ABQ: Restoration @ Route 66

ALBUQUERQUE

Middle Rio Grande Restoration Project

Study for Ecosystem Revitalization at Route 66

Crew are working on adding recreational facilities to the Tingley Ponds area of the Bosque Restoration Project along the Rio Grande. The changes include two new pedestrian bridges and two overlooks on the ponds along the paths just south of Central Ave. (Route 66) in Downtown Albuquerque.



Info about the project:

The Bosque Ecosystem Restoration Project at Route 66 is a project for the environmental revitalization of our Bosque. This area is bounded on the north by the north side of the I-40 Bridge Crossing of the Rio Grande, and at the south end at the south side of the Bridge Street Crossing.
 


Project features are being constructed just north of Central on both sides of the river and between Central and Bridge on the west side of the river. Project construction includes removal of jetty jacks and non-native vegetation across 121 acres of bosque. Non-native vegetation has been removed including salt cedar (Tamarix ramosissima), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila). The project also includes recreating 3 high-flow channels, and enhancing one outfall wetland at the Gonzales Drain. Additional restoration features include planting of native vegetation throughout the project area (121 acres) and creation of a number of willow swales. Improvements of existing facilities for educational, interpretive and low-impact recreational uses have also been incorporated into the Route 66 Project.