Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.

Brush and Weed Control Education Program (McKinley County)

Plan Goal

Private land ranchers and state and federal agency range managers are expected to learn the most effective, economical and ecologically sound means of managing noxious brush and weeds.

Situation Statement

Noxious brush and weeds are found in every county in the state and are a serious problem on New Mexico rangeland. This fact is revealed by a survey of selected woody species which showed 50.4 million acres or 65 percent of New Mexico to be infested with one or more noxious plants. About 24.8 million acres or 32 percent is so densly covered that grass production is seriously curtailed. In addition to the loss of forage production, noxious plants result in soil erosion, reduced water use efficiency and increased animal handling costs. These in turn lower animal production and cause loss of income to the ranching community. Land managers want to know the most efficacious and economic means of managing noxious brush and weeds. Chemical, mechanical and biological tools can be used to help reduce the detrimental effects of noxious brush and weeds.

Ranchers and land managers are just starting to realize that we have a real problem in McKinley County. The extension service, NRCS and the McKinley County Soil and Water Districts are working together on a newly formed Weed Management Association.

Target Audience and Actions

Private land ranchers, Navajo Nation Tribal ranch and grazing permitees and state and federal range managers are the primary target audience. Demonstration and education programs will be arranged and conducted through county extension agents and federal land management agencies in order to reach the target audience. Educational materials will be development for the public relating to what weeds are currently in the county and what we should be on the look for. A concentrated effort will be made to identify and map the location of invasive weed infestations on private, public and reservation lands. The agricultural community and the general public will be enlisted into the effort to identify weed infestations as well. A media campaign will be conducted to increase awareness and invite participation.

Short-Term Objectives

Begin collection and the compiling the GIS data, the group will develop and implement control measures designed to contain or eradicate invasive species found on lands within a project area (the project area will have to be determined by the Weed Management Association).

Conduct a community education program by means of eductional workshops, invasive weed maps, articles and ads in local newspaper.

Medium-Term Objectives

To increase the knowledge of brush and weed management programs by private land ranchers, Navajo Nation ranch and grazing permitees and state and federal agency range managers. To increase the adoption of brush and weed management strategies by 5% over life of POW and increase net ranch income on treated acreage by 5%.

Long-Term Objectives

Overall range condition on treated acreage will impove over pretreatment conditions. As the number of acres densely infested with noxious brush and weeds declines, forage production will increase, soil erosion will decline, water use efficiency will improve and animal handling costs will decline.

There will also be the development of quarterly newsletter, demonstration sites to conduct tours and invasive weed web site.

Evaluation Plan

All demonstrations will be evaluated for plant kill, brush and weed reduction, and increased forage production, depending on age of plots and nature of brush and weed species. Field days and tours will be held to show results to clientele. Impact of program will be determined by commerical measures of chemical sold, acres treated or money expended by species and practice. Number of individuals that have gain information through the website will be count and maintained.