The Lower Rio Grande COA covers approximately 4,921 ha (12,160 ac) and is situated near Radium Springs. It encompasses a portion of the lower Rio Grande valley and the adjacent upland areas.

The majority of this COA (~61%) is privately owned, while ~30% is managed by the BLM. The remaining 9% is managed by the SLO (7%) and NMSP (2%). About 21% of this COA is currently protected.

The COA supports nine 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 (49%) and Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland (8%). Agricultural vegetation (18%) and developed and urban spaces (8%) are also relatively common. Introduced Riparian Vegetation (4%) and Southwest Lowland Riparian Shrubland (3%) are the most prevalent riparian vegetation types. Perennial aquatic habitats include 22 km (14 mi) of warm-water streams.

A total of 39 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including 12 classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and six as Current Focal Species (F). This COA has high potential to contain microclimate refugia for amphibians.

Related Resources

• Conservation Opportunity Areas section in SWAP document