6-07-2024 2:22am

Alamogordo Working Diligently to Reduce Silt, Safeguard Bonito Lake from Sediment, Woodpecker Slows Process

Chris Edwards Editor

2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News radio edition with Anthony Lucero interviewed city officials about the mitigation efforts to protect Bonito Lake from silt from the Blue 2 Fires. Anthony spoke with city leaders and they report Alamogordo had secured emergency funding due to the state of emergency declaration approval, as reported last week by 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News Online edition, when containment was at 54%.

The Blue 2 Fire is now 83% contained having burnt 7632 acres. All evacuations rescinded.

The City of Alamogordo, which is in charge of the lake as a major water source for city residents and Holloman AFB assessed the lake on May 26 and found three significant areas below the cofferdam that could cause damage similar to the events of the Little Bear Fire which was over a decade ago and resulted in a 10 year closure and recovery plan.

To protect the lake, city officials said they are taking action to mitigate potential runoff effects due to the upcoming monsoon season.

Per reporting on KALHRadio.org, “Emergency funding was secured, and a local contractor was hired to take a proactive approach..”

The city representatives said “30,000 tons of soil will be removed to create several sediment ponds along Kraut and Littleton Canyons and the parking lot located east of West Lake Campground. The project is expected to be completed within 10-16 days.”

The city representatives said it is working with federal, state, and local governments for repair, recovery, and future mitigation efforts.

Rick Holden, City Manager reported that work was proceeding, however had slowed due to a federally protected woodpecker on site, causing concerns. The city and state officials are working with federal officials to ensure the project of silt mitigation can continue, despite the protected woodpecker.

The interview excepts with 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News personality Anthony Lucero can be heard 1 minute 10 seconds into the newscast linked below after weather…

KALHRadio.org News & Bonito Lake Recovery Update Link