By: Onrea Linderoth, City of Albuquerque Open Space Division

The following projects have been implemented in the Rio Grande Valley State Park (RGVSP) in an effort to restore the ecosystem:

1. Alameda/Rio Grande Open Space Wetland: A 5-acre wetland (3.5 surface water acres) was constructed at the Alameda/Rio Grande Open Space property which was jointly purchased by Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque, Open Space Division (OSD). In October, 1998, the wetland construction was completed and the pond was filled with water from the irrigation ditch. Wetland and upland plants were planted in and around the wetland and on the island. Water levels are monitored and replenished when needed. Floating duck nests were installed for resident wildlife. A pair of geese had 6 gosslings this season and are nesting in the irrigation ditch bank. Hopes are to foster additional use by wildlife and allow plants to flourish and provide a haven for its non-human users. Water quality is being monitored and tours are given by a guide only.                                                                                                                                              
2. Pole planting is completed each year by the Division throughout the Park. This year 1107 trees and shrubs were installed including 920 Cottonwood, 95 Black Willow and 92 understory species.                                                                                  
3. Mitigation for the Corrales Levee Rehabilitation project continues in coordination with the Army Corp of Engineers and the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Plant Materials Center. A micro-irrigation experiment has been set up on the west side of the river at the Calabacillas Arroyo. These efforts have fostered natural cottonwood seedling growth and also consisted of weed abatement. This is another of example of restoration that can be utilized. Also within this mitigation, salt cedar removal in a number of areas has occurred. Conglomerations of Tamarix were cut, root ripped, burned and spraying for seedlings followed.                                                                                                                                                 
4. The San Antonio Oxbow properties are currently under pending purchase by the City. The northern portion of the Oxbow is under deed by the Sierra Club Foundation. The deed is being turned over to the City. Two remaining property owners are being negotiated with for purchase by the City. OSD has been actively managing that area since the completion of the San Antonio Arroyo rehabilitation project. OSD is currently working with MRGCD to utilize equipment to remove the silt plug at the north end which will allow water to move through more easily and will also allow easier management of the beaver population and their work.                                                                                                                                           
5. OSD is working with the BioPark on restoration efforts of the Tingley Beach properties and surrounding areas in the Park. Ideas include development of wetland habitat in the Park.                                                                                                          
6. OSD has been participating in the Albuquerque Overbank Project (AOP) in coordination with Bureau of Reclamation, MRGCD, UNM, NMNHP, ACOE, and USFWS. OSD is monitoring groundwater wells monthly. These wells were installed to monitor groundwater depth and quality. The project has yielded over 400 cottonwood seedlings by creating an area where the river can overbank flood.                                                                                                                                 
7. OSD is working with New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to utilize an inmate crew to remove fueld in the Park. Fuel load is one of the biggest concerns of OSD in the Park and priorities exist in the south end of the Park. It is the goal of OSD to finalize this agreement and utilize crews on an on-going basis to remove fuels throughout the Park.

 Future Plans:

OSD plans to continue restoration and protection efforts in the RGVSP. This includes restoration of riparian and wetland habitat as well as protection of the existing system. Future wetland project have been discussed for the Tingley Beach and 2^nd St. areas. Future restoration will continue in the form of pole planting and use of natural flooding (either by lowering the ground level and/or creating overbank flooding areas, or utilizing irrigation waters where possible). Protection efforts in the form of fire prevention will continue. Fuel removal is a high priority.