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
With the support of funding from the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund, NMDA is launching its Noxious Weed Management Grant Program on July 1, 2024. View full program information here.
NMDA will award grants between $10,000 and $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 is open from July 1 to July 30, 2024 at 12 p.m. (noon) Mountain Time.
Important links
- NMDA’s online grant portal
- Noxious Weed Management Grant budget template
- Program Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Additional Resources
- Noxious Weed Memo and List (updated June 2020)
- Noxious Weed Management Act
- Troublesome Weeds of New Mexico
- New Mexico Non-Native Phreatophyte/Watershed Management Plan
- Noxious Weed Control Act
- Noxious Weed Act of 1963
- USDA’s Plant-Related Definitions