Jemez Mountain Regional Fire Protection Project (JMFPP)

Temporary Closure

Camp May Road, campground, and surrounding trails will be closed Monday morning through 5 p.m. Thursday until the completion of the project.

Project value$7.9 million grant from NM Legislature; remainder of costs (up to $18 million) split by Los Alamos County and Pajarito Recreation
Project schedulePHASE 1: April thru Oct. 2025; PHASE 2: Oct. 2025 thru April 2026; PHASE 3: June 2026 thru Dec. 2026
Contractor namePH 1: DUB-L-EE, LLC; PH 2: DUB-L-EE, LLC; PH 3: DUB-L-EE, LLC

Why is this project important?

A connection between Los Alamos County’s water supply system and the water storage tank at Pajarito is necessary for fire protection to enable the delivery of water to the 10-million gallon storage reservoir on top of Pajarito Mountain. This full reservoir of water will benefit not only Pajarito but also surrounding National Forest Service (NFS) and non-NFS lands.

An added benefit of ensuring sufficient water levels in the reservoir is the capability to make snow. Winter snowpack can potentially reduce wildfire risk later in the year as it keeps vegetation damp and can help to delay the onset of dry conditions that fuel wildfires. Additionally, keeping the reservoir filled will allow a reliable opening schedule for the ski area and enhance its long-term operational viability as a recreational amenity and economic driver for the Jemez Mountain Region.

A new domestic water supply will serve existing Pajarito Mountain facilities and Camp May Park.

Enhanced underground electrical service will improve reliability at Camp May Park and Pajarito Mountain facilities, as well as protect the area from fires due to tree fall.

September 28 UPDATE: The contractor is currently constructing four booster stations. Crews are also working to disinfection of the new water system and water tank on Pajarito before potential weather sets in. Underground fiber cables have been pulled through the conduit.

As of June 15, Camp May Road, Camp May, and access to adjacent trails will be closed weekly, Monday through Thursday, as work on Phase III (the final phase of the project) is conducted. This work is expected to continue until the end of the year.
Phase III includes the construction of four booster stations. Fibers cables have been installed in conduit. Underground electric lines are delayed until after January.
Camp May Road will be open for recreationalist Friday through Sunday evening. Please use caution around construction sites and staged materials.
Several pull-offs are being used to store machinery and materials. Below is a map of those areas. Click this link for a larger version: no-parking-areas.png(PNG, 4MB)