Non-Riparian Wetlands (Playas, Alkali Lakes, Ponds, Lakes, and Marshes) Description, importance and conservation status: Eastern Playas This habitat is located within the Llano Estacado, south of the Canadian River, covering most of Quay, Curry, Roosevelt, and Lea counties in the Pecos and Staked Plains Physiographic Area. Playas are part of a larger wetlands system that covers five states in the southern Great Plains. Approximately 85% of the playas in these five states are in New Mexico and Texas (Haukos and Smith 1997). In New Mexico, there are estimated to be from 1700 playas (Nelson et al.1983) to about 2460 (Guthery et al. 1981), mostly in the Llano Estacado (Haukos and Smith 1997). Playas are shallow, closed systems, generally with clay bottoms. Historically, they received water only from rain and surrounding rainfall runoff. Tailwater from surrounding irrigated agricultural lands is currently an additional water source. This may cause playas to flood more frequently than prior to initiation of agriculture (Haukos and Smith 1997). While playas occupy only about 2% of the land, they collect flood waters from approximately 90% of the region and are important for storm water catchment in urban areas. Few playas are directly connected to groundwater but are critical recharge points to the southern portions of the Ogallala Aquifer, filtering and recharging 20-80% of collected water to the aquifer (Haukos and Smith 1997). Playas are characterized by the ephemeral nature of rainfall in this area, averaging about 14-16 in (36-41 cm) per year (Jones 1996). During wet periods, vegetation characteristic of permanent ponds and marshes develops. When this occurs, playas become an important stopover point for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, as well as a water source for all birds in the area. Playas with moist soil, but no standing water, develop vegetation that is dominated by forbs. This may produce seeds important to migrating sparrows and finches. Playas that remain mostly dry develop vegetation similar to that of the surrounding grasslands. Playa vegetation is dependent upon the wet and dry cycles for rejuvenation. A decrease in vegetative diversity will result in a corresponding decline in wildlife diversity. For groundwater recharge and bird value, playas should be allowed to function naturally within an agricultural landscape (Haukos and Smith 1997). Historically, this area contained short- and mid-grass prairie. Cattle grazing began here in the 1870’s. Agricultural cultivation began around the 1920’s. The advent of irrigation in the late 1940's allowed a larger percentage of land to be farmed (Haukos and Smith 1997). Sedimentation from cropland has been identified as a major threat to playas. Sediment fill results in increasingly xeric conditions. Other threats include pesticide and herbicide runoff. One study (Price et al. 1989) found that applying tebuthiuron at higher levels than 1.9 lbs/ac (2.2kg/ha) on rangelands adversely affect playa algal communities. Dumping of contaminated water from oil field operations has killed large numbers of birds (Nelson et al. 1983). Construction of irrigation pits within playas changes the natural wet cycles and the surface area, and affects plant communities. Edges become more xeric with prairie vegetation dominating, while the pit becomes more perennial with concurrent permanent marsh vegetation. Overgrazing of playas reduces plant diversity and increases species such as buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides), cockleburr (Xanthium strumarium), and burr ragweed (Ambrosia grayi) (Guthery et al. 1982). Elimination of grazing around playas increases habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds and reduces the encroachment of less desirable vegetation, erosion, increased turbidity, and sedimentation (Guthery et al. 1982). Over 99% of playas are privately-owned (Haukos and Smith 1997). Therefore, education about the benefits of playas is highly important. Alkali Lakes and Closed Basins These lakes, also commonly called playas, are shallow, closed basins that receive water from rainfall. They are more common within the Chihuahuan Desert and Colorado Plateau Physiographic Areas in New Mexico, although a few occur in the Mogollon Rim and on the Pecos and Staked Plains. They function in a similar manner to the playas described above. Average yearly rainfall is generally from 8 to 12 inches. Because these lakes and basins are not normally associated with agricultural areas, agricultural tailwater rarely affects these areas. They are usually filled with water less often than non-saline playas. Ground cover is sparse in alkali lakes. Often, there is enough standing water to prevent perennials from taking hold. Burrowgrass (Scleropogon brevifolius) and occasionally forbs, usually from the surrounding grassland, occupy the edges. In the northwestern quadrant, fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) and shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia) codominate and ground cover may be higher than in southern areas. Most of the forbs belong to the goosefoot family, Chenopodiaceae. If the southern lakes’ edges are sandy, shrubs may include mesquite (Prosopis sp.) or soaptree yucca (Yucca elata). Annuals, such as bitterweed (Hymenoxys odorata), often form pure stands on the dried playa beds. If edges are not sandy, tarbush (Flourensia cernua) may dominate. Sacaton associations are often found in transition zones to surrounding grasslands (Dick Peddie 1993). Large areas with dense stands of fourwing saltbush are typical of closed-basin vegetation. Occasionally, pale wolfberry (Lycium pallidum) is a codominant. Common forbs are red sage (Kochia americanca), Atriplex patula, and A. corrugata. Greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) can be found dominating upper portions of the basins. On the closed basins near White Sands, Reid (1980) found large areas dominated by Coldenia hispidissimus, with scattered allthorn (Koerbelinia spinosa) and squawbush. Forbs in these areas, especially in south-central and southeastern New Mexico, are gypsum-soil adapted, including gyp moonpod (Selinocarpus lanceolatus), gyp grama (Bouteloua breviseta), gyp dropseed (Sporobolus nealleyi), and the mustard Nerisyrenia camporum (Dick-Peddie 1993). Trees are rare in these areas although salt cedar (Tamarix spp.) can be found, sometimes in great abundance. Lakes, Ponds, and Marshes Vegetation does not generally differ from small seeps to large lakes, except with increased water depth. Therefore, all are included in this section. Additionally, this vegetation may occur in playas and alkali lakes if water is present for long enough periods of time to allow emergent growth. Generally, cattails appear first, followed by bulrushes, rushes and sedges (Dick-Peddie 1993). In wetland areas, vegetation in shallow water or very moist soil consists of grasslike plants such as sedges (Carex spp., etc.), bulrushes (Scirpus spp.), rushes (Juncus spp.), and cattails (Typha spp.) along with nongrasslike forms such as water plantain (Alisma sp.) and arrowhead (Sagittaria sp.). Floating-leaf plants, such as water shield (Brasenia sp.), pondweed (Potamogeton sp.), water fern (Azolla sp.), duckweed (Lemna sp.), watercress (Rorippa sp.), and smartweed (Polygonum sp.), develop as water becomes deeper. Floating algae (phytoplankton) may also be present. These two associations of plants comprise the majority of marsh vegetation. If deeper water is present, submersed plants including milfoil (Myriophyllum sp.), waterweed (Elodea sp.), hornwort (Ceratophyllum sp.), stoneworts (Chara spp. and Nitella spp.), bladderwort (Utricularia sp.) and fixed algae (various genera) occur (Dick-Peddie 1993). Considerable variation exists in dominant species. Some lakes naturally do not contain all associations. Many man-made lakes maintain relatively stable water levels and support two or more associations of aquatic vegetation. Some man-made lakes are subject to large and rapid changes in water levels and rarely have stable plant communities. The vegetation that occurs in unstable lakes contains fewer plant species than in lakes with stable water levels (Dick-Peddie 1993). These are the larger reservoirs found along the San Juan, Rio Grande and Pecos Rivers. Non-riparian wetlands are used by breeding, long-legged waders, waterfowl and shorebirds. Use of these wetlands by these species is dependent on the amount of vegetation and water depth rather than elevation or location. Exceptions are Snowy Plover and Least Tern, which must have relatively level, alkali flats, free of vegetation near the water. These wetlands serve as a source of water for all birds in the surrounding areas. In addition, these wetlands are extremely important for migrating and wintering birds. Waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes depend on wetlands at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near Socorro. Larger reservoirs, built for water storage rather than flood control, are important for piscivorous waterbirds such as loons, grebes, some ducks and cormorants. The headwaters of Elephant Butte and Caballo lakes are a breeding area for many colonial waterbirds. The shorter rush and taller grass areas bordering these wetlands are important breeding areas for smaller ducks such as Cinnamon and Blue-winged Teal and rails, such as Sora. Currently, these birds are not considered at risk and, therefore, this habitat niche is not specifically addressed in the following sections. Western and Clark’s Grebe are considered together in this plan due to a lack of information about differences in their breeding habitat and because there are instances of interbreeding in New Mexico. Impacts to these habitats include 1) grazing, 2) draining, 3) water diversion, 4) agricultural, urban and industrial runoff and waste, and 5) upslope development for housing or industrial use. These lands are owned and managed by a variety of private landowners, Native American jurisdictions, and state and federal agencies. Some of the most important wetland areas are managed by the National Wildlife Refuge System and include Bitter Lake, Bosque del Apache, Las Vegas and Maxwell National Wildlife Refuges. Physiographic Areas covered: Mexican Highlands, Chihuahuan Desert, Pecos and Staked Plains, Mogollon Rim, Colorado Plateau, Southern Rocky Mountains Associated Priority Species from Appendices B and C: Table 1. Alkali Lakes Priority Species Highest Priority Priority High Responsibility Snowy Plover American Avocet Least Tern       Table 1. Other Non-riparian Wetlands Priority Species Highest Priority Priority High Responsibility Clark's Grebe American Bittern Little Blue Heron White-faced Ibis Redhead Bald Eagle American Avocet Marsh Wren Canvasback Lesser Scaup Wilson's Phalarope Lesser Nighthawk Bird Habitat Requirements, Population and/or Habitat Objectives: (in taxonomic order) Clark's/Western Grebe (Storer and Neuchterlein 1992) Associated Species: Eared Grebe, Gadwall, Mallard, American Coot freshwater lakes with extensive area of open water, bordered by emergent vegetation open water must be relatively extensive compared to amount of vegetation (D. Stahlecker pers.comm.) nests most often in emergent vegetation almost always in water over 9.7 in (25cm) in depth and up to 9.8 ft (3m); may use open water areas with extensive submersed vegetation (NMPIF) prefers nesting sites with some break in wave action/less intense waves than open water Distribution: Found breeding occasionally as far south as Caballo Lake; regularly further north in appropriate habitat. Breeds most frequently at Las Vegas and Maxwell NWR and northern lakes. Population and/or Habitat Objectives: no BBS data available maintain breeding populations at Las Vegas and Maxwell National Wildlife Refuges, Elephant Butte and Caballo Lakes and the Jicarilla Lakes modify lake restrictions from no wake to trolling speed only to favor wildlife control grazing along shores and banks through low intensity or rest-rotation fence cattail/bulrush areas during dry years for rapid recovery of nesting habitat American Bittern (Gibbs et al. 1992) Associated Species: Pied-billed Grebe, Least Bittern, American Coot, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle marshes with tall, emergent vegetation, especially cattails will occasionally nest in tall (over 1ft/0.3m) grass surrounding a wetland basin but not documented in new Mexico prefers shallow water (4 in/10cm) and dry cattail habitats, avoiding deep-water cattails and river bulrush minimum patch is 0.25ac (0.1ha) (NM PIF); 24.7ac (10ha) is preferable nests constructed in cattails over water concealed from above and sides by surrounding vegetation Distribution: Found in marshes, most commonly from Bosque del Apache NWR to La Joya SGR along the Rio Grande and in the Pecos watershed, especially at Bitter Lake NWR. May be regular along the San Juan. Also at Zuni and Tucumcari Lake. May breed in appropriate habitat statewide. Population and/or Habitat Objectives: in the West, T = -4.8%, p = 0.00, N = 96, RA=0.44 (Sauer et al. 1997) maintain annual detectable populations at known breeding areas establish or maintain blocks of 24ac (9.7ha) patches of habitat to sustain one or more breeding pair to ensure sustained breeding Little Blue Heron (Rodger and Smith 1994) Associated Species: Double-crested Cormorant, Neotropic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron, Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron uses ponds, borders of lakes, freshwater and brackish marshes, streams and rivers nests in colonies often with other herons, egrets and cormorants, especially Snowy Egrets in NM, nests in dense stands trees or shrubs, up to 30ft (9m); can also nest in emergent vegetation Distribution: Found breeding among Snowy Egret colonies along the Pecos River north to Roswell, along the middle and lower Rio Grande and possibly in other scattered locations throughout the state. Population and/or Habitat Objectives: in Region 2, T = 3.4%, p = 0.46, N = 44, RA=2.05 (Sauer et al. 1997) maintain presence at Bosque del Apache NWR promote presence elsewhere in the state by preserving any and all Snowy Egret colonies as well as those of colonial waterbird species Assumption: Since Little Blue Heron has only been found in Snowy Egret breeding colonies in New Mexico, the preservation and encouragement of these colonies will also encourage additional Little Blue Heron nesting. maintain dead, woody structures for heron nesting sites that are flooded or reduce predator access; islands within convenient distance to wetlands White-faced Ibis (Ryder and Manry 1994) Associated Species: Eared Grebe, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, American Coot, Common Moorhen shallow marshes with islands of emergent vegetation generally uses bulrushes averaging 21.3 in (54.6cm) above water surface; can use cattails and giant burrweed has nested in shrubs in NM (J. Taylor pers. comm.) water depth averages 11.3 in (28.9cm) nesting density dependent upon availability of bulrushes with sufficient density to support a nest territories of approximately 3.28 ft (1m) surrounding nest site is defended but not strenuously nests are more tightly spaced near the center of a large colony in San Luis Valley, nests average 2.4ft (8m) from next nesting wader foraging takes place usually within 1.8-3.7 miles (2.9-6 kilometers) but may range up to 11 mi (18km) shallow, flooded wetlands needed for foraging, dominated by sedges, spikerushes, saltgrass and greasewood, or fields: generally alfalfa due to presence of earthworms. Overall preference for larger than 74ac (30ha) forage areas with clay or clay-loam soils earthworms and chironomid larvae are important in diet as are crayfish (J. Taylor pers. comm.) susceptible to disturbance (D. Stahlecker pers. comm.) Distribution: Has been found breeding at Bosque NWR, Zuni, Tucumcari Lake and Stinking Lake on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation but may also occasionally breed in the northeastern lakes along I-25. Population and/or Habitat Objectives: in the West, T = 37.1%, p = 0.00, N = 30, RA=13.51 (Sauer et al. 1997) during wet years, maintain current populations near Zuni, and on the Jicarilla Apache reservation maintain habitat in dry years, through fencing of bulrush and cattail areas, for quick recovery in wetter years Redhead (NM PIF) Associated Species: Ruddy Duck, American Coot, Sora, Marsh Wren, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird shallow, freshwater wetlands with stable water levels must have abundant emergent or submergent vegetation Distribution: Found in mountainous lakes, along the middle Rio Grande and Pecos Valleys, rarely breeding as far south as Loving. Population and/or Habitat Objectives: in the U.S., T = 5.6%, p = 0.00, N = 115, RA=1.65 (Sauer et al. 1997) maintain presence in known breeding areas Bald Eagle (Williams 1999) Associated Species: Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, California Gull nests in very large trees (often ponderosa pine or cottonwood) capable of supporting nests; will reuse nest trees for many years often close to large lakes or reservoirs fish often in diet but in NM, will also eat mammals such as jack rabbits, prairie dogs and even pocket gophers (Williams pers.comm.) continued human disturbance near nests may cause abandonment (NM PIF) Distribution: Currently breeding in Sierra and Colfax counties. Should be looked for in the Gila drainage, around northern lakes in Rio Arriba and San Juan drainage and any reservoirs in the East. Places where there are large winter concentrations could be suitable in summer. Population and/or Habitat Objectives: in the West, T = 8.2%, p = 0.01, N = 61, RA=0.22 (Sauer et al. 1997) maintain four known breeding pair in Sierra and Colfax counties increase number of breeding territories to at least 10 by 2019 maintain prairie dog towns within foraging range of bald eagle nesting areas reduce or eliminate disturbance to nest sites maintain stable or increasing reproductive success rate Snowy Plover (Page et al. 1995) Associated Species: Killdeer, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Least Tern barren or sparsely vegetated ground at saline lakes must have some water: a small seep may be enough nests located in an area of different substrate from dominant surroundings, often on small rises may need some structure such as a tuft of grass, tumbleweed, iodinebush, or Salicornia spp., but can nest on completely bare area (G. Warrick pers. comm.) nests are simple scrapes, generally on slopes of less than 3% diet in New Mexico includes high percentage of Bledius spp. beetles and sandflies (Freehling and Johnson 1998) Distribution: found regularly at Bitter Lake NWR and at Hollomon Lakes and in Eddy county. May breed sporadically elsewhere on alkali playas. Population and/or Habitat Objectives: no BBS data available maintain current populations at Bitter Lakes NWR , Holloman AFB and Laguna Grande area encourage populations at other alkali lake areas, possibly the Laguna del Perro area, Grulla NWR, Dry Lake and at Maxwell NWR estimated minimum number of breeding pairs in the state should be 250-300 (NM PIF) maintain productivity rate to sustain fledging success reduce flooding on alkali flat areas during March through June and draw down water if possible maintain the integrity of alkali flats even when no water is present reduce cattle access to these areas eliminate illegal dumping on alkali flats and legal potash dumping eliminate ATV use on these areas exclude people and dogs from nesting areas; predation rate should be less than 30% (G. Warrick pers. comm.) American Avocet (Robinson et al. 1997) Associated Species: Snowy Plover, Killdeer, Black-necked Stilt saline ponds or shallow alkali wetlands or mudflats of lakes unvegetated areas used in wetland areas needs water up to 7.8in (20cm) deep for foraging nests on small, minimally vegetated islands, along dikes, along shorelines as far as 66ft (20m) with patches of saltgrass or greasewood or open salt pans near playas nests in wet areas often associated with salt grass and Salicornia spp. (G. Warrick pers. comm.) nests in soft substrate generally near waters edge with sparse vegetation association once cattails, sedges and rushes start to grow in an area, Avocets will no longer nest there (J. Taylor pers. comm.) Distribution: Core populations are at Bitter Lake NWR and Hollomon AFB; breeds throughout the state. Population and/or Habitat Objectives: in Region 2, T = 0.4%, p = 0.91, N = 15, RA=0.47 (Sauer et al. 1997) maintain large presence at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuges and Holloman AFB maintain continued presence at Las Vegas and Maxwell NWRs, Texico, Lordsburg, Zuni and Isleta Pueblo encourage city sewage treatment facilities that create marshes as secondary or tertiary treatment in California, the Tulare Lake Drainage District (1996 in Robinson et al. 1997) mitigation wetlands were constructed on a 130ha site with 2:1 ratio of shallow-water feeding areas to nest site areas produces best results with nesting areas divided into 34 dry lanes each 10m wide on gently sloping, sparsely vegetated hills divided by 35 20m-wide feeding lanes maintain alkali conditions in wetland areas Least Tern (Thompson et al. 1997) Associated Species: Snowy Plover, Killdeer, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt nests in colonies on vegetated, bare sand or dried flats with some structure or small rise colony site influenced by changes in cover, human activities, or floods small colonies are not as stable as larger colonies; nesting may vary in time or space needs available supply of small fish up to 4in (9cm) in length often nests close to other species, such as Snowy Plover abundance and density of small fishes is important (G. Warrick pers.comm.) interior population listed as endangered Distribution: Currently breeding only at Bitter Lake NWR; occasionally in surrounding areas along the Pecos River. Population and/or Habitat Objectives: in the Central United States (the subspecies in the interior central U.S. also nests in New Mexico), T = -12.9%, p = 0.02, N = 15, RA=0.24 (Sauer et al. 1997) maintain current population at Bitter Lake NWR maintain average of 5 breeding pairs establish 1 additional breeding population in the Pecos watershed by 2019 maintain nesting success of 1 fledgling per pair/per year maintain or draw down on areas adjacent to alkali flats Marsh Wren (Kroodsma and Verner 1997) Associated Species: Ruddy Duck, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-headed Blackbird in NM, on the Jicarilla Apache reservation uses dense bulrush stands (D. Stahlecker pers.comm.) a nest in vegetation with water at base is preferred but not critical (D. Stahlecker pers.comm.) several nests built per pair but only one used per nesting attempt nests are built as high as possible averaging 29-37in (75 - 95cm) above water level Distribution: Has bred at Stinking Lake on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation, and along the San Juan River; may also be breeding in appropriate habitat at other northern locations. Population and/or Habitat Objectives: in the West, T = 5.2%, p = 0.00, N = 127, RA=0.53 (Sauer et al. 1997) attempt to maintain dense bulrush marshes at historic breeding areas fence out cattle from breeding areas - especially during dry years Overall Habitat Strategies: Grazing - Reduce grazing in wetland areas by fencing off patches of emergent vegetation. Eliminate grazing or sharply reduce area of access to water during dry years. Waste treatment/dumping - Encourage city sewage treatment facilities that create marshes as secondary or tertiary treatment. Eliminate industrial waste dumping into playas. Pesticide use - Pesticides have been shown to have potentially detrimental effects on birds and bird reproductive success. Pesticide use should be limited to appropriate levels. Wetland maintenance - Reduce or eliminate draining and filling wetlands. Maintain existing wetlands with an undeveloped buffer zone when developing areas for residential or industrial use. Research and monitoring needs: 1. Determine number of Clark's Grebe breeding pairs. Monitor breeding areas in the Colorado Plateau and Southern Rocky Mountains. Monitor regularity of breeding at Elephant Butte and Caballo Lakes in the Chihuahuan Desert. 2. Survey for baseline data on colonial waterbirds in the state 3. Determine minimum patch size and configuration for breeding American Bittern. Search for additional regular breeding sites in the state, especially at Maddox Lake, Willow Lake, the Salman Ranch (Mora Co.), and Isleta Pueblo. 4. Survey for additional Bald Eagle pairs, especially in the San Juan watershed. 5. Determine baseline breeding data for Snowy Plovers. Survey for additional populations and/or survey potential sites for Bledius spp. beetles (Freehling and Johnson 1998). 6. Determine baseline breeding data for American Avocet. 7. Survey for additional breeding sites of Marsh Wren, especially in areas near Questa, Ute Mountain, and the Springer/Raton corridor. Determine limiting factors. Table 2. Non-Riparian Wetlands Priority Species: Habitat Factors Species Vegetation Composition/ Structure Abiotic Factors Landscape Factors Special Factors CL/WEGR emergent and/or extensive submersed vegetation prefers nesting sites where wave action is broken by vegetation open water generally more than several m² AMBI tall cattails shallow water from 2-4in patches of at least 24.7ac preferred LBHE nests in dense stands of shrubs or trees up to 30ft forages in ponds, lake borders, marshes and rivers nests in colonies and closely associated with Snowy Egret WFIB bulrushes may use cattails, burrweed water depth averages 11.3 in for nests; forages often in areas with clay or clay-loam soils foraging areas generally 74ac or larger shallow, flooded wetlands or agricultural fields (often alfalfa) needed nearby for foraging REDH lakes with abundant emergent and submergent vegetation BAEA needs trees large enough to support bulky nests often in association with large lakes diet in NM may include many mammals SNPL barren or sparsely vegetated flats nests often on small rises needs saline lakes presence of Bledius spp. beetles needed AMAV nests may be near sparse patches of vegetation often saltgrass or greasewood; often in wetlands with Scirpus americanus needs water up to 8in deep saline lakes, shallow alkali wetlands or mudflats LETE sparsely vegetated flats used for nesting nests on substrate in upland areas nests in colonies; feeds on fish up to 3.5in long; needs abundant MAWR preferably areas with bulrushes water should be at base of nesting substrate