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A healthy Bosque is comprised of a mosaic of trees, shrubs, and grasses, with an open understory.

An unhealthy Bosque is choked with invasive species, creating a major fire hazard in dry conditions.

The Bosque Restoration Demonstration Project is designed, for public education purposes, to graphically depict the contrast between a restored Bosque and the Bosque in its present condition. It can be utilized as a teaching tool for public officials, schools, and the community at large.

A major clearing of the understory has been accomplished by inmate work crews working with the State Forestry Division of the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department.

The Bosque Restoration Demonstration Project, a 5-acre site located in Albuquerque on the east side of the Rio Grande between Central and Bridge (adjacent to Tingley Beach), will present a highly visible contrast between a restored Bosque and the Bosque in its present condition. The purpose of the project is both for public education and community participation.

River management practices and fires have contributed to a Bosque that is overgrown with dense thickets of non-native invasive species, such as salt cedar and Russian Olive.

Low river flows, flood control structures, and a degraded river channel have impeded the over bank flows necessary for sustaining a healthy forest. The Bosque in its present condition represents an aging cottonwood community. Absent are newer generations of cottonwoods and other native species.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE Phone: 505-751-1269
PO Box 1612 Fax: 505-751-1269
El Prado, NM 87519 E-mail: unclergr@laplaza.org

ALBUQUERQUE OFFICE Phone: 505-266-3609
131 Harvard Dr. SE, #2 Fax: 505-268-9404
Albuquerque, NM 87106 E-mail: river@rt66.com