In the past decades, the Rio Grande bosque in Albuquerque has been under significant stress due to drought, invasive species, climate change, wildfire, and other anthropogenic influences. The bosque is a huge part of the local community, as it is home to a huge network of trails and attractions and visited regularly by hundreds of people year-round. The preservation and restoration of urban forests around the globe such as this one is critical for conserving biodiversity in cities, providing access for people to enjoy natural beauty, and producing clean air and water.

1. z
Make the
Bosque
Great Again!
Cameron Calhoun
PC: Albuquerque Journal

2. z
 In the past decades, the Rio Grande bosque
in Albuquerque has been under significant
stress due to drought, invasive species,
climate change, wildfire, and other
anthropogenic influences.
 The bosque is a huge part of the local
community, as it is home to a huge network
of trails and attractions and visited regularly
by hundreds of people year-round.
 The preservation and restoration of urban
forests around the globe such as this one is
critical for conserving biodiversity in cities,
providing access for people to enjoy natural
beauty, and producing clean air and water.
PC: https://www.dryheatphotography.com/
PC: https://www.homesbyjoeboyden.com/

3. z
Invasive Species
 Invasive species such as the Salt Cedar, Russian Olive, and Siberian
Elm are among the biggest threats to the bosque.
 These plants outcompete native vegetation such as the cottonwoods
for water and sunlight.
 According to a study published in The Southwestern Naturalist,
without changes in water management these species will dominate
the Middle Rio Grande Valley and cause massive loss of habitat for
the rodents and birds that live in the area.
 Invasive species also significantly increase the intensity and
frequency of wildfires in the area. This is outlined in the 2008 Fire
Science Brief published by the Forest service.
A Russian Olive tree in
New Mexico
PC: Janice Tucker

4. z
Water Scarcity
 Due to the construction of dams and
increased irrigation, the river that feeds the
bosque with water and nutrients has been
significantly weakened. This is summarized
in a paper published in 1996 titled The
Middle Rio Grande Bosque: An
Endangered Ecosystem.
 This has caused a lack of seasonal
flooding, which is necessary for new
cottonwood tree germination. In a book
titled A Field Guide to the Plants and
Animals of the Middle Rio Grande Bosque,
The authors predict that the beautiful
cottonwood forest that exists today may be
gone in 100 years for this reason.
The Cochiti Dam
PC: https://nmindepth.com/2013/08/07/a-dams-painful-history/

5. z
Why the Bosque (and All Urban Forest
Areas) are Important
 A study published in The Victorian Naturalist in 2012 found that urban forests have a
massive economic benefit in cities and that they are critical to urban sustainability.
 The Middle Rio Grande Bosque is a biodiversity hotspot. It is home to over a thousand
species of plants, trees, fish, insects, rodents, birds, etc.
 A survey published in PLOS ONE concluded that during the pandemic, the use of outdoor
spaces increased dramatically and was an important factor for reducing stress and
improving emotional health during the COVID-19 lockdown.
 An article published in the Natural Resources Journal emphasizes that urban forests are
“vital” because they provide ecosystem services such as clean air and water and is an
important weapon to fight climate change.
 The same article above also states that urban forestry is an opportunity to engage in local
identity, expression, and community.

6. z
 “The bosque is a super important part of the local community here in
Albuquerque, especially the running community. Every runner I know goes there
at least once a week to use the trails. I love running there because it’s beautiful
and peaceful and you can go for miles without ever crossing a street. It is also
used by virtually everyone. I always pass bikers, walkers, fishermen, horseback
riders, and bird watchers of all ages.”
-Cody Hepker, collegiate runner and ABQ local
 “The Rio Grande is a treasure for New Mexico–it contains the economic engine of
the State–but also provides for the heritage of New Mexico. We need to protect
agriculture, hunters, anglers, outdoor recreation and tourism. I can see myself
coming back in ten years and finding vibrant agriculture, great recreational
opportunities, biking, riding horses, and watching the economic development that
comes with a healthy river.”
 –Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior

7. z
Other Online Resources
1. http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org/bosque-education-guide/chapter-
2-bosque-background - Provides additional information about the
Middle Rio Grande Valley, the threats it faces, and the species that
live there from the Department of Biology at UNM
2. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/urban-
forests#:~:text=They%20are%20dynamic%20ecosystems%20that,
and%20structure%20to%20urban%20design. – Information from
the Forest Service about urban forests and why they are important
3. http://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark/biopark-connect/the-
bosque - Information from the city of Albuquerque about the
bosque and the BioPark’s conservation efforts.

8. z
Challenge: Groundwater Usage and
Availability
Graph from the United
States Geological
Survey showing
groundwater withdrawal
in Albuquerque
• Water from both the aquifer and the river are the primary and most important aspects of
the bosque ecosystem.
• Groundwater is important because it provides water for the cottonwood forest and
other vegetation in the bosque as well as water for the city of Albuquerque.

9. z
Challenge: Surface Water Usage and
Availability
 In the last 100 years, flood control methods, increased agricultural demand, and
climate change have significantly decreased the flow of the river and flooding events.
 Albuquerque should do it’s part in reducing our contribution to climate change and
reduce our water usage to help protect the bosque and our water.
1949
1991 2018
• Chart from the 2004 Middle Rio Grande Water Supply Study
showing where water is lost
Images via Google Earth

10. z
Strength: Existing
Wildlife Refuges
 There are already existing protected wildlife
refuges along the Rio Grande. These set an
example for the preserving of biodiversity and
natural areas around the world and how they can
impact local communities.
 Valle de Oro is the first urban wildlife refuge in
the southwest, built from a grassroots community
effort.
 Bosque Del Apache was built in the 1930’s to
re-create the natural flood lands that existed
before the river was tamed, and to create habitat
for vast number of species whos’ populations
were declining due to the river slowing down.
PC: https://picturemethods.com/2019/01/30/blast-off-at-bosque-del-
apache-national-wildlife-refuge/
PC:
https://www.fws.gov/refuges/friends/February_2016/ValleDeOroRefuge.
html

11. z
Strength: Education Opportunities
 There are plenty of places people of all ages can go to learn about the
ecosystem and the challenges it faces. This creates a stronger community,
gets people to go outside, and increases awareness of the natural world and
how we impact it. These organizations and efforts should receive more
advertisement and funding because of their importance.
 Rio Grande Nature Center
 Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program
 Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center
 Bosque Education Guide

12. z
Recommendations and Solutions
 Coordinate landscape and vegetation restoration through
the Middle Rio Grande Valley.
 Work to remove and mitigate invasive species.
 Germinate, plant, and care for young cottonwood trees to replace the
ones that are dying of old age.
 Collect and store seeds from all plant types in the bosque and safely
store them for future restoration efforts.
 Make sure work is done to restore the entire valley, not just bits and
pieces of it.

13. z
Recommendations and Solutions
 Address the water crisis.
 Create strategies to reduce water usage in the greater Albuquerque
Metro Area.
 Use water that is saved for environmental benefit.
 Educate people on the water crisis and the effects of climate change.
 Adapt solutions to reduce evaporation and use less water in agriculture.

14. z
Recommendations and Solutions
 Increase environmentally friendly and equitable recreation
opportunities.
 Increase the number of visitor and nature centers along the river that
provide recreation opportunities such as canoeing, fishing, and birding.
 Make sure all recreation is not damaging to the ecosystem.
 Make sure all trails are properly maintained.
 Make sure all recreation is accessible and affordable to everyone. For
example, provide adequate ramps and surfaces for wheelchairs.

15. z
Thank you to all those reading my presentation and caring about conservation, to my
interviewee, and to all those doing research and working towards preserving/restoring
the bosque. The bosque is Albuquerque’s most valuable asset and is necessary for a
sustainable future.
 References
 Cartron, J. E. (2008). A field guide to the plants and animals of the Middle Rio Grande Bosque. Albuquerque:
University of New Mexico Press.
 Crawford, C. S., Ellis, L. M., & Molles, M. C., JR. (1996). The Middle Rio Grande Ecosystem Bosque: An Endangered
Ecosystem. New Mexico Journal of Science, 36.
 Crawford, C. S., Ellis, L. M., & Molles, M. C., JR. (1997). Rodent Communities in Native and Exotic Riparian Vegetation in the
Middle Rio Grande Valley of Central New Mexico. The Southwestern Naturalist, 42(1), 13- 19. Retrieved March
08, 2021.
 Grima, N., Corcoran, W., Hill-James, C., Langton, B., Sommer, H., & Fisher, B. (2020). The importance of urban natural
areas and urban ecosystem services during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLOS ONE, 15(12).
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0243344
 Hirokawa, K. H. (2010). Sustainability and the Urban Forest: An ecosystem Services Perspective. Natural Resources
Journal, 51. doi:10.2139/ssrn.1722650
 Moore, M. G. (2012). The importance and value of urban forests as climate changes. The Victorian Naturalist, 129(5), 167-174.