Mimbres River in New Mexico

Mimbres River

NorthcentralwestThe Mimbres River forms from snow pack and runoff on the south-western slopes of the Black Range and flows into a small endorheic basin in southwestern New Mexico. The uplands watershed are administered by the US Forest Service, while the land in the valley lands is mostly privately owned. Much of the river dissipates on the desert and flows underground north of Deming. The upper reaches of the river is perennial and flows into the swampy Mimbres River Basin, partly underground, which has an area of about 13,00 km² (5,140mi²) and extends into northern Chihuahua.

A wide diversity of species (37 species; excluding arthropods other than crustaceans) are of great conservation concern. Eighteen species (49%) are classified as "vulnerable, imperilled, or critically imperilled" state wide as well as and nationally. Additionally 13 species are classified as "vulnerable, imperilled, or critically imperilled" in the state although they are secure nationally. Birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles are also of concern within the Riparian, Ephemeral and Terrestrial Habitats.

The use of water from the Mimbres River is still a matter of contention.

The Mimbres region and its culture was part of the larger Mogollon culture. During the Pithouse periods (A.D. 200-550 and A.D. 550-1000) the use of pottery was increased and there was a greater dependence on agriculture through the Mogollon area. Toward the end of the Pithouse period, the Mimbres styles, such as their early types of black-on-white pottery grew more complex and ornate. Mimbres villages grew larger, and large kivas were built. These community ritual constructions were destroyed around 900 CE in huge ceremonial fires. This marked a major transition in social and ritual practices that has only recently been recognized.