This project will develop engineering designs and construct a preferred design to enhance fishing experience and restore the breached failure of 2 dams at the fawn lakes recreation site of the…

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R3-Southwestern Region awarded a Cooperative Agreement of $495,208.87 to the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish on July 31, 2026, under the Inflation Reduction Act - National Forest System program (CFDA 10.729).

The award funds engineering design and construction of a preferred design to restore two breached dams at the Fawn Lakes Recreation Site in the Questa Ranger District of Carson National Forest. The recipient will analyze background data, develop multiple design options with an explanatory report, consult with the Forest Service to select a preferred design, develop final designs including drawings and specifications with cost estimates, and construct the preferred design. Work may be completed in-house or through subcontractors. Upon completion by July 31, 2031, the project will restore 23 acres of terrestrial habitat, 1 mile of stream, and create an ADA-accessible recreation site. The work addresses public safety by rehabilitating the recreation site from flooding effects and removing or repairing damaged infrastructure, improves watershed function and water quality, and provides recreational fishing opportunities for rainbow trout with ADA access and improved access for fish stocking. Place of performance is New Mexico.

This project will develop engineering designs and construct a preferred design to enhance fishing experience and restore the breached failure of 2 dams at the fawn lakes recreation site of the questa ranger district, carson national forest. The benefits of this partnership are: 1) rehabilitating the recreation site from flooding effects, reducing future flooding hazards and remove or repair damaged infrastructure (public safety), 2) improve watershed function and water quality of the river, lake, and floodplain areas, 3) provide recreational fishing opportunities for rainbow trout with americans with disabilities act (ADA) access areas, and to improve access to fishing areas for fish stocking. Funding will be provided to the partner to analyze background data, develop multiple design options (including producing a report explaining them), consult with the forest service to determine a preferred design option, then develop final designs (including drawings, specifications, and cost estimates) for the preferred design option, and construct preferred design option. This maybe be completed in house or through subcontractors. Once preferred designs are implemented 23 acres of terrestrial habitat should be restored, 1 mile of stream restored, and ADA accessible recreation site improved.