Year Designed/Built: 2019
Size/Category: > 1000 acres / Regional / Analysis & Report
Team/Credit: Sites Southwest / Beartooth Environmental
Role: Landscape Architect / Project Manager
Responsibilities / Highlights:

• Extensive field observation and application of GIS to develop a series of analysis maps to make accurate determinations of dust-producing activities and point sources of production.

• High level of coordination with State and Federal Agencies and team consultants.​

• Primary author and editor.

• Analysis lead.

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To address the increasingly dangerous dust storms associated with the Animas Playa (Lordsburg Playa) near Lordsburg, NM., the team was commissioned to analyze the playa and its context for surface disturbing activities that may be contributing to the increased intensity of dust and related traffic fatalities along Interstate 10. The team investigated many environmental conditions from geology, hydrology, vegetation, and anthropogenic activities like land use to identify possible sources and contributing factors to dust production. This also included research on best practices and recommendations for mitigating the dust through various interventions. The analysis was then used as a supporting document for an Environmental Assessment Report for the Lordsburg Playa. The investigation is still ongoing as of 2025.