Welcome to Blanca Wetlands!

Long ago, a network of playa lakes, ponds, marshes and wet meadows shimmered in the desert scrub of the San Luis Valley. Today, many of the  wetlands are dry due to a lower ground water table and decreased rain and snow runoff from the mountains. The Blanca Wetlands – a part of this wetlands network – is making a comeback through the efforts of the Bureau of Land Management and its many partners. Ponds, marshes, playas, wet meadows, and uplands intermingle at Blanca Wetlands to provide rich and diverse habitats for wildlife – and a haven for people. View our brochure

Blanca Wetlands is an Area of Criticial Environmental Concern

Blanca Wetlands has been designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern, or an ACEC. This BLM designation is based on an area’s unique, rare or sensitive resources. Blanca was designated an ACEC specifically for its recreation and wetland values, including playa and marsh habitats containing large populations of water birds, amphibians, macroinvertebrates, and 13 threated, endangered and sen sitive species. The BLM is seeking public input to guide an environmental analysis for a proposal to expand the Blanca Wetlands ACEC. As part of this project, the BLM will complete an environmental assessment (EA) to analyze the potential impacts of enlarging the Wetlands ACEC. The EA will also evaluate cattle grazing on the Lakes, Dry Lakes and Blanca Wetlands allotments. The BLM is hosting an open house to hear from the public and share information: Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, from 4 – 7 p.m. at the SLV Regional Medical Center Education and Conference Center (east of the Grizzly Inn), 1919 Main St., Alamosa, Colo. Project Map Frequently Asked Questions Project Summary Historic Photos For more information call Jill Lucero 719-274-6327