Bernalillo County commissioners approved a master plan Tuesday that will open a long-closed open space property in the East Mountains to public access while prioritizing fire mitigation efforts.
The County Commission voted to adopt the Sedillo Ridge Open Space Master Plan and passed a companion resolution focused on fire risk reduction at the site during its administrative meeting.
The property, acquired by the county in 1999, has remained closed to the public for more than two decades. The master plan outlines a phased approach to developing recreational access while addressing wildfire concerns in the forested area.
Initial improvements include a small parking lot, gate and access trail connecting to existing trails on adjacent public lands. Later phases call for a second parking area, road improvements, additional trails, erosion control measures, property fencing and an emergency access road.
The county launched the planning process last fall and held four community meetings to gather public input.
Commission Chair Eric Olivas sponsored the additional resolution directing fuel load thinning and fire mitigation work, rehabilitation of Brannan Road and acquisition of wildland fire response vehicles for the nearest county fire station.
“Sedillo Ridge Open Space is a gem among our open space properties,” Olivas said in a statement. The property borders Cibola National Forest and Loma Ponderosa Open Space, positioning it to connect hikers, bikers and horseback riders to existing trail systems.