ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Albuquerque District invites the public to continue the annual tradition of public service by participating in this year’s National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 23. See below for information on events at lakes in the USACE-Albuquerque District.
Thousands of volunteers are expected to support the more than 60 USACE projects participating in this year’s National Public Lands Day, the largest annual volunteer hands-on restoration activity of its kind.
Last year 6,990 volunteers served 26,000 hours on USACE-managed lands, removing 86,394 pounds of trash, cleaning 852 miles of roadways and shoreline, maintaining 90 miles of trails, improving 1,044 acres of habitat, and engaging 270 partner organizations.
This year, USACE will waive day use fees normally charged at boat launch ramps and swimming beaches at its recreation areas nationwide in recognition of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 23.
The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities such as group picnic shelters. Other agencies and partners that manage recreation areas located on USACE lands are encouraged, but not required, to comply with this waiver of day use fees in the areas they manage.
Volunteers who participate in one of USACE’s NPLD in-person activities will be issued a fee-free coupon if the volunteer site is participating in the coupon program. Volunteers should check with their local USACE project for more information. The fee-free coupon is valid for one year from the date of issuance and may be used for one day of entrance or day use fees at any participating federal agency’s park, forest or recreation area that charges either of these types of fees.
National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest, single-day volunteer event for public lands. Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, the event brings out
thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country.
National Public Lands Day events in the Albuquerque District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
Abiquiu Lake, New Mexico:
When: Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023
Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm; registration starts at 9:30am at Group Shelter 3, by the boat ramp.
Additional Information: There will be several activities to participate in, including trail work on the Two Bridges Trail; shoreline clean up from the maintenance boat; shoreline trash pick-up; painting of shelters; and staining kiosks.
We recommend volunteers dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and hats to protect from the sun.
Volunteers will earn a free night of camping.
To join the event, come to the Cerrito Recreation Area, Group Shelter 3 at Abiquiu Lake Boat Ramp Road, Abiquiu, N.M. 87510, at 9:30am on Saturday, September 23. No pre-registration is required, and all are welcome!
For more information contact:
Park Ranger Pamela Bowie
Pamela.b.bowie@usace.army.mil
505-685-4371 X4322
Or call the Abiquiu Lake Project Office at 505-685-4371.
Abiquiu Lake website: https://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/AbiquiuLake/
Follow Abiquiu Lake on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbiquiuLakeUSACE/
Cochiti Lake, New Mexico:
There are two events planned this year at Cochiti Lake!
Event 1 – Planting for Pollinators
When: Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023
Time: 9:00am to 1:00pm
Additional information: Help provide habitat for native pollinators. Join us for a planting session in the Cochiti Lake pollinator garden. We’re seeking support with gardening, mulching, and weeding. Volunteers will meet at 9:00am in the visitor center parking lot (82 Dam Crest Road, Pena Blanca, N.M. 87401)
For more information and to register, contact:
Park Ranger Malia Sutphin
505-465-0307
malia.j.sutphin@usace.army.mil
Event 2 - Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Workshop
When: Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023
Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Additional information: Join us for a Free Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Workshop lead by the New Mexico Bass Nation. We’re working to help make the lake better for a variety of aquatic life by providing habitat and spawning structures.
Volunteers will meet at 10:00am in the visitor center parking lot (82 Dam Crest Road, Pena Blanca, N.M. 87401)
All tools and materials provided. Just bring water and sunscreen!
For more information and to register, contact:
Earl Conway (with N.M. Bass Nation)
505-610-5156
Way2busy2fish@aol.com
Cochiti Lake website: https://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Cochiti-Lake/
Follow Cochiti Lake on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USACE.Cochiti.Lake
Santa Rosa Lake, New Mexico:
When: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Additional Information: Come join staff from USACE-Santa Rosa and New Mexico State Parks for a shoreline clean up! Volunteers will meet at the Shoreline and Juniper Park Recreation areas at Santa Rosa Lake State Park.
Trash bags will be provided, and lunch will be served at noon. Please bring gloves, sun block, water, and eye protection. With the hot temperatures lingering, please stay hydrated in preparation for the event.
For more information and to register, contact:
Park Ranger Paul Sanchez
575-472-3115
Paul.D.Sanchez@usace.army.mil
Santa Rosa Lake website: https://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Santa-Rosa-Lake/
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