This project will utilize BIL funding to thin and hand pile approximately 550 acres of juniper in the FT stanton area within the blms pecos district.invasive species such as juniper, impact wildlife…

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rangeland Resource Management program (CFDA 15.237) awarded a $350,882.32 cooperative agreement to the Carlsbad Soil & Water Conservation District on September 7, 2023. The project will utilize funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to thin and hand pile approximately 550 acres of invasive juniper in the Ft. Stanton area within the BLM's Pecos District in New Mexico. Controlling these invasive species will improve overall rangeland health by protecting wildlife habitat, rare and endangered species, and restoring native vegetation and ecosystem function. The District has previously received over $10 million in cooperative agreements from the BLM to support similar invasive species control, cultural resource protection, and grassland restoration efforts on public lands in the region.

This project will utilize BIL funding to thin and hand pile approximately 550 acres of juniper in the FT stanton area within the blms pecos district.invasive species such as juniper, impact wildlife habitat and forage, threaten rare and endangered species, alter fire frequency, increase erosion, and deplete soil moisture. They also reduce species richness, diversity, and community productivity, altering the structure and function of ecological systems. Controlling invasive species will improve overall rangeland health.