Albuquerque recognizes significant trees through its Urban Forest Management program, though it does not have a formal heritage tree ordinance with specific legal protections. Notable trees in parks and public spaces receive protection through the Parks and Recreation Department. The Rio Grande bosque cottonwood forest is the primary protected urban forest in the city.
While Albuquerque does not have a standalone heritage or landmark tree ordinance, significant trees on public property are protected through the Urban Forestry Division's management program. The Rio Grande bosque, one of the largest cottonwood forests in North America, receives special protection through conservation programs. The city's Tree Board (Parks Advisory Board) advises on urban forestry policies. Large, mature trees on development sites may receive consideration during the development review process. The IDO requires landscape plans that may call for preservation of existing significant trees during new development. Bernalillo County also has tree protection provisions that may apply in the greater metro area.
Damage to protected public trees may result in fines and required mitigation. Developers who remove trees designated for preservation in approved landscape plans face IDO violations and replacement requirements. Unauthorized clearing in the bosque conservation area may result in enforcement action from multiple agencies.
Albuquerque, NM
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See how Albuquerque's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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