| Ownership |
New Mexico State Parks P.O. Box
2288, Carlsbad NM 88221, 505-457-2384; Bureau of Reclamation |
| Habitats |
River, Artificial lake, Grass/shrubland |
| Land-use |
Tourism/recreation, Water management |
| Threats |
Excessive pressure from tourism/recreation. |
| Site Criteria |
State waterfowl (D4ii), State wading birds (D4iii) |
| Site Description |
Brantley Lake State Park is
located in the Chihuahuan Desert region of southeastern New Mexico and contains
a large, dammed reservoir jointly managed
by NM State Parks and the Bureau of Land Management. The reservoir is important
for wintering waterfowl and gulls as well as migrating American White Pelicans,
waterfowl, and shorebirds. This reservoir, located on the Pecos River, is the
largest in southeast New Mexico and the southernmost lake in New Mexico.
Brantley Lake State Park is New Mexico's newest state park. Park amenities include a
visitor center, group picnic shelter, shower, restrooms, and a playground.
Camping facilities at the park include 51 developed sites, all with electric
hookup, and a RV dump station. There are no concessionaires, food service, or lodging within
park. Year-round fishing for white bass, catfish, largemouth bass, walleye, and
crappie. There are hiking trails and water skiing and scuba diving for game fish
are permitted.
This area was first occupied more than 10000 years ago by early Indian groups
and more than 200 archaeological sites have been recorded in the area. |
| Birds |
Waterfowl, wading birds and gulls use this area in
large numbers during passage and winter. Christmas Bird Counts of the Lake
Avalon-Brantley area show significant numbers over-wintering at the area. Note: Not all
waterfowl on counts are at Brantley Lake, but the vast majority utilize the lake. |
| Conservation Issues |
None noted. |
| Conservation Plan |
|
| Monitor(s) |
None assigned. |
| Nominator |
Steve West, 1105 Ocotillo Canyon, Carlsbad, NM
88220, 505-885-3636, wthrswift@carlsbadnm.com |
| Sources |
Christmas Bird Counts - Lake Avalon-Brantley, NM (NMLA)
(CBC) |
| Links |
Brantley Lake State Park
eBird
New Mexico Hot Spot |
| Directions |
Take US-285 approximately 12 miles north from
Carlsbad to NM-381 going east. Follow NM-381 to Brantley Lake State Park. |
