New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866
Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007
karl.moffatt@state.nm.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 10, 2017:
Public meeting scheduled to discuss future of Laguna del Campo
LOS OJOS – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled a public meeting to discuss the future of Laguna del Campo fishing pond at the Los Ojos Fish Hatchery.
The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, in the Commission Chambers at the Rio Arriba County Office, 149 N.M. 162, in Tierra Amarilla. Department staff will provide information and answer questions about the dam and alternatives to address safety concerns.
Pursuant to dam safety regulations, the department conducted an extensive analysis of the dam and its ability to withstand a worst-case flood event. Results indicate that the dam, in its current condition, could fail under extreme circumstances. Addressing these deficiencies will cost nearly $8 million to meet these safety standards. Two other alternatives that would satisfy modern safety requirements include reducing lake capacity at a cost of $2.7 million and removal of the dam altogether at a cost of $1.7 million.
The fishing pond currently serves children, seniors and disabled anglers and is open to fishing until its regular closure in October. Numerous other angling opportunities are available in the area, including Heron, El Vado, Hopewell and Trout lakes and the Chama River.
For more information about fishing in New Mexico please visit the department’s website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us.
###