Effective land management is a continual and adaptive process, driven by indigenous knowledge coupled with sound science

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) awarded a $100,000 Cooperative Agreement under the Rangeland Resource Management program (CFDA 15.237) to the Otero Soil & Water Conservation District in New Mexico. The objective of this 1-year project is to be part of a multi-agency effort for the control of noxious and invasive weeds. Key activities include: 1) Inventorying and treating noxious weeds, 2) Restoring native vegetation, and 3) Developing educational materials on noxious weed identification and management for land managers. The project aims to protect wildland, rangeland, and agricultural land from noxious exotic species, while advancing habitat restoration and land resilience to offset impacts from commodity production. The Otero Soil & Water Conservation District will collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as private landowners, to implement these comprehensive land management strategies.

The objective of this task agreement is to be part of a multiple-agency collaborated effort for the control of noxious and invasive weeds. This will include such things as inventory, treatment, and monitoring of noxious invasive weeds, treatment of mixed desert shrub that is out of alignment with ecological reference, restoration of native vegetation, and community engagement and education.goals:1.to continue aiding local, state and federal agencies and landowners in the inventory, control and management of noxious weed species. Noxious weeds will be inventoried during their individual growing seasons. Herbicide will be purchased using the statewide price agreement and made available to BLM permittees with appropriate planning and nepa clearances in place. If necessary, a contractor will be hired to apply the appropriate herbicide. 2.to restore native vegetation and protect wildland, rangeland and agricultural land from being consumed by noxious exotic species. Removing noxious weeds will allow for native grasses to RE-grow. Removing noxious weeds will reduce the threat to agricultural lands as these plants have limited control methods once they invade. 3.to know and understand the best means of control for specific species and the consequences of unchecked noxious and invasive weed and plant growth. Otero county noxious weed reference folders will be assembled and distributed at the local swcd office, extension office and various meetings events. The nmsu chemical brush and weed control on rangelands and a laminated calibration guide are included. Otero county noxious weed index cards will be laminated and bound for land managers to keep for easy identification of noxious weed species.new mexico noxious weed calendars will be printed annually and distributed statewide as an educational tool. Individual cwmas contact information is listed for reference.current and future generations will benefit from this task agreement project by ensuring public lands are well managed and protected. Control of noxious and invasive weed species will advance habitat restoration and land resilience which will offset impacts from commodity production of food, fiber, and energy. Partnerships developed with multiple jurisdictions and private landowners will ensure cooperation and buy-in for restoration and conservation efforts.