PSA 2/12/2026: NRCS Begins Sediment Removal at Gallinas River Skating Pond

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in collaboration with Tierra y Montes Soil and Water Conservation District and the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (NMDFA), have started sediment and debris removal at the Gallinas River Skating Pond.

This project is being completed through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP), a federal emergency recovery program that assists local communities in recovering after disasters and helps relieve imminent threats to life and property. This marks the second time the program has supported necessary sediment removal at this location. The sediment accumulation resulted from impacts caused by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and was further exacerbated by subsequent heavy rains, flooding, and monsoon seasons.

Work is expected to continue over several weeks, weather permitting. While no road closures are anticipated, the public should be aware that this will be an active construction zone with heavy machinery operating in the area.

Residents and visitors can expect:

• Heavy equipment and construction vehicles on site

• Trucks entering and exiting the area

• Staged material and sediment piles

• Possible traffic delays

• Increased safety risks due to high traffic speeds in the area

 Access to the area will remain open; however, the public is strongly encouraged to avoid the site unless necessary and to use caution when traveling nearby. For the safety of workers and the public, interference with the project will not be permitted. Law enforcement may be contacted if needed to address non-compliance or safety concerns.

For more information, please contact:

Gerald Romero, District Manager

Tierra y Montes Soil and Water Conservation District

Phone: 505-617-5644

Email: gromero@tymswcd.org

2.12 NRCS Sediment Removal.pdf

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