| Ownership |
New Mexico Game and Fish, P.O. Box
25112, Santa Fe, NM, 87504, 505-827-9903
The Nature Conservancy, Santa Fe, NM, (505) 988-3867 |
| Habitats |
Grassland |
| Land-use |
Nature conservation |
| Threats |
Animal/plant introductions, Disturbance to birds, Habitat conversion |
| Site Criteria |
State conservation species (D1), State research site (D5) |
| Site Description |
The site contains four NM Game and Fish Management Areas: Milnesand
(SE of Milnesand, NM) 7160 acres; Crossroads #1 and #2 (SW of Milnesand) 2320
acres and 640 acres; Marshal (E of Milnesand) 1280 acres. These are primarily southern short grass
prairie with Shinnery Oak with some recovering from abandoned farming. Some
sites have been degraded
by oil and gas activities. They have been degraded by overgrazing, but some recovery
has occurred since grazing stopped. There has been no bird recovery where Shinnery Oak has been destroyed. |
| Birds |
These sites are designated as Prairie Chicken Management
Areas. All still have remnant populations of Lesser Prairie Chickens. These
sites need continued monitoring of the habitat and for the species status. |
| Conservation Issues |
The natural habitat for the Lesser Prairie Chicken in New
Mexico has almost disappeared. Intensive improvement of grasses and Shinnery Oak
on these sites is paramount. Root systems of these grasses and forbs have not
had sufficient time to develop since the grazing was halted. Little rain has
fallen since the drought. Prairie Chickens must have over 26" grass (preferably
bluestem) for nesting and large clumps for the nest. Shinnery Oak is vital for
cover, shade, and winter food. |
| Conservation Plan |
|
| Monitor(s) |
None assigned |
| Nominator |
Lois C. Herrmann, 530 Calle Corvo, Santa Fe, NM, 87501,
505-983-6036 |
| Sources |
New Mexico Natural Heritage Program surveys (NMNH) |
| Links |
New
Mexico Game and Fish
The
Nature Conservancy New Mexico
eBird
New Mexico Hot Spot |
| Directions |
Milnesand, NM is located on NM-206 south of Portales.
Do not trespass since all leks are on controlled property. |
