Check out the video below:

Linear Trail's Current Condition

The Linear Trail walking path, enjoyed by local residents and wildlife, has been subjected to severe deforestation by the city of Rio Rancho. This once vibrant habitat, full of wild grasses, chamisa bushes and trees, served as a safe haven to squirrels, rabbits, chipmunk, quail, and roadrunners. Destructive changes have occurred due to relentless cutting of the vegetation by the landscaping company. Instead of a habitat for wildlife and a beautiful landscape, we find an increase in erosion and a tragic absence of local fauna.  Homes that back the trail now have blow sand coming into their yards.

Steve Perkins, Special Districts Administrator for Rio Rancho has been contacted about the trail.  His response included:

• "I’m rather surprised to see this." (meaning the concern about Linear Trail)
• "I’m quite pleased with how spring is looking in Linear Park."
• "...the gravel along the paths in the northern end looked positively vacuumed. No trash, no leaves."
• "I’m also not sure about erosion they are seeing"
• "The District does not, and has not, done anything to lessen the amount of wildlife within the park."
• "I have no idea what “pool noodles” they could be referring to would be."  (The cracks that were filled have pool noodle material hanging out over the edges.  Most cracks were not completely/ smoothly filled).

  The residents, who contribute to the maintenance of this trail via PID funds, deserve to experience the true, natural beauty of their beloved trail. We call on the responsible authorities to repair the damage, halt future destructive activities, and restore the trail to a state where local wildlife can thrive as they used to. This is not simply an aesthetic issue, but one of environmental importance. Please sign our petition to raise a unified voice for the restoration of our environmental treasure, the Linear Trail walking path.