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Assessment of Soil and Water Resources in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, New Mexico

Scientific Investigations Report 2019-5142
Prepared in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management
By: , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20195142

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Abstract

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument (Monument) in southern New Mexico was established in 2014. Given anticipated future demands in the Monument for recreation, livestock grazing, and maintenance of rights-of-way (for example, pipelines and powerlines), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) needs a better understanding of the current soil and water resources and how infrastructure improvements could affect these resources and the watershed. Specifically, the BLM is concerned with infiltration and erosion and their relations to existing or planned infrastructure, such as roads, campgrounds, location of livestock grazing, and rights-of-way. Alternatives to the current land-use conditions, land-management practices, and infrastructure will be assessed by BLM to best protect Monument resources. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the BLM, conducted a study to assess the soil and water resources within the Monument to provide an inventory and compilation of natural-resource information needed by resource managers for the BLM’s land-use planning process for this new national monument. The overall objectives of this study were to (1) compile and interpret existing soil- and water-resource data for the Monument and (2) provide a basic assessment of the surface hydrological effects of selected alternatives to current land use and infrastructure. Data were compiled by using geographic information system software and evaluated for hydrologic and landscape properties that influence infiltration, runoff, and erosion. The effects of changing vegetation were simulated by using different scenarios in the Rangeland Hydrology and Erosion Model. Results of this model indicate areas where soil loss or runoff may occur.

Suggested Citation

Blake, J.M., Mitchell, A.C., Shephard, Z., Ball, G., Chavarria, S., and Douglas-Mankin, K.R., 2020, Assessment of soil and water resources in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, New Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2019–5142, 64 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20195142.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Study Area Description and Background
  • Methods
  • Assessment of Soil and Water Resources
  • Data Gaps Identified and Further Study Needs
  • Summary
  • References
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Assessment of soil and water resources in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, New Mexico
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2019-5142
DOI 10.3133/sir20195142
Year Published 2020
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New Mexico Water Science Center
Description Report: x, 64 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State New Mexico
Other Geospatial Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details