
Supporting Sandia Ranger District Since 1997
Notices and Highlights
Everyone:
- FOSM’s 2023 newsletter is now available.
- Sandia Ranger District is seeking comments regarding Sandia Crest Recreation Complex Renovation. (See below.)
- Check out our many volunteer opportunities including our Youth Outreach.
- Check out our awards and other recognition.
- Read about our history, strategic plan, and board of directors.
Members:
- Tuesday, October 3 – Attend our last membership meeting of 2023.
- Tuesday, October 3 – Deadline for voting for our fiscal year 2024 officers and board of directors members.
- Tuesday, October 17 – Help with our next Adopt-a-highway project.
- Thursday, October 19 – Attend Sandia Ranger District 2023 Volunteer Recognition Event.
- Help plan the 2024 Snowshoe Classic.
- Become the leader of our paint crew.
See details below.
Whether you are a hiker, mountain biker, cross-country skier, trail runner, or you just enjoy being in the Sandias, you know that our mountains are one of nature’s special gifts.
Have you ever wondered what you could do to help protect our mountains? Do you want to learn more about the animals and plants you find there? Do you like to meet people who share your concern for the Sandia and Manzanita Mountains?
Welcome! Please explore our website to learn more about the goals and many activities of the Friends of the Sandia Mountains (FOSM). We likely have volunteer opportunities that match your interests and abilities.
New to Albuquerque or just new to the Sandias? Explore the many recreational opportunities our mountains offer. Please carefully read the Safety section.
An easy way to get involved is to join Cibola Trail Rangers, an email group consisting of hikers, bikers, XC skiers, horsemen, etc., who frequent the trails in the Sandia Ranger District and are interested in exchanging information on trail conditions on both an immediate and continuing basis. The group includes FOSM members trained to correct reported problems. Please report corrective actions as well as problems so that the FOSM trail maintenance crew doesn’t hike to fix a problem that no longer exists.

Last 2023 Membership Meeting on October 3
Please plan to attend our next membership meeting in person. There will be no Zoom livestreaming.
This will be our end-of-the-year business meeting at which we will vote on board members and officers for the coming year. Sam Beard distributed the ballot and instructions by email on September 19.
We also will review significant events and accomplishments during the year and plans for fiscal year 2024.
We look forward to seeing you.
Sandia Ranger District Seeking Comments Regarding Sandia Crest Recreation Complex Renovation by October 14
The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands is seeking scoping comments for the proposed Sandia Crest Recreation Complex Renovation Project. The project area is located in Bernalillo County, New Mexico at the crest of the Sandia Mountains. The area is just over 10,000 feet in elevation, with an almost 360-degree view overlooking Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the surrounding area (review map). This proposal does not include the Crest House.



The Sandia Ranger District proposes to improve and reconstruct portions of the Sandia Crest Recreation area to bring the site up to current standards, decrease short- and long-term maintenance needs, and to provide a sustainable recreation site.
Comments are sought to help identify any unknown issues. Comments are most helpful if received October 14, 2023 and may be submitted electronically, by mail, or in person at the Sandia Ranger Station.
Written comments may be submitted by mail to:
Julie Padilla, Recreation Staff Officer
ATTN: Sandia Crest Recreation Area Complex Sandia Ranger District
11776 HWY 337
Tijeras, New Mexico 87059
Next Adopt-a-highway Project Scheduled for October 17
Save the date. Project leader Steve Roholt has announced the next adopt-a-highway litter control project for Tuesday October 17.
Further instructions will be forthcoming from Steve by email on October 10.
Sandia Ranger District Schedules 2023 Volunteer Recognition Event for October 19
Planning Begins for 2024 Snowshoe Classic
FOSM President and Snowshoe Race Director Mike Madden has issued an invitation for FOSM members to serve on the committee that will organize the 2024 Sandia Snowshoe Classic scheduled for January 20.
Please reply to Mike’s email if you are interested in helping plan this always fun event.
Volunteer Opportunity – Paint Crew Leader
Thanks, Anne Hickman, for your years of faithful service as leader of the paint crew. Anne has stepped down due to other commitments. Please use the form here if you would be interested in assuming this leadership position.
Welcome, New FOSM Members!
Melinda Gonzalez-Hibner – September 25, 2023
Susan Jacobsen – August 19, 2023
Kay Mayoora – August 11, 2023
Carlos Matutes – June 13, 2023
Wendie Ziegler and Paul Wolf – May 31, 2023
Susan Gregory – May 22, 2023
Rhiannon Simpler – May 4, 2023
Erik Aspelin – April 28, 2023*
Mark Aspelin – April 28, 2023*
Irene Ortiz – April 26, 2023
Daniel Janes – March 30, 2023*
Keith Deterlinzg – March 18, 2023
*Life sponsor
