Project:  Ash Meadows Paleoecology Study Client:  United States Fish and Wildlife Service Date:  2007-2010  Site Location:   Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately 70 miles northwest of Las Vegas and approximately 35 miles east of Death Valley National Park.  Ash Meadows harbors numerous plant, fish, and invertebrate species that are found nowhere else in the world.

Marsh dune complex at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

Project Summary:
A study of paleoecological conditions at Ash Meadows was completed to improve the understanding of historical vegetation composition. With the exception of general descriptions at a few locations by early visitors to the Ash Meadows area, and cadastral survey notes, historical vegetation conditions prior to European settlement in the area are largely unknown. For example, target habitat types for vegetation community recovery at Ash Meadows include primarily alkali meadows, ash and mesquite riparian forest, and emergent marsh. Soil cores collected for pollen, ostracode, charcoal, and radiocarbon analysis in this study provided data to help determine Ash Meadows habitat types prior to European settlement, to inform restoration and management decisions.

Project Update:
This project has been completed.

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