You may have heard over the past three years, including as recently as the Friends Annual Meeting in May 2024, that Bosque del Apache would replace its current Visitor Center & Headquarters. The direction has changed significantly to better align costs and scope and to cover the most essential needs. Instead of being replaced, the Visitor Center will undergo much-needed structural and energy efficiency improvements. For example, some planned changes include: upgrading and fixing the administrative portion of the building to accommodate more staff in one building and fix structural problems; upgrading or replacing windows; and fixing the heating and cooling systems.
Other important projects planned include improving facilities for our volunteers and interns and making improvements to the Tour Loop and water control structures. One project that has already been implemented is the creation of the new Flight Deck on the northern loop, about which we’ve heard rave reviews from visitors.
How will the costs of these improvements be covered? Through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). Through GAOA, the Department of the Interior is investing in much-needed maintenance for critical facilities and infrastructure in our national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, recreation areas and Tribal schools. Signed into law in 2020, GAOA authorized up to $1.6 billion annually for five years to fund deferred maintenance projects on public lands and at Tribal schools. For more information about the Great American Outdoors Act, see https://www.doi.gov/priorities/great-american-outdoors-act.
Refuge leadership and US Fish & Wildlife Service Engineers are in discussions about how best to shift to these new priorities at Bosque del Apache. As plans evolve, we will share any major updates.