Herbicide Application in the Jemez Ranger District

Overview

Starting August 20, 2025, through August 28, 2025, contractors will be applying herbicide to invasive plants at three locations in the Jemez Ranger District. 

Signs will be posted near treatment areas stating the name of the herbicide or management strategy used and the dates of when to avoid the area. 

By implementing adaptive invasive plant management strategies, such as targeted herbicide application, we can foster the recovery of native plants that are resilient against disturbances like floods and wildfires. 

All projects are covered under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) decision Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Invasive Plant Control Project

Locations

• Fenton Administrative Site
  • Method of Treatment: Clopyralid spot application using backpack sprayers on 10 acres.
  • Objective: The Fenton Administrative Site is a regularly trafficked area and the spotted knapweed infestation at this site has high potential for dispersal to other areas. The objective is to eradicate this occurrence and eliminate the potential for this location to serve as a source for further spread of this highly invasive plant (New Mexico Class A).
• East Fork Jemez River
  • Method of Treatment: Glyphosate spot application using backpack sprayers and manual removal on 60 acres.
  • Objective: The East Fork Jemez River flows year-round and supports a diverse community of wildlife and plants within a narrow riparian corridor bordered by conifer forests and rock features. Oxeye daisy occurs in this area and if left untreated, will continue to spread and displace native vegetation. The objective of this treatment is to protect the native riparian vegetation in this area, eradicate this occurrence and eliminate the potential for this location to serve as a source for further spread of this highly invasive plant (New Mexico Class A).
• Rio Cebolla
  • Method of Treatment: Glyphosate sponge application using backpack sprayers and manual removal on 133 acres.
  • Objective: The Rio Cebolla flows year-round and supports a diverse community of wildlife and plants within a wide riparian corridor characterized by lush grass, sedges and rushes. Musk and bull thistle (New Mexico Class B and C) occur in this area and if left untreated, will continue to spread, displace native vegetation and impact critical habitat for federally listed species. The objective of this treatment is to protect the native riparian vegetation in this area and eliminate these non-native thistles from habitat essential for federally protected wildlife species.