Nature & Science

Geology:

The general stratigraphy of the Capitan Mountains, White Mountains, Sacramento and Guadalupe Mountains is that of limestone, sandstone and other sedimentary deposits. These deposits were, for the most part, laid down over hundreds of millions of years and were formed as creatures such as trilobites and brachiopods (ancient crustaceans) along with ancient corrals died, their shells falling to the bottom of the Permian aged sea to build up and form what is now the limestone you see throughout the district.  These areas were further uplifted above the basin below to form the hills and mountains that are now the landscape we enjoy.  Sandstone layers, usually a deep rich red color, were also formed during this time but in a much shallower environment such as rivers and coastlines.

Later in history the caves that dot the landscape, especially near Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe National Park, were formed. Water passed through geologic strata containing oil and natural gas, rich in Sulphur, to combine and create Sulphur Acid. This acid began to eat away at the limestone along cracks to eventually form the spectacular underground world of the caves you see today.  Today these caves are no longer growing in size but the formation of stalactites, stalagmites and other features continue to be formed through the gentle dripping of water.

The sedimentary rock of the Sacramento mountains contained high amounts of gypsum mineral deposits. Over time water and wind weathered away and carried this gypsum as sand to the basin floor creating the White Gypsum sand dunes we see today in White Sands National Park.

Forest Types: The Lincoln National Forest consists of many different forest types including Mixed conifer, Engelmann Spruce, Ponderosa Pine, and Pinyon/Juniper. Diverse non-forested habitat is also abundant, including desert shrub, riparian areas, mountain meadows, and high alpine grasslands. The different forest and habitat types provide for numerous species of wildlife, extractable resources, and special places for people to enjoy the outdoors. 

Wildlife: The Lincoln National Forest provides habitat for a diverse number of wildlife species - from highly coveted fish and game animals, to rare endangered species. For wildlife enthusiast of all types, the Lincoln has a lot to offer. Learn about various desert critters that live in Southern New Mexico.

Popular Game Species on the Forest: Rocky Mountain Elk, Mule Deer, Aoudad (Barbary Sheep), American Black Bear, and Merriam’s Wild Turkey 

Endangered Species: Mexican Spotted Owl, New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse, Checkerspot butterfly, Sacramento Mountain Salamander

Additional wildlife of interest: Wild Horses, Bald Eagle, and Mountain Lion