The Conchas Reservoir Conservation Opportunity Area (COA) spans approximately 14,494 ha (35,816 ac) in northeastern New Mexico. It includes Conchas Lake, portions of the Canadian River that flow into the reservoir, and the surrounding lands. The COA is located about 50 km (30 mi) northwest of Tucumcari.

The majority of this COA (~94%) is privately owned, while the remaining 6% is managed by the SLO (3%), the BOR (2%), and NMSP (1%). Approximately 24% of this COA is currently 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 terrestrial habitats are Great Plains Ruderal Grassland and Shrubland (36%) and Great Plains Shortgrass Prairie (22%). Notably, open water accounts for approximately 22% of the total area. Perennial aquatic habitats include 9 km (5 mi) of warm-water streams and 3,588 ha (8,867 ac) of warm-water reservoirs.

A total of 24 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including five classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and seven as Current Focal Species (F). This COA also has high potential to contain microclimate refugia for amphibians and reptiles.

Related Resources

• Conservation Opportunity Areas section in SWAP document