Blue Hole Cienega Project
A Natural World
Photo by Christina Selby
About the Blue Hole Cienega
Located across the World-famous Blue Hole in the Santa Rosa "sinkhole," It is a natural wetland habitat and home to multiple threatened and endangered species.
Included in these species is the annually celebrated Pecos Sunflower. (Helianthus paradoxus)
What We Aim to Achieve
It is considered one of the last remaining Cienega's in the Southwest regions. The Blue Hole Cienega and its preservation is an utmost consideration for locals and conservation enthusiasts. The current conservation strategies include the Annual Pecos Sunflower Festival, education and regular conservation programs.
Our Roots
The 119-acre parcel of land was purchased from the Pat Houlihan family in 2005 by the NM State Forestry Division. This Cienega was heavily studied by Robert Sivinski, former NM State Botanist, who was instrumental in the purchase and conservation efforts of the Cienega and Pecos Sunflower.
Ignitions Complete on Blue Hole Prescribed Fire
NOVEMBER 15, 2023 BY GDUCKER
Today in Santa Rosa, fire crews led by the New Mexico Forestry Division completed ignitions at 3:50 p.m. on the Blue Hole Cienega Prescribed Burn. They conducted mop-up and holding operations this afternoon and evening and will continue to monitor the area tomorrow.
As weather conditions proved to be within the prescription plan, crews initiated a test fire this morning at 10:55 a.m.; ignitions commenced at 11:37 a.m. Fire crews used drip torches to coax the fire, starting on the east side of the Cienega, and letting the heat and wind do their job to move the low-intensity fire across the two burn units.
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