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10-09-2006, 11:56 PM
East Meadow Trail Dedicated;
Another Step Toward Meeting State Parks’ 100-Mile Goal
Los Ojos, NM (Heron Lake State Park) – State Representative Debbie Rodella (D-Ohkay Owingeh), Senator Richard Martinez (D-Espanola) and other local dignitaries, were on hand at Heron Lake State Park on Saturday, October 7, 2006, to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication of the park’s new “East Meadow Trail”.
http://sonewmex.com/images/Heron_panorama1.jpg
Heron Lake is a picturesque lake set among tall pines, and has been designated a "quiet lake" where boats operate at no-wake speeds only. This park is known for its excellent sailing, fishing, cross-country skiing, and hiking. It provides access to hiking and fishing along the gorgeous Rio Chama from the dramatic caprock stairway near Heron Dam. The 5.5 mile hiking trail crosses the river by suspension bridge, provides panoramic views and an adventurous route to neighboring El Vado Lake.
At 10:00 a.m., before the dedication, the Friends of Heron / El Vado State Parks hosted a town hall meeting at the park visitor center to discuss topics related to the park.
“The new East Meadow Trail increases the already great recreation opportunities that exist at Heron Lake State Park,” said Park Manager John Rector. “This is an exciting first step to fulfilling our vision for a top notch trail system at Heron.”
“This is another example of how State Parks are good for our communities and good for New Mexicans,” said Dave Simon, State Parks Director. “By investing in trails, we’re building stronger communities and a healthier New Mexico.”
“State Parks should be commended for continuing to develop trails, which fosters visitation to the area and creates recreational opportunities for all New Mexicans,” said Senator Richard Martinez.
“The East Meadow trail is a boon for the area; State Parks continues to make a positive impact on residents of the Chama Valley and surrounding communities by improving recreational opportunities at the parks,” said State Representative Debbie Rodella.
The East Meadow Trail begins at the Visitor Center and loops towards Willow Creek, on the northeast side of Heron Lake. The trail will provide an opportunity for birders to view migratory birds such as osprey, along with other area wildlife. The scenic trail leads through a forest of ponderosa pines, juniper and piñon.
The park plans to install picnic tables, benches, a vault toilet, and informational signage describing the flora, fauna, and history of the area along the trail. No motorized vehicles will be permitted on the trail.
The $126,000 project was funded through a grant from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Eighty percent of the cost was funded with federal funds, while State Parks provided a 20 percent sponsor match.
The opening of the 3-mile East Meadow Trail is the first phase of a multi-phase trail project, designed for various recreational activities at Heron including hiking, biking and snowshoeing. When completed, the trail will total approximately 26 miles and encompass the entire length of Heron Lake. State Parks has tentatively received a second RTP grant (for $190,000) to begin Phase II of the project, which will connect the Willow Creek, Blanco, and Brushy Point campgrounds to the Visitor Center.
Before the development of the East Meadow trail, the east side of Heron Lake was virtually inaccessible. Park staff and the Friends of Heron/El Vado Lake State Parks applied for the RTP grant, and hired 10 local youth and a supervisor to help construct the trail. Another six volunteers assisted during the 10-week duration of the project.
The trail is a joint effort with Heron Lake State Park, and is supported by: Friends of Heron/ El Vado Lake State Parks, Northern Rio Arriba Communities Health Coalition, La Clinica Del Pueblo, Los Clinicas Del Norte, Chama Valley, Mesa Vista and Jemez Mountain School Districts, North Central Community Based Services, Rio Arriba Family Care Network, Rio Arriba DWI Council, Chama Rotary Club, Chama Chamber of Commerce, Saint Jerome’s Episcopal Church, Los Cumbres Learning Center, El Centro de los Niños, NMSU Cooperative Extension, American Red Cross, YDI Head Start, as well as at-large members from the community.
In 2004, New Mexico State Parks set a goal of establishing 100 miles of new trails within its parks by 2010. For more information on the East Meadow Trail, contact John Rector, Park Manager at Heron/El Vado Lakes State Park at (505) 588-7470 or www.nmparks.com (http://www.nmparks.com/).
For more information and photos of Heron Lake State park and the geologic hitory and uniqueness of the area, see:this excellent site (http://geoinfo.nmt.edu/tour/state/heron_lake/home.html) provided by the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources at New Mexico Tech.
Another Step Toward Meeting State Parks’ 100-Mile Goal
Los Ojos, NM (Heron Lake State Park) – State Representative Debbie Rodella (D-Ohkay Owingeh), Senator Richard Martinez (D-Espanola) and other local dignitaries, were on hand at Heron Lake State Park on Saturday, October 7, 2006, to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication of the park’s new “East Meadow Trail”.
http://sonewmex.com/images/Heron_panorama1.jpg
Heron Lake is a picturesque lake set among tall pines, and has been designated a "quiet lake" where boats operate at no-wake speeds only. This park is known for its excellent sailing, fishing, cross-country skiing, and hiking. It provides access to hiking and fishing along the gorgeous Rio Chama from the dramatic caprock stairway near Heron Dam. The 5.5 mile hiking trail crosses the river by suspension bridge, provides panoramic views and an adventurous route to neighboring El Vado Lake.
At 10:00 a.m., before the dedication, the Friends of Heron / El Vado State Parks hosted a town hall meeting at the park visitor center to discuss topics related to the park.
“The new East Meadow Trail increases the already great recreation opportunities that exist at Heron Lake State Park,” said Park Manager John Rector. “This is an exciting first step to fulfilling our vision for a top notch trail system at Heron.”
“This is another example of how State Parks are good for our communities and good for New Mexicans,” said Dave Simon, State Parks Director. “By investing in trails, we’re building stronger communities and a healthier New Mexico.”
“State Parks should be commended for continuing to develop trails, which fosters visitation to the area and creates recreational opportunities for all New Mexicans,” said Senator Richard Martinez.
“The East Meadow trail is a boon for the area; State Parks continues to make a positive impact on residents of the Chama Valley and surrounding communities by improving recreational opportunities at the parks,” said State Representative Debbie Rodella.
The East Meadow Trail begins at the Visitor Center and loops towards Willow Creek, on the northeast side of Heron Lake. The trail will provide an opportunity for birders to view migratory birds such as osprey, along with other area wildlife. The scenic trail leads through a forest of ponderosa pines, juniper and piñon.
The park plans to install picnic tables, benches, a vault toilet, and informational signage describing the flora, fauna, and history of the area along the trail. No motorized vehicles will be permitted on the trail.
The $126,000 project was funded through a grant from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Eighty percent of the cost was funded with federal funds, while State Parks provided a 20 percent sponsor match.
The opening of the 3-mile East Meadow Trail is the first phase of a multi-phase trail project, designed for various recreational activities at Heron including hiking, biking and snowshoeing. When completed, the trail will total approximately 26 miles and encompass the entire length of Heron Lake. State Parks has tentatively received a second RTP grant (for $190,000) to begin Phase II of the project, which will connect the Willow Creek, Blanco, and Brushy Point campgrounds to the Visitor Center.
Before the development of the East Meadow trail, the east side of Heron Lake was virtually inaccessible. Park staff and the Friends of Heron/El Vado Lake State Parks applied for the RTP grant, and hired 10 local youth and a supervisor to help construct the trail. Another six volunteers assisted during the 10-week duration of the project.
The trail is a joint effort with Heron Lake State Park, and is supported by: Friends of Heron/ El Vado Lake State Parks, Northern Rio Arriba Communities Health Coalition, La Clinica Del Pueblo, Los Clinicas Del Norte, Chama Valley, Mesa Vista and Jemez Mountain School Districts, North Central Community Based Services, Rio Arriba Family Care Network, Rio Arriba DWI Council, Chama Rotary Club, Chama Chamber of Commerce, Saint Jerome’s Episcopal Church, Los Cumbres Learning Center, El Centro de los Niños, NMSU Cooperative Extension, American Red Cross, YDI Head Start, as well as at-large members from the community.
In 2004, New Mexico State Parks set a goal of establishing 100 miles of new trails within its parks by 2010. For more information on the East Meadow Trail, contact John Rector, Park Manager at Heron/El Vado Lakes State Park at (505) 588-7470 or www.nmparks.com (http://www.nmparks.com/).
For more information and photos of Heron Lake State park and the geologic hitory and uniqueness of the area, see:this excellent site (http://geoinfo.nmt.edu/tour/state/heron_lake/home.html) provided by the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources at New Mexico Tech.