HELPING ABQ’S SENIORS STAY WARM

Waste wood removed from the bosque used in program

Free firewood program puts all the waste wood from annual open space maintenance to good use.

About 160 seniors are staying warm this winter thanks in part to the distribution of free firewood through a program of the Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

The seniors collectively received more than 171,000 pounds of Siberian elm, salt cedar, cottonwood, Russian olive and mulberry wood that had been removed from the bosque and other city open space areas to reduce potential fire hazards.

“This strikes the balance between supporting seniors in our community during some of the coldest winter months and stewarding our open spaces in a responsible way,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a news release.

Department of Senior Affairs Director Anna Sanchez said the free distribution “was a great opportunity to support seniors in our community and put all the waste wood from annual open space maintenance to a good use.”

Department spokeswoman Kinsey Cooper said the response from seniors was so great that all the firewood gathered last year had been distributed and the city had to stop taking requests.

However, she noted, as city crews continue ongoing maintenance of the bosque and open space areas, more firewood is being stockpiled for next winter.

Seniors age 60 and older who wish to learn more about the firewood program should call the city Department of Senior Affairs at 764-6400.