Project Summary:
In the 1970s, prior to the establishment of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, the springs located at Point of Rocks and Kings Spring were excavated and developed for agricultural use. Spring flows were diverted to concrete and earthen ditches for delivery to nearby fields. Restoration actions at Kings Spring included reconstruction of the spring pool and outflow channel. Local rock was used to create rock shelves in order to create breeding and foraging habitat for the Ash Meadows pupfish (
Cyprinidon nevadensis mionectes). The Kings Spring outflow channel was designed and constructed to accommodate the discharge from Kings Spring as well as the occasional flooding due to overland flow from an adjoining alluvial fan. The restoration of the connection of the alluvial fan to the outflow channel was critical for the delivery of coarse sediment which is the preferred substrate for the endangered Ash Meadows naucorid (
Ambrysus amargosus). In addition, the occasional channel scour associated with flooding from the alluvial fan is critical for the maintenance and creation of spring channel habitat at Kings Spring. Prior to agricultural development the riparian vegetation surrounding the outflow channel consisted of a mesquite and ash forest. The mesquite and ash forest has returned to the Kings Spring and Point of Rocks area. Restoration actions at Point of Rocks included construction of several spring pools and an outflow channel. Volunteers completed much of the revegetation work at Point of Rocks.
Project Update:
The refuge has opened a public boardwalk, complete with a visitor picnic area and informational signs that highlight spring pool and channel restorations, native plant communities, spring wildlife communities, and historic area uses.
