New Mexico State University's Range Improvement Task Force, along with the Canadian River Riparian Restoration Project, are hosting a free workshop and tour in Tucumcari, Oct. 11-12, for anyone interested in range and riparian management.

The deadline to register for the workshop and/or tour is Oct. 1.

"The goal of this workshop is to have people familiarize themselves with the importance of riparian areas in New Mexico and the importance of land management," said Summer Eaton, program coordinator for Extension animal sciences and natural resources.

The Canadian River originates on the east slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado. The river runs south and southeast through northeast New Mexico, before entering Texas. It is the major water supply for several irrigation systems and acequias supporting thousands of acres of agriculture. It also provides water for several rural communities and livestock production, enhances recreational opportunities and provides habitat and water for wildlife.

The goal of the Canadian River Restoration Project, started in 2004, is to restore the riparian corridors of the Canadian River - both on the main stem and on its tributaries - to a healthy, productive state that will provide native habitat for a variety of wildlife, and water for communities, agriculture and recreation throughout the watershed.

The workshop is Oct. 11. Topics to be discussed include: the history and ecological implications of salt cedar; the history and challenges of the project; funding opportunities for watershed projects in New Mexico; monitoring methodology and results; grazing management in riparian areas; and social responses from landowners.

The workshop is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be held at the Tucumcari Convention Center.

The tour of the watershed is from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 12.

Continuing education units will be available from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to those attending the tour or workshop.

The workshop and tour are sponsored by the New Mexico Environment Department, the Canadian River Riparian Restoration Project, NMSU's Cooperative Extension Service, the Range Improvement Task Force and the Llano Estacado RC&D.

For more information about the workshop and tour, or to register, contact Eaton at 575-646-2362 or seaton@nmsu.edu.