Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan

              Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
San Acacia, New Mexico
July 2000
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Southwest Region
500 Gold S.W.
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87 103
COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN APPROVAL
for the
Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, San Acacia, NM
July 2000
The attached Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Sevilleta NWR parts of which were prepared for the
Service by Research Management Consultants, Inc. (RMCI), Golden, Colorado, under the supervision of
Regional and Refuge staff. Maps have been developed by and in cooperation with the University of New Mexico
Long Term Ecological Research Station. The contents and format are found to be in compliance with Service
policy on the preparation of Comprehensive Conservation Plans, and is hereby submitted for approval.
Submitted by:
Thomas P. Baca, M.P.A., Senior Natural
Resource Planner
~:&/j$-.J(~;ag
Terry Tadano, Refuge Manager
Concurrence by:
Browning, Refuge Sup$rvisor, AZ/NM
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Dom Ciccone, Chief, NWR System, R2
Nancy Kaufman
Regional Director, Region 2
Date
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Executive Summary
The comprehensive conservation plan for Sevilleta National
Wildlife Refuge will serve as a management tool to be used by
the refuge staff and partners in the preservation and
restoration of the ecosystem’s natural resources. In that
regard, the plan will guide management decisions over the
next 15 years and set forth strategies for achieving refuge
goals and objectives within that time frame. The management
actions in this document reflect a need to achieve many
objectives, including the following:
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Continue implementation of the Mexican wolf captive
propagation program on the refuge, and ensure
continued operation within all applicable regulations,
protocols, and safety guidelines.
Preserve refuge habitat diversity and threatened and
endangered species habitats by preserving and
restoring habitats to their natural condition. This may
involve aggressive removal of non-native plants (e.g.,
salt cedar) and animals (e.g., oryx, Barbary sheep).
Maintain a viable population of silvery minnows on the
Rio Grande within the refuge.
Evaluate refuge grasslands potential as an introduction
site for the endangered northern Aplomado falcon.
Protect threatened and endangered species on the
refuge and adjacent properties through outreach,
educational activities, and effective enforcement of fish
and wildlife laws.
Promote and support the introduction of native
threatened and endangered species on the refuge.
Ensure the integrity of all naturally occurring biotic
communities on the refuge.
Maintain migratory bird populations at healthy levels
in the Upper/Middle Rio Grande Ecosystem.
Reverse declining trends in quality and quantity of
riparian/wetland habitats; restore, maintain, and
enhance the species composition, aerial extent, and
spatial distribution of riparian/wetland habitats.
Protect, restore, and maintain upland terrestrial
communities at the landscape level within the
Upper/Middle Rio Grande Ecosystem.
By the end of FY 2001, (September 30,2001), assess the
refuge’s full wilderness attributes, and determine
appropriate areas within the full spectrum of the refuge
for study and designation as Wilderness Study Areas.
. . .
111
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Included will be the dedication of between 3,000 and
8,000 acres as the Ladron Wilderness Study Area.
Use sound land use practices and management tools to
protect upland terrestrial habitats in the Upper/Middle
Rio Grande Ecosystem.
Preserve, enhance, and restore hydrological regimes in
order to perpetuate a healthy river ecosystem. Use the
Rio Grande Initiative to form partnerships that address
water management, habitat enhancement and
restoration, and impacts of non-native plants and
animals on native biodiversity and endangered species.
Compile a database of the baseline natural conditions,
processes, and species associated within the refuge
ecosystems by October 2004.
Attain baseline natural conditions, processes, and
populations of species in 50 percent of each habitat type
by 2010. If attainment is not possible, implement
adaptive management strategies designed to attain
desired conditions.
Restore and maintain natural hydrological regimes.
Contribute to the integrity of the Upper Middle Rio
Grande Watershed using sound management tools and
practices.
Develop partnerships, relationships, and
communications to improve implementation of refuge
wildlife and habitat management goals.
Minimize human impacts to refuge ecosystems.
Encourage research that improves management and
monitoring of species, communities, and processes on
the refuge and the Upper Middle Rio Grande.
Permit and encourage research from a wide range of
interested parties and institutions while protecting the
wildlife and plant components of the ecosystem from
detrimental human intrusion and manipulative
research protocols.
Minimize impacts of research activities.
Provide the research community a unique opportunity
to conduct wildlife-related research that provides the
refuge with management direction.
Obtain (through purchase or mitigation) sufficient
water rights to manage refuge wetlands associated with
the Rio Grande.
Acquire in-stream flow rights for the perennial portion
of the Rio Salado.
Protect upland seeps, springs, and wetlands within the
refuge.
iv
Provide the general public with high quality, wildlife-dependent
experiences on and off the refuge.
Provide the general public with high quality
environmental education and wildlife dependent
experiences on and off the refuge.
Develop sound management practices to protect
cultural resources within the scope of Part 614 of the
Service Manual and all applicable federal laws and
regulations.
Minimize obtrusive impacts to refuge lands or adjacent
lands.
Obtain adequate staffing to implement management
plans benefitting the Middle Rio Grande Ecosystem
both on and off refuge lands.
Effect improvements to facilities that will result in the
enhancement of refuge capabilities and resources
including: construction of an (approximately) 8,000-
square foot visitor center/administrative complex; two
1,500-square foot staff residences; and a multi-unit
living facility for refuge volunteers.
Develop and apply the Ecosystem Management
approach.
Solicit input from involved agencies, institutions, and
groups to help coordinate and evaluate refuge activities.
Assess the suitability of refuge lands for wilderness
designation.
The accomplishment of the above management
objectives and the employment of associated
actions and strategies will assist in the
achievement of the following broad refuge goals:
GOAL I: To provide for the enhancement, preservation,
and protection of threatened and endangered
species as they occur naturally or were
historically present on the Sevilleta NWR so that
viable, self-sustaining populations can be
restored to their natural habitats.
GOAL, II: To restore and maintain the natural diversity of
plants and wildlife as it occurred historically on
Sevilleta NWR.
GOAL, III: To encourage research from bonafide research
institutions, to provide an atmosphere conducive
V
to investigations into environmental processes
on the refuge, and to assume a proactive role in
facilitating research projects as they occur on the
refuge.
GOAL IV.- To protect existing, and to secure additional,
water rights and/or in-stream flow rights as
necessary to protect the integrity of the riparian
and aquatic habitats on the refuge.
GOAL, V.- To achieve appropriate levels of public uses that
are compatible with the purpose for which the
refuge was established and with the goals of the
National Wildlife Refuge System; and to
regulate, as provided by law, all activities, uses,
and practices that are potentially harmful to
refuge resources.
GOAL VI: To establish a formal program for public
outreach, identify important public resources,
and implement environmental education
programs accordingly.
GOAL VII: To protect, maintain, and plan for Service-managed
cultural resources on Sevilleta NWR
for the benefit of present and future generations.
GOAL VIII: To protect existing lands associated with
Sevilleta NWR for the benefit of fish and wildlife
resources; to provide for the acquisition of
additional lands; and to ensure the integrity of
refuge boundaries relative to adjacent lands.
GOAL IX.- To effect improvements to funding, facilities, and
staffing that will result in enhancement of refuge
habitat and wildlife resources, leading to the
achievement of the goals of this plan and the
goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
GOAL X: To strengthen interagency and jurisdictional
coordination on or near Sevilleta NWR, resulting
in decisions benefitting fish and wildlife
resources while avoiding duplication of effort.
vi
Table of Contents
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
VISION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND REGIONAL SETTING . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.0 PLANNING PERSPECTIVES AND CONSIDERATIONS
2.;. . . .
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
..........................................
National Wildlife Refuge System .............
The Service and an Ecosystem Approach to
Management ..............................
Planning Perspectives ......................
The Issues, Challenges and Opportunities ......
The Purpose & Need for Action ...............
Plan Decision Guidance .....................
Expected Planning Outcomes ................
Public Involvement .........................
7
7
7
9
10
16
17
17
18
3.0 ECOSYSTEM AND REFUGE RESOURCE DESCRIPTION
19
3.;.“‘~e~e;,tib,::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 19
3.2 Wildlife ................................... 22
3.3 Climate ................................... 22
3.4 Geology ................................... 23
3.4.1 Stratigraphy ............................... 23
3.5 Soils ...................................... 24
3.6 Water Management ......................... 25
3.6.1 Natural Springs ............................ 25
3.6.2 Man-Made Wells ............................ 26
3.7 Cultural and Historic Resources Features ....... 27
3.8 Socioeconomic Features ...................... 28
3.9 Refuge Staffing ............................. 29
4.0 SEVILLETA NWR MANAGEMENT PROGRAM . . . . . . . 3 1
4.1 Threatened and Endangered Species Management
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
.......................................... 31
Wildlife and Habitat Management ............. 35
Research .................................. 45
Water Rights and Protection .................. 47
Compatibility and Public Use ................. 49
Environmental Education and Public Outreach . . 51
Cultural Resources Management .............. 53
Land Protection and Acquisition ............... 55
Staffing, Facilities and Funding ............... 57
Interagency Coordination .................... 59
5.0 LEGAL, POLICY, AND ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES,
AND OTHER SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS . . . . . . . 61
5.1 Legal Mandates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
vii
6.0
7.0
8.0
5.2 Agency-Wide Policy Directions ................ 62
5.2.1 National Wildlife Refuge System: Mission and
Goals ..................................... 63
5.3 Refuge Purpose Statements ................... 67
PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ........................ 71
6.1 Partnership Opportunities ....................... 75
6.2 Completed Station Step-down Plans and Other
Documents ................................. 76
6.3 Plans and Documents to be Developed in the Future . 80
6.4 Refuge Program Monitoring and Evaluation ........ 82
REFERENCES ................................... 83
LIST OF PREPARERS ............................. 85
GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Appendices
A. Fish of the Middle Rio Grande
B. Reptiles of Sevilleta NWR
C. Birds of Sevilleta NWR
D. Mammals of Sevilleta NWR
F. Threatened and Endangered Species of Socorro County
G. Maps
Map #l Land Status
Map #2 Sevilleta Vegetation Map
Map #3 Proposed Land Acquisitions
Map #4 Transportation/ Utility
Network
Map #5 Sevilleta Special Projects
Map #6 Streams and Drainage
Network
UNM/LTER #l All Meteorological Sites
UNMnTER #2 Animal Studies
UNM/LTER #3 Nutrient Cycling Study Sites
UNM/LTER #4 Plant Studies Sites
UNM/LTER #5 Vegetation Mapping Project
Plots
H. Refuge Operational Needs System Project Sheets (RONS)
I. Warranty Deed*
J. Middle Rio Grande Valley Waterfowl Management Plan*
K. Proposed Full Staffing Level Chart
L. Legal Mandates
M. Public Comments
N. Memorandum of Understanding
. , .
Vlll
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
EA 1.0 Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action . . . . . . . . . _ . EA-1
EA 2.0 Background and Resource Issues . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . EA-1
EA 3.0 Description of the Proposed Action and Alternatives . . . EA-9
EA 3.1 Alternative A (Proposed Action) . . . . . . . . . . . . . EA-9
EA 3.2 Alternative B: Current Management Scenario
(No Action Alternative) . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . , EA-13
EA 3.3 Alternative C (Custodial Status Alternative) . EA-13
EA 4.0 Affected Environment ..................... . . . . EA-15
EA 4.1 Vegetation ........................ . . . . EA-15
EA 4.2 Wildlife .......................... . . . . EA-18
EA 4.3 Climate .......................... . . . . EA-18
EA 4.4 Geology .......................... . . . . EA-18
EA 4.4.1 Stratigraphy .............. . . . . EA-19
EA4.5 Soils ............................. . . . . EA-19
EA 4.6 Water Management ................ . . . . EA-2 1
EA 4.6.1 Natural Springs ............ . . . . EA-21
EA 4.6.2 Wells ..................... . . . . EA-21
EA 4.7 Cultural and Historic Resources ...... . . . . EA-22
EA 4.8 Socioeconomic Features ............. . . . . EA-23
EA 4.9 Refuge Staffing .................... . . . . EA-24
EA 5.0 Environmental Consequences .................... EA-25
EA 5.1 Alternative A (Proposed Action) ............ EA-25
EA 5.1.1 Biological Resources .............. EA-25
EA 5.1.2 Air Quality ...................... EA-27
EA 5.1.3 Water Quality ................... EA-27
EA 5.1.4 Wetlands and Riparian Preservation and
Enhancement ........................... EA-27
EA 5.1.5 Cultural Resources ............... EA-28
EA 5.1.6 Socioeconomics .................. EA-28
EA 5.2 Alternative B (No Action) ................. EA-28
EA 5.2.1 Biological Resources .............. EA-28
EA 5.2.2 Air Quality ...................... EA-29
EA 5.2.3 Water Quality ................... EA-29
EA 5.2.4 Wetlands and Riparian Preservation and
Enhancement ........................... EA-30
EA 5.2.5 Cultural Resources ............... EA-30
EA 5.2.6 Socioeconomics .................. EA-30
EA 5.3 Alternative C ............................ EA-30
EA 5.3.1 Biological Resources .............. EA-30
EA 5.3.2 Air Quality ...................... EA-30
EA 5.3.3 Water Quality ................... EA-3 1
EA 5.3.4 Wetlands and Riparian Preservation and
Enhancement ........................... EA-31
EA 5.3.5 Cultural Resources ............... EA-31
EA 5.3.6 Socioeconomic ................... EA-31
ix
EA 6.0 Cumulative Impacts, Mitigation and Consultation
and Coordination ....................... EA-33
EA 6.1 Cumulative Impacts ...................... EA-33
EA 6.2 Mitigation Measures ..................... EA-33
EA 6.3 Consultation and Coordination ............. EA-34
EA 7.0 Document Preparation . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EA-35
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 1
VISION
The Sevilleta NWR, located in central New Mexico, is one of the
largest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, and is
faced with many challenges and opportunities. It is unique
because four biomes, the Colorado Plateau Shrub Steppe,
Chihuahuan Desert, Great Plains Short Grassland Prairie, and
Piñon Juniper Woodland intersect on the refuge. In addition, the
Rio Grande flows through the center of Sevilleta NWR, providing a
riparian oasis that plays a vital role in the mixed ecosystems.
Since its inclusion into the System, management approaches at
Sevilleta NWR have involved basic resource preservation, the
provision of opportunities for research, and that of allowing
natural restoration processes to occur. While nature will continue
to rehabilitate the landscape on its own, proven scientific tools will
be employed to encourage the healing processes to enhance habitat
and wildlife resources on the refuge.
In 1988, the refuge agreed to host the Long-Term Ecological
Research Project. One of 21 LTER locations throughout the
United States, the Sevilleta NWR LTER is the only one on a
national wildlife refuge. The LTER project conducts a variety of
research. The dominant theme examines long-term changes in
ecosystem attributes as a result of both natural and artificial
disturbances. This partnership of institutions has created a
symbiotic relationship in which the research community is
provided a unique outside laboratory, and the refuge benefits from
the wealth of knowledge provided by the research. With continued
cooperation, this partnership is expected to result in the
realization of the common goals and objectives of both the refuge
and the LTER project.
In 1995, Sevilleta NWR was selected to host the captive Mexican
gray wolf management facility. The facility is located in a remote
mountainous canyon and is capable of housing up to six family
groups. The primary purpose of the facility is to provide an
environment that fosters wild characteristics and behaviors so the
wolves will be better suited for life in the wild upon release. The
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service predicts it will take approximately
9 years to establish a self-sustaining population of 100 wolves
through release of captive animals and natural reproduction in the
wild. The refuge will continue to serve as a core component of this
program, with refuge staff providing maintenance for all facilities
and providing assistance to the animal caretakers to ensure a
healthy captive population.
“After 25 years of a quiet
existence, the Refuge’s potential
to be a powerhouse in the
wildlife and natural resource
management and educational
arenas is only now being
realized. The Refuge will have
the programs, the partnerships,
and the momentum to develop
into one of the foremost
environmental research
locations in the world. The refuge
will serve as an area of natural
habitat for native species of the
Southwest, and will serve as a
unique window allowing
observation of this natural
landscape and the wildlife that
thrive there. Sevilleta NWR truly
plays a unique and special role
within the whole of the National
Wildlife Refuge System.”
-Vision
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 2
In more recent years, the focus of the refuge has broadened and
will continue to broaden to meet its obligations to an ecosystem
approach to management. This approach requires a greater
understanding of the natural biological diversity on the refuge and
surrounding lands that will be acquired through the LTER project.
The refuge recognizes that sound relationships and partnerships
with adjacent and watershed landowners/stewards are imperative
and will continue to coordinate activities with all concerned
individuals, agencies, and organizations in a holistic approach.
From its inception, there has been limited public use of the refuge.
Waterfowl and dove hunting has been permitted in the riparian
area. While these uses will continue, the refuge will begin to
incorporate compatible wildlife observation and interpretive
activities, including the possible establishment of nature trails in
appropriate areas. However, the major contribution of the refuge
is to increase public appreciation of wildlife and habitat
preservation by means of environmental education and
interpretation. The refuge’s future lies in serving as a window on
the world of research and conservation activities. For this to take
place, cooperation between the refuge’s major stakeholders must
be paramount.
Additionally, the planning and construction of needed facilities
and infrastructure improvements will be necessary. Construction
of a new office, visitor center, and education center is vital to the
successful achievement of the goals common to the Mexican Wolf
Recovery Program, the LTER project, and the refuge staff. The
education center will foster scientific education to select groups
and serve as a classroom for science camps. The visitor center will
provide a means for proactive public education on the Mexican
Wolf Recovery Program, the LTER project, and the missions and
goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the Service. A
visitor center available to the general public and easily accessible
from Interstate 25 will provide the refuge with the opportunity to
reach thousands of people.
After 25 years of a quiet existence, the refuge’s potential to be a
powerhouse in the wildlife and natural resource management and
educational arenas is only now being realized. The refuge will
have the programs, the partnerships, and the momentum to
become one of the foremost environmental research locations in
the world. The refuge will serve as an area of natural habitat for
native species of the Southwest, and will serve as a unique
window allowing observation of this natural landscape and the
wildlife that thrive there. Sevilleta NWR truly plays a unique and
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 3
special role within the whole of the National Wildlife Refuge
System.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 5
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND REGIONAL SETTING
Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1973 when
the Campbell Family Foundation conveyed the property to The
Nature Conservancy, who in turn donated it to the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. The refuge is unique in that it was set aside “to
allow natural ecological processes to prevail . . . and that portions
of the property will be
made available to
educational institutions
and conservation
organizations for
scientific research and
study.” In efforts to
meet the covenant
requirements and for
other management
purposes, livestock
grazing on the refuge
was discontinued over
25 years ago.
Sevilleta NWR is
located in central New
Mexico, approximately
50 miles south of
Albuquerque. Sevilleta
NWR is the seventh largest refuge in the lower 48 states, and runs
the full width of the Rio Grande Valley extending from the Sierra
Ladrones on the west to Los Pinos Mountains on the east. It is
approximately 30 miles in width and 18 miles in length, covering a
total of 228,770 acres or 400 square miles. Elevations on the
refuge range from 4,430 feet at the Rio Grande to 8,953 feet at
Ladrone Peak.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 7
2.0 PLANNING PERSPECTIVES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The Refuge represents one segment of a multi-faceted system
within a widespread and highly complex organization. The
development of this CCP has incorporated the directives, policies
and regulations of the Service, the Refuge System and the purpose
for which the Refuge was established to assist in providing
guidance to the Refuge for long range management decisions.
2.1 National Wildlife Refuge System
The Service is the principal agency responsible for conserving,
protecting, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats. The
Service manages a diverse network of more than 500 national
wildlife refuges, a System that encompasses 92 million acres of
land and water. National wildlife refuges are set up for specific
purposes and provide habitat for thousands of species of birds,
mammals, fish, and insects. Other refuges within the immediate
area include the Bosque del Apache NWR, approximately 40 miles
to the south, and the Bitter Lake NWR, approximately 140 miles
to the east.
2.2 The Service and an Ecosystem
Approach to Management
The Service has adopted an ecosystem approach to more
effectively achieve its mission of fish and wildlife conservation for
future generations. The ecosystem approach is defined as
protecting or restoring the natural function, structure, and species
composition of an ecosystem, recognizing that all components are
interrelated. The approach emphasizes the identification of
ecosystem goals that represent resource priorities on which all
parts of the Service will collectively focus their efforts. These
cross-program partnerships within the Service, as well as
partnerships with other entities outside of the Service, provide a
broad basis for identification of common resource goals and
resources with which to meet those goals in an effective and
timely manner.
To implement the ecosystem approach, the Service established
ecosystem teams consisting of members representing the various
field stations and programs within the Service. Sevilleta NWR is
part of the Upper/Middle Rio Grande Ecosystem. The refuge plays
an integral role in the coordination and participation of various
projects identified by the ecosystem team as priority projects in
order to accomplish the overall goal of the team.
The Upper/Middle
Rio Grande Ecosystem
goal is “To protect,
restore, and maintain
viable levels of biotic
diversity within the
Upper/Middle Rio
Grande Ecosystem.”
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 8
Based on a broad set of issues identifiable throughout the entire
defined ecosystem, the Service developed a management goal and
a set of sub-goals. The ecosystem goal is “To protect, restore, and
maintain viable levels of biotic diversity within the Upper/Middle
Rio Grande Ecosystem.” Sub-goals of the plan include to recover
federal and state-listed threatened and endangered species and
their habitats, and ensure that species not currently listed are
managed to avoid future need to list them under the Endangered
Species Act; to maintain migratory bird populations at healthy
levels; to reverse declining trends in quality and quantity of
riparian/wetland habitats; restore, maintain, and enhance the
species composition, aerial extent, and spatial distribution of
riparian/wetland habitats; to protect, restore, and maintain native
fish and aquatic communities, and to promote sport fisheries
management where native fish and other aquatic organisms are
not adversely affected; to protect, maintain, and restore upland
terrestrial communities at the landscape level; to interpret the
link between healthy, stable ecosystems and human/community
health; and to protect and enhance water quality and quantities
for aquatic, wetland, and riparian habitat.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 9
2.3 Planning Perspectives
This comprehensive planning effort will integrate three
perspectives so that the management direction over the next 15
years will produce holistic management approaches for the
Sevilleta NWR. The plan includes:
1. A broad perspective for overall environmental contextual
issues (endangered species, biological diversity, water
issues, interjurisdictional cooperation, socioeconomic
considerations, etc.).
2. A focused perspective for national wildlife refuge- related
policy issues that affect the Sevilleta NWR programs
(compatibility, endangered species management, water
rights, etc.).
3. A local perspective for refuge-related activities and
strategies affecting management units (grasslands
management, endangered species management, research,
maintenance).
An understanding of these three perspectives and the relationship
between them will lead to an integral set of refuge goals and
objectives for the next 15 years.
1
The list of issues and the corresponding goals in Part III of this CCP are not in any order of priority
except to indicate that natural resource issues and goals take precedence by virtue of the ordering of the
goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System [Re fuge Manual 2 RM 1-4].
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 10
2.4 The Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities
The following is a list of the major issues that confront the
Sevilleta NWR programs. An issue is defined as any unsettled
matter that requires a management decision1. Examples include
Service initiatives, opportunities, management problems, threats
to the resources, conflicts in uses, public concerns, and the
presence of undesirable resource conditions.
Issue 1. Threatened and Endangered Species
Management
The quantity and variety of habitats on the refuge provide the
opportunity for habitat enhancement and the reintroduction of
threatened and endangered species. The enhancement and
restoration of suitable habitat for several native species would
benefit from additional staffing and funding. The Mexican gray
wolf captive propagation program currently based on the refuge
could also benefit from additional staff and maintenance
expenditures to ensure its success. Additional support is needed
for public outreach, threatened and endangered species education,
and law enforcement.
Challenge: The protection and reintroduction of threatened and
endangered species will require considerable
long-term effort.
Issue 2. Wildlife and Habitat Management
The restoration and maintenance of native habitats on the refuge
is essential for effective wildlife management. Historical records,
databases, and other information can be used to determine the
natural conditions and processes that should be restored on the
refuge. This ”baseline” assessment is essential for determining
what habitat restoration actions should be conducted, and as a
method of gauging the success of habitat restoration and
maintenance activities. Restoration may involve strategies such as
prescribed burning, non-native species control, or hydrological
restoration and maintenance. In all cases these management
activities must take into account the protection of research
instrumentation, high value public lands, and refuge and Mexican
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 11
wolf facilities. Minimization of human impacts such as roads,
public access, and research activities is a major concern.
Challenge: Effective habitat restoration and maintenance will
require long-term efforts to remove non- native vegetation and
animals . These include plants such as salt cedar and animals like
oryx and Barbary sheep. Many of the non-native vegetation
species are difficult to control and have large seed source
reservoirs in the region.
Issue 3. Research
Research is an integral part of refuge purposes and activities. The
LTER project is a major component of the refuge and has
historically been a major asset.
Challenge: There is a need to coordinate research activities to
minimize the impact on the natural habitats, and to evaluate and
regulate the research conducted at the refuge. With pro-active
management, research impacts can be minimized while research
efficiency and effectiveness are enhanced.
Issue 4. Water Rights and Protection
Availability of water in arid climates is key to the maintenance of
habitats, especially riparian habitats.
Challenge: To acquire additional water rights and to protect
existing water rights necessary for the management and
conservation of riparian and aquatic resources. The refuge’s role
will be one of working closely with surrounding water users,
conservancy districts, and the State of New Mexico toward a flow
regime that allows for conservation of natural resources while not
impacting other right holders.
Issue 5. Compatibility and Public Use
Historically the refuge has had limited public use and access due
to the lack of a visitor center, inadequate road access, and the
emphasis on research activities.
Challenge: Opportunities exist with the advent of a new visitor
center to increase compatible public use. Activities such as hiking,
environmental interpretation, hunting, wildlife photography, and
wildlife watching could occur at appropriate levels on the refuge.
Compatibility determination and documentation to determine
appropriate locations and levels of public use activities is needed.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 12
Issue 6. Environmental Education and Public Outreach
Promotion of environmental education is a major goal of the
refuge. Activities at a new visitor center as well as public
outreach activities and development of a national/international
science camp would further the achievement of this goal.
Challenge: An environmental educator position for the refuge is
seen as vital to the success of the environmental education and
public outreach program.
Issue 7. Cultural Resources Management
Less than 1 percent of the Sevilleta NWR has been inventoried
systematically for archeological sites. However, selective sampling
of refuge lands has identified several major prehistoric sites of
national significance.
Challenge: There is a need for a comprehensive cultural
resources survey to determine the nature and extent of cultural
resources on the refuge. Once the cultural resources are surveyed,
strategies for protection and management can be developed.
Additional land acquisition and appropriate law enforcement are
two possible strategies to improve cultural resources protection.
Issue 8. Land Protection and Acquisition
Acquisition of land or easements to allow improved access to the
refuge headquarters and research areas is one possible action to
alleviate current inadequate access. Acquisition of private land in
holdings or adjacent properties that contain valuable habitat or
cultural resources is another possible strategy to protect high
value resources.
Challenge: One objective of this plan is to begin an in-depth
analysis of what possibilities exist within a 3,000- to 8,000-acre
area. This area could possibly abut an area of BLM lands that are
currently under wilderness review.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 13
Wilderness Opportunities: As part of its overall comprehensive
conservation planning responsibilities, the Service will continue to
assess the suitability of its refuge lands for wilderness
designation. Wilderness designation provides a high level of
resource protection under the provisions of the Wilderness Act of
1964.
Sevilleta NWR, by virtue of its own written deed restrictions and
covenants, already has an extremely high level of protection built
into its purposes. The purpose of the refuge, as stated in the
warranty deed, is as follows:
“. . . to preserve and enhance the integrity and the
natural character of the ecosystems of the property
by creating a wildlife refuge managed as nearly as
possible in its natural state, employing only those
management tools and techniques that are
consistent with the maintenance of natural
ecological processes . . . not to be subjected to
commercial exploitation . . . and the land and the
plants and animals supported by it to be managed
to permit the natural ecological successions and
processes typical of the area to prevail . . . and that
portions of the property will be made available to
educational institutions and conservation
organizations for scientific research and study.”
Past and current management has demonstrated a commitment to
preserve, enhance, and protect the refuge lands. Management has
shown its dedication to the purpose of the refuge as stated in the
deed restrictions by not permitting grazing, closing existing ranch
roads, removing artificial structures and limiting human influence
on the refuge by restricting use and entry through a permit
system.
Sierra Ladron WSA -- During the development of this plan,
wilderness interests have suggested the refuge target up to 13,000
acres near the Sierra Ladron in the extreme northwestern section
of the refuge for possible wilderness designation. In review of
refuge land uses, a limited area could be targeted for this purpose.
A wilderness designation would protect portions of the refuge and
preserve its naturalness by legally preventing any artificial
developments in this area.
The majority of the 13,000 acre area would appear to be
appropriate for wilderness designation. The Sierra Ladron is a
steep, rugged, and massive mountain, with no structures present
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 14
except for the refuge boundary fence. In the foothills, however,
there are numerous ongoing research projects, with many being 10
years in length. Without loss of years of data, it would be virtually
impossible to move them since the projects are site specific.
Considering all the factors including past, current, and future uses
of the area, a 3,000- to 8,000- acre area would better meet refuge
and its research cooperator’s goals. A 3,000-acre area, which is
outside the refuge boundary fence, joins the proposed wilderness
area on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) property in the
extreme northwest corner of the refuge. This is the first option
since the wilderness designation would assist in the management
of the unfenced area. The second option would be to target the
8,000-acre area and would allow the Refuge to continue its current
and future programs and to continue to provide the researchers a
stable location for their long-term research.
The final acreage configuration of the Sierra Ladron Wilderness
Study Area, would likely need no further study due to its present
roadless undeveloped wilderness compatible character.
Additionally, this plan does not provide for strategies or
approaches that would create permanent improvements,
structures, roadways, or the need for motorized access that would
diminish the area’s wilderness potential. [See Map #1]
Other Refuge-wide Wilderness Study Possibilities –
Nevertheless, by virtue of Service policy the refuge is responsible
for determining wilderness possibilities for a full spectrum of
refuge lands. A bit more time will be necessary to assess the full
spectrum of refuge lands keeping in mind current commitments to
long term research that necessitate technologies, access, and tools
not consistent with the strict requirements of the Wilderness Act
of 1964. Any additional Wilderness Study Areas identified will be
under focused monitoring and study, however, they will be
managed as de facto wilderness in accordance with Service policy
and as set forth in the Wilderness Act of 1964.
In the case of all areas identified as Wilderness Study Areas, the
refuge would not implement any strategies that would attenuate
future wilderness designation.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 15
Issue 9. Staffing and Funding
Sevilleta NWR historically has been understaffed while staff
duties and the demands of the refuge have increased. Currently,
the refuge staff consists of five permanent full-time employees.
Funding for proposed actions is another factor limiting the
accomplishment of refuge goals.
Challenge: Additional staff is essential to the implementation of
the management plan.
Issue 10. Interagency Coordination
Coordination with other agencies and institutions is essential for
accomplishing refuge goals and to ensure success in the Southwest
Strategies Program.
Challenge: The formation of a stakeholders committee may be
useful in strengthening and coordinating relationships.
2 Refuge Manual 4 RM 1.1
3 602 FW 1-3 FWM 201
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 16
2.5 The Purpose and Need for Action
Planning provides a road map to facilitate the coordination
necessary for efficient implementation of management actions
designed to benefit the Sevilleta NWR. The Service’s approach is
to offer management goals, objectives, and strategies/management
actions that are consistent with ecologically desirable outcomes for
the entire Sevilleta NWR. The Refuge Improvement Act of 1997
requires all refuges to have a comprehensive conservation plan.
The purpose of comprehensive management planning is to
“provide long range guidance for the management of national
wildlife refuges.”2 As such, all lands of the National Wildlife
Refuge System are to be managed in accordance with an approved
CCP that will guide management decisions and set forth
strategies for achieving refuge purposes.3
There is a need for a comprehensive cultural resources survey to
determine the nature and extent of cultural resources on the
refuge. Once the cultural resources are surveyed, strategies for
protection and management can be developed. Additional land
acquisition and appropriate law enforcement are two possible
strategies to improve cultural resources protection. This CCP
defines the role that the Service, particularly Sevilleta NWR, will
play in the protection and enhancement of the natural resources
found on the refuge. Specifically, this document will provide
guidance to present and future managers regarding management
direction in order to achieve overall landscape goals. Finally,
because of the increasing volume of research activity on the
refuge, this document provides a forum to define the parameters
(i.e., amount and type of research) under which the research
programs should operate.
4 602 FW 1-3 FWM 201
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 17
2.6 Plan Decision Guidance
The decisions made within this CCP are guided by the established
purposes of the refuge, the goals and compatibility standards of
the System, and other Service policies, plans, and laws directly
related to refuge management. This CCP establishes the goals,
objectives, management guidelines, strategies, monitoring, and
evaluation strategies for the refuge.
The CCP will be used to prepare step-down management plans,
revise existing plans, performance standards, and budgets that
describe specific actions to be taken by the refuge over the next 15
years. Given that new information and guidance frequently arise,
the CCP will be updated as necessary. The effects of major
management actions will be documented to provide information to
future managers as to the effects of actions taken.
The availability of the draft CCP was published in the Federal
Register, December 7, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 234), and copies
of the draft were sent to citizens, interest groups, and agencies
that previously expressed an interest in refuge programs and
issues. However, due to the light responses from the review of the
draft CCP, an open house was deemed unnecessary. Comments
received during the planning process can be found in Appendix M.
2.7 Expected Planning Outcomes
The planning effort should bring about the following outcomes,
which are all objectives of comprehensive conservation planning:4
1. To ensure that management of Sevilleta NWR lands
reflects the policies and goals of the System and the
purposes for which the refuge was established.
2. To ensure that the Sevilleta NWR contributes to the
conservation of biological diversity and to the
structure and function of the ecosystem in which it
is located.
3. To provide a clear statement of desired future
conditions for the Sevilleta NWR as it should be
when System and individual unit purposes are
accomplished.
The decisions made within
this CCP are guided by the
established purposes of
the refuge, the goals and
compatibility standards of
the System, and other
Service policies, plans,
and laws directly related
to refuge management.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 18
4. To provide a systematic process to aid decision-making
by identifying opportunities, issues, and
concerns; collecting, organizing, and analyzing
information; and developing and considering a range
of management alternatives.
5. To provide a forum for determining the
compatibility of uses on the Sevilleta NWR.
6. To ensure other Service programs, other agencies,
and the public have opportunities to participate in
management decision-making for the Sevilleta
NWR.
7. To provide a uniform basis for budget requests for
operational, maintenance, and capital development
programs that accomplish Sevilleta NWR and
System purposes.
8. To provide a basis for monitoring progress and
evaluating plan implementation on the Sevilleta
NWR.
9. To identify objectives and management strategies
for the Sevilleta NWR, leading to their achievement.
10. To provide long-term continuity in the management
of the Sevilleta NWR.
2.8 Public Involvement
In an ongoing effort to involve the local community and officials in
the CCP process, the availability of the draft CCP was published
in the Federal Register, December 7, 1998 (Volume 63, Number
234), and drafts were sent to citizens, interest groups, and
agencies that previously expressed an interest in refuge programs
and issues. Additionally, the refuge has formed a special
Stakeholders Committee whose members have a legal (by virtue of
Title or Memorandum of Understanding), or research-related
stake in refuge programs and management. Currently, the
Stakeholders Committee includes the New Mexico Game and Fish
Department, the University of New Mexico, New Mexico Institute
of Mining and Technology, and The Nature Conservancy.
5 New Mexico Natural Heritage Program and Sevilleta Long-Term Ecological Research Program, 1998. A Vegetation
Classification Map for the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. Biology Department University of New Mexico, Albuquerque,
New Mexico.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 19
3.0 ECOSYSTEM AND REFUGE RESOURCE
DESCRIPTION
Sevilleta NWR is located in central New Mexico, approximately 50
miles south of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The refuge runs the full
width of the Rio Grande Valley extending from the Sierra
Ladrones on the west to Los Pinos Mountains on the east. The
physiography of the area is diverse and includes the Rio Grande
and its surrounding bosque canopy, mountains, alluvial fans,
Piedmont bajadas, terraces, canyons, arroyos, escarpments, black
lava flows, basaltic buttes, sand dunes,
and alkali flats. Because of the diversity
of ecosystems and the strong climatic
influence exerted by El Niño Southern
Oscillation, the refuge has become host
to the University of New Mexico’s Long-
Term Ecological Research project
initiated in 1988. Funded by the
National Science Foundation, the
program focuses on examining the
ecological and biotic responses to
seasonal, annual, and long-term climate
changes. Additional information about
the LTER project at the Sevilleta NWR
can be found on the LTER internet
home page at http://sevilleta.unm.edu.
3.1 Vegetation5
Major biomes within the Sevilleta NWR include the Great Plains
Grassland, Great-Basin Shrub-Steppe, Chihuahuan Desert,
Interior Chaparral, and Montane Coniferous Forest. The
transition zones (ecotones) between these biomes contain species
from each of the bordering biomes, as well as species and
characteristics of their own. For the purposes of mapping, the
vegetation on the refuge is broken into 13 major map units. The
following chart contains a summary of the units, the associated
species, and the refuge area covered by each of the units. Location
of the units is provided on Map #5 in Appendix G.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 20
Vegetation Classification Units For Sevilleta NWR
Unit Name Dominant Species Refuge
Acreage
1. Water or wet ground None, comprised of rivers, stream
channels or tanks
1,270 acres
2. Barren or Sparsely
Vegetated
None, contains open alluvial flats of
basin bottoms
12,985 acres
3. Great Plains
Grasslands
(Galleta and Indian
Ricegrass Grasslands)
Hilaria jamesii (galleta)
Oryzopsis hymenoides (Indian
ricegrass) Sporobolus cryptandrus
(sand dropseed)
44,790 acres
4. Transition
Chihuahuan and Great
Basin Grasslands (Black
Gramma Grasslands
with Galleta)
Bouteloua eriopoda (black grama)
Hilaria jamesii (galleta)
32,915 acres
5. Chihuahuan Desert
Grasslands (Black
Gramma Grasslands)
Bouteloua eriopoda (black grama) 21,343 acres
6. Transition
Chihuahuan and Plains
Grasslands (Black
Gramma Grasslands
with Blue Gramma)
Bouteloua eriopoda (black grama)
Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama)
22,074 acres
7. Plains Grasslands
(Blue Gramma and
Hairy Gramma
Grasslands)
Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama)
Bouteloua hirsuta (hairy grama)
9,003 acres
8. Chihuahuan or Great
Basin Lowland/Swale
Grasslands (Alkalia or
Giant Sacaton
Grasslands)
Sporobolus airoides (alkali sacaton)
Sporobolus wrightii (giant sacaton)
Scleropogon brevifolius (burrograss)
Atriplex canescens (fourwing
saltbush)
4,219 acres
9. Chihuahuan Desert
Shrublands
(Creosote bush)
Larrea tridentata (creosote bush)
Bouteloua eriopoda (black grama)
Erioneuron pulchellum (low
woollygrass or fluffgrass)
26,532 acres
Vegetation Classification Units For Sevilleta NWR
Unit Name Dominant Species Refuge
Acreage
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 21
10. Great Basin
Shrublands (Fourwing
Saltbush or Broom
Dalea)
Atriplex canescens (fourwing
saltbush) Psorothamnus scoparius
(broom dalea)
17,611 acres
11. Rocky Mountain
Conifer Savanna (One-seed
Juniper
Woodlands)
Juniperus monosperma (one-seed
juniper) Bouteloua gracilis (blue
grama) Bouteloua hirsuta (hairy
grama)
25,280 acres
12. Rocky Mountain
Conifer Woodlands
(Piñon Woodlands)
Pinus edulis ( two-needle piñon)
Juniperus monosperma (one-seed
juniper) Quercus turbinella (shrub
live oak) Cercocarpus montanus
(mountain mahogany)
7,837 acres
13. Rio Grande Riparian
Woodlands (Rio Grande
Cottonwood and Salt
Cedar Riparian
Woodland)
Populus deltoides (Rio Grande
Cottonwood) salt cedar (Tamarix
ramosissima)
2,188 acres
Over 1,200 species of plants are found on the refuge including 94
species of grasses, the predominant species being blue grama
(Boutheloua gracilis) and black grama (Bouteloua eriopoda). The
majority of native riparian woodlands has been replaced by stands
of introduced non-native species such as Russian olive (Eleagnus
angustifolia) and salt cedar (Tamarix spp.). A more comprehensive
list of plant species is found in Appendix E.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 22
3.2 Wildlife
Sevilleta NWR offers a diverse assortment of wildlife species. The
various habitats on the refuge support 89 species of mammals, 225
species of birds, 58 species of reptiles, and 15 species of
amphibians. Resident wildlife, many of which are commonly seen
on the refuge, includes desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis),
pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), mule deer (Odocoileus
hemionus), mountain lion (Felis concolor), and black bear (Ursus
americanus). Commonly seen bird species include bald eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus),
northern shoveler (Anas clypeata), northern pintail (Anas acuta),
American coot (Fulica americana), wood duck (Aix sponsa),
canvasback (Aythya valisineria), redhead (Aythya americana),
great blue heron (Ardea herodias), black-crowned night heron
(Nycticorax nycticorax), sandhill crane (Grus canadensis), killdeer
(Charadrius vociferus), long-billed dowitcher
(Limnodromus scolopaceus), red-tailed hawk (Buteo
jamaicensis), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), and
burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). Also commonly
seen are a variety of insects and reptiles including the
endangered Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma
cornutum). Species information is based largely on
species lists researched and prepared by the LTER
project, but it should be noted that wildlife inventory
data is ongoing and new species are found periodically.
For an inventory of wildlife species, see appendices A
through F.
3.3 Climate
The climate of the Sevilleta NWR and surrounding region is semi-arid.
The average annual precipitation in the valley is 8 inches
while the mountain areas receive approximately 14 inches, most of
which falls during the monsoon season in July and August.
Temperatures can vary greatly, ranging from 0° to over 105°
Fahrenheit. The fall and spring are relatively dry with winter and
late summer being the wet seasons. Although winter precipitation
includes snowfall, snowpack rarely develops.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 23
3.4 Geology
The Sevilleta NWR lies in the central portion of the Rio Grande
Rift, a northward tapering area extending from northern
Chihuahua, Mexico, to southern Colorado. The Sierra Ladrones lie
on the western margin of the refuge and the Los Pinos Mountains
lie on the eastern margin of the refuge. Contemporaneous with the
formation of the Sierra Ladrones, volcanic activity produced the
Silver Creek Andesite, a prominent geographic
feature extending southward from the Rio
Salado. Such large-scale volcanism has been
seen throughout the rift.
Faulting has occurred throughout the Rio
Grande Rift from between the Quaternary and
late Tertiary periods. Those faults that have
been identified as having had possible
movement in the Quaternary include the Coyote
Springs Fault, Loma Pelada Fault, Loma
Blanca Fault and the Cliff Fault. Of these, the
Loma Pelada Fault, which is defined by a
prominent scarp (steep slope or cliff)
approximately 1 kilometer east of the
microwave relay tower is considered to have had
the most recent movement during the late Quaternary Period.
Traces of some faults may be observed as stepwise climbs in the
ground surface while driving westward toward the Sierra
Ladrones along the northern boundary of the refuge.
3.4.1 Stratigraphy
While small sections of Paleozoic and Mesozoic sediment
associated with large fault block uplifts can be seen on both the
western and eastern margins of the refuge, the majority of the
stratigraphy exposed on the refuge is of Tertiary age. These Santa
Fe Group sediments are largely related to the periods of most
active rift extension where large basins were created for the
accumulation of sediment. These basin fill sediments grade from
coarse alluvial fan conglomerates to sandy/gravelly channel
deposits to playa lake sediments. Such a sequence from coarse to
fine sediment, moving up in a stratigraphic section depicts the
filling of the basins and the subsequent reduction in the gradient
for sediment transport. The playa lake deposits are high in
gypsum and can be seen at numerous locations within the refuge,
forming a type of badlands topography. The high gypsum content
in these sediments creates a saline environment that is
inhospitable to most plant species. The lack of significant
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 24
vegetation on these finely textured sediments make them highly
susceptible to erosion from high intensity rainfall events typical of
the monsoonal season.
3.5 Soils
The geomorphology of Sevilleta NWR can be seen as a complex
interplay between the extensional tectonic regime that drives the
landscape from beneath and the semi-arid climatic regime that
drives the system from above. The contrast in tectonic styles
between the two mountain ranges that define the refuge
boundaries has resulted in strikingly different geomorphic
expressions in the Piedmont region of those mountains. In the
case of the Sierra Ladrones, the down-dropped block to the east of
the mountains has been rotated basinward, creating little
accommodation space at the very base of the
mountains for mountain derived sediments.
The result of this is that coarse, alluvial
sediments released from mountain drainages
are transported greater distances from the
mountain front before they are deposited. As
such, the colluvial and alluvial material shed
from the mountain front has the effect of
planing off the Piedmont strata as they are
transported basinward. The Piedmont region
of the Ladrones has since incised into small
drainages leaving remnants of the original
planar transport surface (pediments)
extending as fingers sloping away from the
mountain.
At the base of Los Pinos Mountains, by contrast, the
mountainward rotation of the down-dropped block created massive
accommodation space at the mountain front. As such, the
mountain valley drainages, once released from their confining
channels at the mountain front, are quickly decelerated and their
sediment load deposited in a fan. These alluvial fans are stacked
by successive lobes of sediment associated with single event
discharges. At the more distal regions of the alluvial fans on the
east side of the refuge, the lobes of coarse alluvium give way to a
broad bajada surface extending eastward to the Rio Grande
Valley. The generally flat and gently-rolling nature of this bajada
is attributed to a long duration of eolian sand and dust deposition
that has obscured the earlier topography of braided streams and
alluvial channels that probably persisted when the fans were more
actively prograding.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 25
Eolian deposition is also quite prominent on the west side, north of
the Rio Salado drainage that serves as an abundant sand source
for the southwesterly winds. Large barchaan sand dunes can be
seen prograding northward from the riverbed, while further north
from the Salado site the dunes give way to sand sheets that are
progressively more stabilized with movement away from the
riverbed source. While dune migration has been active during the
past 40 years as evidenced by the 1.5 meters of sand covering the
old Highway 85, historical records indicate that dune migration
was significantly more active during the drought period of the
1950s.
Soils on the refuge are classified into 42 types as presented on the
soils map in Appendix G (map 4). While no one type of soil is
predominant, it is apparent that the central portion of the refuge
has those soils series that are classified as “dry soils and lava
flows” (Turney, Yesum, Wink, Bluepoint, Nickel, Caliza, Lozier,
Ustifluvents, Gila, and Armijo) while the westernmost portion of
the refuge associated with the Sierra Ladrones has the “moist soil
and rock outcrop” type of soils series (Puerticito, Cascajo, Rock
outcrop, Millet, Sedillo, and Motaqua). The eastern portion of the
refuge encompassing Los Pinos Mountains is covered
predominately by soils series of the “moist soil” classification
(Harvey and Winona).
3.6 Water Management
The Refuge has limited water resources, but even limited water
resources in arid grasslands greatly increases wildlife and plant
diversity. Water resources on the Refuge consist of natural springs
and several man-made wells.
3.6.1 Natural Springs
Of all the natural resources on Sevilleta NWR, water is the most
scarce. There are only 11 springs on the refuge, six on the west
side and five on the east (Appendix G). The western springs are
located near the refuge boundary and are generally dependable
year round even in a drought. The springs on the east side either
are not productive or are only wet weather springs. One exception
is Cibola Spring, which produces water year round.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 26
3.6.2 Man-Made Wells
There are 12 wells in operation on the refuge including 3 on the
west side and 9 on the east side (Appendix G). They range in
depth from 40 feet to over 350 feet. Wells are not found in the
central portion of the refuge due to the extreme depth of the
aquifer. In most cases, the existing wells were activated because
they were in good condition with an active aquifer. Due to recent
seismic activity, some deep faulting occurred resulting in the loss
of a major aquifer. Funds were not available and none were
requested to re-drill these wells.
Due to development and resource exploitation occurring adjacent
to Sevilleta NWR, the refuge continues to maintain windmills for
the benefit of wildlife. Wildlife migrations have been effectively
stopped on the northern portions of the refuge as a result of
subdivisions and highway fencing. To the east and south the
adjacent lands are grazed and hunted with few restrictions on off-road
vehicles. To the west there is less exploitation and wildlife
move freely on and off the refuge. The current refuge management
objective is no net gain on man-made wells.
Within the boundaries of Sevilleta NWR, the following wells have
been permitted with a 3 acre-foot water right: Partition Well,
Bronco Well, 222 Well, Jacks Well, West Mesa Well, Pino Well,
Sepultura Canyon Well, Sepultura Flats Well, Cottonwood Well,
Goat Draw Well, Dove Springs Well, Tomasino Well, Canyon Well,
Red Well, and Montosa Well.
The refuge also has a small waterfowl area called Unit A that was
constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) in the early
1970s. Refuge landownership includes those lands currently used
by the BOR to convey or recover water from the river.
Consequently, they have granted the refuge a 2 cubic-foot per
second flow-through of irrigation water from October 1 to
February 28 in return for permitting their water conveyance
systems. Unit A was rehabilitated in 1998 by removal of salt cedar
and Russian olive followed by root plowing and raking. New water
control structures were installed to allow for water management.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 27
3.7 Cultural and Historic Resources Features
Sevilleta NWR contains important archeological sites of the late
prehistoric period. It is widely recognized as the location of a
number of puebloan occupation sites, considered to be ancestral
Piro Indians who occupied the central province of the Rio Grande
at the time of Spanish exploration and colonization. The name
Sevilleta is itself derived from a nearby Piro settlement, so named
by early Spanish colonists who likened the setting of the pueblo to
that of the city of Seville, Spain. Sevilleta NWR is also the site of
the Mexican period village of La Joyita.
Although less than one percent of the Sevilleta NWR has been
inventoried systematically for archeological sites, some selective
sampling of refuge lands has identified several major prehistoric
sites of national significance. Three small-site excavation projects
on the refuge have yielded limited stratigraphic and chronometric
information about regional prehistory. The interdisciplinary LTER
project may define an even greater role for archeological research
on the Sevilleta NWR.
To date, 60 sites have been recorded on the refuge with the
Laboratory of Anthropology site records, and there are an
additional 15 to 20 unrecorded site leads for which there is
minimal information. The first site records were made by H.W.
Yeo in the 1930s. Two important surveys on the refuge since then
were the survey of sampled units by Human Systems Research
(Reconnaissance Study of the Lower Rio Puerco and Salado
Drainages, Wimberly and Eidenbach, 1980) and the New Mexico
Historic Preservation Program Rio Abajo survey by Marshall and
Walt (Rio Abajo, Prehistory and History of a Rio Grande Province,
Marshall and Walt 1984). Limited test excavations have been
undertaken by the Office of Contract Archeology, University of
New Mexico, at six sites on a pipeline corridor (Test Excavation of
Sevilleta Shelter LA 20896, Winter, 1981) and a site on the Rio
Salado (Test Excavation and Data Recovery Plan for LA 102366,
Chapman, 1995).
6
U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Population Estimates Program 1997.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 28
3.8 Socioeconomic Features
In 1997, Soccoro County had an estimated population of 16,333 of
which an estimated 8,650 resided in the City of Soccoro6. The
socioeconomic impact of the refuge on Socorro County consists
primarily of the contributions of the indigenous staff, the
temporary researchers stationed at the refuge, and the resulting
research funding that is expended for supplies and services in the
county and the state of New Mexico. Annual salaries totaling
$200,000 are paid to refuge employees who reside in Socorro
County. A minimum of another $35,000 is spent within the county
for supplies used by the refuge.
The State of New Mexico, as well as Socorro County, receives the
greatest portion of the $850,000 grant from the National Science
Foundation. The one person employed by the University of New
Mexico at the Biological Field Station resides in Socorro County.
During the summer months as many as 48 researchers reside at
the field station. These temporary residents purchase food,
clothing, and other essentials in the communities of Albuquerque,
Belen, and Socorro. Many of the summer hires become residents of
New Mexico and go on to attend the University of New Mexico.
Refuge revenue sharing subsidies from the Department of the
Interior are designed to off-set the burden that counties feel when
properties are removed from the tax roles through actions taken
by the Department. Sevilleta NWR’s PILT annual payment to
Socorro County is approximately $160,000. The payment for 1999
was $100,000.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 29
3.9 Refuge Staffing
When the refuge was established in 1973, a GS-9 assistant refuge
manager and a WG-7 part-time maintenance worker were hired.
In 1978 an engineering equipment operator was brought on duty.
All administrative work was accomplished out of Bosque del
Apache NWR headquarters with Sevilleta NWR paying for one
half of an administrative staff year. In 1986 a GS-4 typing clerk
was hired and later updated to a GS-5. Today, the position is
classified as a GS-7 administrative office assistant. In 1992 a
biologist was added to the refuge staff. In 1999, the biologist
position was converted to a Refuge Operations Specialist position
GS-11/12. Currently, the refuge staff consists of the following five
permanent, full-time employees and two temporary full time
employees:
Refuge Manager, GS-13
Administrative Office Assistant, GS-07
Refuge Operations Specialist GS-11/12
Engineering Equipment Operator, WG-10
Maintenance Worker, WG-08
Office Clerk, GS-3 (Temporary)
Writer/Editor, GS-5 (Temporary)
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 31
4.0 SEVILLETA NWR MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The following goals, objectives, and strategies are, unless
otherwise noted in the text, expected to be implemented
throughout the 15-year term of this plan. Because the Sevilleta
NWR CCP is a working document, modifications (with appropriate
internal and external involvement) to the following objectives and
strategies are anticipated. Where applicable, the Refuge
Operating Needs System project number has been included with
the associated strategy.
4.1 Threatened and Endangered Species Management
Objective 1: Continue implementation of the Mexican wolf
captive propagation program on the refuge, and ensure continued
operation within all regulations, protocols, and safety guidelines
by providing approximately 20 miles of road maintenance,
research facilities, and 30 acres of pen enclosures.
Rationale for Objective: Improvements to facilities, roads, and
staffing are essential to ensure the continued success of the
Mexican wolf captive propagation program on the refuge. Shelters
are needed for each of the six wolf pens to allow for successful
breeding and birthing. The facility access road does not allow for
all-weather access.
Strategies
1: Through various mechanisms, secure necessary
personnel (volunteer, technical, professional,
veterinary) to ensure the success of the captive
propagation program.
2: Improve conditions for service personnel working on
the wolf program to meet health and safety
standards; e.g., roads (RONS #99008).
3: Improve the wolf pen facility by construction of two
breeding/birthing shelters in each of the six pens
(RONS #99009).
Goal 1: Threatened and
Endangered Species
Management
To provide for the
enhance ment,
preservation, and
protection of threatened
and endangered species
as they occur naturally or
were historically present
on the refuge so that
viable, self-sustaining
populations can be
restored to their natural
habit ats.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 32
Objective 2: Preserve refuge habitat diversity including
important habitat for threatened and endangered species by
preserving and restoring habitats to their natural condition.
Provide 100 acres of habitat for southwestern willow flycatchers
and provide a 0.75-mile radius buffer zone for any and all
peregrine falcon eyries.
Rationale for Objective: There are opportunities to protect and
restore habitat for threatened and endangered species such as the
southwestern willow flycatcher. Additionally, if peregrine falcon
nesting should occur on the refuge a plan is needed to reduce
impacts to the eyries.
Strategies
1: Control non-native vegetation using mechanical,
biological, and chemical treatments as allowed by
refuge policy, guidelines, and deed restrictions.
2: Implement management practices that ensure the
survival of and eliminate impacts to naturally
occurring threatened or endangered species on the
refuge.
3: Restore native plants using natural and
horticultural mechanisms.
4: Provide 100 acres of cottonwood/willow habitat for
the southwestern willow flycatcher.
5: Provide a 0.75-mile radius buffer zone for all
peregrine falcon eyries if the species is documented
as nesting on the refuge.
Objective 3: Maintain a viable population of Rio Grande silvery
minnows on 3 miles of the Rio Grande that occur within the refuge
boundaries.
Rationale for Objective: There is an opportunity to enhance
habitat for the Rio Grande silvery minnow on 3 miles of the Rio
Grande within the refuge.
Strategies
1: Conduct or assist with biannual seine surveys to
monitor silvery minnow population status.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 33
2: Coordinate annually with water regulatory agencies
on the timing and amount of water flows to
maximize the beneficial effects on silvery minnow
populations.
3: Complete the 500-acre bosque/wetland habitat
restoration project on Unit A and other areas as
funding and staffing allow by 2010.
4: Identify and prioritize other bosque/wetland areas to
be restored by 2004.
Objective 4: Evaluate refuge habitat potential as a
reintroduction site for the endangered northern Aplomado falcon
(as denoted in Appendix G, map #5).
Rationale for Objective: The refuge may prove to be suitable as
a reintroduction site for the endangered northern Aplomado
falcon, but further study and coordination is needed to make such
a determination.
Strategies
1: Conduct comprehensive prey base and vegetation
studies within 5 years (RONS #99021).
2: Coordinate activities with necessary agencies and
nongovernmental organizations.
Objective 5: Protect threatened and endangered species on the
refuge and adjacent properties through a 20 percent increase in
outreach, educational activities, and effective enforcement of fish
and wildlife laws.
Rationale for Objective: Education and outreach activities are
effective proactive measures that can help protect threatened and
endangered species and reduce impacts before they occur rather
than after.
Strategies
1: Conduct investigations of all reported violations
concerning threatened and endangered species.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 34
2: Increase threatened and endangered species public
outreach and educational activities in the
community by 20% to broaden public knowledge and
prevent future violations.
Objective 6: Promote and support the reintroduction of native
threatened and endangered species on the refuge.
Rationale for Objective: There are opportunities to reintroduce
native threatened and endangered species on the refuge, but
further study, planning, and coordination are needed.
Strategies
1: Identify and develop suitable introduction programs
for native threatened and endangered species being
considered for reintroduction on the refuge.
2: Implement appropriate introduction programs for
native threatened and endangered species, including
compliance with all National Environmental Policy
Act requirements.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 35
4.2 Wildlife and Habitat Management
Objective 1: To ensure integrity of all naturally occurring biotic
communities on the refuge by restoration of approximately 250
acres of native habitat by 2004.
Rationale for Objective: Removal of non-native species such as
salt cedar and Russian olive on selected plots will allow native
vegetation to be reestablished. While total elimination of the non-native
species encroaching on the refuge would not be a realistic
goal in the foreseeable future, a reasonable goal would be 125
acres per year. If additional funding and personnel became
available, more habitat restoration could be conducted.
Strategies
1: Conduct all refuge activities in such a way as to
minimize impact on any population of naturally
occurring plant or wildlife species.
2: Plan and execute species specific eradication
programs for non-native vegetation such as salt
cedar and Russian olive where their presence is
detrimental to the natural ecosystems. Restore
approximately 125 acres of native habitat annually
through the removal of non-native vegetation.
Objective 2: To maintain migratory bird populations levels
consistent with the Middle Rio Grande Waterfowl Management
system and New Mexico Partners in Flight.
Rationale for Objective: Participation in regional species
management plans and restoration efforts is essential for effective
management of migratory species.
Strategies
1: Complete restoration of Unit A wetland by 2010
(RONS #99016 and #99017).
2: Develop conservation agreements among
appropriate entities to provide breeding, resting,
and feeding habitat for migratory bird species by
minimizing fragmentation, degradation, and loss of
migratory bird habitat (RONS #98001).
Goal 2: Wildlife and
Habitat Management
To preserve, restore,
and maintain the
natural diversity of
plants a nd wildlife as it
occurred historically on
the refuge.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 36
3: Meet the Sevilleta NWR waterfowl management
objectives identified in the Middle Rio Grande
Waterfowl Management Plan (Appendix J).
4: Monitor songbirds to document residence, breeding,
and migration of species in major habitat areas of
the refuge (RONS #98001).
Objective 3: To reverse declining trends in the quality and
quantity of riparian/wetland habitats; restore, maintain, and
enhance the species composition, aerial extent, and spatial
distribution of riparian/wetland habitats.
Rationale for Objective: Restoration and protection of riparian
and wetlands habitat is critical in arid and semi-arid areas such
as central New Mexico. High quality riparian and wetland habitat
is essential for the preservation of species diversity.
Strategies
1: Restore and maintain native riparian and wetland
habitats on Service lands to not only increase the
amount of habitat within the ecosystem, but to serve
as demonstration and research areas to develop
techniques for riparian restoration and
enhancement efforts (RONS #99017 and #99022).
2: Develop or encourage a healthy riparian ecosystem
along the Rio Grande and its tributaries (Rio Puerco
and Rio Salado) within the refuge.
3: Complete the bosque wetland habitat restoration
project on Unit A and identify other areas that can
be restored (RONS #99016 and #99017).
Objective 4: To protect, restore, and maintain upland terrestrial
communities at the landscape level within the upper/Middle Rio
Grande Ecosystem using appropriate land use practices and
management tools and through development of cooperative
management opportunities with adjacent landowners.
Rationale for Objective: Restoration and maintenance of
natural terrestrial habitats on the refuge must involve using
prescribed burns to mimic the natural forces that help avoid
fragmentation, degradation, and loss of terrestrial habitats.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 37
Additional research and surveys will help build the knowledge
base needed for more effective large animal habitat management.
Strategies
1: Implement an average of 3,000 to 5,000 acres of
prescribed burns annually. This will serve as a
norm.Occasionally, and depending upon objectives in
a final approved fire management plan , the refuge
could entertain burns of up to 20,000 acres.
2: Initiate a cooperative agreement with federal and
state agencies to cooperate on Private Lands
Initiatives involving their permittees by 2003.
3: Continue to develop open communications and
initiate conservation agreements with private
landowners regarding appropriate land use practices
for the overall protection of upland terrestrial
habitat. Work with surrounding landowners to
promote terrestrial biological diversity and
ecosystem stability to avoid fragmentation,
degradation, and loss of terrestrial habitats.
4: Secure additional lands adjacent to the refuge, as
appropriate, and private inholdings as denoted on
map #3.
5: Begin monitoring the effects of non-Service
sponsored research projects on wildlife populations
and associated habitats by 2002.
6: Improve the viability of fish and wildlife resources
by developing research that improves management
and monitoring of these resources and their
habitats, specifically deer, elk, antelope, and
predators. This effort will involve six wildlife and six
habitat surveys (RONS #97103).
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 38
Objective 5: Through the Rio Grande Initiative the refuge will
preserve, enhance, and restore hydrological regimes that
perpetuate a healthy river ecosystem. The Initiative will result in
the creation of partnerships that address water management,
habitat enhancement and restoration, and impacts of non-native
plants and animals on native biological diversity and
endangered species.
Rationale for Objective: Habitat restoration and management
in the Rio Grande drainage will invariably involve a number of
partners to address the water management issues at the core of
hydrological restoration. Overall goals of restoring the
hydrological flows to a more natural regime may be accomplished
with these partnerships and by independent restoration projects
on the refuge.
Strategies
1: Use of mechanical, biological, and chemical
treatments to remove artificial or non-native
structures that may impede natural hydrological
flows. This may include removal of earthen dams,
windmills, and non-native or dense vegetation
(RONS #98602).
2: Improve watershed stability and natural functions
by implementing a prescribed burn plan.
Objective 6: Compile a database of the baseline natural
conditions, processes, and species associated with refuge
ecosystems by October 2004.
Rationale for Objective: All management strategies revolve
around the goal of restoring habitat to a more natural or baseline
condition. Determination of what the baseline condition should be
requires a thorough understanding of current conditions as well as
past conditions to determine the desired baseline the refuge
should try to attain.
Strategies
1: Use the LTER database, historic photos, Natural
Resources Conservation Service soil surveys, etc., to
determine baseline natural conditions and processes
of grassland, riparian, aquatic, woodland, scrubland,
and shrubland communities.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 39
2: Review historic literature, biological surveys,
diaries, and state game and fish files to compile
species lists of historic taxa occurring on the refuge.
3: Develop monitoring and assessment programs for
refuge wildlife, including big game and nongame
species such as neotropical migratory birds,
shorebirds, waders, nongame mammals, etc.
Objective 7: Attain baseline natural conditions, processes, and
populations of species in 50 percent of each habitat type by 2010.
When attainment is not possible, determine attainable conditions
and implement adaptive management strategies.
Rationale for Objective: Once desired baseline conditions are
determined, management strategies can be employed to restore
habitat to the desired condition. The process of habitat
management and restoration will involve continuous effort,
monitoring, and flexibility in dealing with the problems that are
bound to arise.
Strategies
1: Using literature, historical sources, and academic
expertise, define the refuge’s desired plant/habitat
communities and the management technique to
attain desired conditions.
2: As baseline natural conditions are determined,
design a prescribed fire program by spring 2002 to
improve the habitat conditions (i.e., return the
habitat to the baseline natural condition) in each
habitat type (RONS #99005).
3: Implement a prescribed burn plan and conduct
prescribed burns as necessary in each habitat type.
4: Rehabilitate 1,500 acres of refuge riparian and
wetland habitat using mechanical, chemical, fire,
and biological control methods.
5: Minimize construction of new roads and grading of
existing roads to allow natural fires to follow their
course.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 40
6: Develop and implement management plans and
activities (including fire, flood, and water
management) to attain desired conditions within
each of the six following ecosystems (RONS #99016
and #99020).
A. riparian
B. woodland
C. grassland
D. shrubland
E. scrubland
F. aquatic
7: Eradicate invasive non-native vegetation and
wildlife (e.g., oryx, Barbary sheep) that is known to
have displaced native species and communities.
Various means should be considered including
management hunts, burning, mechanical and in
some cases chemical control when necessary and
appropriate.
8: Meet the refuge’s commitment to the Middle Rio
Grande Waterfowl Management Plan to reduce crop
depredation on adjacent private lands by using the
Partners for Wildlife Program and other wetland
restoration programs.
9: Promote private, state, and federal habitat
restoration projects in the refuge’s watershed by
working with adjacent landowners.
Objective 8: Restore and maintain natural hydrological regimes
through restoration of eight natural springs by reducing artificial
hydrological impediments and removal of non-native vegetation by
2004.
Rationale for Objective: Several of the natural springs on the
refuge have had their hydrology altered either by humans or non-native
species. Restoration would improve habitat and allow more
water for the benefit of native species.
Strategies
1: Implement mechanical, biological, and chemical
treatments to remove artificial or non-native
structures that impede hydrological flows. This may
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 41
include the removal of earthen dams, windmills,
non-native vegetation, and dense vegetation.
2: Improve watershed stability and natural functions
by implementing a prescribed burn plan to achieve
desirable conditions.
3: Develop natural springs through the use of
prescribed fire to remove non-native vegetation.
4: Coordinate with Rio Grande regulating agencies to
improve flow patterns to ensure riparian and
aquatic habitat quality.
5: Conduct biannual removal of non-native and other
detrimental vegetation from eight natural springs.
Objective 9: By 2015, develop partnerships, relationships, and
communications with the Bureau of Land Management, Forest
Service, New Mexico Game and Fish Department, New Mexico
State Lands Office, other stakeholders, and private landowners to
improve implementation of refuge wildlife and habitat
management goals through such programs as Partners for Fish
and Wildlife and Safe Harbor.
Rationale for Objective: Teamwork and cooperation with other
agencies and stakeholders is essential to accomplish habitat
management goals.
Strategies
1: Initiate Memoranda of Understanding with the
BLM, Forest Service, New Mexico Game and Fish
Department, and New Mexico State Lands Office
(RONS #99019).
2: Initiate conservation agreements with private
landowners via such programs as Partners for Fish
and Wildlife and Safe Harbor.
3: Work with surrounding landowners to promote
terrestrial and aquatic diversity. Encourage
management that avoids fragmentation,
degradation, and loss of habitat.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 42
Objective 10: Minimize human impacts associated with
research, road maintenance, construction, and public use on
refuge ecosystems. Restrict activities on undisturbed areas.
Rationale for Objective: One of the basic objectives governing all
refuge activities is the minimization of environmental impact.
With the current research activities and future increases in public
use, increased efforts to reduce impact and preserve undisturbed
areas will be required.
Strategies
1: Monitor impacts of human activities such as road
building, research, wildlife viewing, hunting, and
construction on wildlife and their habitats,
ecological processes, and vegetation communities.
2: Whenever possible, conduct all refuge activities
without negatively impacting refuge species,
communities, and processes.
3: Coordinate the timing of research to avoid impacting
critical events such as antelope fawning.
4: Reduce the need for additional road construction by
using and improving existing roads to minimize
repair and construction impacts. Use careful
planning to minimize future road construction.
5: Use proven methods to control soil erosion, sediment
movement, and contamination of surface and
groundwater in areas identified as contaminant
sources. Build erosion control structures in areas
having significant loss of soils due to erosion as
funds and staff are available.
Objective 11: Monitor population status of priority species of
neotropical migratory birds, shorebirds, and other nongame
migratory birds to determine density and population response to
management. Incorporate needs of priority species in refuge
wildlife and habitat management programs.
Rationale for Objective: The Partners in Flight Plan for New
Mexico is currently being drafted. The plan will identify priority
groups of bird species with indicator species for management and
monitoring consideration. Population objectives will be determined
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 43
from this information as specific refuge habitat and species
inventories are developed.
Strategies
1: Develop and implement breeding surveys to
document species diversity, population levels of
indicator species, and trends by habitat type.
2: Incorporate data and data collection methodologies
into wildlife inventory plan, and adjust population
objectives into wildlife inventory plans and habitat
management plans as appropriate.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 45
4.3 Research
Objective 1: Encourage research that improves management and
monitoring of species, communities, and processes on the refuge
and the Upper/Middle Rio Grande to comply with deed
restrictions.
Rationale for Objective: One of the basic purposes of the refuge
is to provide opportunities for research. Coordination and
management of the research activities on the refuge need to be
improved.
Strategies
1: Integrate research programs (LTER and others) with
the refuge’s management and monitoring needs and
objectives to help control and minimize impacts. Link
the LTER computer with the refuge to provide direct
access to the LTER database.
2: Create and obtain funding for a refuge research
coordinator/biologist position by 2003 (RONS
#98004).
Objective 2: To permit research from a wide range of interested
parties and institutions while protecting the plant and wildlife
components of the ecosystem from the detrimental human
intrusion and manipulative research protocols.
Rationale for Objective: Research needs to be regulated and
coordinated to ensure that research activities do not unnecessarily
impact refuge habitat or species.
Strategies
1: Permit research at levels determined by the refuge
manager to be compatible with the refuge purposes.
2: Continue to centralize research activities in localized
research zones to reduce or eliminate research
impacts on habitat outside of these zones.
3: Use the new position of refuge research
coordinator/biologist to organize the research
activities and reduce impacts outside the selected
research zones.
Goal 3: Research
To encourage research
by bonafide research
institutions and
individuals, to provide
an atmosphe re
conducive to
investigations into
environmental
processes on the
refuge, and to assume
a proa ctive, role in
facilitating research
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 46
4: Develop a research protocol, setting guidelines as to
how much research will be conducted and when it
will occur. By 2003, develop guidelines for planning
appropriate research to be conducted on the refuge.
5: Determine the level of impact of ongoing and future
research on the refuge.
6: Hold researchers accountable for clean-up and
rehabilitation of their research sites.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 47
4.4 Water Rights and Protection
Objective 1: Quantify the water needs to maintain 90 acres of
existing refuge wetlands. Obtain (by purchase or mitigation)
sufficient water rights to manage these wetlands associated with
the Rio Grande. Quantify the water needs to restore 500 acres of
wetlands associated with the Rio Grande within the refuge by
2005.
Rationale for Objective: In order to maintain and restore
wetlands, water needs and water rights need to be quantified and
assessed. If current water rights are insufficient to accomplish
maintenance and restoration objectives, additional water rights
may be acquired.
Strategies
1: Quantify water needs. Collaborate with the Service’s
Branch of Water Resources, Bosque del Apache NWR,
and the Bosque Hydrology Group on the assessment
of water needs for the floodplain of the Rio Grande on
the refuge.
2: Collaborate with the Service’s Ecological Services
Office, Regional Office, the Service’s Water Resources
Division, the New Mexico Game and Fish
Department, and the New Mexico Office of the State
Engineer on the availability of water rights and the
potential to purchase or transfer water rights to
fulfill needs as defined in the assessment.
3: Identify and prioritize wetland areas for future
restoration projects.
4: Collaborate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
on wetland restoration and mitigation projects.
Objective 2: Pursue opportunities to protect the in-stream flows
of the perennial portions of the Rio Salado, Rio Puerco, and
associated tributaries.
Rationale for Objective: Any opportunity to protect the in-stream
flow of the Rio Salado, Rio Puerco, and associated
tributaries should be pursued to maintain and restore the riparian
habitat associated with these drainages.
Goal 4: Wa ter Righ ts
and Protection
To protect existing and
secure additional water
rights and/or in-stream
flow righ ts as ne cessa ry
to protect the integrity
of the riparian and
aquatic habitat on the
refuge. To maintain the
quality of the water
and watershed and to
measure the usage of
surface and subsurface
water sources on the
refuge.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 48
Strategies
1: Collaborate with the Service’s Water Resource
Division to measure flows on the perennial portion of
the Rio Salado within the refuge.
2: Collaborate with the Service’s Water Resource
Division and New Mexico Office of the State Engineer
to pursue opportunities for protecting in-stream flows
for the Rio Salado, Rio Puerco, and associated
tributaries.
Objective 3: Map and determine aquifer sources and
characteristics of all upland seeps, springs, and other water
sources of the refuge.
Rationale for Objective: Protection and maintenance of the
water sources on the refuge depends on a thorough understanding
of the nature and characteristics of the water sources. Acquisition
of this information would allow better protection and
sustainability.
Strategies
1: Collaborate with the Service’s Water Resource
Division to identify seeps, springs, and wetlands on
the refuge and determine their sources of water.
2: If the source of any of these features is regional in
extent, coordinate with appropriate entities to protect
water sources and ensure long-term sustainability.
3: Protect water rights associated with man-made wells.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 49
4.5 Compatibility and Public Use
Objective 1: Develop a public use plan by 2004 with
opportunities to increase public recreational use, with an
emphasis on wildlife interpretation and education, on the refuge
by 15 percent by 2004, and 50 percent by 2010.
Rationale for Objective: The National Wildlife Refuge
Improvement Act of 1997 (Section 5.2) stipulates that refuge
managers should facilitate where possible the inclusion of wildlife-dependent
compatible public use on refuge lands. Sevilleta NWR
presents opportunities to facilitate improvements in the public’s
appreciation of the refuge. Public uses have been absent in the
past due to the lack of facilities and funding and an emphasis on
other activities. This has resulted in a lack of public awareness of
the refuge’s resources.
Strategies
1: Determine and document the compatibility of all
public uses (including all proposals for research) that
occur on the refuge (RONS #98003).
2: Improve hunting, watchable wildlife, and
recreational opportunities on the refuge (RONS
#99014, #99007, #99003, and #98003).
3: Prepare a compatibility assessment for the opening
of San Lorenzo Canyon to public activities such as
hiking and environmental interpretation.
4: In coordination with The Nature Conservancy,
develop a wildlife interpretive master plan that
includes the size, scope, and themes that will be
integrated with trail development, interpretive
signing, and visitor center displays by 2001.
Goal 5: Compatibility
and Public Use
To achieve ap propriate
levels of public use that
are compatible with the
purpose(s) for which the
refuge was established,
and with the goals of the
National Wildlife refuge
System; and to regulate,
as pr ovid ed b y law, all
activities, uses, and
prac tices t hat a re
potentially harmful to
refuge re sources.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 51
4.6 Environmental Education and Public Outreach
Objective 1: To increase refuge visitation and public outreach by
50 percent by 2010 by providing the general public with high
quality environmental education and wildlife-dependent
experiences on and off the refuge.
Rationale for Objective: Increased environmental education and
public outreach has long been a goal of the refuge and a planned
visitor center will enable this accomplishment. Better education
and outreach will enhance almost all of the activities at the
refuge.
Strategies
1: Hold annual open house meetings and provide tours
and programs.
2: In cooperation with the University of New Mexico
and The Nature Conservancy, construct a visitor
center to allow increased visitation by environmental
education groups (RONS #99006).
3: Determine and document compatibility of outreach
activities occurring on the refuge (RONS #98003).
4: If determined compatible, implement an
environmental education program that promotes and
enhances the refuge endangered species and research
programs.
5: Increase environmental education, public outreach
programs, and wildlife-dependent programs in the
local community.
6: Increase awareness of the refuge’s role in
environmental research by using special events in
partnership with the refuge’s Friends Group and
other local and national groups (RONS #99004).
Goal 6: Environmental
Education and
Public Outreach
To establish a formal
progra m for p ublic
outreach , identify
important p ublic
resources, and
implement environmental
education programs
accordingly.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 53
4.7 Cultural Resources Management
Objective 1: Develop appropriate management practices to
protect cultural resources within the scope of Part 614 of the
Service Manual and all applicable federal laws and regulations.
By 2004 identify and map known cultural sites. By 2010 provide
appropriate protection and law enforcement measures to prevent
disturbance to sites where human interaction is possible.
Rationale for Objective: Protection of cultural resources is
required by regulation, and preservation requires the
identification and determination of the resources to be protected
and the methods to be used to protect the resources. Much of this
information already exists but can be enhanced and organized to
allow for more effective protection strategies.
Strategies
1: Protect all cultural resources on the refuge as
mandated under the Archaeological Resource
Protection Act (RONS #99011).
2: Develop protocols for all management activities that
ensure ARPA compliance.
3: Conduct a cultural resources survey to determine the
nature and extent of resources on the refuge (RONS
#99012 and #99010).
4: Use appropriate law enforcement measures to
protect cultural resources.
5: Explore acquisition of inholdings and adjacent
properties that contain archeological or other
cultural resources (RONS #99018).
Goal 7: Cultural
Resources Management
Develop ap propriate
management practices
to protect cultural
resources within the
scope of Part 614 of the
Service M anual an d all
applicable federal laws
and regulations. By 2004
identify and map known
cultural sites. By 2010
provide app ropriate
protection and law
enforcem ent mea sures to
prevent disturbance to
sites where human
interaction is possible.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 55
4.8 Land Protection and Acquisition
Objective 1: Minimize obtrusive visual and mechanical impacts
to refuge lands or adjacent lands by vacating 10 miles of seasonal
road and concentrating research activities. By 2005 the refuge will
complete refuge boundary surveys and fencing. Current private
land inholdings will be acquired on a willing-seller basis as lands
and funds become available.
Rationale for Objective: Road construction and maintenance is
a major environmental impact on refuge lands. Reducing the miles
of road used and maintained can reduce the overall impact as well
as reducing expenditures. Maintenance of the boundary fence will
reduce impacts from animal and human trespass.
Strategies
1: Increase maintenance of refuge boundary fences
(RONS #99013).
2: On a willing-seller basis, secure additional land
adjacent to the refuge boundaries and within
boundaries through the Land Acquisition
Prioritization System (RONS #98018), and as
indicated on Map #3 .
3: Acquire land or easements to provide adequate
access to the refuge headquarters and approximately
5,000 acres of land along New Mexico State Highway
60 on the north boundary of the refuge (RONS
#98003).
Objective 2: By the end of FY 2001, (September 30, 2001), assess
the refuge’s full wilderness attributes, and determine appropriate
areas within the full spectrum of the refuge for study and
designation as Wilderness Study Areas. Lands so designated
would henceforth be managed as de facto wilderness in accordance
with Service policy until such time as Congress designates
wilderness areas in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964.
Rationale for Objective: There is an opportunity to afford
additional protection to selected refuge lands including those
adjacent to proposed Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
wilderness study area that abuts the refuge (see Map #1).
Assessment of the selected areas of the refuge could result in
designation as Wilderness in accordance with the Wilderness Act
of 1964, by Congress.
Goal 8: Land Protection
and Acquisition
To protect existing lands
associated with the
refuge for the benefit of
fish and wildlife resou rces;
to provide for the
acquisition of additional
lands; and to ensure the
integrity of refuge
boundaries relative to
adjac ent lan ds.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 56
Strategies
1: Between 3,000 and 8,000 acres of refuge land as
denoted on Map #1, has been determined to be
eligible for submission to the Director as meeting the
criteria for a wilderness study area. The final acreage
configuration will be called the Sierra Ladron
Wilderness Study Area, however, by virtue of the
natural condition and character of this final
configuration, no further study would be necessary.
This area will be managed as de facto wilderness in
accordance with Service policy and as set forth in the
Wilderness Act of 1964.
2: By September 30, 2001, the Service will complete an
assessment of the wilderness potential of a broad
spectrum of refuge lands other than the area denoted
on Map #1 which are already determined to have
wilderness potential. The refuge manager will focus
on areas not currently committed to active research
projects that necessitate equipment, access, and
technologies inconsistent with the purposes of
wilderness. Most areas should meet roadless area
criteria however, areas with roads would not
necessarily be excluded from consideration. The
result of the assessment will be a decision
determining the final composition of the sum total of
refuge’s lands to be proposed as Wilderness Study
Areas. Once determined, the final study area
configuration will be managed as de facto wilderness.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 57
4.9 Staffing, Facilities, and Funding
Objective 1: Hire adequate staffing to implement management
plans benefitting the Middle Rio Grande Ecosystem both on and
off refuge lands. Priority of staffing will follow the needs of the
implementation on the management plan in 1999.
Rationale for Objective: In order to accomplish refuge goals and
objectives, additional staff will be required. Additionally,
foreseeable increases in public use will be difficult to accommodate
without additional staff.
Strategies
1: Obtain staffing at the level listed below (proposed
positions are in bold type).
1 Project Leader GS-13
1 Administrative Staff Asst. GS- 7
1 Refuge Operation Specialist GS-12
1 Maintenance Worker WG-8
1 Equipment Operator WG-10
1 Maintenance Worker WG-8
1 Environmental Educator GS-11
1 Outdoor Recreation Specialist GS-12
3 Biological technicians GS-3/4 (Temporary)
1 Office Automation Clerk GS-3/4/5
1 Youth Conservation Corps Group Leader
GS-05 (Temp)
YCC Enrollees
Volunteers
Goal 9: Staffing, Facilities,
and Funding
To effect improvem ents
to funding, facilities, and
staffing that will result in
enhancement of refuge
habitat a nd wildlife
resources, leading to the
achievement of the g oals
of th is pla n an d the goa ls
of the Na tional Wildlife
refuge System.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 58
Objective 2: Improve facilities by constructing at least a 8,000-
square foot visitor center and associated facilities by 2001 that
will enhance refuge capabilities and resources by providing
facilities for interpretive education, research, and public interest.
Rationale for Objective: Construction of a visitor center and
associated facilities is essential to accomplishing public use and
outreach goals.
Strategies
1: Negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with the
University of New Mexico and The Nature
Conservancy regarding the joint development of the
new administrative building complex at the refuge.
2: Construct a visitor center to allow increased
visitation by environmental education groups (RONS
#99006).
3: By 2004, construct two 1,500-square foot housing
units for two refuge staff and families near the main
administrative area. By 2004, construct multi-unit
housing facilities to accommodate between five to ten
volunteers.
4: Relocate the law enforcement training shooting range
to a new location to eliminate the current hazards
associated with having the range located near the
refuge headquarters ( RONS #99001).
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 59
4.10 Interagency Coordination
Objective 1: Apply the Upper Rio Grande Ecosystem
Management approach to the refuge as appropriate over the next
15 years to protect and enhance native habitats for biological
diversity.
Rationale for Objective: The Upper Rio Grande Ecosystem
Management Plan is involved in the formulation of many basic
refuge management decisions and allows for a unified approach to
management in the specified ecosystem.
Strategies
1: Participate in the Service’s Ecosystem Management
Approach to Conservation.
Objective 2: Solicit input from involved agencies, institutions,
and groups to help coordinate and evaluate refuge activities over
the next 15 years to limit or prevent detrimental effects from
current or future activities such as research, threatened and
endangered species reintroduction, and non-native species
interaction.
Rationale for Objective: Coordination with involved agencies
and other groups is critical to successful accomplishment of refuge
goals. Many activities effect multiple jurisdictions and close
interagency cooperation is required.
Strategies
1: Use the Stakeholders Committee to identify issues
and develop alternatives and strategies for possible
consideration by the refuge.
2: Pursue appropriate Memoranda of Understanding
with involved agencies and institutions.
Goal 10: Interagency
Coordination
To strengthen
interagency and
jurisdictional coordination
on or near the refuge
resulting in decisions
benefitting fish and
wildlif e reso urce s while
avoiding duplication of
effort.
7 Bean, Michael J., 1983. The Evolution of National Wildlife Law, Praeger Publishers, New York.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 61
5.0 LEGAL, POLICY, AND ADMINISTRATIVE
GUIDELINES, AND OTHER SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS
This section outlines current legal, administrative, and policy
guidelines for the management of national wildlife refuges. It
begins with the more general considerations such as laws and
executive orders for the Service, and moves toward those
guidelines that apply specifically to the Sevilleta NWR.
This unit also includes sections dealing with specially designated
sites such as historical landmarks and archeological sites, all of
which carry with them specific direction by law and/or policy. In
addition, consideration is given to guidance prompted by other
formal and informal natural resource planning and research
efforts.
All the legal, administrative, policy, and planning guidelines
provide the framework within which management activities are
proposed and developed. This guidance also provides the
framework for the enhancement of cooperation between the
Sevilleta NWR and other surrounding jurisdictions in the
ecosystem.
5.1 Legal Mandates
Administration of national wildlife refuges takes into account a
myriad of bills passed by the United States Congress and signed
into law by the President of the United States. These statutes are
the law of the land, as are executive orders promulgated by the
President. A list of most of the pertinent statutes establishing
legal parameters and policy direction to the National Wildlife
Refuge System is included in Appendix L. Included are those
statutes and mandates pertaining to the management of the
Sevilleta NWR.
For those laws that provide special guidance and have strong
implications relevant to the Service or Sevilleta NWR, legal
summaries are also offered in Appendix L. Many of the summaries
have been taken from The Evolution of National Wildlife Law by
Michael J. Bean7. For the bulk of applicable laws and other
mandates, legal summaries are available upon request.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 62
5.2 Agency-Wide Policy Directions
Fish and Wildlife Service Agency Mission— Since the early
1900s, the Service mission and purpose has evolved, while holding
on to a fundamental national commitment to threatened wildlife
ranging from the endangered bison to migratory birds of all types.
The earliest national wildlife refuges and preserves are examples
of this. Pelican Island, the first refuge, was established in 1903 for
the protection of colonial nesting birds such as the snowy egret
and the brown pelican. The National Bison Range was instituted
for the endangered bison in 1906. Malheur National Wildlife
Refuge was established in Oregon in 1908 to benefit all migratory
birds with emphasis on colonial nesting species on Malheur Lake.
It was not until the 1930s that the focus of refuge programs began
to shift toward protection of migratory waterfowl (i.e., ducks and
geese). As a result of drought conditions in the 1930s, waterfowl
populations became severely depleted. The special emphasis of the
Service (then called the Bureau of Wildlife and Sport Fisheries)
during the next several decades was on the restoration of critically
depleted migratory waterfowl populations.
The passage of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 refocused the
activities of the Service as well as other governmental agencies.
This Act mandated the conservation of threatened and endangered
species of fish, wildlife, and plants both through federal action and
by encouraging the establishment of state programs. In the late
1970s, the Bureau of Wildlife and Sport Fisheries was renamed
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to broaden its scope of wildlife
conservation responsibilities to include endangered species, as
well as game and nongame species. Many other conservation-oriented
laws followed, including the Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Act of 1980, which emphasized the conservation of
nongame species.
The Service has no “organic” act to focus on for the purposes of
generating an agency mission. The agency mission has always
been derived in consideration of the various laws (as listed in
Section 2 of this unit) and treaties that collectively outlined public
policy concerning wildlife conservation. The Department of the
Interior Manual states:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for
conserving, enhancing, and protecting fish and
wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of
people through Federal programs relating to wild
8 Departmental Manual 142 DM 1.1.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 63
birds, endangered species, certain marine mammals, inland
sport fisheries, and specific fishery and wildlife research
activities.8
5.2.1 National Wildlife Refuge System: Mission and Goals
The National Wildlife Refuge System is the only existing system of
federally owned lands managed chiefly for the conservation of
wildlife. The system mission is a derivative of the Service mission.
This mission was most recently revised in October 1997, by
passage of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act
(P.L. 105-57). This act followed up on Executive Order 12996
(April 1996), “Management of Public Uses on National Wildlife
Refuges” to reflect the importance of conserving natural resources
for the benefit of present and future generations of people.
The Refuge Improvement Act amends the National Wildlife
Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 and provides an
“organic” act for the System. The act will ensure the System is
effectively managed as a national system of lands, waters, and
interests for the protection and conservation of our nation’s
wildlife resources.
The act gives guidance to the Secretary of the Interior in the
overall management of the System. Its main components include a
strong and singular conservation mission for the System; a
requirement that the Secretary of the Interior maintain the
biological integrity, diversity and environmental health of the
System; a new process for determining compatible uses of refuges;
and a requirement for preparing comprehensive conservation
plans. The act states first and foremost that the mission of the
National Wildlife Refuge System be focused singularly on wildlife
conservation.
The Refuge Improvement Act is overarching, with both general
and specific elements that provide long-term management
direction for the System. It became law the day it was signed;
however, pending development and approval of final rules and
regulations, the Service has issued the following as interim policy
guidance with respect to the act’s sections:
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 64
Sec. 1 Purpose
This Order provides guidance for implementing
specific provisions of the National Wildlife refuge
System Improvement Act of 1997, pending
development of new policies and regulations
responsive to the Act.
Sec. 2 Scope
This policy applies to management of the National
Wildlife Refuge System.
Sec. 3 Existing policy
Existing policy and directives for management of the
National Wildlife Refuge System remain in force
except for those which are in conflict with provisions
in the Act, in which case the Act prevails.
Sec. 4 Mission of the National Wildlife refuge System
The mission of the National Wildlife refuge System is:
“To administer a national network of lands and
waters for the conservation, management, and
where appropriate, restoration of the fish,
wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats
within the United States for the benefit of
present and future generations of Americans.”
Sec. 5 Administration of the National Wildlife Refuge
System
a. The term “refuge” means a designated area of
land, water, or an interest in land or water
within the Refuge System, but does not include
Coordination Areas.
b. Each refuge shall be managed to fulfill the
mission of the Refuge System, as well as the
specific purposes for which that refuge was
established.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 65
c. Each refuge shall be managed in a manner
that maintains the biological integrity,
diversity and environmental health of the Refuge
System.
d. The status and trends of wildlife resources on
each refuge shall be monitored.
e. The purposes of each refuge are the purposes
specified in or derived from the law,
proclamation, executive order, agreement,
public land order, donation document, or
administrative memorandum establishing,
authorizing, or expanding a refuge, refuge unit,
or refuge sub-unit.
f. Each refuge shall ensure effective coordination,
interaction, and cooperation with neighboring
landowners and appropriate state fish and
wildlife agencies.
g. Each refuge shall cooperate and collaborate
with other federal agencies and appropriate
state fish and wildlife agencies in refuge
acquisition and management.
Sec. 6 Public Uses
a. When determined to be compatible, the
following six wildlife-dependent recreational
uses are the priority general public uses of the
Refuge System: hunting, fishing, wildlife
observation and photography, and
environmental education and interpretation.
b. Compatible priority public uses shall receive
enhanced consideration over other public uses
in refuge planning and management.
c. Priority public uses are appropriate and
legitimate uses of the Refuge System. Refuges
are strongly encouraged to seek opportunities
to permit these activities when ways can be
found to ensure their compatibility. Reasonable
efforts should be made to ensure that lack of
funding is not an obstacle to permitting these
uses through development of partnerships with
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 66
the States, local communities, and private and
nonprofit groups.
d. The following general hierarchy between
refuge activities and public uses will apply:
Priority 1 - activities necessary to fulfill the
refuge purposes and the Refuge System
mission; Priority 2 - provide opportunities for
wildlife-dependent recreational uses, when
determined to be compatible. All other public
uses will be a lower priority.
e. In providing priority public uses, refuges shall
emphasize opportunities for families to
experience compatible wildlife-dependent
recreation, particularly opportunities for
parents and their children to safely engage in
traditional outdoor activities, such as fishing
and hunting.
Sec. 7 Compatibility
a. Compatibility determinations prepared during
the period between enactment of the National
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of
1997 (October 9, 1997) and issuance of a new
compatibility policy will be made under the
existing compatibility standards and process.
Sec. 8 Comprehensive Conservation Planning
The Act provides that Comprehensive
Conservation Plans shall be completed
for all refuge units within 15 years from
the date of enactment.
9 Purpose statements are the basis on which primary management activities are determined for each
refuge in the System. Additionally, these statements are the foundation from which allowed uses of
refuge are determined through a defined compatibility process.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 67
5.3 Refuge Purpose Statements9
Formal establishment of a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge
System is typically based on a specific statute or executive order
specifically enumerating the purpose of the particular unit.
However, refuges can also be established by the Service under the
authorization offered in such laws as the Endangered Species Act
of 1973 or the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956. In these cases, lands
are identified by the Service that have the right elements to
contribute to the recovery of a species or the maintenance of
habitat types. Often, the Service works in cooperation with private
nonprofit organizations in efforts to acquire suitable lands.
Sevilleta NWR was established on December 28, 1973, when the
Campbell Family Foundation conveyed the property to The Nature
Conservancy, who in turn donated it to the Service. The purpose of
the refuge as stated in the warranty deed is as follows:
. . . to preserve and enhance the integrity and the
natural character of the ecosystems of the property by
creating a wildlife refuge managed as nearly as
possible in its natural state, employing only those
management tools and techniques that are consistent
with the maintenance of natural ecological processes . .
. not to be subjected to commercial exploitation . . . and
the land and the plants and animals supported by it to
be managed to permit the natural ecological
successions and processes typical of the area to prevail
. . . and that portions of the property will be made
available to educational institutions and conservation
organizations for scientific research and study.
The specific conditions, reservations, and restrictions as stipulated
in the warranty deed (Appendix I) by which The Nature
Conservancy (Grantor) conveyed 220,200 acres of land in Soccoro
County, New Mexico, to the United States of America (Grantee)
for administration by the Department of the Interior, through the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are summarized as follows:
1. Grantor reserves unto itself, all mineral rights
including oil, gas, coal, and all other minerals on and
underlying the property conveyed to the Grantor.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 68
2. Grantor stipulates that the property not be subject to
commercial exploitation. Also that portions of the
property will be made available to educational
institutions and conservation organizations for
research and study.
A. The granted premises may be open to regulated
hunting only upon a finding and determination by
the grantee that such hunting will be compatible
with the purposes for which the area is established
and compatible with the principles of sound wildlife
management.
B. The use of motor vehicles by other than the
Grantee’s authorized employees, agents, or
independent contractors, shall not be permitted,
except on roads and trails designated for public use
by the Grantee.
C. The Grantee will not use pesticides, herbicides, or
other biocides or noxious substances unless their use
is dictated by emergency situations, requirements of
the law, or paramount management considerations
determined by consultation with the Grantor.
3. The property shall not be sold, exchanged,
transferred or abandoned, nor shall it be leased or
used for any commercial purpose other than where
deemed appropriate by the Service and The Nature
Conservancy for the purpose of sound wildlife
management.
4. Title shall revert in fee simple to the Grantor if the
property ceases to be managed as a national wildlife
refuge or if the Grantee breaches the aforementioned
use regulations.
5. Grantor reserves unto itself and its representatives
the right to enter the property to exercise its rights
and protect its interests hereunder provided that
times and areas of entrance are coordinated with the
Grantee. The Grantor agrees to observe reasonable
conditions that may be imposed for the protection of
the area’s wildlife and its habitat.
6. The Grantor may grant exceptions to the above
restrictions that apply to all or any part of the
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 69
property, provided that any such exception does not
impair the natural character of the of the area. In
addition, the Grantor may release the lands upon
which necessary capital improvements are
constructed for the proper administration and
management of the property.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 71
6.0 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Refuge objectives are intended to be accomplished over the next 15
years. Many of the management activities for Sevilleta NWR will
require the development of step-down management plans.
Implementation of new management activities will be phased in
over time as described within the step-down plans and will be
contingent on funding, staffing, and regional and national Service
directives. This unit identifies major resource projects or planning
to be accomplished within 15 years, estimated initial costs,
staffing and funding needs, partnership opportunities, and step-down
management plans.
Resource Projects
Listed below are a summary of major resource project needs
addressing the goals and objectives of this plan. Each project
summary includes a preliminary range of cost estimates and
planning links to this CCP. This list only reflects the basic needs
identified by the planning team based on available information
and are subject to modification depending on future conditions,
needs, and cost adjustments.
Project 1. Riparian Habitat Restoration
Restore and maintain native riparian and wetland habitats, and
increase the diversity of wildlife communities along sections of the
Middle Rio Grande, Rio Puerco, Rio Salado, and upland seep
springs. Restoration management includes removal of non-native
vegetation and prescribed fire in some areas. Estimated cost to the
Service varies annually depending on the acreage to be restored.
(Planning Links: Goal 1, Objective 2 and 3; Goal 2, Objective 1, 3,
4, 5, 6, and 7)
Project 2. Water Management
Develop and implement a water management plan. The plan will
determine water needs to maintain wetlands acres, and restore
riparian habitats of the Rio Grande, and estimate water rights
needed for the beneficial use of fish and wildlife. The plan will
include water management strategies for the production of quality
wetland habitat components, and inventory and monitoring
strategies for evaluating the diversity of wetland communities.
Estimated cost to the Service: $150,000 for plan development and
implementation (does not include water rights purchase).
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 72
(Planning links: Goal 2, Objective 5 and 8; Goal 4, Objective 1, 2,
and 3)
Project 3. Land Acquisition Plan
Develop a priority plan for land acquisition of tracts of private
lands within or adjacent to refuge boundaries. Acquisition would
allow for contiguous management and protection of refuge
habitats, wildlife populations and cultural resources, as well as
provide visitors with safe access to refuge headquarters or other
areas open to the public. Estimated cost of plan development to
the Service: $60,000.
(Planning links: Goal 8, Objective 1 and 2)
Project 4. Archeological Survey
Complete a comprehensive archeological survey of Sevilleta NWR
to obtain baseline information for protection of existing resources
and resources potentially impact by future public access. This
project is essential to meet cultural resource mandates. Estimated
cost to the Service: $75,000 to $100,000.
(Planning Links: Goal 7, Objective 1)
Project 5. Public Use Plan and Visitor Services
Contingent on the construction of new headquarters, develop a
public use plan that emphasizes visitor services at the
headquarters, and increased opportunities for wildlife-related
recreation activities. Estimated cost to the Service: $75,000 for
plan development; step-down plan will include cost analysis for
implementation.
(Planning Link: Goal 5, Objective 1; Goal 6, Objective 1; Goal 9,
Objective 2)
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 73
Sevilleta NWR Current and Proposed Funding and
Personnel
Current Staff
The refuge has a current staff of 5 permanent full-time
equivalents, 2 temporary full-time employees, 1 to 2 cooperative
students or YCC Youths, and 3 to 5 volunteers.
The current staffing level includes the following:
Project Leader GS-13 PFT
Administrative Assistant GS-7 PFT
Refuge Operations Spec. GS-12 PFT
Maintenance Worker WG-8 PFT
Equipment Operator WG-10 PFT
Clerk Typist GS-3 TFT
Writer/ Editor GS-5 TFT
Approximate annual cost of current staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . $315,596
Proposed Staff
To accomplish the goals and objectives of this plan, the following
increase in staff and base funding would be required (salaries are
estimates only):
Biological Technician GS-5/6 PFT
Biological Technician GS-5/6 PFT
Office Admin. Clerk GS-4/5 PFT
Outdoor Recreation Planner GS-7/9/11 PFT*
Biological Technician GS-5/6/7 PFT*
Maintenance Worker WG-8 PFT*
Laborer WG-3 TFT*
YCC Group Leader WG-5 TFT
Approximate annual cost of proposed staff . . . . . . . . . . . $345,400
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 74
Current Base Funding and Other Funds
Total annual budget for the refuge varies depending on the Service
priorities for the resource projects each year and the national and
regional allocation of refuge Operating Needs System and
Maintenance Management System funds.
The following is a general breakdown of the annual operation
budget of the refuge:
Year O&M
1261*
MMS
1262*
Volunteer YCC NFTA
1231*
Fire
9120
*
ES
1122
*
Total
1999 311.1 54.1 0 15.0 18.0 0.26 25.0 423.5
1998 304.0 61.0 0 0.0 20.0 0.26 75.0 460.3
1997 250.4 62.0 0 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 314.4
1996 243.0 60.0 1 7.9 0.0 1.4 0.0 313.3
*Description of funding categories:
O&M 1261 refers to operations and maintenance funds, including
annual fixed costs such as salaries, utilities, and mandatory
training and travel.
MMS 1262 refers to Maintenance Management System funds,
including routine maintenance and vehicle replacement,
maintenance on refuge facilities, and infrastructure.
NFTA 1231 refers to special National Free Trade Agreement funds
for migratory bird projects on the refuge such as aplomado falcon
recovery.
Fire 9120 refers to fire management funding for prescribed fire.
ES 1122 refers to special funds for habitat improvement projects
such as Save our Bosque.
Sevilleta NWR Final CCP Page 75
6.1 Partnership Opportunities
There are many opportunities to partner with county, state, and
federal agencies, nongovernmental agencies, private lando