Highland Detention Pond

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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Summary

Highland Detention Pond is a man-made structure located in Clovis, New Mexico. It was constructed in 2019 as a part of the city's stormwater management plan to prevent flooding during heavy rains. The detention pond has a capacity of 36 acre-feet (about 11.7 million gallons) and can hold excess water for up to 72 hours.

While Highland Detention Pond is not a typical tourist destination, it offers several reasons to visit. The area provides a tranquil setting for a picnic or a walk around the pond. The gently sloping sides make it accessible for people of all ages, including those with disabilities. For birdwatchers, the pond attracts various species such as American coots, mallards, and great blue herons.

One point of interest to see at Highland Detention Pond is the erosion control structure, which is designed to slow down the water flow and reduce erosion of the soil. The structure is made of rocks and boulders and adds to the natural beauty of the area. Another feature is the aeration system that helps maintain the pond's water quality by adding oxygen to the water, which benefits the fish and other aquatic life.

Interestingly, the Highland Detention Pond is also designed to serve as a public park. There are plans to develop walking trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots at the site.

The best time to visit Highland Detention Pond is in the spring when the weather is mild, and the flowers are in bloom. Summer can get hot, and winter can be chilly, so it's best to plan accordingly. Additionally, visitors are reminded to respect the area and follow all posted rules and guidelines, including no swimming or motorized boating.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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