RUIDOSO, NM – March 7, 2013 – Personnel from the Smokey Bear Ranger District will begin work on the Blue Lake project on March 11, 2013. Wildlife enhancement and wetland restoration activities will focus on a 16-acre open meadow, located approximately three miles east of Ruidoso, NM. This project is partially funded by the NM Game and Fish Department and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Work should be completed within seven days.
Wetland restoration will be accomplished by modifying and deepening two existing ponds (by creating gradual slopes) and creating six additional wetlands of various sizes throughout the meadow; excavator and bulldozer will be used to remove approximately 4-5 feet of clay from all eight wetlands; the clay will be redistributed and compacted; exposed soils will be seeded and mulched; and native vegetation will be planted in and around the wetlands.
“Every effort will be made to reduce unnecessary erosion during construction. No live trees will be removed during the project and topsoil and vegetation that have been disturbed will be replaced. Additional enhancements to the area include a post and pole fencing project and interpretive signage that will convey an educational message about this project,” said Todd Rawlinson, Wildlife Habitat Specialist.
For additional information about this project, contact Larry Cordova, Wildlife Biologist, or Todd Rawlinson, Wildlife Habitat Specialist, at the Smokey Bear Ranger District at 575-257-4095. Information can also be accessed via the web at the following website http://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/lincoln/landmanagement/projects
For information about the Lincoln National Forest, please visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LincolnUSForest.