The Middle Rio Grande COA spans approximately 62,938 ha (155,522 ac), extends from Belen downstream to Elephant Butte Dam, and encompasses much of the middle Rio Grande riparian corridor and the adjacent upland areas.

Approximately 42% of the land in this COA is privately owned, followed by NMSP managing 26.5%, the USFWS managing 20%, the BLM overseeing 6.5%, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish managing 4%, and the SLO managing 1%. This COA includes three Important Bird Areas: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Elephant Butte Lake State Park, and Ladd S. Gordon Waterfowl Complex. Only 2% of this COA is currently protected.

The COA supports 21 native vegetation habitats, three ruderal or introduced vegetation types, and agricultural vegetation, barren areas, developed and urban spaces, and open water. The dominant habitats include Chihuahuan Desert Scrub (23%), Introduced Riparian Vegetation (14%), and Southwest Lowland Riparian Forest (12%). Additionally, Agricultural vegetation (11%) is common. Perennial aquatic habitats include 202 km (125 mi) of warm-water streams and 2,060 ha (5,090 ac) of warm-water reservoirs.

A total of 56 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including 14 classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and 10 as Current Focal Species (F). This COA has high potential to contain microclimate refugia for amphibians and reptiles.

Related Resources

• Conservation Opportunity Areas section in SWAP document