Metropolitan Open Space
PLEASE READ THE CLOSURE SECTION BEFORE VENTURING INTO THE BOSQUE OR OTHER RECREATIONAL AREAS
CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE OPEN SPACE DIVISION
Open Space works to acquire and protect the natural character of land designated as major public Open Space in the 1988 revised City of Albuquerque Comprehensive Plan. These lands, which are comprised of over 28,000 acres in and around Albuquerque, are managed to conserve natural and archeological resources, provide opportunities for outdoor education, provide a place for high and low impact recreation, and define the edges of the urban environment.
Officers from the Albuquerque Police Department patrol Open Space areas by foot, vehicle, horseback, and mountain bicycle. These fully commissioned law enforcement officers make contact with the public to educate and oversee compliance with rules and regulations. Their dual mission is to protect the Open Space lands and resources while ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit. In addition to these officers, Open Space lands are regularly monitored by volunteers, who are trained to observe and protect the natural characteristics of the environment.
BERNALILLO COUNTY OPEN SPACE
Bernalillo County Open Space Mission:
These lands are acquired and managed to conserve natural and cultural resources, and provide opportunities for education and recreation and to shape the urban environment.
CORRALES BOSQUE PRESERVE
The Corrales Bosque Preserve is a narrow riverside strip of relatively natural cottonwood forest and associated habitats along the Rio Grande within the boundaries of the Village of Corrales that is managed by the Village as a Wildlife Preserve according to Village Ordinance 234. It is located between the river and the levee and is bounded on the north by the Corrales Siphon and on the south by the Alameda Bridge.
What is a “bosque”? It is a Spanish word meaning forest or woodland, used here to describe a forest or woodland on the riparian floodplain. The Village of Corrales recognized the value of the bosque and annexed it into the Village in 1975; in 1978 it was declared a protected area. The mission of the Corrales Bosque Preserve, stated in Ordinance 234, is to preserve and protect the natural and native conditions, habitat, and wildlife in the Preserve in order to assure that an increasing human population does not adversely affect or otherwise change the Rio Grande bosque within the village, leaving no areas preserved and protected in their natural condition.
Latest News
April ’24 Construction Recap
A 2024 construction recap from MRGCD's engineering team at the April board meeting.
April Water Report
Click on the image to view the April 2024 Irrigation/Hydrology Update.
Notice: Corrales Pumps Repaired
Video: Unauthorized Vehicles Not Allowed on MRGCD Property
Public Meeting: Belen Watershed Flood Protection Project
March 2024 Water Outlook Report
This video is a presentation of the February MRGCD water report. The presentation was made during the February board meeting by Anne Marken, who oversees MRGCD’s water operations.
MRGCD Construction Update – February 2024
This presentation was given by Alicia Lopez, MRGCD engineering and mapping manager, during the 2024 February board meeting; it highlights major construction projects throughout the District.
2024 Irrigation Season Starts Feb 26
Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District Announces Start of 2024 Irrigation Season Water managers will begin charging the irrigation system on February 26 Albuquerque, NM – Water managers at the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District are preparing for the...
MRGCD Introduces New Water Gauging Website
This is an instructional video on MRGCD’s new water gauge website – it’s user friendly and a great way for middle Rio Grande valley water users (and anyone else) to monitor flow data, upstream levels and more.
The new website can be found here: https://mrgcd.onerain.com/.
Farmers Meeting Informational Video
Beginning in November of 2023, the MRGCD board and staff began visiting counties throughout the District to meet with MRGCD farmers and irrigators. This video is a brief overview of what has been covered at those meetings.