During the next few weeks, residents will see new “no trespassing” signs appearing in the area known as the Waterfalls Regional Pond, located roughly south of Bataan Memorial Highway, east of Dunn Road, and north of Cortez Drive. The signs will indicate that “this area is not for public use/no motorized vehicles/trespassing is prohibited.”
In recent weeks, the City has received complaints of noise, partying and vehicles driving over the pond area.
“Although this might seem an attractive open space for residents to use for off-road travel or private gatherings, the area has a very important function controlling storm water run-off in a manner to protect property downstream,” said David Maestas, Public Works director.
Maestas further explained the Waterfalls Regional Pond is specifically designed to capture and control storm water when we do get rain which may otherwise flood the surrounding areas. Any disturbance of the soil caused by vehicles large or small can impair the functionality of the pond. Its function is further damaged when people use the area for illegal dumping.
Residents who see vehicles traveling in the pond area or know that the area is being used for other activities, including illegal dumping, are encouraged to contact City of Las Cruces employees immediately to report these actions. Anyone cited for trespassing may be fined for $500 and/or face 90 days in jail.
People can call the non-emergency dispatch at 575/526-0795 to make the report. Callers may request to remain anonymous as the reporting person. Anyone who has questions about the Waterfalls Regional Pond itself, should contact Steve Pacheco, Senior Engineer for the Public Works Department, at 575/528-3479, or by email at stpacheco@las-cruces.org.