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 (Harding County)

Plan Goal

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

Situation Statement

Noxious weeds, brush, loco weed and snake weed are becoming more prevalent on Harding County 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. Roughly 25% of Harding county is infested with cedar trees, salt cedar, loco and snake weed. About 10% 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.

Target Audience and Actions

Private land ranchers, land managers and state and federal range conservationists are the primary target audience. Demonstration and education programs will be arranged and conducted through the Harding County Extension office and federal land management agencies in order to reach the target audience.

Short-Term Objectives

Field demonstrations utilizing appropriate range improvement techniques will be established in the county according to rancher needs and requests and land management agency needs. Private land ranchers,and land management agency personnel will become aware of and adept at using the various range improvement tools.

Medium-Term Objectives

To increase the knowledge of brush and weed management programs by private land ranchers and state and federal agency range conservationists. 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.

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 increased stocking rate, healthier rangelend, more efficient water utilization, and more profitable ranching and hunting operations.