BACKGROUND
WEST MESA OPEN SPACE
The West Mesa Open Space includes over 3,600 acres of high desert landscapes including a mosaic of volcanic features, archaeological features, arroyos, and stunning vistas of the middle Rio Grande Valley. Each area on the West Mesa offers unique natural and recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy including hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more.
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This planning effort was funded through City Council Resolution R-21-228, which claimed:
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"an accessible trail system throughout the West Mesa Open Spaces will be an amenity to visitors who desire to further experience the beauty and vistas of the West Mesa. The trail system would serve a growing local population with a cohesive and well-planned trail system to support a variety of outdoor recreation activities and will result in up to twenty-four miles of new trails on the West Mesa"
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Through this resolution, Sites Southwest will be working with the City of Albuquerque's Open Space Division to develop the West Mesa Trails Plan.
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Within the West Mesa Trails Plan, multiple Albuquerque Open Space sites are included in the plan:
key connections
West Mesa
Piedras Marcadas Canyon
Boca Negra Canyon
Volcanoes Buffer
La Cuentista
La Boca Negra Horseman's Complex
George J. Maloof Memorial Air Park
Atrisco Terrace
Petroglyph National Monument
Boca Negra Dam Trail
Paseo de la Mesa Trail
Boca Negra Arroyo (Middle Branch)
OBJECTIVES
01
Develop a conceptual multi-use natural surface trail plan
02
Engage stakeholders including Bernalillo County, National Park Service, Westside residents, and the general public
03
Link trails to important destinations including existing landforms like the volcanoes and off-site locations
PROJECT TIMELINE
We Are Here
February-April
2022
Inventory Existing Conditions
April-July
2022
Public engagement including community meetings, focus groups, website, and survey
May-August
2022
Plan development and community update