The Lower Pecos and Black Rivers Reservoir Conservation Opportunity Area (COA) spans approximately 52,543 ha (129,837 ac), extends from Lake McMillan to about 25 km (16 mi) northwest of Carlsbad, and follows the Pecos River valley downstream to the Texas state line. It also includes the lower portion of the Black River.

The highest percentage of the land (~43%) in this COA is privately owned, while 28% is managed by the USFS and 19% by the BOR. The remaining 10% is managed by the SLO (6.5%) and NMSP (3.5%). Four Important Bird Areas intersect this COA: Brantley Lake State Park, Delaware River, Six-Mile Dam, and the Laguna Grande Complex. Only about 2% of this COA is currently protected.

The COA supports 11 native vegetation habitats, two ruderal or introduced vegetation types, and agricultural vegetation, barren areas, developed and urban spaces, and open water. The dominant habitats are Chihuahuan Desert Scrub (37%) and Chihuahuan Ruderal Grassland (19%). Additionally, Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland (8%) and Desert Alkali-Saline Wetland (8%) are well represented within the COA. Perennial aquatic habitats include 166 km (103 mi) of warm-water streams and 1,024 ha (2,530 ac) of warm-water reservoirs.

A total of 56 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including 14 classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and 14 as Current Focal Species (F). This COA has very high potential to contain microclimate refugia for amphibians and reptiles.

Related Resources

• Conservation Opportunity Areas section in SWAP document