News Story Archive

Hundreds of Tires, Tons of Trash Cleaned out at Conchas Lake

Michael Vollmer and Daniel Martinez, Conchas staff
Published June 13, 2013
CONCHAS LAKE, N.M., -- District staff have removed more than 560 tires from the lake.  Here, the first load of 75 tires weighing 8,560 pounds is ready to be disposed of.  The 
second load was smaller with 75 tires weighing 7,030 pounds.

CONCHAS LAKE, N.M., -- District staff have removed more than 560 tires from the lake. Here, the first load of 75 tires weighing 8,560 pounds is ready to be disposed of. The second load was smaller with 75 tires weighing 7,030 pounds.

CONCHAS LAKE, N.M., -- District staff at Conchas Lake removed more than 560 tires from the lake at the South Recreation Area in preparation for the 2013 recreation season.

Conchas maintenance and ranger staff, led by Maintenance Worker Carl Latham, spent the majority of the month of May cleaning, loading and transporting 24.5 tons of waste tires to San Jon, N.M., where Terry’s Tire Service will properly dispose of them in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Latham, supported by Steven Chacon, Mike Hill, and Oran Hatch, have not stopped at just tire removal; they are continuing to remove garbage and debris from the shoreline as it recedes due to the severe drought. So far, they have recycled or disposed of more than 20 tons of scrap metal, old marina planks, cabled anchors, aluminum cans, glass bottles, and discarded boating equipment. These types of materials can be harmful to the environment, fish, wildlife and people.

The staff has also replaced and installed five metal shelters at the South Campground. The South Side Recreation Area is currently open for visitors’ use. Day use fees are $3.00 per day and camping fees are $5.00 per night in designated sights only at the South Recreation Campground. Conchas Dam is also available for tours; to schedule, contact the project office at 575-868-2221.