Important Plant Areas Interactive Map

This New Mexico Important Plant Areas (IPA) mapping application is an interactive web-based tool developed by the New Mexico State Forestry Division that displays critical botanical conservation areas across the state. The application visualizes Important Plant Areas - scientifically identified locations that either support high diversity of sensitive plant species or represent the last remaining habitats for New Mexico's most endangered plants. Users can explore these areas through various map views and styling options, with IPAs color-coded by Biodiversity Rank (B1-B4, from highest to lowest conservation priority) and overlaid on a base map showing major cities, national forests, reservations, and geographic features. The tool was created using sophisticated spatial modeling that analyzed over 3,000 hexagonal grid cells containing rare plant observations, which were then clustered and refined using both computational algorithms and expert botanical knowledge to delineate coherent conservation areas. This mapping resource serves as a key component of New Mexico's Rare Plant Conservation Strategy, helping land managers, researchers, and conservationists identify and prioritize areas for protection efforts across all land ownerships in the state.