Ecosystem Revitalization- Route 66 Project

Published May 29, 2012
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.-- Ecosystem Revitalization

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.-- Ecosystem Revitalization

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- Ecosystem Revitalization

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- Ecosystem Revitalization

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.-- Ecosystem Revitalization

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.-- Ecosystem Revitalization

ALBUQUERQUE- N.M.-- Ecosystem Revitalization

ALBUQUERQUE- N.M.-- Ecosystem Revitalization

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.-- Ecosystem Revitalization

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.-- Ecosystem Revitalization

AUTHORIZATION: Section 1135 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1996, Public Law 104-303.

TYPE OF PROJECT: Ecosystem restoration with complementary recreation.

PROJECT PHASE: Post-construction monitoring and adaptive management.

NON-FEDERAL SPONSOR: The local sponsor for this project is the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District.

BACKGROUND: This project emerged as an early implementable action of the larger Middle Rio Grande Ecosystem Restoration Project.

DESCRIPTION: The project location is the 2 ¼ miles of river between I-40 (approximately ¼ mile north of Central Ave.) and Bridge Street in the City of Albuquerque, NM. The project area is 916 acres, located primarily on the west bank.

The completed project consists of removal and replacement of non-native vegetation with native species (cottonwoods and other tree species, willows, and understory shrub species); clearing of approximately 1000 jetty jacks from the riparian zone; and the removal of 10,000 cy of construction debris. In addition, the project constructs three high flow channels (which also function as backwater channels at lower flows); willow swales; two bendway weirs for both bank protection and shoreline habitat; a recreational trail with benches; 6 pedestrian bridges that cross the high-flow channels; an overlook platform just south of Central bridge; a trail connection from the Valle del Bosque park that is ADA compliant with a pedestrian bridge over the riverside drain; a boardwalk; and an overlook.

STATUS: Currently project is in post-construction monitoring and adaptive management.