Summary
The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) in cooperation with United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began cleanup and clearing of the Atrisco Riverside Drain rights of way owned by the MRGCD; and is included in the Bosque Revitalization @ Route 66 Project. .
The Bosque Revitalization @Route 66 Project is a 643 acre site.
The project included 370 acres of improvements within the active river channel and 273 acres within the Bosque. The estimated cost for these improvements was $6.6 million. The project was conducted under the authority of Section 1135 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-662). The
MRGCD was the local sponsor for this much needed project and will contributed more than $2,000,000 of its funds in cash and in-kind services. The USACE was the Federal Sponsor responsible for design and construction of the project. The Bosque Revitalization @Route 66 Project provided fuel reduction and thinning of non-native vegetation. The project required removal of existing jetty jacks, old concrete rubble, debris and trash that has been accumulating over the years and had become an eyesore. The project,completed in May 2011, provides recreational amenities and wildlife habitat facilities that people can
cherish for years.
The MRGCD’s work benefits the project and community by cleaning and maintaining the Atrisco Riverside Drain and Levee. The District carefully thinned and removed non-native vegetation, while keeping all cottonwoods, removed concrete rubble, and trash. The MRGCD removed more
than 600 tons of rubble, trash and old broken concrete which had accumulated on the property for many years. More than 3,500 cubic yards of unsuitable earth and dredged material was also removed. The MRGCD also thinned out non- native elm trees which had overgrown on the Atrisco Riverside Drain / Levee and has become a fire hazard. The thinning of non-native vegetation allows existing cottonwoods and willows to flourish and allows for more area to plant native trees and/or plants.
Evidence of drug and alcohol abuse at the property was visible. Transients had been able to dispose of trash and defecate along the drain because the property had become overgrown and secluded. The MRGCD’s work improved wildlife habitat and improved recreational activities that local neighborhoods, families, and people who visit the bosque will enjoy. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District at (505) 247-0234.