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

This Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the Rangeland Resource Management program (CFDA 15.237) provides $112,500.00 to the Sierra Soil & Water Conservation District (SSWCD) to conduct invasive weed control efforts in New Mexico. The objective is to coordinate with multiple jurisdictions and stakeholders to aerially treat 2,773 acres of creosote-infested rangeland on the W Spear Bar Ranch in Engle, New Mexico using the herbicide Spike 20P. SSWCD will hire a contractor to carry out the aerial herbicide application and assist the BLM Las Cruces District with procurement, contracting, and monitoring during the project activities. The primary public benefit is the reduction of economic and environmental impacts of invasive weeds, advancement of habitat restoration, land resilience, and watershed enhancement on both public and private lands in the region. The award period runs from September 30, 2024 to September 29, 2026.

The objective of this task agreement is to be part of a multiple-agency collaborated effort of rangeland restoration efforts through the control of noxious and invasive weeds. The goal of this task agreement is to coordinate with multiple jurisdictions and other stakeholders to aerially treat invasive creosote with herbicide on the w spear bar ranch in engle, new mexicosierra swcd will hire a qualified contractor to aerially apply spike 20P at a half LB rate across 2773 acres of rangeland. Contractor will be provided with detailed maps and shapefiles outlining treatment areas and landownership within project boundaries. Sierra swcd will assist BLM LAS cruces district with all procurement and contracting for project as well as assist BLM with monitoring conditions at the airport during project activities. The primary public benefit includes the reduction of economic and environmental impacts to public and private lands, both agricultural and recreational. Eradication of noxious and invasive weeds advances habitat restoration efforts, land resilience, and watershed enhancement, which will offset impacts from commodity production of food, fiber, and energy. Including local landowners and other interested parties and jurisdictions a coordinated plan for eradication efforts will ensure higher success rate