EAST TORRANCE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT LONG RANGE PLAN July 1, 2009 June 30, 2019
INTRODUCTION The East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation District covers 1,142,028 acres of land in Torrance County, New Mexico. This consists of approximately 25,000 acres of irrigated cropland, 2,000 acres of dry cropland, 1,059,923 acres of rangeland, 47,405 acres of National Forest, and 7,700 acres of urban land. The changes in land uses are found primarily as dry cropland and rangeland being converted to urban development. This is occurring primarily along Interstate 40 and the corridor surrounding Highway 41, in the central part of the Estancia Basin. The topography of the District varies from rolling plains at 6000 in elevation to mountain foothills that climb to 7500. The area is a large part of the Estancia Closed Basin and portions on the East of the District drain into the Encino basin of the Upper Pecos Watershed. Annual precipitation rates vary from 4 to 5 inches in dry years to an average of 20 inches in the upland areas. The prevailing winds are from the southwest, with intense spring winds occurring regularly. ORGANIZATION East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation District is a governmental subdivision of the state of New Mexico organized under state law (Chapter 73, Article 20). A referendum for the formation of the District was carried by popular vote of landowners, as provided in the New Mexico Soil and Water Conservation District Law. The Certificate of Organization was issued on June 30, 1943. The District s activities are governed and directed by and elected Board of Supervisors. The present board members are: Fronia Jaramillo, Ryan Schwebach, Michael Stogner, Jim Berlier, and Rick Lopez. These volunteers, as those that served before them, are committed to working towards improving natural resource conditions with the District.
The Board of Supervisors meets monthly to discuss business and approve expenditures. They hold an annual meeting in the fall to review accomplishments, and present conservation awards and presentation to landowners. FUNCTION To take available technical, financial, and educational resources, whatever their source, and focus or coordinate them so that they meet the needs of the local land user. Funding for the District operations is obtained from State of New Mexico budget appropriation, County Mill Levy taxation in portions of Torrance County, Grants. WE SERVE The citizens of the East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation District. WHY Promote stewardship of natural resources by providing leadership, education, and technical assistance. MISSION STATEMENT The East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation District promotes stewardship of natural resources by providing leadership, education, technical, and financial assistance to the citizens of the District.
RESOURCE CONCERNS (Listed in no particular order of importance) 1. Water Conservation 2. Water Quality 3. Noxious/ Invasive Weeds 4. Grazing of small acreages/ Rangeland Health 5. Urban Growth 6. Watershed Health 7. Renewable Energy Critical Geographic Areas: Water Conservation The Estancia Basin groundwater levels have decreased substantially in most areas. As the population increases in the District, water needs become more and more controversial and conservation becomes more imperative. Water Quality As groundwater levels drop, salt intrusion can potentially occur in the lower reaches of the closed Estancia Basin, as more saline water found at shallow depths near the salt flats mixes with the deeper water. Wastewater management must ensure that septic systems do not contaminate nearby wells. Forest fire after effects of runoff of ash can contaminate nearby wells. All wells throughout the basin require protection from serving as conduits to possible pollutants entering the underground aquifer. Noxious / Invasive Weeds The presence of noxious weeds in the District is becoming a concern as weed seed is spread along road right-of-ways and entering private land. Weeds have entered into cropped fields, been harvested and transported to other areas, as well as the potential of harming livestock that utilize the feed or graze the fields.
Grazing of small acreages / Rangeland Health As more and more people move into the District, many are interested in keeping livestock on their property. There is a misunderstanding of the land s carrying capacity which is dependent on forage production and management. Many of these small parcels (ranging from 1 acre to 40 acres) are overgrazed and wind erosion rates are severe. Urban Growth - Development and families are moving into the Northern and Western portions of the District bringing more sub divisions and smaller parcels into the area. With the increased density the District is seeing a greater strain on all of the natural resources. Watershed Health - Resource concerns with the District watershed are being met with addressing the following concerns: Juniper invasion Erosion and Downstream sedimentation Salt cedar in the creeks Increase of water flow in arroyos and from springs Economically depressed watershed area Wildlife habitat / Biodiversity Recreational benefits Renewable Energy Open space in the southern and eastern portions of the District has been targeted for renewable energy development. The District is concerned that all resource concerns should be addressed when renewable plants are being developed and planned by the landowner, county and the developers.
GOALS Statements of Intent (outcome) for the natural resource issues: 1. The District will educate and promote new water conservation technology and practices on an on going basis. The District plans to continue and expand education activities with all age groups. Annual water fair, purchasing soil stewardship materials for schools, sponsoring range and forestry camp attendance for youth, presenting awards annually, and publishing a newsletter and information and education programs that will be continued. 2. The District will continue program of monitoring water quality and quantity within the watershed to prevent degradation of ground water quality within the closed basin. 3. Will continue and seek funding by June 2014 to hire a full time weed coordinator to continue to move forward with CNMCWMA in spraying and educating the public on the noxious weeds within the cooperative area. 4. District will implement conservation plans to reduce soil erosion on small grazed acreage. 5. The District will work with the Torrance County Planning and Zoning and the Estancia Basin Water Planning Committee to implement conservation plans consistent with District goals. 6. The District by June 2014 will treat Ponderosa Pine, Juniper Pinion mix stands along the Torreon and Tajique creeks to address watershed health. 7. The District will work with the Torrance County Planning and Zoning, landowner, and developer to implement conservation plans on renewable energy developments by 2012. 8. The District will assist landowners with the planning, design, and application of conservation practices that promote resource sustainability. 9. Water Conservation will be promoted throughout the District. The goal is to encourage the efficient use of ALL water; domestic, commercial, and agricultural. 10. As a result of the 1996 and 2008 Farm Bill, the District has gained new roles and responsibilities in assisting with USDA programs. They will continue to chair Local Work Group meetings to ensure that federal programs are meeting the local resource needs. Districts Programs will be made available to all landowners in the District, regardless of race, religion, sex national origin, or limited resources.
PARTNERSHIPS Following is a list of agencies and organizations that assist the Board of supervisors in carrying out the District s programs: Natural Resources Conservation Services Farm Service Agency Torrance County Agricultural Extension Service U.S. Forest Service U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service New Mexico State Forestry New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts New Mexico State Land Office New Mexico State Engineers Office New Mexico Department of Game & Fish Estancia Basin Water Planning Committee Central New Mexico Cooperative Weed Management Area New Mexico Department of Agriculture Torrance County Commissioners and Departments Town of Estancia National Association of Conservation Districts State and Federal Legislature State Highway Department Bureau of Land Management HUB Resource Conservation and Development Farm Bureau Farm Credit of New Mexico Estancia Municipal schools Estancia Basin Watershed Health Restoration and Monitoring Committee