Projects division manager Diane Saunier: Rio Rancho to clear dead wood in Willow Creek Bosque, planting limited by deep water table

Diane Saunier, projects division manager for Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation, told the commission that the city confirmed a contractor to remove downed dead wood in the Willow Creek Bosque before April, describing the work as targeted to reduce fire hazard in a blowdown area.

"We're just trying to remove material that is a fire hazard in that specific area," Saunier said, noting the contractor has worked with the forestry division and local pueblos on similar removals. She said last year's forestry prescription treatment had focused on the north loop of the Willow Creek area.

Saunier said crews plan to follow mechanical removal with targeted understory clearing: "I'm hoping to see if I can secure our local galloping goats for a couple of days after this wood is removed to remove some of the duff and some of the non native vegetation that has grown in amongst these trees." She told commissioners she would provide an update after the work is completed, likely in May.

Commissioner Edwards asked whether local schools could be involved in planting and Bosque restoration. Saunier and parks superintendent Charles Fernandez said the department has partnered with volunteer groups in the past — including Eagle Scouts, Girl Scouts and churches — but cautioned that Willow Creek's groundwater conditions limit planting options without sustained irrigation. Saunier described the water table in Willow Creek as "greater than 15 feet deep," and said the site does not receive flood inundation that would support pole plantings without supplemental watering.

Saunier suggested school‑based projects focused on campus sites or activities that do not require long‑term irrigation, and pointed commissioners to the city’s Keep Rancho Beautiful coordinator, Nick Dahl, as a staff contact for coordinating volunteer opportunities.

The department plans to remove the dead wood before April and will report back to the commission with results and next steps in May.