Dona Ana Soil & Water Conservation District

Dona Ana Soil & Water Conservation District, doing business as DASWCD, is a U.S. government entity registered in SAM.gov since June 2008 and based in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The district serves as a prime recipient of federal grant awards, specializing in natural resource conservation, environmental management, and community engagement across Dona Ana County. DASWCD provides comprehensive services to the federal government through cooperative agreements and project grants focused on addressing critical environmental challenges, including invasive species management, watershed conservation, native plant restoration, and urban forestry initiatives that support both ecological preservation and local economic development.

DASWCD's federal grant portfolio demonstrates substantial expertise across multiple conservation and environmental programs. The district has received cooperative agreements from the Bureau of Land Management totaling approximately $300,000 over five years (through 2028) to address noxious invasive plants and watershed management, including inventory and assessment of existing watershed structures such as dams and diversions. Additionally, DASWCD secured a $1,000,000 Project Grant from the USDA Forest Service under the Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Program to implement the NeighborWoods Program, focusing on tree planting, ecosystem restoration, and environmental justice in underserved communities through September 2028. The district has also received funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service for a "Master Watershed Conservation" educational workshop series addressing regional watershed issues. DASWCD's invasive plant management services are comprehensive, encompassing inventory, treatment, monitoring, and public education on Class A, B, C, D species and species of concern as identified by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, with documented work on approximately 200 acres inventoried, 350 acres monitored, and 150 acres treated annually. Most recently, DASWCD received a cooperative agreement beginning October 2025 with BLM funding extending through September 2028 to support local growers in cultivating and harvesting native plant seeds adapted to local environments for post-fire restoration and stabilization. Throughout these initiatives, DASWCD collaborates with multiple federal, state, and local partners including BLM, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, New Mexico State Land Office, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts.