The Mimbres River COA (Figure 53) spans approximately 43,299 ha (106,995 ac) and extends from the Mimbres River around Faywood Hot Springs upstream to the base of the Black Range Mountains and about 14 km (8.7 mi) north of Mimbres.

Approximately 58% of the land in this COA is privately owned, while the USFS manages about 31.5%. The SLO manages 8%, followed by the BLM with 1.5%, and the Department with 1%. This COA contains two Important Bird Areas: Mimbres River and Emory Pass. Additionally, 15% of this COA is currently protected.

The COA consists of 19 native vegetation habitats, three ruderal or introduced vegetation types, and with agricultural vegetation, barren areas, developed and urban spaces, and open water. The dominant habitats include Madrean Lowland Evergreen Woodland (36%) and Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland (33%). Perennial aquatic habitats include 96 km (60 mi) of warm-water streams, 1 km (0.6 mi) of cold-water streams, and 12 ha (30 ac) of warm-water reservoirs.

A total of 55 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including 11 classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and 12 as Current Focal Species (F) (Appendix G). The northernmost portion of this COA, and areas east and west of this COA, may represent a climate refugia for the pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) through 2075. Most of the edges of this COA may represent a climate refugia for the banded rock rattlesnake through 2075, and areas east and west of this COA may become or remain suitable for this species over the next 50 years (NHNM 2024). This COA has high potential to contain microclimate refugia for birds in general and mammals (Table 11).

Related Resources

• Conservation Opportunity Areas section in SWAP document