The Rio Puerco COA covers approximately 18,647 ha (46,079 ac) and extends from about 8 km (5 mi) north of to approximately 25 km (16 mi) south of Cuba. It encompasses portions of the Rio Puerco and includes surrounding riparian and upland habitats.

The majority of this COA is privately owned (54%) and 34% is managed by the BLM. The remaining areas are managed by the USFS (6%), the SLO (5.5%), and less than 1% is Tribal land. Only 2% of the COA is currently protected.

The COA supports 17 native vegetation habitats, two ruderal or introduced vegetation types, and agricultural vegetation, barren areas, developed and urban spaces, and open water. The dominant habitat is Intermountain Tall Sagebrush Shrubland (34%), while Rocky Mountain Piñon-Juniper Woodland (13%), Intermountain Dry Shrubland and Grassland (13%), and Colorado Plateau Piñon-Juniper Woodland (12%) are also prevalent habitats, each representing relatively equal percentages across the COA. The riparian corridor, though relatively narrow, is primarily comprised of Montane-Subalpine Wet Shrubland and Wet Meadow (2% of total COA) and Rocky Mountain Montane Riparian Forest (2% of total COA). Perennial aquatic habitats within the COA include 33 km (21 mi) of warm-water streams and 53 km (33 mi) of cold-water streams.

A total of 33 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including seven classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and eight as Current Focal Species (F). This COA has high potential to contain macroclimate refugia for terrestrial species and microclimate refugia for birds, cold-water fish, and mammals. It has some potential to contain macroclimate refugia for aquatic species.

Related Resources

• Conservation Opportunity Areas section in SWAP document