The bill, which will be considered at the Aug. 17 Council meeting, would set aside up to $30,000 for the Parks and Recreation Department to remove immature non-native trees, in order to protect the area’s biological diversity and provide an ideal habitat for wildlife. Mature trees would not be affected.

"The Tijeras Arroyo is an important corridor for wild animal migration," Harris said. "Cleaning the nuisance trees will benefit not only the animals, but also visitors who want to enjoy natural scenery."

Also coming before the Council is a resolution that would direct $400,000 of general obligation bond money to acquire about 60 acres of land in the Tijeras Arroyo. The bill, also sponsored by Harris, is aimed at conserving natural and archaeological resources, protecting wildlife, and providing outdoor recreation.

These resolutions come on the heels of a 2007 bill that called on the City to develop a master plan for the bio-zone preserve in and around the Tijeras Arroyo. The resolution encouraged the City to partner with Bernalillo County and the University of New Mexico to properly restore the historic arroyo and ensure it doesn’t once more fall into disrepair.

The arroyo is an integral part of Albuquerque’s ecological history, and it provides a home to many animals and plant life. However, years of misuse have left portions of it blighted and unusable. Changing that is an ongoing goal for Councilor Harris, and he wants to continue his efforts to restore the historic area and develop it into an open space treasure for the City.

"The preservation of the Tijeras Arroyo is a citywide goal," he said. "We have the opportunity to purchase this valuable land for future generations, and it is vital that public officials take action."

For more information on the Tijeras Arroyo and the City’s efforts to improve it, check the following sources: KRQE, and KOB stories about restrictions at bridge and acquiring trashed open land. Also, be sure to search The Albuquerque Journal for "City Weigh Cleaning Up Tijeras Arroyo".