 114 adults to plant trees and shrubs in the Bosque. The OSD also launched the Bosque Stewards volunteer program last year and now has 38 dedicated volunteers who are helping with ongoing restoration events. Additionally, the OSD works with the Albuquerque Fire and Rescue on a Fire Watch training for volunteers. To learn more and become a volunteer, reach out to Jonathan Donovan: j[email protected].