The Bernalillo County Commission has approved the Sedillo Ridge Open Space Master Plan during its recent administrative meeting. The Sedillo Ridge Open Space, located in the East Mountains and acquired by the county in 1999, is surrounded by other wilderness areas. Until now, it has not been open to the public. With the adoption of this master plan, a series of improvements will be implemented over time to allow for public access.
The planning process for Sedillo Ridge began in fall 2024. The county held four community conversations and collected input from residents regarding the proposed plan.
Initial improvements will include a small parking lot, a gate, and an access trail connecting visitors to existing trails that link with nearby open spaces. Later phases are expected to add another parking area, road upgrades, additional trails and realignments, erosion control measures, property fencing, and an emergency access two-track road.
A separate resolution sponsored by Chair Eric Olivas was also introduced at the meeting. This resolution emphasizes operational guidelines for Sedillo Ridge and prioritizes fuel load thinning and fire risk mitigation efforts. It directs rehabilitation and maintenance work on Brannan Road, calls for developing a plan to secure Right of Way along certain sections of Brannan Road, and instructs the County Manager to focus funding on acquiring wildland fire response vehicles for the nearest county fire station.
In related news concerning Bernalillo County’s criminal justice system, there have been ongoing concerns about suspects being released without GPS monitors despite requirements that they wear them. For example, Jawid Yaqubi was accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after reportedly firing a gun at family members but was released from custody pending trial despite objections from prosecutors (source).
