Noxious Weeds

Invasive plant species have been cited as the second-largest threat to endangered native plant species. Most noxious plant species in New Mexico are found on rangelands and wild lands. These invasions result in decreased forage availability for livestock and wildlife. To reverse and prevent these impacts, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture coordinates weed management among local, state, and federal land managers, as well as private landowners. The Noxious Weed Management Act directs NMDA to develop a noxious weed list for the state, identify methods of control, and educate the public about noxious weeds.

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture has launched a new noxious weed dashboard to help combat the spread of invasive plant species across New Mexico. This tool combines publicly available data from state, local and private sources into one centralized platform, providing access to New Mexico’s Geographic Information System (GIS) data on invasive weeds and other relevant datasets. The dashboard empowers users to make informed decisions about the management and mitigation of noxious weeds, supporting efforts to protect the state's environment and agriculture.

You can contribute to this data by using the EDDMapS app (available for Android and Apple) or online at the EDDMapS website to record noxious weed sightings, which helps to improve the accuracy and scope of the information available for managing invasive species.

NMDA's Noxious Weed Management Grant

The application period for NMDA’s Noxious Weeds Management Grants opens Monday, March 3, 2025 at 12 p.m. (noon) Mountain Time and closes on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 12 p.m. (noon) Mountain Time. View full program information here.

NMDA will award grants up to $60,000 to eligible applicants for projects that improve the state economy and environment by managing noxious weeds in New Mexico. Eligible applicants must submit their application using NMDA’s online grant portal, where they will be asked to upload a completed version of the Noxious Weed Management Grant budget template, and will be asked other questions about their project.

Eligible applicants include:

Cooperative weed management areas
Soil & water conservation districts
Local governments, state political subdivisions, and special districts
Tribes, nations, & pueblos
Land grants-mercedes
Acequias
Non-profits & non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Grant funds will be awarded for the following activities, but must include activities in at least one of the first three bullets bolded below to be considered for funding:

Surveying & Mapping
Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR)
Integrated Weed Management (On-the-Ground-Treatments)
Education/Outreach
Planning, Capacity Development, & Partnership Building

The application period will open March 3, 2025 at 12 p.m. (noon) Mountain Time and closes April 11, 2025 at 12 p.m. (noon) Mountain Time.

Important links

New Mexico’s Cooperative Weed Management Areas

Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMAs) are partnerships of government agencies, tribes, various groups, and individuals that manage noxious weeds and/or invasive plants. Many CWMAs provide technical assistance, equipment, and educational opportunities related to noxious weed identification and management. Contact your local CWMA to learn how you can participate in the management of noxious weeds and invasive plants in New Mexico.

News:

Events:

Noxious Weeds

NMDA's Noxious Weed Management Grant

New Mexico’s Cooperative Weed Management Areas

Additional Resources