Published using Google Docs
FINAL Ciudad SWCD LUP 05132025.docx
Updated automatically every 5 minutes





A logo of a water conservation district Description automatically generated


LAND USE POLICY AND PLAN

OFFICIAL USE




Effective May 2025        

The Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD or District) Land Use Policy and Plan (Plan) is an executable policy for natural resource management and land use on the lands within the District and provides a scientifically and culturally sound framework for resource planning objectives.

This Plan was prepared by Rio Grande Return for Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District with funding from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.

CIUDAD SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT LAND USE POLICY AND PLAN

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District Land Use Policy and Plan serves as a strategic framework for guiding responsible land and water management within the District’s jurisdiction. This Plan establishes policies, priorities, and collaborative strategies that support sustainable land use, natural resource protection, and long-term environmental and agricultural resilience. The Plan acknowledges the diverse characteristics of the District’s geography, land uses and constituents. It focuses on goals and objectives related to 17 key resource concerns:  Culture; Water Resources (Availability and Quality); Local Agriculture/Soil Health; Urban Stormwater Management; Flooding; Watersheds, Erosion Control and Drainage; Forest Management, Wildfire and Fuel Loads; Wetlands, Wildlife and Recreation; Threatened and Endangered and Sensitive Species; Non-native/Noxious Weed Management; Liquid and Solid Waste; Air Quality; Public Awareness and Education; Rangelands and Grasslands; Livestock; Energy/Utilities; and Special Land Use Designations.

Goals and objectives regarding the 17 resource concerns are addressed separately in the Plan but share common themes:

A core function of the Plan is to strengthen government-to-government relationships by ensuring that the District’s policies are recognized and considered in local, state, and federal decision-making processes. This government-to-government engagement is critical to resolving water resource challenges, enhancing conservation outcomes, and ensuring policy consistency across jurisdictions. By prioritizing intergovernmental collaboration, resilient landscapes, and responsible land use planning, Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District aims to provide a unified approach to conservation that balances ecological health, economic sustainability, and the needs of diverse governmental stakeholders. The Plan is a foundation for policy alignment, cooperative decision-making, and proactive land and water resource management in the District.

TABLE OF CONTENTS        

1.0  INTRODUCTION        1

1.1   Background/History        1

1.1-1   Geography and Land Status        2

1.1-2   Constituents        6

1.1-3   Climate        7

1.1-4   Bernalillo County        7

1.1-5   Sandoval County        8

1.1-6   Watersheds        8

1.1-7   Ecology        8

1.1-8   Soils        11

1.2   Legal Authority        12

1.3 Adoption of the Land Use Policy and Plan        13

2.0 PRIMARY PLANNING GUIDANCE        14

2.1   Plan definitions        14

2.2        Existing District Plans and Processes        14

2.3        Policies and Procedures        14

2.4 Coordination Agreements and Partnerships        15

2.5 Processes that Require or Allow for Local Government Input        16

2.5-1. Federal Laws        16

2.5-2. State Laws        20

3.0 PURPOSE, CULTURE, VALUES AND GOALS        24

3.1 Purpose        24

3.2        Description of the District’s Cultures and Values        25

3.3        Goals of the Plan        26

4.0 PRIMARY PLANNING GUIDANCE AND DIRECTIVES        26

4.1  Objective        27

4.2  Resource Concerns        27

4.2-1 Culture        35

4.2-2 Water Resources (Availability and Quality)        35

4.2-3 Local Agriculture/Soil Health        37

4.2-4 Urban Stormwater Management        38

4.2-5 Flooding        40

4.2-6 Watersheds, Erosion Control and Drainage        41

4.2-7 Forest Management, Wildfire and Fuel Loads        43

4.2-8 Wetlands, Wildlife and Recreation        44

4.2-9 Threatened and Endangered and Sensitive Species        45

4.2-10 Non-Native/Noxious Weed Management        48

4.2-11 Liquid and Solid Waste        49

4.2-12 Air Quality        50

4.2-13 Public Awareness and Education        51

4.2-14 Rangelands and Grasslands        52

4.2-15 Livestock        53

4.2-16 Energy/Utilities        54

4.2-17 Special Land Use Designations (Under Resource Management Plans)        55

5.0 REFERENCES        57

APPENDIX A        62

APPENDIX B        68


LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

AMAFCA        Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority

ADA                Americans with Disabilities Act

BMP                Best Management Practice

CABQ                City of Albuquerque

CWA                Clean Water Act

CSWCD        Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District

EA                Environmental Assessment

EIS                 Environmental Impact Statement 

EMNRD        Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

EPA                 Environmental Protection Agency 

ESA                 Endangered Species Act

DCA                Department of Cultural Affairs

FAA                Federal Aviation Administration

FEMA                Federal Emergency Management Agency

ISC                Interstate Stream Commission

MRCOG        Middle Rio Grande Council of Governments

MRGCD        Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District

MS4                Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer Systems

NEPA                National Environmental Policy Act

NMDA                New Mexico Department of Agriculture

NMDOT        New Mexico Department of Transportation

NMDW        New Mexico Department of Wildlife

NMED                New Mexico Environment Department

NMOSE        New Mexico Office of the State Engineer

NMSA                New Mexico Statutes Annotated

NMSLO        New Mexico State Land Office

NRCS                Natural Resources Conservation Service

SSCAFCA        Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority

SHPO                State Historic Preservation Act

SWCD                 Soil and Water Conservation District

UNM                University of New Mexico

US                United States

USACE                United States Army Corps of Engineers

USBLM                United States Bureau of Land Management

USDOD        United States Department of Defense

USDOE                United States Department of Energy

USEPA                United States Environmental Protection Agency

USFWS         United States Fish and Wildlife Service

WQCC                Water Quality Control Commission  

1.0  INTRODUCTION

The Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD or District) Land Use Policy and Plan (Plan) contains executable policies for natural resource management and land use on the lands within the District. It adheres to the legislative purpose of the Soil and Water Conservation District Act: to conserve and develop natural resources, provide for flood control, preserve wildlife, protect the tax base and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of this District. It provides a scientifically and culturally sound framework for resource planning objectives.  The Plan is intended to encourage government-to-government communication and amplify the voice of the District in representing its constituency, and to promote public understanding that land and water are important resources within Ciudad SWCD.  The Plan is designed to: (1) provide protection for soil and water resources; (2) facilitate government-to-government interactions between the District and federal, state, local and tribal governments; and (3) provide strategies and policies for enhancing the conservation, improvement, and management of these resources.

Coordination processes allow SWCDs to engage in government-to-government dialogue with state and federal agencies in a constructive effort to achieve consistency between state and federal land use plans and actions with local government plans and policies. There are many instances where government-to-government coordination may be necessary or desirable to protect natural resources. Such actions include, but are not limited to: forest thinning, prescribed burns, post-wildfire responses, listing or delisting threatened or endangered species, constructing or decommissioning roads, designation of special management areas (e.g. wilderness study areas), energy development (solar, wind, transmission lines), sales of public lands, land fallowing programs, cleanup of contaminated sites, levee or jetty jack removal, dam construction or repair, response to livestock disease, and water rationing or emergency conservation measures.

1.1   Background/History

Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District was created in 1943 following a referendum vote of local landowners. It is one of forty-seven SWCDs in New Mexico organized and operated under the State Soil and Water Conservation District Act of 1937.

It was initially organized as the Tijeras SWCD, which in 1965 expanded into the Central Rio Grande SWCD. In 1990, the District changed its name to the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District in recognition of its largely urban base. "Ciudad" is the Spanish word for "city."

1.1-1   Geography and Land Status

Ciudad SWCD encompasses most of Bernalillo County, part of Southern Sandoval County, and a small part of Southern Santa Fe County. Approximate boundaries are the Pueblo of Laguna on the west, Pueblo of Isleta on the south, State Highway 217 on the east, and State Highway 550 and the Bernalillo/Sandoval County line on the north and northeast. The cities of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, the villages of Tijeras, Corrales, and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, and the land grants Cañón de Carnué and San Antonio de Las Huertas are located within the District boundary.

Historically, indigenous people have lived on and stewarded these lands and water since time immemorial. The lands that are within current District boundaries are the ancestral homelands of pueblo communities and Navajo peoples and were managed in accordance with traditional ecological knowledge until colonization.

Currently, the majority of land in what is now known as Bernalillo County is privately owned and is used for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. Urban and suburban development dominates private land, particularly in and around Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. Industrial areas are concentrated along transportation corridors, such as the I-25 and I-40 interstate highways, and near the Albuquerque International Sunport. Commercial land use is diverse, including retail centers, offices, manufacturing, and mixed-use developments.

Despite urbanization, the Middle Rio Grande Valley retains areas used for farming, including irrigated fields for hay, alfalfa, orchards, and other crops. Traditional acequia (community-based agricultural irrigation ditch) systems, managed by local communities, support agriculture and reflect the area’s cultural heritage.

Several federal, state and local government entities play important natural resource management roles within the District.

Figure 1. Map showing Ciudad SWCD boundaries.

1.1-2   Constituents

The constituency of Ciudad SWCD is as diverse as the landscape. The region is deeply rooted in a history of cultural interactions among the members of 23 Tribes and Pueblos in New Mexico, and Hispano and Anglo cultures. This multicultural identity is reflected in art, architecture, traditions, language, and community life, creating a unique cultural fabric that shapes the District’s character. From a socio-economic perspective, there are communities of prosperity interspersed with communities that have economic disadvantages, and intersections between sovereign tribal and non-tribal jurisdictions.

From an agricultural perspective, the influence of diverse cultural traditions is reflected through farming techniques, crops and land management practices that integrate three primary cultures. For example, many farms combine traditional practices like crop rotation and intercropping (Native American influence) with acequia irrigation (Hispanic influence) and modern machinery (Anglo influence). Acequia systems and farmer cooperatives foster collaboration among diverse cultural groups. Agriculture is practiced on commercial scales, on a subsistence level, in residential gardens. Agricultural events, like chile festivals and wine tastings, highlight the blending of traditions in farming and food.

1.1-3   Climate

Climate varies according to elevation but in the Albuquerque Basin ecoregion (the majority of the District), the annual precipitation range is 8 to 11 inches. Temperatures in the Albuquerque Basin range from 19o/49 o F (min/max) in January and 55 o/85 o F in July.  The growing season (frost-free days) is 170-200 days (EPA 2013).

1.1-4   Bernalillo County

Bernalillo County is home to Albuquerque, the largest city in the state. The economy is diverse, featuring a mix of government, healthcare, education, and technology and tourism sectors. The presence of Sandia National Laboratories and Kirtland Air Force Base significantly contributes to the local economy. These industries provide a strong economic foundation and diverse job opportunities for residents.

In addition to established industries, there are emerging industries in Bernalillo County. These industries are diversifying the economic landscape and creating new job opportunities in the county, including biotechnology, film and media production, e-commerce and logistics, and renewable energy, particularly solar and wind energy.

The main agricultural products in Bernalillo County include green chile, corn, forage, and various fruits such as apples and peaches. A favorable climate and fertile soil in the Rio Grande Valley make it ideal for growing these crops. Additionally, the county has a growing focus on organic farming, producing a variety of vegetables and herbs that cater to local markets and restaurants.

According to the US Department of Agriculture 2022 Census of Agriculture Bernalillo County Profile (USDA 2022), there are 964 farms operating in the county with a diverse range of crops. The total market value of agricultural products is estimated to be over $16 million annually. 65% of products sold are crops, whereas 35% are livestock, poultry and other products.

Challenges facing agriculture in Bernalillo County include water scarcity due to variable rainfall and competition for water resources, which can impact crop yields. Additionally, urban development puts pressure on agricultural land, reducing available space for farming. Farmers also face challenges related to labor availability, as finding skilled labor can be difficult. Other issues include the impacts of climate change, which can alter growing conditions, and market fluctuations that affect the pricing and demand for agricultural products.

1.1-5   Sandoval County

Sandoval County has a diverse economy characterized by a mix of industries. Commercial sectors include tourism, healthcare, retail and services (in Rio Rancho, for example), and energy (including solar and wind). Note that this is a summary for the entire county, not just the District.

In terms of agriculture, the county's farming activities include the cultivation of crops such as alfalfa, chile, and various fruits, supported by the rich soil and favorable climate along the Rio Grande. While agriculture plays a smaller role compared to tourism and retail, it remains an important aspect of the county's rural economy.

According to the US Department of Agriculture 2022 Census of Agriculture Sandoval County Profile (USDA 2022), there are 706 farms operating in the county with a diverse range of crops. The total market value of agricultural products is estimated to be over $9 million annually. 60% of products sold are crops, whereas 40% are livestock, poultry and other products. Like Bernalillo County, there is a growing interest in organic farming practices, with an increasing number of farms adopting sustainable methods to meet consumer demand.

1.1-6   Watersheds

Ciudad SWCD is within the Rio Grande Basin as defined by the US Geological Survey and includes portions of two 8-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC) watersheds: Rio Grande – Albuquerque (13200203) and Rio Puerco (13020204).

1.1-7   Ecology

The following information about District ecoregions is from the US EPA Ecoregions Map (EPA 2013). The District is ecologically classified in two Level III ecoregions:

Arizona/New Mexico Plateau comprises the majority of the district. This ecoregion represents a large transitional region between drier shrublands and wooded higher relief tableland of the Colorado Plateaus to the north, the lower, hotter, less vegetated Mojave Basin and Range in the west, and the semiarid grasslands of the Southwestern Tablelands to the east. Higher, forest-covered mountainous ecoregions border the region on the northeast and southeast. Local relief in the region varies from a few feet on plains and mesa tops to well over 1,000 feet along tableland side slopes. Gunnison prairie dogs are a keystone species in many of the sagebrush ecosystems and their burrows provide habitat for other wildlife including burrowing owls, weasels, badgers, and a variety of snakes.

Arizona/New Mexico Mountains comprises the far east portion of the District in the Manzano Mountains. The Arizona/New Mexico Mountains are distinguished from neighboring mountainous ecoregions by their lower elevations and an associated vegetation indicative of drier, warmer environments, due in part to the region’s more southerly location. Forests of spruce, fir, and Douglas-fir, common in the Southern Rockies and the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, are only found in limited areas at the highest elevations in this region. Chaparral is common at lower elevations in some areas, pinyon-juniper and oak woodlands occur at lower and middle elevations, and the higher elevations are mostly covered with open to dense ponderosa pine forests. These mountains are the northern extent of some Mexican plant and animal species. Surrounded by deserts or grasslands, these mountains in Arizona and New Mexico can be considered biogeographical islands.

Level IV ecoregions within the District include Rio Grande Floodplain, Albuquerque Basin, Conifer Woodlands and Savannahs, Rocky Mountain Conifer Forests, and Rocky Mountain Subalpine Forest. These ecoregions are described as follows.

Rio Grande Floodplain

Albuquerque Basin

Conifer Woodlands and Savannahs

Rocky Mountain Conifer Forests

Rocky Mountain Subalpine Forests

1.1-8   Soils

The District has diverse soil types influenced by varied topography, climate, and parent materials. Understanding these soils is crucial for land management, agriculture, and conservation efforts. In general, many of the soils are sandy loams, characterized by a mix of sand, silt, and clay. Unamended local soil typically has high alkalinity, contain mineral salts, are often sandy, and contain little organic matter. Consequently, they exhibit low microbial activity and low nutrient exchange capacity in the root zone, leading to low fertility (Bernalillo County Extension 2024). Soil drainage varies across the region, with some areas having well-drained soil, while others may experience drainage challenges. Soil depth also varies, influencing vegetation types and land use practices. The following descriptions of notable soil series in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties are derived from the NRCS Official Soil Series Descriptions (NRCS 2024).

Tijeras Series: These soils are deep, well-drained, and moderately permeable, formed in alluvium on fan remnants. They are typically found on slopes ranging from 1 to 9 percent.

Sandoval Series: Consisting of shallow, well-drained soils formed from slope alluvium derived from sandstone and shale, these soils are prevalent on ridges, hills, and escarpments. Slopes can range from 1 to 45 percent.

Jemez Series: Moderately deep, well-drained soils formed in slope alluvium derived from tuff and latite, found on hills and plateaus. Slopes range from 1 to 15 percent.

Sandia Series: Located on strongly sloping to moderately steep mountain slopes at elevations between 8,400 to 9,500 feet, these soils formed mainly in materials from sandstone.

1.2   Legal Authority 

Ciudad SWCD’s legal authority derives from the New Mexico Soil and Water Conservation Act (1965) described below.

Sections 73-20-25 through 73-20-48 NMSA 1978 considered and resolved by legislative action, the purpose of the Act declared that 1) the land, waters and other natural resources are the basic physical assets of New Mexico, and their preservation and development are necessary to protect and promote the health and general welfare of the people of the state; 2) the improper use of land and related natural resources, soil erosion, and water loss result in economic waste in New Mexico through the deterioration of the state’s natural resources, and; 3) appropriate corrective and conservation practices and programs must be encouraged and executed in New Mexico to conserve and develop beneficially the soil, water and other natural resources of the state; 

It is declared to be the policy of the legislature that the Act [73-20-25 NMSA 1978] 1) control and prevent soil erosion; 2) prevent floodwater and sediment damage; 3) further conservation development, beneficial application and proper disposal of water; 4) promote the use of impounded waters for recreation, propagation of fish and wildlife, irrigation and for urban industrial needs; and 5) by the application of these measures, conserve and develop the natural resources of the state, provide for flood control, preserve wildlife, protect the tax base and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of New Mexico. 

73-20-26. Legislative (2003) states “The land, waters, and other natural resources are the basic physical assets of New Mexico, and their preservation and development are necessary to protect and promote the health and general welfare of the people of the state.” 

Under 73-20-45.  Specific powers of districts. (2003) Ciudad SWCD by and through its supervisors, is authorized to contract, convey and make and execute other instruments and documents necessary or convenient to the exercise of district powers: as well as act as agent for any instrumentality or agency of the state or the federal government in the acquisition, construction, operation or administration of a natural resource conservation, utilization or development project or program within the district.  

73-20-44. Districts; description; general powers of districts. (2003) States that “A “soil and water conservation district,” organized under or perpetuated by the provisions of the Soil and Water Conservation District Act is a governmental subdivision of the state, a public body politic and corporate.” Districts may conduct a wide array of research, investigations, and surveys to facilitate conservation and development.  Included, but not limited to, is the extended authority to develop comprehensive plans for natural resource conservation, development, and utilization including flood prevention, control and prevention of soil erosion and the development, utilization and disposal of water.

73-20-47. Cooperation between districts.  (1965) “The supervisors of two or more soil and water conservation districts may cooperate with each other in the exercise of any district power.” 

73-20-48. State agencies to cooperate. (2003) “Agencies, instrumentalities and political subdivisions of this state having jurisdiction over or charged with the administration of public lands situated within the defined geographical area of any district shall cooperate to the fullest extent with the district’s supervisors in effecting district projects and programs. Supervisors shall have free access to enter and perform work upon state public lands lying within their districts; provided, however, supervisors shall not have unqualified access to state lands that are subject to private dominion under lease or that are developed for, or devoted to, another public use.”

1.3 Adoption of the Land Use Policy and Plan

By adoption of this Plan according to the Soil and Water Conservation Act, the District hereby records its intention to engage in decision-making that pertains to soil and water resources within its jurisdiction as provided under the law.  The statement of purpose includes the recognition of the statutory requirements, regulations and court mandates of local, county, state, and federal agencies to comply with plans adopted under the idea and definition of coordination noted herein. This also facilitates the coordination of local, county, state, and federal planning efforts with the local planning efforts of the District. 

Ciudad SWCD will equitably consider the best interests of all of the people within the District’s jurisdictional boundary and the State of New Mexico in the use of state and federal lands as well as promoting best management practices on private lands. The District commits to seeing that all natural resource decisions affecting the District is guided by the following principles:

The District believes that resource and land use management decisions made in a coordinated manner by federal and state agencies and local government entities will maintain multiple use of state and federal lands within and affecting the District and will enhance environmental quality.

2.0 PRIMARY PLANNING GUIDANCE

2.1   Plan definitions

There are numerous terms used in this Plan that have specific technical or legal meanings. Definitions for these terms are provided for reference in Appendix A.

2.2        Existing District Plans and Processes 

The District has a Long Range Plan that was developed in 2010 and was revised January 2018. The District develops annual work plans to advance the objectives of the Long Range Plan. Adoption of this Land Use Policy and Plan is an action listed in the Long Range Plan: Goal 1. Promote urban conservation and the conservation of natural resources in the urban/rural interface; Objective 1A: Participate in and encourage interagency and inter-jurisdictional cooperation; Action: Develop a Land Use Plan. This Land Use Policy and Plan develops policy regarding coordination with federal, state and local agencies consistent with the Long Range Plan.

2.3        Policies and Procedures 

The policies and procedures of the District are expressed through this Land Use Policy and Plan, Long Range Plan, Annual Work Plans, programs, projects and activities undertaken by the board and staff as well as ongoing partnerships. Generally, it is the policy of the District to pursue and participate in projects that protect natural resources and the health, welfare and safety of the community.

2.4 Coordination Agreements and Partnerships

Ciudad SWCD has the following active agreements and partnerships with other entities:

Intergovernmental Agreement between the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District and Bernalillo County (Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) CCN 2023-0139) establishes a partnership between Ciudad SWCD and Bernalillo County to complete special projects between 2023-2027. The initial IGA described the continuing partnership between the District and the County to implement programs that support environmental education, resource-based recreation, community-based agriculture, and conservation practices for County Open Space properties, including, but not limited to, forest management, erosion control, watershed protection, technical training, and specifically, the Bernalillo County Master Naturalist Program, the Tijeras Watershed Collaborative, Urban Waters, and the Conservation Easement Program, among other programs. The IGA is designed so that an amendment will be added for each special project.

Intergovernmental Agreement Between City of Albuquerque & Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District (CCN: 202000947) is a five-year agreement dated May 10, 2020 outlining respective responsibilities for the CABQ Open Space Division and District to continue to work together on a wide variety of mutually beneficial grants and opportunities, including the potential for providing direct or grant match funding, to address watershed restoration, water conservation, water quality improvement, and educational projects.

Soil and Water Conservation District Jurisdiction for the East Sandia Mountain Area within the Incorporated Boundaries of the Coronado Soil and Water District is a cooperator agreement signed June 18, 2013 that agrees to jurisdictional boundaries and coordination on mutually beneficial grants, funding opportunities and implementation of forest thinning and watershed restoration projects.

Cooperative Agreement between NRCS and Ciudad SWCD (N3525UCA0002493) signed December 17, 2024, is renewed annually and provides for shared resources (e.g. office space and equipment) between the entities.

Intergovernmental Agreement between Ciudad SWCD and Village of Tijeras signed May 5, 2022 establishes a partnership between the District and the Village to implement programs that support environmental education, resource-based recreation, and conservation practices, including, but not limited to, forest management, erosion control, watershed protection, technical training, and specifically the Tijeras Creek Watershed Collaborative, utilizing applicable grant funds obtained by Ciudad SWCD for these purposes.

In addition to these formal agreements, the District hosts the Middle Rio Grande Urban Waters Partnership, established 2013, which works to restore urban water quality, revitalize and reconnect communities to their urban waterways by fostering connections among federal agencies, local government, non-profits, educational institutions and other community-led groups. Primary themes and goals for the partnership include: invest in healthy watersheds, engage in education and outreach, facilitate economic revitalization and prosperity, and foster active collaboration and true partnership.

2.5 Processes that Require or Allow for Local Government Input

Numerous natural resource laws require or encourage local government consultation, ensuring that federal and state actions align with local priorities while addressing community-specific environmental, economic, and social needs. The New Mexico Soil and Water Conservation Act is discussed in Chapter 1 of this Plan. Below is a summary of other key laws and how they are implemented in New Mexico. The list is intended to identify the most likely laws and processes with which Ciudad SWCD might engage, and list examples of local government roles and implementation for informational purposes. Omission of any relevant law from this section is inadvertent and not meant to limit or impede the District’s involvement in government-to-government communication regarding action under that law.

2.5-1. Federal Laws

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (1970) 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321–4370h

Purpose: Requires federal agencies to evaluate the environmental impacts of major projects and involve state and local stakeholders in decision-making.

Local Government Role: 1) Local governments are consulted during the preparation of Environmental Assessments (EA)s and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)s for projects like pipelines, mining, and renewable energy developments, and 2) Counties and municipalities provide input on potential impacts on water resources, air quality, and land use.

Implementation Example: 1) NEPA reviews are often triggered for projects on federal lands, such as those overseen by the USBLM or USFS, and 2) Projects like the construction of solar and wind farms require collaboration with local governments to mitigate visual, environmental, and socio-economic impacts.

Endangered Species Act (ESA) (1973) 16 U.S.C. §§ 1531–1544

Purpose: Protects threatened and endangered species and their habitats.

Local Government Role: 1) Local authorities participate in Habitat Conservation Plans, particularly in areas with federally protected species, and 2) Municipalities are often consulted in land-use planning to avoid violating ESA regulations.

Implementation Example: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), state agencies, and local governments collaborate on water management along the Rio Grande to protect endangered species while addressing agricultural and municipal water needs.

Federal Land Policy and Management Act (1976) 43 U.S.C. §§ 1701–1787

Purpose: Governs the use and management of public lands by federal agencies like the USFS and the USBLM. Federal lands are to be retained in federal ownership and managed under the principles of multiple use and sustained yield. An important provision of the Act (43 U.S.C. § 1712(c)(9)) is the consistency review between a federal Resource Management Plan and a Soil and Water Conservation District Land Use Plan. This is a process to ensure that federal land management decisions align with local land use priorities and policies. Agencies must consider local land use plans, policies, and programs when developing federal land management decisions. Key topics for alignment include: water resource management (e.g., irrigation, groundwater use, watershed protection), soil conservation (e.g., erosion control, sustainable grazing), rangeland and forest health (e.g., wildfire mitigation, invasive species management), agricultural land use and permitting, and energy development impacts on soil and water resources.

Local Government Role: SWCDs are consulted during the development of land use plans and amendments for public lands, including RMPs for USBLM or Forest Plans for USFS. Steps in the consistency review process include the following.

If the federal land management plan (RMP or Forest Plan) does not adequately address SWCD concerns, local governments and stakeholders may challenge the plan through administrative appeals, lobbying, or legal action. A well-executed consistency review ensures collaborative management of public and private lands, helping to balance protection of natural resources with economic and agricultural needs.

Implementation Example: Consistency reviews of plans regarding forest management, grazing permits, recreational access, and energy development projects on federal lands.

Clean Water Act (CWA) (1972) 33 U.S.C. §§ 1251–1387

Purpose: Regulates discharges into U.S. waters and protects wetlands and other aquatic ecosystems.

Local Government Role: 1) Local governments manage wastewater and stormwater systems under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, and 2) They also can provide input on Section 404 permitting for activities that affect wetlands.

Implementation Example: Municipalities within the District have a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit under the National Pollution Elimination System program to manage a system of conveyances such as roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains that aims to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff that discharges into the Rio Grande.

Clean Air Act (1963) 42 U.S.C. §§ 7401–7671q

Purpose: Regulates air emissions to protect public health and the environment.

Local Government Role: Local governments collaborate on State Implementation Plans to reduce air pollution and meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Implementation Example: Collaboration between local governments and the New Mexico Environment Department on ozone mitigation plans in the Albuquerque area.

 

National Historic Preservation Act (1966) 54 U.S.C. §§ 300101–307108

Purpose: Protects historic and cultural sites from impacts due to federal projects.

Local Government Role: Local governments, often in consultation with tribal governments, participate in Section 106 reviews to identify and mitigate effects on historic properties.

Implementation Example: Municipalities collaborate with federal agencies on preserving historic adobe structures in Albuquerque.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (1976) 42 U.S.C. §§ 6901–6992k

Purpose: Governs the management of solid and hazardous waste.

Local Government Role: Municipalities manage landfills, recycling programs, and hazardous waste disposal facilities in compliance with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act standards.

Implementation Example: Local officials may collaborate with NMED on hazardous waste facilities like Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc. in Albuquerque to ensure that public input is considered during permit renewals or modifications.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (1980) 42 U.S.C. §§ 9601–9675

Purpose: Addresses the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and responds to environmental emergencies, spills, and the release of hazardous substances into the environment. Its overarching purpose is to protect public health and the environment from the dangers posed by hazardous waste contamination.

Local Government Role: Local governments are often consulted as part of Community Involvement Plans and can provide valuable input on future land-use planning for the site post-cleanup, integrating cleanup efforts with community redevelopment goals and addressing any infrastructure needs to support site reuse. Community Involvement Plans are part of both Superfund and Brownfield Program clean ups.

Implementation Example: CABQ helped with public outreach on the South Valley Superfund Site which was contaminated with organic solvents and other hazardous chemicals. They partnered with USEPA to engage the predominantly Hispanic community, ensuring materials were available in Spanish and culturally appropriate outreach was conducted. These collaborations ensure that federal initiatives are effectively tailored to local contexts, promoting compliance and addressing community-specific concerns.

Healthy Forests Restoration Act (2003) 16 U.S.C. §§ 6501–6592d

Purpose: To reduce wildfire risks, restore forest health, and protect communities, especially in areas vulnerable to wildfires. It focuses on reducing hazardous fuel loads, restoring forest ecosystems, and safeguarding the wildland urban interface, where communities are near forested areas. The goal is to prevent large, destructive wildfires by thinning forests, reducing dense vegetation, and restoring natural fire regimes.

Local Government Role: The Healthy Forests Restoration Act encourages local government involvement through the development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans. These plans allow local communities to prioritize forest management projects and identify areas that are at highest risk for wildfires. Local governments, in collaboration with state agencies, tribal nations, and federal agencies like the USFS, play an active role in determining where thinning, fuel reduction, and restoration projects should occur. Public input is encouraged, though the Healthy Forests Restoration Act streamlined environmental review processes.

Implementation Example: The Healthy Forests Restoration Act has been instrumental in addressing wildfire risks, particularly in the western and northern regions of the state, where forests are dense and fire prone. Fuel reduction projects in high-risk areas like the Sandia Mountains and Santa Fe National Forest focus on thinning dense vegetation and removing dead trees.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918) 16 U.S.C. §§ 703–712

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects migratory bird species from overhunting, poaching, and habitat destruction. It implements treaties between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia to ensure the conservation of migratory bird populations across international borders.  The Act prohibits the unauthorized killing, capturing, selling, or trading of migratory birds, their nests, eggs, and feathers, and applies to over 1,000 bird species in the US, including eagles, hawks, ducks, and songbirds. The USFWS enforces the Act, which allows for regulated hunting and conservation efforts through permits and management programs.

Local Government Role: Local governments play an influential role in implementing the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by incorporating bird conservation into land use planning, habitat protection, and policy-making. They collaborate with federal and state agencies, conservation groups, and tribal governments to ensure compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act while balancing development, water management, and wildlife protection.

Implementation Example: CABQ Open Space Division manages natural areas like the Rio Grande Valley State Park, ensuring migratory bird habitat conservation while accommodating recreational use.

2.5-2. State Laws

In addition to federal laws, New Mexico has several natural resource laws and regulations that include provisions for local government input or collaboration. These laws ensure that local authorities play a role in managing natural resources, protecting the environment, and addressing the needs of their communities. Below are some key examples:

New Mexico Subdivision Act (1973) Sections 47-6-1 through 47-6-29 NMSA 1978

Purpose: SWCDs are authorized to review subdivision development plans to ensure that developments comply with environmental and resource management standards, including potential impacts on water resources, soil stability, and land use.

Local SWCD Input: SWCDs provide expert assessments of proposed subdivisions, focusing on soil erosion and conservation, sustainability of water supply for the proposed development, and potential impacts on local agricultural lands and ecosystems. Their reviews help counties ensure that subdivisions meet the requirements for water availability and land suitability. SWCD reviews help prevent overdevelopment in areas where soil and water resources are fragile; ensures that subdivisions are planned with sustainable water use and soil conservation in mind; and leverage the knowledge of SWCDs about local environmental conditions to guide responsible development.

Under New Mexico statues, Ciudad SWCD is authorized to review terrain management plans for all new developments proposed within its boundaries (i.e. within Bernalillo County and southern Sandoval County) [47-6-11(F)(4) NMSA]:

"F. In determining whether a subdivider can fulfill the requirements of Subsections B and C of this section, the board of county commissioners shall, within ten days after the preliminary plat is deemed complete, request opinions from ...

(4) the soil and water conservation district to determine:

(a) whether the subdivider can furnish terrain management sufficient to protect against flooding, inadequate drainage and erosion; and

(b) whether the subdivider can fulfill the proposals contained in the subdivider's disclosure statement concerning terrain management;"

By engaging SWCDs in the subdivision review process, the New Mexico Subdivision Act promotes environmentally sound development that balances growth with resource conservation.

New Mexico Water Quality Act (1978) Sections 74-6-1 through 74-6-17 NMSA 1978

Purpose: Protects surface and groundwater quality through regulations overseen by the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC).

Local Government Input: 1) Local governments can serve on the WQCC, which includes representatives from municipalities and counties, 2) Local governments participate in water quality standards setting, permit reviews, and public hearings, and 3) Local entities like the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority often collaborate on water quality monitoring and pollution prevention efforts.

New Mexico Water Security Planning Act (2023) Sections 72-14A-1 through 72-14A-5 NMSA 1978

Purpose: Reinvigorates regional water planning around the challenges of projected reductions in supply.

Local Government Input: Local governments may participate directly in regional water planning.

New Mexico Mining Act (1993) Sections 69-36-1 through 69-36-20 NMSA

Purpose: Regulates mining operations to protect the environment, public health, and safety while promoting reclamation and sustainable practices.

Local Government Input: Local governments may provide input during the permitting process for new mining projects. They can comment on issuance, renewal or modification of permits that are submitted to the Mining and Minerals Division. Local zoning and land use plans are considered during the review process.

New Mexico Oil and Gas Act (1935) Sections 70-2-1 through 70-2-38 NMSA 1978

Purpose: Regulates oil and gas development to ensure resource conservation, protect the environment, and minimize community impacts.

Local Government Input: Local governments can adopt ordinances that regulate certain aspects of oil and gas operations within their jurisdictions, such as setbacks and noise restrictions. They can provide input on drilling permit applications reviewed by the Oil Conservation Division.

New Mexico Air Quality Control Act (1967) Sections 74-2-1 through 74-2-17 NMSA 1978

Purpose: Provides a framework for regulating air pollution and ensuring compliance with state and federal air quality standards.

Local Government Input: Local air quality control boards, such as the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board, are empowered to adopt and enforce air quality regulations specific to their regions. They work with state agencies and the USEPA to develop and implement State Implementation Plans to address air pollution.

New Mexico Renewable Energy Act (2004) Sections 62-16-1 through 62-16-10 NMSA 1978

Purpose: Encourages the development of renewable energy resources to diversify the state’s energy portfolio and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Local Government Input: Local governments collaborate on renewable energy projects by providing zoning approvals and addressing land-use concerns. They may partner with the state on initiatives such as solar or wind energy development on public lands.

New Mexico Endangered Plant Species Act (1978) Section 75-6-1 NMSA 1978

Purpose: Protects endangered plant species through conservation measures and habitat protection.

Local Government Input: Local governments collaborate with the New Mexico Forestry Division of EMNRD to identify and protect habitats of endangered plant species. They can integrate plant protection measures into land-use planning.

New Mexico Hazardous Waste Act (1978) Sections 74-4-1 through 74-4-14 NMSA 1978

Purpose: Regulates the generation, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste to prevent environmental contamination.

Local Government Input: Local governments participate in public hearings and provide comments on hazardous waste facility permits. They coordinate with the NMED on emergency response planning and hazardous waste site monitoring.

New Mexico Solid Waste Act (1990) Sections 74-9-1 through 74-9-43

Purpose: Provides a framework for the proper management of solid waste to protect human health and the environment.

Local Government Input: Local governments are responsible for solid waste management planning, including siting, operation, and regulation of landfills and transfer stations. They collaborate with the state to develop and implement waste reduction programs.

New Mexico Cultural Properties Act (1969) Sections 18-6-1 through 18-6-17 NMSA 1978

Purpose: Protects historical, archaeological, and cultural resources in New Mexico.

Local Government Input: Local governments collaborate with the Historic Preservation Division on site identification, protection, and restoration. They participate in reviews of projects that could impact cultural properties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

New Mexico Land Use Easement and Conservation Incentives Law (1978) Sections 75-9-1 through 75-9-6 NMSA 1978

Purpose: Encourages conservation easements to protect open spaces, wildlife habitats, and agricultural lands.

Local Government Input: Local governments often partner with land trusts and state agencies to identify priority conservation areas and facilitate easement agreements.

New Mexico Healthy Soil Act (2019) 76-25-1 through 76-25-6 NMSA 1978

Purpose: The Act’s primary goals are to improve soil health, increase water retention, sequester carbon, promote agricultural sustainability, and educate and build awareness.

Local Government Input: Administered by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA), this program oversees the distribution of grants and resources to promote soil health. Grants are available for farmers, ranchers, and land managers, as well as entities like SWCDs and tribes, to implement soil health projects. SWCDs serve as important partners in promoting soil health at the local level. SWCDs assist in outreach, education, and project implementation, often acting as fiscal agents for grant applications submitted by farmers and ranchers. SWCDs provide technical assistance to producers in designing and implementing projects.

In summary, local governments, including SWCDs, play an essential role in implementing natural resource laws through reviewing permits and plans, providing input during public hearings and regulatory processes, and collaborating with state and federal agencies to ensure that community needs and environmental priorities are addressed. This collaborative approach ensures that natural resource management aligns with local concerns while protecting the state’s rich environmental and cultural heritage.

3.0 PURPOSE, CULTURE, VALUES AND GOALS

3.1 Purpose

The purpose of this Plan is to guide policy regarding soil and water natural resource conservation and enhancement as needed, and it is intended to provide a framework for local, county, state, and federal agencies in land use planning that affect the resources in the District. This Plan is consistent with the unique needs, challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of Ciudad SWCD.  

  1.  Description of the District’s Cultures and Values

Land ownership and use in the District encompass a diverse and dynamic landscape, shaped by its urban core, natural features, cultural heritage, and agricultural traditions. Land use varies widely, from urban development and industry to agricultural areas, open spaces, and tribal lands, and is influenced by geography, demographics, and economic activities.

Managing development while preserving open space and farmland is a critical challenge. The District has typically expressed this concept as managing urban expansion and the urban rural interface.

Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability is a priority, especially in the context of preparing a growing human population for environmental shifts that cause flooding, fire, drought and other disasters.

Protecting tribal lands and traditional land use practices remains important to the region's identity, and in order to do this the District has to establish and maintain trusting relationships with tribal governments.

Given the diverse demographics of its constituents, the District recognizes and prioritizes the need to address traditionally underserved and under-represented communities in its policies and programs. As part of strategic planning for future programs, events, and facilities, the District is dedicated to prioritizing inclusiveness and accessibility. The District understands the importance of ensuring that everyone can participate fully and meaningfully and values the voices and perspectives of all community members. In assessing community needs and the use of open spaces, the District remains attentive to making appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities and complex needs.

Ciudad SWCD endorses and commits to as a matter of policy:

The District acknowledges the disadvantages experienced by some populations within the community, the pervasive impacts that these disadvantages have on the broader community and on natural resources, and efforts being made to improve conditions for these populations. Some examples of traditionally underserved and under-represented communities within the District include South Valley Albuquerque residents, International Districts residents, refugees and immigrants, and unhoused people.

Overall, these values and policies reflect commitment to addressing inequities and empowering underserved communities to thrive.

  1.  Goals of the Plan

  1. Maintain and improve the soil, vegetation and watershed resources in a manner that perpetuates, sustains, and expands the beneficial uses of such resources while maintaining healthy ecosystems and fully supporting public safety, cultures and economic stability and viability of our communities and the general welfare of the citizens of the District.
  2. Provide the plans and policies that direct District decisions and actions in coordination with local, state, and federal bodies and agencies regarding planning, outlining, orchestrating, scheduling, mapping, designing, manipulating, conceptualizing, formulating, designing, plotting, or strategizing land use plans that will affect the soil, water, and other resources of the District today, tomorrow, or further into the future.
  3. Work with federal, state and local government agencies to fulfill the District’s primary statutory responsibility and our commitments to provide for the health, safety, and well-being of our constituents.
  4. Work to minimize unintended consequences from decisions and actions that may be taken by agencies that could negatively impact the District, its economy, its tax base and the people it serves. 

4.0 PRIMARY PLANNING GUIDANCE AND DIRECTIVES

The State of New Mexico authorized the creation of Ciudad SWCD with powers and duties to accomplish the legislative determination of the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act. 

4.1  Objective

To create a coordinated working relationship with agencies and constituents that protects and enhances local natural resources, safety and well-being for all District residents.

4.2  Resource Concerns

The following list of resource concerns identifies Ciudad SWCD’s priorities with respect to natural resource management and government-to-government communications. There are multiple ways to organize and categorize these concerns. It must be recognized that the issues and their solutions are not isolated. Instead, the District takes an integrative approach. Therefore, some solutions are duplicated among the resource concerns.

  1. Culture. In Ciudad SWCD’s Long Range Plan, Culture is indirectly expressed as Urban Expansion and the Urban Rural Interface. This reflects the mosaic of urban, rural, and open-space nature of land in the District. It also reflects the range of socioeconomic conditions within the District. The District is committed to serving all members of its constituency.

  1. Water Resources (including availability and quality). New Mexico's Water Code was enacted in 1907. Then, the state was sparsely populated, and people relied mainly on surface water supplies. Conditions have changed. The state's population has increased, surface water has become over-appropriated, and water users have become increasingly dependent on groundwater and water from projects such as dams. Water quality and quantity (i.e. availability) are both issues. As a semi-arid region, water availability significantly influences land use decisions. Water scarcity is already an issue in the Albuquerque Basin and climate change predictions indicate less surface water will be available in the future. In addition, some groundwater within the District is unusable because it has legacy contamination from industrial, agricultural, military, municipal landfill and domestic wastewater pollutants.

  1. Local Agriculture/Soil Health. The District supports the wide variety of agricultural practices operating in its boundaries, including but not limited to: backyard and commercial livestock, backyard vegetable and flower gardens, community cooperative farms, larger commercial farms, subsistence farming, and crops grown specifically to support wildlife. The District also supports soil health in all these environments and in the forested watersheds and rangelands. Some issues related to soil health include desiccation from drought, poor organic and nutrient content because of long-term use, and erosion due to water and wind.

        

  1. Urban Stormwater Management. Urban stormwater management in the District presents unique challenges due to climate, soil conditions, and urban development patterns. Stormwater runoff from streets, arroyos, roadside ditches, and underground storm sewers can carry polluted water directly into the Rio Grande. Pesticides, pet waste, trash and soil can end up polluting the river. These pollutants not only impact municipal drinking water drawn from the Rio Grande, but they also harm the river’s fragile ecosystem.

The climate is challenging because rainstorms are infrequent but intense. This leads to flash flooding where dry compacted soils have low infiltration rates or where surfaces are impervious in urban areas. The urban regions have large areas covered by roads, rooftops, and parking lots, leading to increased runoff and reduced natural infiltration.  Concrete and asphalt not only increase runoff but also contribute to higher temperatures, accelerated evaporation and increased water demand. Water scarcity also influences the need for stormwater to be considered a resource rather than waste, and Ciudad SWCD embraces this perspective through its policies and practices.          

  1. Flooding. Flooding is a concern in the District due to several factors, including monsoon storms, flash floods, urbanization, and the Rio Grande. Although the climate is arid, there are intense, localized storms, especially during the summer monsoon season (July-September). Sudden, heavy rains overwhelm storm drains and arroyos, leading to rapid flooding in low-lying areas. High clay-content soils and paved surfaces prevent water from absorbing into the ground, increasing runoff. Areas near arroyos, ditches, and underpasses are particularly vulnerable. Flooding is a risk in urban areas due to the potential for Rio Grande flooding, compromise of levee integrity, and overwhelm of arroyos, flood control channels and storm drains. Additionally, flooding would be a risk down-gradient of forested areas after any intense wildfire.
  2. Watershed Erosion Control and Drainage. All land within the District lies within the Middle Rio Grande watershed. In differentiating urban stormwater management from watershed erosion control and drainage, the intent is to focus on those areas that are not predominantly urban. This includes rural areas in the District as well as Cibola National Forest to the east and USBLM and tribal lands to the west. The District is concerned about watersheds within Cibola National Forest because they drain to the Rio Grande within the District. The District has previously been involved with forest land management through the Cibola National Forest planning process, Tijeras Watershed-Based Plan, and on-the-ground watershed implementation projects. Assessments have also identified the eastern portion of Bernalillo County as particularly vulnerable to watershed degradation. Factors such as steep slopes and higher precipitation contribute to increased runoff and sediment transport, necessitating structural stormwater control measures to manage these challenges effectively (Richardson and Amankwatia 2019).

Cibola National Forest. Cibola National Forest in New Mexico operates under a Land Management Plan that provides strategic guidance for managing its resources and activities. The original plan was established in 1985, and recognizing the need to address evolving environmental and social factors, the Forest Service initiated a revision process. In July 2022, a new, long-term plan was released, specifically focusing on the forest's four mountain ranger districts: Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena, and Mount Taylor.

This updated plan outlines the forest's strategic intent for the next 10 to 15 years, addressing various aspects such as:

The plan also emphasizes collaborative engagement with local communities, tribal nations, and other stakeholders to foster shared stewardship of the forest's resources.

USBLM Rio Puerco Resource Management Plan. USBLM oversees public lands in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties, New Mexico, through the Rio Puerco Field Office. The guiding document for managing these lands is the Rio Puerco Resource Management Plan. In December 2024, the BLM released the Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan, updating the previous plan from 1986 and its 1992 amendment (USBLM 2024). This updated RMP provides comprehensive management direction for approximately 731,600 acres of USBLM-managed surface land and 3.6 million acres of federal mineral estate within the planning area, which includes portions of Bernalillo, Sandoval, Cibola, McKinley, Torrance, and Valencia counties. The updated RMP addresses various aspects of land management, including:

Additionally, the Resource Management Plan emphasizes ongoing tribal consultation, acknowledging the ancestral lands within the planning area and ensuring that tribal perspectives are integrated into land management decisions.

  1. Wetlands, Wildlife and Recreation. District boundaries encompass diverse wildlife habitats, including riparian and wetland habitats, desert shrublands, pinyon-juniper woodlands and montane forests to high mountain woodlands. The District has abundant wildlife especially along the Rio Grande corridor and in the Sandia and Manzano Mountains. Key challenges for wildlife are urban development that reduces habitat availability, declining river flows that impact wetlands and riparian species, non-native plants that compete against native plants, and drought, wildfire risk and extreme temperature fluctuations. Preservation and restoration of remaining wetlands is critical for water resources, wildlife habitat, and recreation. Protection and maintenance of the District’s open spaces is of utmost importance for recreation, as these areas are highly valued by the District’s constituents.

  1. Threatened and Endangered and Sensitive Species. Three listed endangered species (Rio Grande Silvery Minnow, NM Meadow Jumping Mouse, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher) and one threatened species (Rocky Mountain Spotted Owl) have been identified within the Ciudad SWCD boundaries. The status and condition of sensitive species populations are reflections of overall ecosystem health. The District supports efforts to maintain healthy ecosystems for all species and the use of sound science in identifying, listing and delisting species for special protections.

  1. Non-Native/Noxious Weed Management. The presence of non-native plant species in the District poses several ecological and economic challenges. Examples include Russian olive, Siberian elm, Salt cedar (Tamarisk), Ravenna grass, Cheatgrass and Russian knapweed. The presence of non-native species can cause displacement of native vegetation, alteration of ecosystem functions, economic impacts, challenges to agriculture and livestock, and noxious weed classification.

Non-native species can outcompete indigenous plants, leading to reduced biodiversity. This displacement can disrupt local ecosystems and negatively impact wildlife that depend on native flora. Invasive plants can also change soil composition, water availability, and fire regimes. Some non-native plants are toxic to livestock or reduce the quality of forage, impacting the agricultural sector. Managing invasive species incurs significant costs for local governments and landowners. Control measures, such as mechanical removal and herbicide application, require substantial resources.

NMDA classifies certain non-native species as noxious weeds, indicating their potential to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. This designation underscores the importance of monitoring and managing these species. Addressing these concerns requires coordinated efforts in monitoring, early detection, and management to mitigate the impacts of non-native plant species in the region.

  1. Forest Management, Wildfire and Fuel Loads. Within the District, forest managers face significant challenges related to fuel loads and wildfire risks in the East Mountains and the Rio Grande Bosque. Concerns include accumulation of fuel loads, wildland urban interface vulnerabilities, ecosystem health and fire regimes, and water quality concerns.

Decades of fire suppression have led to dense forest stands and heavy fuel accumulation, particularly in the East Mountains. These conditions increase the potential for catastrophic wildfires. The proximity of communities to forested areas heightens the risk of wildfires impacting homes and infrastructure. Efforts are underway to identify areas at risk and implement hazardous fuel reduction strategies. Altered fire regimes have disrupted natural ecological processes, affecting wildlife habitats and forest resilience. Wildfires can lead to increased erosion and sediment runoff, contaminating water supplies. Managing fuel loads is crucial to protect water quality in local watersheds.

The East Mountain Community Wildfire Protection Plan (Ciudad SWCD 2015) and the Bernalillo County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (SWCA Environmental Services 2022) were developed to address these challenges, focusing on fuel reduction, defensible space creation, and public education to enhance community resilience against wildfires.

A similar effort is commencing in 2025 to develop a Sandoval County Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

There is also a Wildland Fire Management Plan for Kirtland Air Force Base, but the plan does not indicate that there was a public involvement element in its development (Kirtland AFB 2022).

The Rio Grande Bosque Wildfire Mitigation Project (FEMA 2022) represents a significant effort to address fire risk through on-the-ground actions in the bosque.

The North Sandia Fuels Reduction Project (USFS 2024), scheduled to begin in 2025, is aimed at improving ecosystem resilience to future disturbances by restoring forest structure and composition and reducing the risk of catastrophic fire using hand and mechanical treatments and prescribed fire.

  1. Liquid and Solid Waste. Concerns about waste management include dumping of both liquid and solid waste, failed septic systems that may contaminate groundwater, and storage and disposal of hazardous waste that may be harmful to human and animal health. The District is also concerned with food waste and reducing the volume of solid waste that goes to landfills. Sustainable disposal of slash from forest thinning projects also falls under this resource concern, and Ciudad SWCD partners with Bernalillo County to offer free thinning slash disposal during biannual Green Waste Days.

  1. Air Quality. The District faces several air quality challenges primarily related to ozone pollution and particulate matter. The American Lung Association’s 2024 “State of the Air” report card gave Bernalillo an “F” grade and Sandoval County a “D” grade for ozone pollution. Albuquerque was identified as the 21st worst city in the nation for ozone pollution. Bernalillo County was also given an “F” grade for particulate matter (no grade was available for Sandoval County) (American Lung Association 2024). Emissions from industrial sources, including oil and gas operations, can increase levels of ozone precursors. Elevated levels of ozone and particulate matter can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and other health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. While specific data on particulate matter (PM2.5) for these counties is limited, the region's arid climate and susceptibility to wildfires can contribute to elevated levels of particulate pollution. Natural events such as dust storms and wildfires are significant sources of particulate matter in the area. The Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Program monitors air pollutants and provides daily air quality updates to inform residents (CABQ 2024), and frequently ranks air quality as “moderate” or “unsafe for sensitive populations” in Bernalillo County.

  1. Public Awareness and Education. As the most urban Soil and Water Conservation District within New Mexico, Ciudad SWCD is engaged in numerous education programs and participates in collaborative outreach events directed at improving soil and water conservation through protecting and enhancing forest health, reducing wildfire potential, enhancing watershed health and educating the public. The District considers conducting public awareness and educational activities to be one of its most important functions and collaborates continuously with Bernalillo County, the City of Albuquerque, Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority, the Middle Rio Grande Stormwater Quality Team and the Bosque Ecological Monitoring Program to expand public education delivery and assessment.

 

  1. Range and Grasslands. Most of the range and grasslands within the District occur in its western and northern portions within the Rio Puerco Watershed, on USBLM, State Trust Lands, To’Hajiilee Navajo Chapter, and Zia Pueblo. This area is characterized by highly erodible soil due to geology, low precipitation, and a legacy of extensive farming and sheep grazing during the 19th century. Resource concerns about range and grasslands include poor soil health due to low vegetative cover, low soil moisture, and erosion that contributes to water quality issues in the Rio Puerco.  

  1. Livestock. Livestock ownership in the District remains an important part of agriculture and culture, but water shortages, degradation of rangeland, and market pressures create challenges. Conservation programs, economic incentives, and better land management policies are needed to sustain ranching in the region.

  1. Energy/Utilities. Local governments in the District are actively advancing energy development initiatives, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure enhancement. This includes solar energy farms, rooftop solar development, electro voltaic charging stations, battery storage facilities, and transmission lines. Mineral and energy resource exploration and developments are not currently occurring in the District, but future markets may emerge. Ciudad SWCD’s primary natural resource concerns around energy and utility development are maintaining and improving soil, water and vegetation health in conjunction with development.

  1. Special Lands Designations. Special Management Units are designated under federal land management laws to provide additional protections or specialized management for areas with unique ecological, cultural, recreational, or scientific values. Examples of Special Management Units include:

Some of the factors used in establishing Special Management Units under federal law include legal authority, resource sensitivity and ecological importance, cultural and historical significance, recreational and public use, existing land uses and compatibility, and climate resilience and wildfire risk. The designation of Special Management Units balances conservation with land use, ensuring long-term protection while considering recreational, scientific, and economic factors. Special Management Units within the District include Sandia Wilderness Area, Petroglyph National Monument, Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, Kirtland Air Force Base, and Sandia National Laboratories.

4.2-1 Culture

The unique culture of the District is reflected in its agriculture, lifestyles, food, and festivals. Some are traditional, some are progressive. All are dependent on healthy natural resources such as water and soil. Hence the focus of this Plan with respect to culture is to protect, conserve and restore natural resources so that the District’s individuals and communities thrive.

Goal: Ciudad SWCD supports the multicultural communities that are part of its urban/suburban/rural landscape through its policies, programs and decisions.

Objectives:

4.2-2 Water Resources (Availability and Quality) 

Water is a significant resource under the District’s jurisdiction, necessary for life as well as essential for promoting economic well-being. Water is critical for agriculture, residents, industry, and many service activities. Ensuring water quality and quantity is an investment but provides a high return.

Ciudad SWCD strives to protect and improve watershed health and resultant water quality within its boundaries. The District actively engages in planning and implementation related to improving water quality through landscape-scale planning, such as the Tijeras Watershed-Based Plan, participation in the Albuquerque Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) working group and participation in regional water planning. This may include representation through the Middle Rio Grande Council of Governments, or as an individual entity with unique interests and concerns that are distinct from other SWCDs.

Goal: The District supports pollution prevention, conservation and restoration practices, programs that protect the public, and that conserve, expand, extend, and beneficially develop the water resources of the District.

Objectives:

4.2-3 Local Agriculture/Soil Health

Healthy soil provides a critical natural resource for nearly all land uses. Ciudad SWCD promotes the development and maintenance of healthy soil for all land ownership and land uses, whether for urban backyards, agricultural producers, forest, rangeland or commercial property.

Goal: The District supports the maintenance of healthy soil and the preservation of agriculture as viable land use.

Objectives:

4.2-4 Urban Stormwater Management

Urban stormwater management mitigates localized, nuisance flooding, protects homes and businesses from small-scale flooding events, and protects roads and other infrastructure from degradation due to regular inundation. In the arid Southwest, increased variability in rainfall patterns requires an adaptive and resilient approach to stormwater management. Often, our existing grey infrastructure is undersized to meet the demands of urbanization and changing rainfall patterns, leading to localized flooding. Older parts of the city, historically disadvantaged neighborhoods and rural communities face these challenges most often and are least prepared to retrofit existing infrastructure to modern stormwater management practices.

Nature-based solutions like green stormwater infrastructure repurpose stormwater into engineered solutions with biological elements that integrate natural processes into urban stormwater management to improve water quality benefits, irrigate street trees and other native vegetation and provide nearby nature in areas that have little. Innovative approaches to stormwater management are supported in the City of Albuquerque by Council Bill 0-24-6 that amends the Complete Streets Ordinance to include definitions and policies related to green stormwater infrastructure, aiming to improve stormwater management and promote sustainable practices.

The District participates in planning activities of the Albuquerque MS4 that requires entities in the District to manage stormwater runoff to prevent pollution. To comply with the MS4 permit, Ciudad SWCD collaborates with local agencies through the Middle Rio Grande Stormwater Quality Team. This partnership focuses on public education and outreach initiatives, such as the "Keep the Rio Grande" campaign, to inform residents about stormwater pollution prevention.

An example of the District’s nature-based solutions work on urban stormwater was the implementation of the Juan Tabo/Interstate 40 stormwater project in the late 1990s. Prior to this project, every rainstorm washed soil and debris down the bare slopes bordering the roadway and into the storm drains and traffic lanes of Interstate 40. Ciudad SWCD graded the site to capture this runoff and detain it in long, narrow ponding areas, called swales. The collected water slowly soaks into these swales, where microorganisms help filter out pollutants and the soil gradually releases it to native landscape trees and shrubs. The entire site is protected by organic mulch, which reduces water loss due to evaporation, fosters the plants' growth, eliminates air pollution from blowing dust, and stops sediment and trash from getting into the city storm sewers. The District and its partners have worked with the State Department of Transportation to write new standards and specifications for erosion control on roadsides, based on the positive impacts of the Juan Tabo/Interstate 40 demonstration project. Replication of these simple conservation practices throughout the metropolitan area will result in reduced highway and drainage maintenance costs to taxpayers, less pollution entering waterways, and a healthier watershed.

Goal: The District views urban stormwater as a resource and supports reducing pollutants in urban stormwater, increasing infiltration, and offsetting the use of potable water with stormwater for landscape irrigation. 

Objectives:

4.2-5 Flooding

The Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control District (AMAFCA) and Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control District (SSCAFCA) engineer and manage flood control structures to protect life and property from large-scale flooding events. Prior to their existence, heavy monsoonal rains carried in arroyos from the foothills and mesas were discharged through the valley, causing wide-spread flooding in roadways, homes and business districts. The magnitude of the flooding required large-scale regional flood control structures. These agencies continue to provide this watershed level protection and collaborate with Ciudad SWCD on improving water quality, water conservation, smaller-scale stormwater management, education and much more. The District also collaborates with the US Army Corps of Engineers that manages the levee system through the District for flood control. FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program provide floodplain mapping and insurance options but some flood-prone areas are not represented on current floodplain mapping, leading to the need for flood risk education to constituents in flood prone areas. City and County drainage systems including retention ponds, storm drains, and green stormwater infrastructure features are intended to work in concert with these larger flood control agencies to focus on the more localized flooding.

Major concerns include: Rio Grande flooding and levee integrity and FEMA decertification, urban/suburban runoff, arroyo flooding and sedimentation, and the potential for increased runoff and debris transport following wildfires in the East Mountains. While the Rio Grande is controlled by levees and dams (e.g., Cochiti Dam), extreme rainfall or snowmelt can cause riverbank flooding. Sediment buildup in the Rio Grande channel reduces its ability to carry floodwater. The region relies on a network of arroyos (dry creeks) and concrete-armored flood control channels to direct stormwater. Fast-moving floodwaters in arroyos and channels can be dangerous, sweeping away vehicles, careless human beings and debris. Erosion and sediment buildup in channels reduce water flow efficiency, leading to unexpected overflow. Impervious surfaces (concrete, asphalt) prevent water absorption, leading to ponding in streets, parking lots, and neighborhoods, and older drainage systems struggle to handle high runoff, causing localized street flooding. The watershed-based MS4 permit regulates stormwater management with the objectives of reducing stormwater discharge volume and pollutants, but flood risks remain. Intense rainfall can lead to flash floods, especially in areas within the Special Flood Hazard Areas. Albuquerque currently has over 5,000 acres within these zones, encompassing more than 700 buildings (CABQ 2025).

Historically, some regions are situated below the level of the Rio Grande, making them susceptible to flooding. This is due to sediment deposition over time, which raises the riverbed and increases flood risks in adjacent low-lying areas including (AMAFCA 2025):

Many of the water conservation, urban nature-based stormwater harvesting and erosion control strategies that Ciudad SWCD has described in other sections of this plan are applicable to reducing flood risks.

Goal: Coordinate with responsible agencies to reduce flood risks and help residents be aware of flooding dangers.

Objectives:

4.2-6 Watersheds, Erosion Control and Drainage

The ecological health of sub-watersheds are directly related to the ecological health of the larger Rio Grande watershed. Unfortunately, sub-watersheds have been negatively affected by many factors including erosion, stream bed incision, floodplain disconnection, non-native vegetation, unauthorized trails, and degraded water quality. The District strives to ameliorate these impacts and improve conditions in all watersheds.

An example of the District’s commitment to watershed erosion control and drainage is the Tijeras Creek Watershed Restoration Project. The District was responsible for developing the Upper Tijeras Creek Watershed-Based Plan (2021) and for implementing portions of the plan. Bernalillo County Natural Resource Services and Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District (Ciudad SWCD) were awarded a River Stewardship grant from the New Mexico Environment Department in 2023 to restore a section of the Tijeras Creek and its floodplain on a county-owned 12-acre parcel between Los Vecinos Community Center and A. Montoya Elementary School in the Village of Tijeras. Restoration efforts include conducting vegetation monitoring before and after invasive species removal, removing invasive plants along Tijeras Creek and replanting with native species, restoring the Tijeras Creek streambed and connection with the floodplain, and using natural materials to create structures to slow stormwater and improve water quality.

Goal: The District supports improvement of watershed health, stormwater management, erosion control, and sediment reduction through increased education, better planning and on-the-ground implementation projects.

Objectives:

4.2-7 Forest Management, Wildfire and Fuel Loads

Ciudad SWCD contains the largest wildland urban interface in New Mexico. A 2013 study estimated that human infrastructure worth $1.2 billion was at high risk of wildfire damage in the East Mountains (Core Logic 2013).  So far, the East Mountain communities of Ciudad SWCD have not experienced the wildfires that many other regions of the state have. However, due to decades of fire suppression, conditions for a catastrophic wildfire (dense forest stands, drought and heavy fuel loads) in the East Mountains are ever-present. The District is committed to mitigating wildfire and urban fire risks through its actions such as leading and participating in planning efforts, conducting watershed health projects and promoting principles of healthy soils.  

The District assists private landowners with forest health improvements through financial support for thinning projects and with slash removal. Ciudad SWCD's East Mountain Forest Health Program offers technical and financial assistance to East Mountain residents for thinning of overly dense forested properties.  The program provides 50% cost share on the total project costs towards defensible space and overall forest health. East Mountain residents are aware of the need to thin their property to improve the health of their trees and to reduce the risk of wildfire. While many homeowners are willing and able to do the thinning, they are unsure of what to do with the "slash", or leftover tops and branches. As funding permits, Ciudad SWCD works with Bernalillo County to provide free disposal of green waste for east mountain landowners at the Tijeras Transfer Station during periodic Green Waste Days.

  1. The District also works towards improvement of public safety systems during emergencies, such as providing free reflective house address numbers in collaboration with Bernalillo County Fire.
  3. The District improved public safety by working with the East Mountain Interagency Fire Protection Association to create the 2006 Tijeras Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which was updated in 2015 (Arid Land Innovation LLC 2015). The District subsequently participated in planning for the Bernalillo County Wildlife Fire Protection Plan (SWCA 2022).
  5. Goal: The District supports management of forested lands using policies and practices that maximize soil moisture and water infiltration, maintain in-stream flows, re-establish healthy vegetation densities, reduce the risk of catastrophic forest fires and urban wildfires, and use beneficial low intensity fire to manage fuel loads.

Objectives:

4.2-8 Wetlands, Wildlife and Recreation

Ciudad SWCD participates in the protection, restoration and maintenance of wetlands and other wildlife habitats to support healthy wildlife populations and provide recreational opportunities for humans. For example, the District contracts with CABQ Open Space Division in a long-term commitment to manage Candelaria Nature Preserve, a 101-acre parcel of formerly agricultural land that is being converted to wildlife habitat. The District is also working with CABQ Open Space Division and Hero’s Path Palliative Care to develop an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible trail and floodplain restoration at the Tijeras Creek Environmental Educational Center. This trail offers equitable access to outdoor recreation, fosters community engagement, and creates opportunities for individuals of all abilities to connect with nature.  

Federal land management plans contain substantial goals around the improvement of wetlands and riparian areas. The BLM Rio Puerco Management Plan includes: restore riparian habitat to desired future conditions, as prescribed by the EIS for Riparian and Aquatic Habitat Management in the Albuquerque Field Office (BLM 2000) and conduct a full inventory of Saltcedar/Russian olive infested areas and reduce where appropriate using allowable vegetation treatments.

The Cibola National Forest Plan identifies strategies for achieving Proper Functioning Condition for watersheds and water resources. It identifies Tijeras Creek as a watershed that is functioning at risk and currently does not have a Watershed Restoration Action Plan (USFS 2022).

Goal: The District strives to protect, restore, and maintain natural ecosystems, balancing conservation with recreation to ensure wetlands, wildlife habitats, and open spaces remain healthy, connected, and accessible.

Objectives:

4.2-9 Threatened and Endangered and Sensitive Species

The keystone of good environmental stewardship lies in a healthy resource base. Endangered and threatened species, as well as all plants and all animals, depend on the intricate balance of stable ecological, economic and social functions of the immediate local community. 

The ESA protects individual species of plants and animals wherever they occur when it is determined that the continued existence is threatened or endangered. The ESA provides for listing of species through rule making, 16 U.S.C. §1533(a), and within a year after listing, the identification of critical habitat for the species.

Prior to making a determination whether a species is threatened or endangered, the federal agency is required to take into account “those efforts, if any, being made by any State or foreign nations, or any political subdivision of a State or foreign nation, to protect such species, whether by predator control, protection of habitat and food supply, or any other conservation practices, within any area under its jurisdiction; or on the high seas.” (16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(1)(A)) This includes a review of the District’s plans, policies and projects.  The District’s Plan should be reviewed in its entirety because several of the resource concerns relate to wildlife habitat.

Additionally, it is the policy “of the Congress that Federal agencies shall cooperate with State and local agencies to resolve water resource issues in concert with conservation of endangered species.” (16 U.S.C. 1531(c)(2)). Agencies are to consider the best available science when making a decision whether to list, but economic and social impacts are to be considered in the designation of critical habitat. [Addendum Tab No. 12a at 38, 16 U.S.C. §1533(a)(3)(A)].

Critical habitat designations must take local socio-economic impacts into account. Areas may be excluded as critical habitat based upon economic impacts unless the failure to designate the area as critical habitat would result in extinction of the species. Area designations that preclude the District from carrying out its soil erosion and floodwater management projects will cause economic harm to the community and shall not be included as critical habitat unless essential to the survival of the species.

The ESA is the basis for several planning mechanisms. The plans and agreements listed below require some form of NEPA process, which requires coordination with the District.

 

Table 1 shows the Threatened and Endangered and Species of Greatest Conservation Need listed for Bernalillo and Sandoval counties (BISONM 2024).

Table 1. Species of Greatest Conservation Need – Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties. 

Common Name

Scientific Name

NMDW

US FWS

NMDW SGCG

Spotted Bat

Euderma maculatum

T

 

Y

Pacific Marten

Martes caurina

T

 

Y

New Mexico Jumping Mouse

Zapus hudsonius luteus

E

E

Y

Yellow-billed Cuckoo (western pop)

Coccyzus americanus occidentalis

 

T

Y

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

T

 

Y

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

T

 

Y

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

E

 

Y

Neotropic Cormorant

Phalacrocorax brasilianus

T

 

Y

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

T

 

Y

Common Black Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus

T

 

Y

Mexican Spotted Owl

Strix occidentalis lucida

 

T

Y

Aplomado Falcon

Falco femoralis

E

E

Y

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

T

 

Y

Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet

Camptostoma imberbe

E

 

Y

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii extimus

E

E

Y

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

T

 

Y

Gray Vireo

Vireo vicinior

T

 

Y

Baird's Sparrow

Centronyx bairdii

T

 

Y

Jemez Mountains Salamander

Plethodon neomexicanus

E

E

Y

Rio Grande Silvery Minnow

Hybognathus amarus

E

E

Y

Wrinkled Marshsnail

Stagnicola caperata

E

 

Y

Paper Pondshell

Utterbackia imbecillis

E

 

Y

(T= threatened; E=endangered; SGCN=species of greatest conservation need)

These listings aim to provide federal and state protection and promote conservation efforts to support the recovery of these species within New Mexico and surrounding areas. Many of the species are present in Sandoval County but do not occur within District boundaries. The species that are highlighted in the table do occur or are more likely to occur within the District and thus would be more likely to elicit District response: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Rio Grande Silvery Minnow, Aplomado Falcon, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Mexican Spotted Owl. See Appendix B for more details on these species and their recovery plans. Species listed by NMDW as species of greatest conservation need have potential to be listed in the future as threatened or endangered if their conservation status deteriorates. The District has the opportunity to influence species conservation through its policies, activities and partnerships.

Objectives:

4.2-10 Non-Native/Noxious Weed Management

Non-native invasive plant species are recognized as a threat to biodiversity and impose great costs to agriculture (rangeland and farmland productivity) and other human enterprises, as well as to human health. Prior District efforts have focused on:  removal of Tamarisk, Russian olive, Tree of Heaven and Siberian Elm within the Rio Grande Valley State Park; removal of Siberian elm, Cheatgrass, Tamarisk, and Russian knapweed along Tijeras Creek; and removal of Ravenna grass from sensitive ecological areas within the Rio Grande bosque. Project collaborators included the CABQ Open Space Division, NM State Parks, NM Forestry Division, Albuquerque Herbalism, and others.

  1. Goal: The District aims to prevent damage from noxious weeds by prevention, control, and eradication.

Objectives:

4.2-11 Liquid and Solid Waste

Ciudad SWCD’s boundaries include both urbanized and rural areas that present unique liquid and solid waste challenges, including but not limited to toxic chemical spills and legacy groundwater contamination, brownfields, Superfund sites, illegal tire disposal areas and old landfills. Consequently, the District has several programs that address the proper disposal, and/or appropriate reuse of liquid and solid waste.

The District is also concerned with food waste reduction and reducing the volume of solid waste that goes to landfills through composting, biochar production, biogas production and other sustainable waste management practices.

Sustainable disposal of slash from forest thinning projects falls under this resource concern as well, and the District partners with Bernalillo County to offer free thinning slash disposal during biannual Green Waste Days at the East Mountain Solid Waste Transfer Station.

Regarding liquid waste, Ciudad SWCD contracted Cooney Watson & Associates in 2017 (with funding from USEPA and NMED) to produce a series of informational brochures about septic system management for system owners, for realtors and for septic system contractors. The brochures have been recently updated by Sunny505 under their contract with the Middle Rio Grande Stormwater Quality Team.

Goal: The District aims to reduce negative impacts to natural resources caused by improper or inefficient waste disposal. 

Objectives:

4.2-12 Air Quality

Poor air quality in the District negatively impacts human and animal health. Dust generated by wind, drought conditions, abandoned farms, and unpaved access roads can be detrimental to health, as can pollutants from vehicles and industrial activities. Increases in precursors to ozone emissions may be regional, but may also be exacerbated by local impacts. The District is committed to protecting its air resources. Many of the issues with air pollution are intertwined with other resource concerns like healthy soil.

The USEPA sets standards for particulate pollution, and the NMED Air Quality Bureau is responsible for monitoring and enforcing those standards. In Bernalillo County, the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board has primacy for regulating air pollution discharges.

Goal: The District will coordinate with federal, tribal, state and local governments and private landowners on projects that reduce, eliminate, or mitigate regional and site-specific degradation of air quality through multifaceted integrative approaches to natural resources.

Objectives:

4.2-13 Public Awareness and Education

Ciudad SWCD’s commitment to public awareness and education is demonstrated by the breadth of its working partnerships and outreach programs.  As the most urban SWCD in New Mexico, the District is engaged in numerous education programs and participates in collaborative outreach events that are directed at improving soil and water conservation through protecting and enhancing forest health, reducing wildfire potential, enhancing watershed health and educating the public. For youth, the District offers the River Xchange and Arroyo Classroom programs. For adults, the District facilitates the annual Land and Water Summit, participates in the Bernalillo County Master Naturalists Program, manages the Watershed Stewards for Southern Sandoval County, assists Bernalillo County with coordination of the Grow the Growers Program, and previously supported the ABC Tree Stewards and New Farmers Conservation Assistance programs. The District has developed and/or disseminated educational materials on a variety of topics, including (but not limited to): rainwater harvesting, tree planting, watersheds and wetlands, wildfire risks, medicinal plants, non-native plants, noxious weeds, septic systems, soil health, water resources in the Middle Rio Grande Valley, composting, and biochar.

Goal: The District aims to continue and increase its technical assistance programs and participation in resource-based community issues, and to provide support for conservation education for youth and adults.

Objectives:

4.2-14 Rangelands and Grasslands

Rangelands and grasslands in the western portion of the District have a history of extensive farming and grazing. The area includes a portion of the Rio Puerco Watershed that was recognized by US Congress in 1996 as a severely degraded watershed with extensive ecological damage. The Rio Puerco Management Committee was created as a federally mandated multi-agency forum for sharing information about current and historical natural resource conditions, data concerning extent and causes of watershed impairment, and best management practices and monitoring activities. This committee is not currently active but there is an application process for requesting to be part of the committee should it be resurrected (USBLM 2025).

The updated Rio Puerco Resource Management Plan (USBLM 2024) has several objectives related to improving range and grasslands, such as:

To’Hajiilee Navajo Chapter, which owns and manages lands within the southwestern portion of Ciudad SWCD, has rangelands and grasslands that are subject to similar resource concerns about water and soil health. The Navajo Nation EPA Water Quality Program monitors surface water on To’Hajiilee Navajo Chapter, and the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife Diné Native Plants Program has developed the Restoring Native Plants to Navajo Nation Lands Handbook to guide vegetation and seed collection projects (NN 2022).

These programs may provide opportunities for Ciudad SWCD to cooperate and work towards healthier rangelands and grasslands within the District.

Goal: The District supports improving rangelands and grasslands through the principles of healthy soil and best management practices for erosion control.

Objectives:

4.2-15 Livestock

Livestock production in the District is a part of the local economy. Ranchers and farmers (including commercial and backyard farmers) raise cattle for milk and beef; sheep and goats for meat, wool and milk; horses, ponies, mules and donkeys for ranch work, recreational riding and cultural traditions; hogs and pigs for pork; and chickens and turkeys for eggs and poultry meat.

Cattle are raised on private ranches, tribal lands, and public rangeland in the District but not in large herds. Sheep production (for meat and wool), historically important among Hispanic and Pueblo communities, has declined but continues in tribal areas like To’Hajiilee Navajo Chapter, the Pueblo of Sandia and Jemez Pueblo. Livestock requires reliable water sources, but drought and declining aquifers make this increasingly difficult. Irrigation for pasture and forage crops (alfalfa, sorghum, and native grasses) is sometimes limited due to water restrictions.

Feral horses are also part of this resource concern because they negatively affect the grasslands through grazing in ecologically sensitive areas, where they contribute to soil disruption and increased erosion. Feral horses are prevalent on the West Mesa and To’Hajiilee Navajo Chapter.

Grazing on public lands occurs on a few USBLM allotments in the northwestern and western part of the District, and on State Trust Lands in the northwest part of the District.

Goal: The District supports commercial and subsistence livestock raising and the development of markets for livestock products, while promoting cultural integrity and best management practices to maintain the health of water, soil and other natural resources.

Objectives:

4.2-16 Energy/Utilities

Energy resource development occurs without regard to whether the land is in private, state, or federal ownership. The District recognizes that effective development of energy resources is necessary for the well-being and prosperity of its constituents. However, the District aims to avoid collateral damage to natural resources during energy and utility development, and where possible, improve soil, water and vegetation. The District also desires to minimize impacts to human and animal health and safety. Opportunities to advance these policies may occur through comments on federal NEPA decision documents or on county or state actions (particularly the State Land Office), and outreach to private landowners and energy developers.

Goal: The District will provide input and support regarding healthy soil, water, native vegetation, stormwater runoff and erosion control to federal, state, and local agencies, developers, and private landowners that engage in energy development projects.

Objectives:

4.2-17 Special Land Use Designations (Under Resource Management Plans)

Special Land Use Designations in the District include Sandia Mountain Wilderness, Petroglyph National Monument, Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, and Kirtland Air Force Base/Sandia National Laboratories.

Sandia Mountain Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area located within the Cibola National Forest, covering approximately 37,200 acres and includes the Sandia Mountains, which form the scenic eastern backdrop to the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Elevation ranges from 6,000 - 10,678 feet. It was established in 1978 under the federal Wilderness Act and is managed by the USFS. The wilderness area is important for recreation such as hiking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, wildlife viewing and nature photography, and for wildlife habitat for mule deer, black bears, bobcats, mountain lions and smaller mammals, bird species such as peregrine falcons, golden eagles and various woodpeckers and songbirds. The wilderness designation limits mechanized and motorized activities, and requires human impact to be minimized. Due to significant wildfire risk because of overstocked vegetation levels, fire restrictions are often in place.

Petroglyph National Monument is a culturally and historically significant 7,236-acre site located on the western edge of the District. It was established in 1990 pursuant to the Antiquities Act of 1906, the federal law that grants the President the authority to designate national monuments to protect significant natural, cultural, or scientific features on federal lands. Managed jointly by the National Park Service and CABQ Open Space Division, Petroglyph National Monument protects one of the largest ancient petroglyph sites in North America, with over 24,000 ancient rock carvings created by Ancestral Puebloans, Navajo, Apache, and early Spanish settlers between 300 and 3,000 years ago. Some symbols represent spiritual beliefs, clan markers, or celestial events, while others remain a mystery (NPS 2025). The monument sits along a 17-mile-long volcanic escarpment. The petroglyphs are carved into dark basalt boulders, formed about 150,000 to 200,000 years ago. The area is important for recreation, cultural history and intercultural understanding. Efforts to protect the landscape focus on education, conservation, and indigenous partnerships.

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the USFWS as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, with a focus on restoring native habitat and protecting wildlife. Located in the South Valley, the refuge features a mix of natural and restored habitats across 570 acres of land along the Rio Grande, including bosque, wetlands, grasslands, and former agricultural fields. Valle de Oro is unique as the first urban wildlife refuge in the Southwest, and the first new refuge developed from the ground-up under the USFWS Urban Wildlife Conservation Program. The refuge's establishment was driven by community efforts to protect the land from potential industrial development, highlighting the importance of local involvement in conservation efforts. The refuge was developed with a strategic plan that integrated environmental and economic justice, reflecting a commitment to community engagement and addressing historical injustices.

Kirtland Air Force Base, covering 52,000 acres, is one of the largest Air Force installations in the US. These facilities are situated at the base of the Sandia Mountain. The terrain otherwise includes rolling hills and flat desert plains, with Tijeras Arroyo transecting the property.  Infrastructure includes runways, aircraft hangars, military housing, training areas, research laboratories, restricted-access nuclear research and weapons testing zones, all protected by heavy security and restrictive fencing. Notably, Kirtland Air Force Base is the source of a legacy jet fuel spill that created an underground plume that spread off-base under the adjacent neighborhoods. Sandia National Laboratories is a federally funded research and development center that covers 8,000 acres located within Kirtland Air Force Base. Infrastructure includes secure research buildings, and testing facilities such as wind tunnels, radiation testing sites, and high-tech laboratories for national security research. Sandia National Laboratories are host to numerous legacy waste disposal sites including the Mixed Waste Landfill. Both Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Laboratories play important roles in national defense, nuclear research, and aerospace technology.

Goal: The District will work with federal agencies to protect natural resources in Special Management Units and help ensure that agencies follow federal laws when designating or removing protections of land units.

Objectives:

5.0 REFERENCES

AMAFCA. 2025. Albuquerque Municipal Arroyo Flood Control Authority. Flood Information. https://amafca.org/flood-information.  Accessed February 26, 2025.  

American Lung Association. 2024. State of the Air Report Card. https://www.lung.org/research/sota/city-rankings/states/new-mexico/bernalillo. Accessed February 5, 2025.

Arid Land Innovation LLC. 2015. East Mountain Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Prepared for Ciudad SWCD.

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2015_EastMountainCWPPcomplete.pdf. Accessed February 4, 2025.

CABQ. 2024. City of Albuquerque Daily Air Quality Update. https://www.cabq.gov/airquality/todays-status. Accessed February 5, 2025.

CABQ. 2025. Flood Information and Resources. https://www.cabq.gov/planning/development-review-services/flood-information-and-resources. Accessed February 26, 2025.

FEMA. 2022. Final Environmental Assessment City of Albuquerque Rio Grande Bosque Wildfire Mitigation Project HMGP-5184-0004-NM Bernalillo County, New Mexico. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_HMGP-5184-0004-NM-bosque-wildfire-FEA-FONSI_072022.pdf. Accessed February 4, 2025.

Kirtland Air Force Base. 2022. Wildland Fire Management Plan. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.denix.osd.mil/nr/denix-files/sites/38/2023/07/Kirtland-AFB-WFMP-2022-2023.pdf. Accessed February 4, 2025.

Navajo Nation. 2022. Diné Native Plants Program. https://www.nndfw.org/dnpp/resources.html. Accessed February 25, 2025.

National Park Service. 2025. Petroglyph National Monument. https://www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm. Accessed February 25, 2025.

NRCS. 2024. United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Official Soil Series Descriptions. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/data-and-reports/official-soil-series-descriptions-osd. Accessed February 5, 2025.

Richardson, C. and Amankwatia, K. 2019. Assessing Watershed Vulnerability in Bernalillo County, New Mexico Using GIS-Based Fuzzy Inference. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 11, 99-121.

SWCA Environmental Consultants. 2022. Bernalillo County Community Wildfire Protection Plan.  https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/Bernalillo-CWPP_06July2022_compressed.pdf. Accessed February 4, 2025.

USBLM. 2024. BLM updates management plan for the Rio Puerco Field Office.                    https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-updates-management-plan-rio-puerco-field-office. Accessed February 4, 2025.

USBLM. 2025. https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/new-mexico/rio-puerco-management-committee. Accessed February 25, 2025.

USDA. 2022. Census of Agriculture County Profile. Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties. https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/. Accessed January 21, 2025.

USFS. 2024. North Sandia Fuels Reduction Plan. https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?exp=overview&project=65654&utm. Accessed March 4, 2025.

USFWS. 2025a. Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS) - Southwest Willow Flycatcher. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6749. Accessed March 28, 2025.

USFWS. 2025b. Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS) - Rio Grande Silvery Minnow.  https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1391. Accessed March 28, 2025.

USFWS. 2025c. Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS) - Yellow-billed Cuckoo. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3911. Accessed March 28, 2025.

USFWS. 2025d. Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS) - Northern Aplomado Falcon. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1923. Accessed March 28, 2025.


Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District

LAND USE POLICY AND PLAN

Adopted Date:

Ciudad SWCD Board of Supervisors

Original signed by:                                         Original signed by: 

Chairman                                                    Vice-Chairman


Original signed by:                                         Original signed by:

Secretary/Treasurer                                                     Board Member                                     

Original signed by:                                        Original signed by:

Board Member                                         Board Member                        

Original signed by: 

                     

 Board Member

APPENDIX A

Definitions of the following words used in the Plan are provided for reader clarification.

Multiple uses of the national forests means the “harmonious and coordinated management of the various resources, each with the other, without impairment of the productivity of the land, with consideration being given to the relative values of the various resources, and not necessarily the combination of uses that will give the greatest dollar return or the greatest unit output.” Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act of 1960 (P.L. 86-517, June 12, 1960) as amended. Multiple use implies a sustained yield of outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed and wildlife and fish values.

Multiple use of the public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management means: “the management of the public lands and their various resource values so that they are utilized in the combination that will best meet the present and future needs of the American people; making the most judicious use of the land for some or all of these resources or related services over areas large enough to provide sufficient latitude for periodic adjustments in use to conform to changing needs and conditions; the use of some land for less than all of the resources; a combination of balanced and diverse resource uses that takes into account the long-term needs of future generations for renewable and nonrenewable resources, including, but not limited to, recreation, range, timber, minerals, watershed, wildlife and fish, and natural scenic, scientific and historical values; and harmonious and coordinated management of the various resources without permanent impairment of the productivity of the land and the quality of the environment with consideration being given to the relative values of the resources and not necessarily to the combination of uses that will give the greatest economic return or the greatest unit output.” Federal Land Policy and Management Act, 43 U.S.C. §1702(c).

APPENDIX B

The District has the opportunity to influence species conservation through its policies, activities and partnerships regarding natural resources. The following is a summary of Threatened and Endangered Species listings and recovery plans that are most relevant to the District.

  1. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) Endangered Species Listing

The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) was listed as an endangered species under the ESA in 1995 by the USFWS (USFWS 2025a). This small migratory songbird, known for its distinctive "fitz-bew" call, inhabits dense riparian habitats with willows, cottonwoods, and other shrubs near rivers and streams in the arid southwestern United States. The primary reasons for the flycatcher's endangered status include:

The Middle Rio Grande Valley in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties represents an important riparian corridor for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. The Rio Grande and its adjacent bosque provide nesting and foraging habitat for the flycatcher, particularly in areas with native willows and cottonwoods. Efforts to restore riparian habitats along the Rio Grande have been significant in maintaining suitable environments for the flycatcher.

Bernalillo and Sandoval counties face challenges from urban expansion, water demand, and recreational use of riparian areas, which can degrade or fragment flycatcher habitats. Conservation efforts must balance the needs of a growing urban population with the preservation of the Rio Grande ecosystem.

Local and regional efforts, such as habitat restoration projects, invasive species removal (e.g., tamarisk), and water management adjustments, are aimed at supporting flycatcher recovery. Collaboration between agencies, such as the USFWS, local governments, and conservation groups, plays a key role in ensuring the species' survival.

The USFWS developed a recovery plan to guide efforts to restore populations and habitats for the flycatcher. The plan emphasizes habitat conservation, management, and restoration across its range, including New Mexico.

Protecting the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher benefits more than just this single species. The actions required to restore its habitat also improve the overall health of riparian ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and support water quality and flood management in Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties. The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher serves as a flagship species for riparian conservation in the District, highlighting the importance of preserving ecosystems that benefit both wildlife and the community.

  1. Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus) Endangered Species Listing

The Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus) is a small freshwater fish native to the Rio Grande basin in the southwestern United States. It was listed as endangered under the ESA in 1994 by the USFWS due to significant population declines and habitat loss (USFWS 2025b). The Rio Grande silvery minnow once occupied the entire Rio Grande watershed, stretching from Colorado to Texas, as well as parts of the Pecos River. Today, it survives in only about 7% of its historical range, limited to a stretch of the Middle Rio Grande within the District.

Key threats to the minnow’s survival include:

Bernalillo County is one of the last strongholds for the Rio Grande silvery minnow. The county plays a pivotal role in the conservation and recovery of this species due to its location in the river's remaining viable habitat. This reach of the Rio Grande provides essential habitats for the silvery minnow, particularly during spawning and rearing seasons. Riparian restoration projects and flow management directly support the minnow’s survival.

Urban water demands and development influence the river's flow and health. Efforts to manage water more sustainably in Albuquerque, including conservation measures, have been critical to maintaining adequate flow levels for the minnow.

The Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program (MRGESCP) coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local stakeholders to protect and recover the silvery minnow. Measures include captive breeding programs, habitat restoration, and managing water releases to mimic natural river flow patterns.

The silvery minnow serves as an indicator of the Rio Grande's overall ecological health, and local education initiatives help raise awareness about the importance of protecting the river system. The Rio Grande silvery minnow is not just a species in need of protection but also a vital part of the Rio Grande ecosystem. Efforts to recover its population have broader benefits, including improved water quality, healthier riparian habitats, and increased resilience of the river system in the District and beyond.

  1. Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) Endangered Species Listing

The Western Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo was listed as threatened under the ESA in 2014 by the USFWS (USFWS 2025c). This migratory bird is known for its distinct yellow bill, long tail with white spots, and a soft, cooing call. The species is reliant on riparian habitats, especially those with dense stands of willows and cottonwoods.

The Yellow-Billed Cuckoo's population in the western United States has declined dramatically due to:

Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties include critical stretches of the Middle Rio Grande, a vital riparian corridor for the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. These counties play a key role in the species' survival in New Mexico.

 The Rio Grande bosque provides nesting and foraging habitats. However, urbanization, recreational use, and water demands in Albuquerque and its suburbs have impacted the quality of these habitats. Riparian restoration projects aim to improve habitat connectivity and reduce invasive species, benefiting the cuckoo.

Rapid growth in areas like Rio Rancho and Corrales has increased pressures on riparian zones. Bernalillo and Sandoval counties have partnered with local organizations to monitor and restore habitats for riparian species like the cuckoo.

The USFWS has outlined a recovery strategy to improve the population and habitat of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, focusing on collaborative efforts across its range. Key elements of the recovery plan include:

The recovery of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo serves as a cornerstone for riparian ecosystem conservation in Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties. Protecting this species has cascading benefits for other wildlife, water quality, and the resilience of the Rio Grande corridor in the face of increasing environmental pressures.

  1. Northern Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis septentrionalis) Endangered Species Listing

The Northern Aplomado Falcon, a subspecies of the Aplomado Falcon, was listed as endangered under the ESA in 1986 by the USFWS (USFWS 2025d). This medium-sized falcon, known for its striking black-and-white facial markings and agile hunting style, inhabits open grasslands, savannas, and desert shrublands.

The Aplomado Falcon experienced significant population declines throughout its range in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico due to:

The Northern Aplomado Falcon historically occupied grasslands and shrublands across southern and central New Mexico. While its presence in Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties is currently limited due to habitat constraints, these areas remain ecologically significant for potential recovery efforts and habitat connectivity. The expansion of Albuquerque and its suburbs has reduced the availability of suitable open grasslands. Conservation efforts focused on maintaining and restoring native grassland patches in outlying areas could support falcon recovery. Expanding development in Rio Rancho and surrounding communities poses challenges, but conservation programs in rural parts of the county could offset habitat loss.

The Northern Aplomado Falcon Recovery Plan, developed by the USFWS, focuses on restoring populations through habitat management, captive breeding, and public engagement, including:

The recovery of the Northern Aplomado Falcon holds ecological and cultural significance. The falcon is an iconic species of the American Southwest, symbolizing the region’s wild and open landscapes. Protecting grasslands benefits a wide range of species, including other birds, mammals, and pollinators. Conservation efforts that enhance habitats for the falcon also improve ecosystem resilience and biodiversity.

By focusing on habitat restoration, reducing threats, and fostering collaboration, the District can play a meaningful role in the broader recovery of the Northern Aplomado Falcon and its ecosystem.