The Pecos River – Lake Sumner COA covers approximately 14,235 ha (35,176 ac) and extends from the southern edge of Lake Sumner downstream and southeast of Fort Sumner for about 18 km (11 mi). It includes portions of the Pecos River riparian corridor and the surrounding upland areas.

The majority of this COA is privately owned (85%), with 7% managed by the SLO, 5% by the BOR, and the remaining 3% managed by NMSP (2.5%) and the BLM (0.5%). The Bosque Redondo Important Bird Area is located within this COA. Currently, no portion of the COA is protected.

The COA supports 10 native vegetation habitats, two ruderal or introduced vegetation types, and agricultural vegetation, barren areas, developed and urban spaces, and open water. The dominant habitats include Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland (21%), Great Plains Ruderal Grassland and Shrubland (20%), and Great Plains Shortgrass Prairie (12%). The vegetated riparian corridor is primarily composed of Desert Alkali-Saline Wetland (14% of total COA). Perennial aquatic habitats within the COA include 58 km (36 mi) of warm-water streams and 503 ha (1,243 ac) of warm-water reservoirs.

A total of 41 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including 10 classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and 12 as Current Focal Species (F).

Related Resources

• Conservation Opportunity Areas section in SWAP document