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Rio Grande Floodplain

Ecoregion in Chihuahuan Desert in NM, TX

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The Chihuahuan Desert portion of the Rio Grande Floodplain has some similarities to Ecoregion 22g upstream. Hydrology has been altered by upstream impoundments, by Elephant Butte and Caballo reservoirs, and by channelization in this region. Annual flooding of terraces and benches has been eliminated. Riparian woodlands and shrublands have been greatly reduced and invasive salt cedar has expanded. Narrow bands of cropland, orchards, vineyards, and small farms occur in portions of Ecoregion 24f. The southern Rio Grande valley in New Mexico is still an important wintering area for sandhill cranes, snow geese, and other migratory waterfowl. Urban land uses are spreading in the Las Cruces and El Paso areas. Drought, aquifer depletion, and agricultural irrigation create water supply concerns in Texas and Mexico.

— EPA

Plants

Creosote Bush Larrea tridentata (species), “Creosote”, “Chaparral”

Rio Grande Floodplain

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