The Nature Conservancy of Texas
Fire Management Program

Chihuahuan Desert Ecoregion

Conservancy preserves that require prescribed fire in the Chihuahuan Desert include the Davis Mountains Preserve (20,440 acres), Diamond Y Spring Preserve (1,502 acres), Sandia Springs Preserve (233 acres), Independence Creek Preserve (20,441 acres), Brushy Canyon Preserve (9,785 acres), and the HIP-O Ranch (16,680 acres). Wildfire suppression is also a priority at the Dolan Falls Preserve (4,717 acres). Partnering organizations that assist The Nature Conservancy's Fire Management in this region include the National Park Service, the Texas Forest Service, and local fire departments.

In the Davis Mountains, the ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) community will be treated with both mechanical thinning and prescribed fire. These management techniques will decrease the number of stems per acre, which will reduce competition between trees, and also expose mineral soils for seed germination. A reduction in fuel will also decrease the chances of a catostrophic crown fire. Additionally, the Conservancy plans to reduce the abundance of both alligator juniper (Juniperus deppeana) and Mexican pinon pine (Pinus cembroides) to recreate the savannas which were historically located on the lower and drier slopes of the preserve. The health of the watershed will also be improve, as the area contains an unnaturally high density of trees, thus reducing the quantity of water both in the streams and in the groundwater.

The desert sites of Diamond Y Spring and Sandia Springs Preserves harbor the federally threatened puzzle sunflower (Helianthus paradoxus), and the federally endangered Pecos gambusia (Gambusia nobilis) and Leon Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon bovinus). Desert spring ecosystems called cienegas, once found scattered across West Texas have decreased due to the extensive pumping of groundwater for irrigation, and the aggressive invasion of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana ), and the non-native salt cedar (Tamarisk spp.). Prescribed fire will rejuvenate the grasses and retard the advancement of mesquite, thus providing a more viable habitat for the rare aquatic species found in the cienegas.

The Independence Creek Preserve is a conservation partnership between the Conservancy, the Chandler family, which has ranched in the area for almost one hundred years, and Mr. Robert McCurdy. Independence Creek is the most important tributary to the Pecos River in all of West Texas, and provides a clear-water refuge for the rare fish of the system. The Proserpine shiner (Cyprinella proserpinus) and the Rio Grande darter (Etheostoma grahami) are both found within the pools of the perennially flowing creek. The black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapillus) nests in the riparian thickets. Prescribed fire will be used to maintain a healthy watershed, and to create the early stages of vegetation succession that black-capped vireos prefer.

Brushy Canyon is nestled in between Big Bend National Park, Black Gap Wildlife Management Area, and the Rio Grande River. The high desert grassland harbors a variety of succulents as well as chino grass (Boutelooua breviseta), the main carrier of fire. An endemic lizard, the reticulated gecko (Coleonyx reticulatus) occurs only in this region of the United States. This preserve also provides habitat for mountain lions (Felis concolor) and an occasional black bear (Ursus americana). Lightning strikes are common throughout the spring and summer months, and wildfires are a constant possibility on the preserve. At this site, Wildland Fires for Resource Benefits (Prescribed Natural Fires), will be allowed when such fires can meet predetermined resource objectives and not be a threat to neighboring landowners.

The HIP-O Ranch, located on the Marfa Plateau provides habitat for pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana), and a wide variety of grassland birds including, burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), mountain plover (Charadrius montanus), Sprague's pipit (Anthus spragueii), and the prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus). These grasslands require periodic fire to prevent brush from supplanting the grasses.

At Dolan Falls Preserve, the fire management emphasis is on protecting preserve facilities and rare species such as the Texas snowbell (Styrax platanifolius texanus) from unwanted fire. If research shows a need for habitat manipulation for the black-capped vireo, prescribed fire might be a tool employed to accomplish that resource goal.