Riverblitz

06/18/2026

👏👏

It’s official — balloon releases will become illegal in parts of the United States. The laws take effect in just a few weeks.

Louisiana is set to outlaw outdoor helium balloon releases starting August 1, 2026, imposing steep fines in an effort to combat severe environmental damage and protect local wildlife.

Signed into law as Act 196, the new legislation treats intentional balloon releases under Louisiana's littering laws to prevent environmental pollution and protect wildlife. While communities have long used balloon releases as a deeply personal way to grieve and memorialize lost loved ones, environmental advocates emphasize that this brief ritual leaves behind a devastating, long-term ecological footprint. Once released, balloons can travel miles before falling back to earth to pollute forests, choke coastal marshes, or entangle wildlife in strings. Additionally, metallic Mylar balloons present a severe threat to utility systems, frequently causing power outages when they interfere with electrical grids.

Under the new regulations, first-time violators face a $500 fine and eight hours of community service, with subsequent offenses escalating to a $2,500 fine and the suspension of their driver's license. The law exempts children under the age of 17, as well as accidental and indoor releases. State officials are actively urging the public to adopt eco-friendly alternative tributes, such as candlelight vigils, planting trees, or blowing bubbles, to honor their loved ones without harming the environment. As the August 1 deadline approaches, communities must navigate this shift in how they express grief and celebrate milestones.

source: Keane, I. (2026). Outdoor balloon releases will be illegal in this state starting in August. The Independent.

06/11/2026

ATTENTION BOATERS: During MainStreet's CavernFest celebration, the Beach Parking Lot Boat Ramp will close at 5:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, June 12 & 13.

Boaters already on the water may remain on the water during the event; however, the boat ramp will be inaccessible, and boats will not be able to exit until after the event ends at 10:00 PM.

Please plan accordingly. Thank you for your cooperation.

06/09/2026

🚨NEW WORLD SCREWWORM ALERT🚨

06/09/2026

NOTICE: There has been a significant decrease in the invasive aquatic vegetation in the river and Lake Carlbad. This decrease can be attributed to river drainage, cold winter weather, and continued use of Weedoos.

Tomorrow morning, June 9, 2026, the City will apply an environmentally safe aquatic shade to certain parts of the Pecos River within city limits and to Lake Carlsbad. The aquatic shade is a dye that is part blue and part black. The aquatic shade will prevent sunlight from reaching the riverbed. The lack of sunlight will inhibit the growth of invasive aquatic vegetation. The aquatic shade is safe for human and animal contact and will not permanently stain skin, equipment, or infrastructure. The aquatic shade is expected to dissipate within 7 to 10 days. The City may apply an additional treatment of aquatic shade after July 4th. Swimming and other recreational activities remain safe while the aquatic shade is in the water. The SDS for the aquatic shade will be posted on the City's website under the "Invasive Aquatic Vegetation" link at the top.

In addition to the aquatic shade, the City continues to work with a biologist and the New Mexico Environment Department to establish permits for additional aquatic treatments, including environmentally safe herbicides. Some of these treatments depend on water temperature; therefore, the City might treat the river throughout multiple seasons. The City will always notify the public of any treatments.

06/06/2026

Please help us keep our City of Carlsbad parks beautiful for everyone to enjoy! 🌳

Visitors to any City of Carlsbad park who are not authorized should not drive or park on the lawn. Parking on grassy areas can cause damage and impact the enjoyment of our parks for the community.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep our parks clean, safe, and welcoming! 💚

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Free fishing will be available in New Mexico this weekend as the state observes National Boating and Fishing Week. Fishing license requirements will be suspended in New Mexico o…

06/03/2026

We're excited to partner with the Carlsbad Mini Golf Course and Carlsbad's Fourth of July Celebration to bring a Glow Mini Golf Tournament to the community!

July 3, 2026
9:00 PM
Carlsbad Mini Golf Course | 901 Muscatel Ave.
Three Low Ball
36 Teams • 4 Players Per Team
$40 Per Team

Prizes will be awarded to our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams, and all ages are welcome to participate.

Register here: https://golfhub.golfgenius.com/events/9505b90e-ada0-4750-a830-3dab521b8bc4?gh=true

For more information, call 575-885-5444.

05/21/2026

ATTENTION: The City of Carlsbad is pleased to provide a few updates regarding the Pecos River and the Lake Carlsbad Beach Area.

- Lake Carlsbad and the river are refilling very quickly and will likely be full by the end of next week.

- The City plans to have a biologist safely treat the river section within City limits, between the Flumes and Lake Carlsbad. The City and the biologist have been pursuing permit approval from the State of New Mexico.

- The City will continue to use the Weedoos to remove desiccated river vegetation.

- The City completed the project to expand the swimming area at Lake Carlsbad and finished all other planned inspections and maintenance work.

Please be advised that the two pedestrian bridges across the river will not be installed until the river is completely full and will not be accessible during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 575-885-6262. Thank you.

05/08/2026