BLM announces brush thinning treatments in central and western New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Beginning now through Dec. 24, 2025, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will treat approximately 6,000 acres in Sandoval and Socorro counties where native brush densities have surpassed historic, naturally occurring levels.

For the treatment, a low-flying aircraft will drop Tebuthiuron pellets, a soil-applied herbicide that inhibits photosynthesis, on native brush. The herbicide will have minimal impact on desirable grasses and forbs, and because the herbicide is applied in pellet form, it will not drift from the treated areas. When the pellets dissolve from precipitation, they are absorbed into the ground to a depth of approximately two feet. They are then taken up by the target plants root system, eventually reducing the sagebrush and creosote bush density. The pellets will not be dropped near waterways or on slopes greater than ten percent.

The herbicide Tebuthiuron has been used to control sagebrush and creosote bush since the 1980s, and the benefits of its application are well documented.  The BLM’s goal is to decrease sagebrush and creosote bush densities and to not achieve eradication.

The objective of the thinning treatments is to improve native plant species diversity, which will benefit wildlife, rangeland and watershed health by reducing the density of sagebrush and creosote bush and result in an increase of native grasses, forbs and other herbaceous vegetation to hold soil in place and decrease erosion. Thinning treatments not only enhance native plant diversity but also contribute to overall ecosystem health and wildfire resilience. This treatment will provide benefit in the event of wildfire by reducing potential for large fire growth. Reduced densities of sagebrush and creosote bush will allow fire managers a variety of management options if a wildfire does occur.

For further information, please contact BLM Albuquerque District Project Coordinator Jeff Fassett at 575-838-1245.