Vegetation Management

It is also necessary to protect the roadway surface from vegetation encroachment and to maintain drainage.

Vegetation control is also necessary to slow and/or prevent the spread of noxious weeds. Federal and State Executive orders require the Department to take steps to prevent the spread of invasive or noxious plants. Federal Executive Order 13751, signed by President Obama on December 5, 2016 requires “authorities to (i) prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species; (ii) support efforts to eradicate and control invasive species that are established.”

NMDOT is committed to provide timely Noxious Weed Management in our right-of-ways. Invasive plants and noxious weeds have been described as a raging biological wildfire out of control and spreading rapidly. The devastation from these alien plants includes enormous economic losses to agriculture and irreparable ecological damage to wild lands. These plants have negative direct and permanent impacts to almost all vegetative and wildlife habitats. They out compete native vegetation needed by wildlife for food, cover, or nesting. Millions of acres have been invaded or are at risk, including rangelands, forests, wilderness areas, national parks, recreation sites, and wildlife management. Invasive plants can even effect private property uses and economic values.

Kim Anaya, State Maintenance Bureau
505-699-0904
kim.anaya@dot.nm.gov