Prevost Ranch

The Prevost Ranch is a 2,760-acre working ranch nestled in the Burro Mountains about 30 minutes south of Silver City, NM. It contains the headwaters of the 46-mile-long Burro Cienega that courses almost three miles through the property, and which constitutes a substantial riparian area and a major feature on the ranch. Defined as “slow moving water, marsh or swamp” in Spanish, the “cienega” is perennial and provides critical habitat for many plant and animal species. The neighboring Pitchfork Ranch, also under a conservation easement, has been restoring their 7-mile stretch of this historic cienega for more than a decade, and the results are remarkable! (click here to see their before and after pictures).

In addition, there are more than 7 miles of smaller, seasonal drainages on the property, along with approximately 35 acres of wetlands, including approximately 3 acres of freshwater ponds, and 32 acres of riverine wetlands on the ranch.

The protection of this freshwater system in southwestern New Mexico accompanies a host of conservation values, including cultural and agricultural resources, along with an abundance of species of flora and fauna. NMLC thanks the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the New Mexico Office of Natural Resource Trustee for facilitating the financial opportunity to ensure that these important freshwater riparian and floodplain habitats are permanently protected.

8/2021 SH