ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Albuquerque District invites the public to join in the annual tradition of public service by participating in National Public Lands Day events at Cochiti and Santa Rosa lakes in New Mexico, and John Martin Reservoir, Colorado, on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. Information on each event is below.
USACE will waive the 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. 27.
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 coordinated by the National Environmental Education Foundation and 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.
This year, thousands of volunteers are expected to support more than 257 USACE sites. Last year, 4,448 volunteers served 19,244 hours on USACE-managed lands, removing 49,434 pounds of trash, cleaning 632 miles of roadways and shoreline, maintaining 77 miles of trails, planting 6,792 trees and shrubs, and engaging 215 partner organizations.
USACE-Albuquerque District NPLD event information:
Cochiti Lake, N.M.:
When: Sat. Sept. 27, 2025
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Additional Information:
There are two activities for volunteers to participate in this year at Cochiti Lake. Those interested in hands-on building projects can help build a fence to screen road noise out of the volunteer village at the lake. Those interested in recreational trail work will be able to assist in maintenance on the Nashroo! Trail at the lake.
For more information, contact:
Nicholas Parks, USACE Natural Resources Specialist
nicholas.r.parks@usace.army.mil
(505) 465-0307
https://www.neefusa.org/npld/cochiti-recreation-area/sound-barrierprivacy-fence-and-nashroo-trail-work
Santa Rosa Lake, N.M.:
It is essential to continue to keep our public lands clean so that we may continue to protect our natural resources and enjoy a safe recreation experience.
When: Sat. Sept. 27, 2025
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Additional Information:
Volunteers will assist in picking up trash in and around the Juniper Park and Boat Ramp recreation areas at Santa Rosa Lake State Park. Trash bags, gloves, and trash grabbers will be provided. It is recommended to bring safety glasses, a hat and sun block for hot temperatures and a light jacket for cooler temperatures. After the clean up, lunch will be provided at 12:00 pm at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Administrative Office.
For more information, contact:
Paul Sanchez, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Santa Rosa Lake Project Park Ranger
Paul.D.Sanchez@usace.army.mil
(575) 472-3115
https://www.neefusa.org/npld/juniper-parkboat-ramp-recreation-area/santa-rosa-lake-shoreline-clean
John Martin Reservoir, Colorado:
Join Bent Conservation District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a morning of stewardship on the banks of the Arkansas River.
When: Sat. Sept. 27, 2025
Time: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Additional Information:
Volunteers will join U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff in collaboration with the Bent County Conservation District to improve the Black Bridge site at the reservoir. Activities include cleaning up trash, removing invasive tamarisk, and performing maintenance activities on newly planted trees. Black Bridge has two entrances at the corner of County Road 12.5 and FF5, one on either side of the railroad track.
For more information, contact:
Hunter Tracy, US Army Corps of Engineers
hunter.tracy@usace.army.mil
(505) 301-2682
https://www.neefusa.org/npld/black-bridge-site/national-public-lands-day
Additional information about National Public Lands Day can be found on The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) website: https://www.neefusa.org/national-public-lands-day
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