The Upper Rio Grande COA spans approximately 41,676 ha (102,984 ac) and extends from the Pueblo of Santo Domingo to about 50 km (31 mi) upstream of Española. It encompasses portions of the Rio Grande corridor along with surrounding upland areas.

Land ownership within this COA is diverse, with 40% managed by Tribal entities. The BLM oversees 21% while 14% is privately owned. The NPS manages 10%, the USFS 9%, the US Department of Energy 4%, and the SLO 1%. This COA also encompasses two Important Bird Areas: Bandelier National Monument and Los Luceros. Approximately 40% of the COA is currently protected.

The COA supports 17 native vegetation habitats, two ruderal or introduced vegetation types, and agricultural vegetation, barren areas, developed and urban spaces, and open water. The dominant habitat is Rocky Mountain Piñon-Juniper Woodland (31%), followed by Intermountain Tall Sagebrush Shrubland (18%) and Intermountain Dry Shrubland and Grassland (13%), which are also prevalent upland habitats within the COA. The riparian corridor is primarily composed of Southwest Lowland Riparian Forest (6% of total COA). Additionally, given its relatively urban setting, this COA includes 9% developed and urban spaces and 7% agricultural vegetation. Perennial aquatic habitats within the COA include 71 km (44 mi) of warm-water streams, 84 km (52 mi) of cold-water streams, and 489 ha (1,209 ac) of warm-water reservoirs.

A total of 53 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including 13 classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and 10 as Current Focal Species (F). Upper and central portions of this COA may represent a climate refugia for the gray vireo (Vireo vicinior) through 2075, and areas directly east and west of this COA may become suitable for this species over the next 50 years (NHNM 2024). This COA has high potential to contain microclimate refugia for birds in general and mammals and some potential to contain microclimate refugia for amphibians and cold-water fish and macroclimate refugia for terrestrial species in general.

Related Resources

• Conservation Opportunity Areas section in SWAP document