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 (Taos County)

Plan Goal

Private land ranchers 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 brush and weeds are found in every county in the state and Taos County is no exception to this problem. These invasives have become a serious problem on many public an private lands with in Taos County and the fight to control them is never ending. 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. However, the most effective tool we have is still education.

Target Audience and Actions

Private land owners in Taos County along with federal, state, county and local government officials. Farmers and ranchers stand to lose the most from an economic stand point though all areas in Taos County stand to be impacted by the malicious spread of theses invasive weeds.

Short-Term Objectives

Annually, 35 farmers, ranchers and private landowners will receive assistance in either printed or oral form that will will help them identify weeds, their biology and control options to reduce the problem weed population.

Medium-Term Objectives

35% of the weed populations will be identified and mapped in collaboration with the Taos Soil and Water Conservation, UNM-Taos and individual volunteers in an effort to evaluate the movement and viable control options of these weed pests.

Long-Term Objectives

Work with Forest Service, BLM, tribal governments, private land owners and interested clientele on mapping the existence and spread of noxious weeds in Taos County. Develop, with the help of the Extension Weed Specialist, a identification and management information guide that can be available to the public for increased control success rate.

Evaluation Plan

Participation by the public at educational meetings
Number of hot-spots identified and mapped
Number of control programs established
Number of requests for information on this subject.