The Southern Sacramento Mountains COA spans approximately 103,009 ha (254,539 ac). It is located about 20 km (12 mi) east of Alamogordo, nestled between Cloudcroft and Mayhill, and encompasses the southern portion of the Sacramento Mountains.

Approximately 74% of the COA is managed by the USFS, about 19% is privately owned, 6% consists of Tribal lands, and 1% is managed by the SLO. The Important Bird Area Peñasco Canyon is located within this COA. Only 1% of the COA is currently protected.

The COA supports 18 native vegetation habitats, four ruderal or introduced vegetation types, and agricultural vegetation, developed and urban spaces, and open water. The dominant habitats are Rocky Mountain Lower Montane Forest (43%), Madrean Lowland Evergreen Woodland (17%), and Madrean Montane Forest and Woodland (15%). Perennial aquatic habitats within the COA include 86 km (53 mi) of cold-water streams.

A total of 48 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including 16 classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and five as Current Focal Species (F). Much of this COA, excluding the easternmost edges, and areas north of this COA may represent a climate refugia for the Grace’s warbler (Setophaga graciae) through 2075. Portions of the eastern edge of this COA may become suitable for the gray vireo (Vireo vicinior) over the next 50 years (NHNM 2024). This COA has very high potential to contain microclimate refugia for birds in general and mammals and some potential to contain macroclimate refugia for terrestrial species in general.

Related Resources

• Conservation Opportunity Areas section in SWAP document