CASTLE ROCK BISON 

Vermejo is home to the genetically unique Castle Rock bison herd, which originated in part from the herd in Yellowstone National Park, one of the last strongholds for truly wild bison in the US. The genetics of the Castle Rock bison are especially important for supporting efforts to re-establish wild herds of bison and maintaining the genetic diversity of the species. The herd is actively managed to promote its growth and security.  

RIO GRANDE CUTTHROAT TROUT REINTRODUCTION 

Vermejo collaborated with numerous conservation partners to restore the Rio Grande cutthroat trout to the entire Costilla Creek watershed on the property.  Including streams on the neighboring Carson National Forest, this project encompasses more than 100 miles of stream habitat and 18 lakes. Scheduled for full implementation by 2020, this effort represents a 20% increase in stream length occupied by Rio Grande cutthroat trout.  The project is the largest contiguous effort on behalf of native trout in North America to date.    

BLACK-FOOTED FERRETS AND BLACK-TAILED AND GUNNISON’S PRAIRIE DOGS 

Following a ten-year effort to expand prairie dog colonies, Vermejo and the Turner Endangered Species Fund partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to release the endangered black-footed ferret into the wild on the property. Today, Vermejo has over 8,000 acres of habitat occupied by prairie dogs, a cornerstone species on the low elevation short-grass prairie and high elevation mixed grass parklands, and an essential foundation for ferrets.  Work continues to restore viable populations of ferrets on the property. 

SANTA FE TRAIL MULE DEER ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP 

Vermejo participated in a research project with the New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit from 2002 to 2004 to address decreases in mule deer populations. Vermejo allowed access, offered assistance to researchers and then performed habitat improvement projects on several thousand acres. The mule deer population is now on the rebound. 

ELK POPULATION 

Vermejo and the New Mexico Game and Fish Department have studied causes of elk calf mortality to better understand and manage the elk herd at Vermejo. 

RIPARIAN RESTORATION 

Beginning in 2014, Vermejo implemented a concerted effort to improve the stream and riparian health in the upper Vermejo River watershed. The long-term goals for the project are to restore riparian vegetation and stabilize the severely impacted watercourse to enhance trout habitats and promote keystone species such as beaver. Other species will also benefit from this work, including neotropical migrant bird species and small mammals such as the endangered New Mexico jumping mouse.  

FLORISTIC INVENTORY OF VERMEJO 

Vermejo has documented over 1,000 different plant species, which include nearly 25 percent of all plants native to the state.   

ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION OF PONDEROSA PINE 

Vermejo began a program in 1998 to thin the ponderosa pine forests back to pre-settlement conditions, a condition typified by large, mature trees, a more open forest canopy, and a parkland setting. To date, approximately 18,000 acres have been treated, and several local wood product industries have been developed around the program. 

ASPEN RESTORATION 

Since 2008, several experimental forestry treatments have been implemented with the goal of stimulating the regeneration of aspen stands in the upland forests that have been declining for years. 

PERMANENT VEGETATION PLOT MONITORING 

Vermejo began to develop baseline vegetation conditions on the property in 1998. Starting as a forestry program, the project expanded to include the short-grass prairie in 2003. In 2007, Vermejo expanded its monitoring program to include the entire property. Currently, over 50 permanent vegetation-monitoring plots have been established.  This data informs land management decisions intended to maintain or improve range and forest health. 

INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL 

Vermejo began a coordinated invasive species control program in 2005. The primary objectives are to eliminate saltcedar, Chinese elm and Russian olive from riparian areas; to control or eradicate (if possible) leafy spurge from the Ponil drainage, and to control invasive species such as Canada thistle, bull thistle, musk thistle, yellow toadflax, knapweeds, hoary cress, and other non-native species. Invasive species can outcompete native plants, reducing diversity and complexity of wildlife habitat.