Project Summary:
The Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge protects habitat for several species that are found only in the Upper Muddy River Valley including the Moapa dace (
Moapa coriacea), Moapa speckled dace (
Crenichthys baileyi moapae), Moapa pebble snail (
Pyrgulopsis avernalis), Moapa water strider (
Rhagovelia becki), and the Moapa naucorid (
Usingerina moapensis). The group of springs within the Refuge is called the Warm Springs. Historical modification of the springs and spring channels include culinary development and development of the spring sources as recreational pools for a hot spring resort. Plans for restoring the springs and spring channels and recovering native species were formulated following acquisition of the property by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Spring restoration at Moapa Valley NWR included the removal of former recreational swimming structures and excavation of the spring. The highest elevation spring of the Warm Springs group is a closely watched site. Resource managers expect to see the first sign of declining spring flows at this spring as ground water extraction from the carbonate aquifer that discharges at the Warm Springs continues. Following removal of the concrete swimming pool, a weir was installed for monitoring the flow from this spring.
Project Update:
Restoration of the Pederson Unit of the Warm Springs and channels are largely complete. Stay tuned for the construction of a viewing wall and visitor facilities at the Plummer unit of the Warm Springs which is scheduled for the fall and winter of 2005.
