BLM announces brush thinning treatments in Socorro County
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
SOCORRO, N.M. — The Socorro Soil and Water Conservation District (SSWCD), in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Socorro Field Office, will treat approximately 3,600 acres of cholla cactus-invaded native rangelands. This project is part of the Restore New Mexico Program which is an aggressive partnership between landowners and land management agencies to restore the state’s grasslands, woodlands and riparian areas to a healthy, more productive condition.
Thinning treatments will occur sometime between Sept. 10-17, 2020 and should take approximately seven days to complete. The project will take place on BLM land within Socorro County in south-central New Mexico where cholla cactus densities have surpassed historic, naturally occurring levels and are being thinned to improve public rangeland health.
“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 cholla cactus and result in an increase of native grasses, forbs and other herbaceous vegetation to hold soil in place and decrease erosion,” said Jeff Fassett, BLM Albuquerque District Range Improvement Specialist. These mosaic treatments should mimic the same effects of natural controls like insects, disease or drought. The proposed treatment areas are also surrounded by cholla cactus in every direction that will not be treated.
A low-flying airplane will apply a broadleaf selective liquid herbicide on selected cholla cactus-infested areas. At the planned rate and timing of application, the herbicide will have minimal impact on desirable grasses and forbs, because the herbicide is applied under strict standard operating procedures and label requirements.
For further information, please contact Nyleen Troxel-Stowe with the SSWCD at 575-838-0078, or Jeff Fassett at 575-838-1245.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.