ALAMOGORDO — Facing an outpouring of public support for Bonito Lake, City Manager Brian Stockwell announced he will recommend a change of direction to the Alamogordo City Commission on Sept. 22 — one that keeps the lake open for fishing while regional talks explore its recreational future.

Stockwell made the commitment at a community forum hosted at Otero Arts by Alamogordo Town News and KALHRadio.org, which drew a large and diverse crowd of attendees, including elected leaders and city and county managers from across the region. More than 770 individuals have since watched the broadcast on YouTube. The full forum can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/live/MW0TxL89yQM?si=t9i-0zFcxKyKxlKh

McDonald: ‘Your voices are being heard’

Alamogordo Mayor Sharon McDonald said the public response to the Bonito Lake issue has reached well beyond the city limits.

“The public response regarding Bonito Lake has been remarkable. I have received emails, calls, and text messages from people across New Mexico and as far away as Texas,” McDonald said. “Although I have not responded to everyone individually, I have read every email and reviewed every message. I want to respond collectively and assure you that your voices are being heard.”

“This is what meaningful citizen engagement looks like. Elected officials can serve most effectively when citizens speak up, share their concerns, and remain involved. I am proud of the respectful and passionate outreach from people who care deeply about Bonito Lake and its future.”

McDonald added that she “is encouraged by support from county officials and state legislators for keeping the lake open.”

“I will continue listening and working toward a responsible path that protects our water supply while preserving Bonito Lake’s important role in fishing, recreation, and family traditions,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out. Your involvement matters, and it is making a difference.”

A reversal, but not a retreat

Reading from prepared remarks — something he acknowledged he rarely does — Stockwell traced his history with the lake back to 1992, when he first managed the city and concluded that the lake’s role as the single best water source in the city’s inventory had to come before recreation. He noted the lake was already about 40 percent silted in during the 1990s, a problem that went unaddressed until the devastating 2023 fires and debris flows forced its closure. After restoration, water began flowing consistently to the city again in 2026.

Stockwell was at times defiant in defending his original recommendation to close the lake entirely, stressing that the detention basins, ponds, and drainage systems built to intercept debris have left surrounding areas hazardous. Former parking areas, he said, are now subject to mud flows that would have trapped vehicles during this summer’s storms. His comments returned again and again to a single theme: the lake was purchased in the 1950s as a water source, and protecting the city’s drinking water comes first.

But citing constructive public input and interest from state officials — including Sen. Townsend and the legislative representatives of the region, who have agreed to convene legislative colleagues and state agencies — Stockwell outlined five recommendations he will bring to the commission on Sept. 22:

1. Direct the city manager to open discussions with the state, Otero County, Lincoln County, and Ruidoso officials on options that preserve Alamogordo’s water supply while exploring compatible recreation at the lake and surrounding areas.

2. Continue construction of the remaining debris-flow protection projects.

3. Construct required security fencing around the dam structure and ancillary facilities only — not the lake itself.

4. Maintain the status quo allowing public access for fishing.

5. Post additional signage advising visitors that the lake is a primary municipal water source and that anyone entering city property does so at their own risk.

Stockwell also proposed a six-month deadline to report back to the commission on the results of the regional discussions.

A campaign promise in action

McDonald ran on a platform of supporting more transparency and getting people more involved in the conversation on a regional basis — one block at a time. A nongovernmental sponsored forum convening mayors from multiple cities in the region, alongside a dialogue with community members from across the area, reflects exactly that commitment to healthy debate and open governance — the kind of civic engagement that is the cornerstone of a vibrant and active local government in the region. Stay tuned for more updates and the public is still encouraged to attend the upcoming commission meeting and the one on Sept 22, 2026 to make public comment and keep the pressure ongoing. 

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