Project Summary:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is coordinating a comprehensive, multi-agency effort to gather physical and biological information to aid in the development of a strategic plan for preservation and recovery of the Walker River System. Other agencies and groups involved include the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Geological Survey, University of Nevada Reno, Desert Research Institute, Walker River Paiute Tribe, Nevada Division of Conservation Districts, Nevada Department of Agriculture, and local Conservation Districts.
The Walker River Basin assessment will include the following tasks:
- Review and analysis of the hydrologic record for the tributaries and main Walker River.
- Aerial photography and topographic mapping for the purpose of comparing existing conditions to historical conditions.
- Assessment of sediment supply and transport through the Walker River system including sediment transport sampling throughout the basin.
- Description and evaluation of the river basin geomorphic and geologic characteristics and processes.
- Mapping of the existing vegetation communities and condition.
- Completing surveys for avian, herpetological, and aquatic invertebrate abundance and richness for the purpose of assessing the condition of certain populations and collecting baseline data for future monitoring.
- Development of a monitoring plan to detect declines or improvement in ecosystem condition.
The assessment will provide an indication of ecosystem condition and will provide a baseline from which changes due to future management actions can be detected. The assessment will lead to a recovery plan for the Walker ecosystem and will allow the quantification of progress toward meeting goals and objectives.
Project Update:
This project was initiated in July 2006.
