The Organ Mountains COA spans 11,911 ha (29,432 ac), is located about 15 km (9 mi) from Las Cruces, and encompasses the majority of the Organ Mountains.
Approximately 50% of the land in this COA is managed by the DOD and 40% by the BLM, 10% is privately owned, and less than 0.1% is managed by the SLO. Approximately 41% of this COA is currently protected.
The area consists of 11 native vegetation habitats, two ruderal or introduced vegetation types, and agricultural vegetation and developed and urban spaces. The dominant habitats include Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland (30%), Madrean Lowland Evergreen Woodland (24%), Warm Interior Chaparral (20%), and Chihuahuan Desert Scrub (19%).
A total of 42 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including 10 classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and five as Current Focal Species (F). This COA has high potential to contain microclimate refugia for amphibians, birds, and mammals.
Habitat Name
Habitat Size in Hectares
Agricultural Vegetation
35
Arid West Interior Freshwater Emergent Marsh
1
Chihuahuan Desert Scrub
2260
Chihuahuan Ruderal Grassland
56
Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland
3597
Cliff, Scree, and Rock Vegetation
3
Developed and Urban
66
Introduced Riparian Vegetation
0.2
Madrean Lowland Evergreen Woodland
2856
Rocky Mountain Lower Montane Forest
344
Rocky Mountain Montane Shrubland
57
Southwest Lowland Riparian Forest
96
Southwest Lowland Riparian Shrubland
134
Warm Interior Chaparral
2390
Warm-Desert Arroyo Riparian Scrub
25
Species (SGCN)
