The Pecos River Headwaters COA covers approximately 12,681 ha (31,336 ac) along the Pecos River near Santa Rosa and extends about 4 km (2.5 mi) downstream. It encompasses portions of the Pecos River riparian corridor and the surrounding upland areas.
The majority of this COA is privately owned (86%), with 10% managed by the SLO and the remaining 4% managed by the BLM (~3.5%) and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (<0.5%). Currently, no portion of this COA is protected.
The COA supports 12 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 Great Plains Shortgrass Prairie (30%) and Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland (26%). Additionally, Great Plains Ruderal Grassland and Shrubland (15%) and Rocky Mountain Piñon-Juniper Woodland (11%) are well represented within the COA. Desert Alkali-Saline Wetland (3%) and Great Plains Floodplain Forest (2%) are common habitats of the vegetated riparian corridor. Perennial aquatic habitats include 59 km (37 mi) of warm-water streams.
A total of 33 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including 10 classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and seven as Current Focal Species (F).
Habitat Name
Habitat Size in Hectares
Agricultural Vegetation
497
Barren
7
Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland
3308
Cliff, Scree, and Rock Vegetation
16
Desert Alkali-Saline Wetland
402
Developed and Urban
522
Great Plains Floodplain Forest
254
Great Plains Mixedgrass Prairie
70
Great Plains Ruderal Grassland and Shrubland
1942
Great Plains Sand Grassland and Shrubland
38
Great Plains Shortgrass Prairie
3847
Great Plains Wet Meadow, Marsh, and Playa
202
Introduced Riparian Vegetation
50
Open Water
127
Rocky Mountain Lower Montane Forest
3
Rocky Mountain Piñon-Juniper Woodland
1337
Southwest Lowland Riparian Shrubland
44
Warm-Desert Arroyo Riparian Scrub
26
