WARM SPRINGS NATURAL AREA

1.01 Site Overview 4.01 Special Management 1.02 Stakeholder Process 4.02 Fire Management 1.03 Commitments for Managing the Property 4.03 Invasive Management 1.04 Purpose of the Stewardship Plan 4.04 Cultural Resource Management

5.01 Public Use 2.01 Site History 5.02 Management Priorities 2.02 Cultural Resources 5.03 Accomplishments and Next Steps 2.03 Hydrology and Water Development 2.04 Facilities Management

3.01 Biodiversity 3.02 Sensitive Species of WSNA 3.03 Ecological Systems on WSNA A.01 SNPLMA Nomination 3.04 Muddy River Aquatic Assemblage A.02 Sensitive Species Table 3.05 Warm Springs Aquatic Assemblage A.03 Resource Inventories 3.06 Deciduous Riparian Woodland A.04 Bird Checklist 3.07 Riparian Shrubland A.05 Floral Inventory 3.08 Riparian Marsh/Meadow A.06 Hydrologic Monitoring Table 3.09 Mesquite Bosque 3.10 Other Ecological Groups

CONTRIBUTORS 2007-2010

CORE TEAM

Tanya Anderson, The Nature Conservancy Janet Bair, US Fish and Wildlife Service Robert Johnson, SNWA Cynthia Martinez, US Fish and Wildlife Service Janet Monaco, SNWA Jon Sjöberg, Nevada Department of Wildlife

TECHNICAL ADVISORS

Elisabeth Ammon, Great Basin Bird Observatory Mauricia Baca, Outside Las Vegas Foundation Amy LaVoie, US Fish and Wildlife Service Heidi Roberts, HRA Inc., Conservation Archaeology Amy Sprunger, US Fish and Wildlife Service Cris Tomlinson, Nevada Department of Wildlife

SNWA STAFF

William Rinne, Director, Surface Water Resources Department Janet Monaco, Manager, Muddy and Virgin Rivers Division Robert Johnson, Manager, Warm Springs Natural Area Cathryn Cherry, Environmental Planner David Syzdek, Environmental Biologist Crystal Shanley, Biologist

Disclaimer

The following document is intended to be a guidance document for Warm Springs Natural Area as described under “Plan Purpose” on page 15 and is not intended to require implementation of any specific management action recommendation. Implementation of such actions is left to the discretion of the SNWA Board of Directors. June 2011 SNWA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Shari Buck Chair, City of North Las Vegas Steven Kirk Vice Chair, City of Henderson Susan Brager Las Vegas Valley Water District Tom Collins Clark County Water Reclamation District Duncan McCoy City of Boulder City Steve Sisolak Big Bend Water District Lois Tarkanian City of Las Vegas Mission Statement

To manage the property as a natural area for the benefit of native species and for the recovery of the endangered Moapa Dace - consistent with the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s commitments to the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act funding of the property PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Provide a clear statement for future management Clarify SNWA’s intentions and direction for property management Give neighbors, visitors, governmental and non- governmental organizations an understanding of SNWA’s management actions on and around the property Ensure management actions consistent with the SNPLMA Nomination Package and Financial Assistance Agreement

Ensure management actions consistent with the Muddy River Recovery Implementation Program

Provide a basis for the development of staffing plans, budget needs, maintenance operations, and capital improvements

WARM SPRINGS NATURAL AREA FACTS

• 1,220 acres of Mojave Desert riparian ecosystem Moapa Valley • 28 Sensitive Species The Warm Springs Natural Area is located • Annual Rainfall 5.4 in. approximately seven miles northwest of the Town of Moapa and 60 miles northeast of Las • Elevation: 1,689 - 1,923 feet Vegas, in Clark County, Nevada. The Natural above mean sea level Area is in upper Moapa Valley, a valley about 40 miles long running roughly northwest to • Five major spring complexes southeast. The towns of Moapa, Glendale, form the headwaters of the Logandale and Overton are located in the Moapa Valley. Logandale is about 12 miles Muddy River southeast of Moapa and Glendale. Overton is another five miles southeast of Logandale. • Water emanates from 90° F Population numbers in the Moapa Valley from thermal springs the 2000 US Census (which did not include the Town of Moapa) were 5,784. In the 2000 US Census, the Town of Moapa had a population of 928. The population of the Moapa Valley was estimated to be 7,200 in 2008 and 7,471 in 2009 which does not include the Moapa Indian Reservation. The Reservation’s population was estimated to be 1,292 in 2009.

Headwaters of the Muddy River

Like a gemstone stashed away in the upper Moapa Valley, the Warm Springs Natural Area holds the secret to the headwaters of the Muddy River. Here, five major thermal spring complexes gush from the deep carbonate aquifer on three properties - the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge, the Warm Springs Natural Area and the LDS Church property. They converge on the Warm Springs Natural Area in tributaries which flow into the Muddy River and on to Lake Mead. PROPERTY PURPOSES

Warm Springs Natural Area Protect the endangered Moapa dace and its habitat The Warm Springs Natural Area is generally bordered by State Route 168 to the north, Warm Springs Road to the south and the Establish conservation projects Arrow Canyon Range to the west. The that provide mitigation benefits for Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge and future water development Clark County lands border the Natural Area to south. About 3.8 miles of the Muddy Manage the property as a River flow through the Natural Area. The landscape is a mixture of desert, riparian, natural area for the benefit of and fallowed agricultural fields. Here, native species seasonally flooded pastures are lined with mature Fremont cottonwoods. Goodding’s Restore and manage the area willows and velvet ash trees occur throughout as an ecological reserve including the property. Skirting the fields are numerous groves of established mesquite trees, in which implementation of recovery the Vermilion flycatcher nests occur. The actions identified in the Muddy adjoining pastures have abundant insects River Recovery Implementation such as large fleshy grasshoppers, which are Program a staple of the flycatcher’s diet. The largest nesting population of Vermilion flycatchers in Nevada were observed here in 2000. The Create opportunities for low- Warm Springs Natural Area has long been impact public use used by Native Americans, outlaws and early settlers. Today, the property continues to Develop public education attract the attention of birders, naturalists, and opportunities which include wildlife enthusiasts. WWarm Springs Natural Area ecological processes and US Fish & Wildlife Service endangered species recovery

Clark County Provide the opportunity for a program of national scientific research on aquatic and terrestrial systems in the Mojave Desert MUDDY RIVER RECOVERY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND STAKEHOLDERS

WWarm Springs Natural Area

US Fish & Wildlife Service

Clark County MUDDY RIVER RECOVERY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM

Muddy River Recovery Stakeholder Process/Core Team Core Team Executive Committee Implementation Program • Southern Nevada Water Development of the Muddy River Recovery SNWA committed in its Southern Nevada The Core Team consists of representatives Authority Implementation Program (RIP) was identified Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA) from SNWA, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, • US Fish & Wildlife Service in the 2006 Muddy River Memorandum Nomination package to the Secretary of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and The • Moapa Valley Water District of Agreement (MOA) and the Intra-Service the Department of Interior to enlist the Nature Conservancy. Individuals on the Core Programmatic Biological Opinion for the involvement of specific stakeholders to Team are named in the “Contributor” list on • Coyote Springs Investment Proposed MOA Regarding the Groundwater develop the Stewardship Plan. To that end, page 4. The Core Team met 2007 through • Moapa Band of Paiutes Withdrawal of 16,100 Acre-Feet per Year from the RIP Biological Advisory Committee 2010 and came together for workshops to • Nevada Dept. of Wildlife the Regional Carbonate Aquifer in Coyote agreed to join SNWA in the shared vision of discuss shared concepts and a vision for Spring Valley and California Wash Basins, developing a plan that satisfies the property the Warm Springs Natural Area. The Core (ad hoc member) and Establish Conservation Measures for the stakeholders and directs management actions Team developed the Mission Statement - “To Moapa Dace, Clark County, Nevada. that benefit the natural resources on site and manage the property as a natural area for the Biological Advisory the water resource entities involved. The RIP benefit of native species and for the recovery Committee The Executive Committee of the RIP is Biological Advisory Committee identified a of the endangered Moapa dace – consistent comprised of the signatories to the MOA process to develop the Warm Springs Natural with the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s • US Fish & Wildlife Service which include SNWA, the US Fish and Wildlife Area Stewardship Plan. The process entailed commitments to the Southern Nevada • Nevada Dept. of Wildlife Service, the Moapa Valley Water District, the the Core Team developing the Stewardship Public Land Management Act funding of the • US Geological Survey Moapa Band of Paiutes, and Coyote Springs Plan and other stakeholders providing review. property” - which establishes prioritization of Investment, LLC. The RIP has a technical management goals and serves to frame future • Bureau of Land Management subcommittee, the Biological Advisory decisions. Their recommendations have been • Southern Nevada Water Committee. The Hydrologic Review Team was reflected in this Stewardship Plan. Authority formed by the MOA and serves as a technical • Moapa Valley Water District advisory committee to the RIP. Nevada Department of Wildlife was added as an ad • Coyote Springs Investment hoc member to the Executive Committee. Core Team Members • Moapa Band of Paiutes • The Nature Conservancy The goal of the RIP is to implement a series • Southern Nevada Water Authority of species recovery actions necessary to • Clark County promote recovery and conservation of aquatic species in the Muddy River ecosystem, while • US Fish and Wildlife Service Other Stakeholders at the same time, providing for mitigation and • Moapa Town Advisory Board minimization of potential effects associated with the development and use of water • The Nature Conservancy • Moapa Valley Town supplies and other activities that may affect Advisory Board the aquatic ecosystem. • Nevada Department of Wildlife • Property neighbors SNWA Commitments SNPLMA Nomination Property Purposes

Commitments for the Warm Springs Natural As part of the 2005 SNPLMA Nomination to Purposes for the Warm Springs Natural Area Area were established prior to the acquisition of the Secretary of the Department of Interior, were established by SNPLMA directives and the property in the Southern Nevada Public Land SNWA identified it would conduct a number agreed to early on by the Core Team. Purposes Management Act (SNPLMA) Financial Assistance of actions on the property. The Secretary of include: Agreement signed on May 16, 2007. In the the Department of Interior approved SNPLMA Financial Assistance Agreement, SNWA agreed funding for acquisition of the Warm Springs Protect the endangered Moapa Dace and its to: Natural Area on February 7, 2006. In the habitat 2005 SNPLMA Nomination, SNWA pledged it Accomplish the OBJECTIVE as approved by the would carry out: Establish conservation projects that provide Secretary of the Department of the Interior mitigation benefits for future water development Furnish qualified personnel for the Development of educational and recreational coordination, oversight, and performance of the areas/trails emphasizing the natural resources Manage the property as a natural area for the objective for the project for public use consistent with the Moapa Valley benefit of native species Provide supervision for the project to include National Wildlife Refuge and other adjacent responsibility for all technical aspects, lands Restore and manage the area as an ecological development, implementation, scheduling, Invasive plant management reserve including implementation of recovery safety, coordination, and other project needs Invasive fish and invertebrate management actions identified in the Muddy River Recovery Make certain necessary permits or Bank and channel stabilization activities Implementation Program environmental clearances are obtained Construction and/or enhancement of wetlands Own and maintain in perpetuity any land, Restoration and/or enhancement of riparian Create opportunities for low-impact public use buildings, trails, facilities, or other features and upland habitat improved or constructed. Spring pool restoration/enhancement Develop public education opportunities which include ecological processes and endangered species recovery

Provide the opportunity for a program of national scientific research on aquatic and terrestrial systems in the Mojave Desert PROPERTY PURPOSES

Plan Purpose Plan Goals and Objectives Protect the endangered Moapa dace and its habitat The purpose of the Warm Springs Natural The purpose of the Stewardship Plan is also The following goals and objectives were Area Stewardship Plan is to establish a to identify public uses considered compatible developed by the Core Team: Establish conservation projects long-term management direction for the with the intent of the SNPLMA application to that provide mitigation benefits for Warm Springs Natural Area that will foster “develop educational and recreational areas/ Provide a clear statement for future future water development relations between SNWA and the property trails emphasizing natural resources for public management neighbors (the US Fish and Wildlife Service, use consistent with the Moapa Valley National Manage the property as a Moapa Band of Paiutes, Coyote Springs Wildlife Refuge, The Nature Conservancy, and Clarify SNWA’s intentions and direction for Investment, LLC., Moapa Valley Water District, other adjacent lands.” property management natural area for the benefit of Clark County, Moapa Town Advisory Board, native species and others) while preserving the important While the Stewardship Plan is intended to Give neighbors, visitors, governmental ecological integrity of the property. The provide guidance for SNWA management and non-governmental organizations an Restore and manage the area Stewardship Plan establishes a framework and future land uses and activities on the understanding of SNWA’s management as an ecological reserve including for appropriate land uses that preserves Warm Springs Natural Area, it is important actions on and around the Warm Springs the integrity of the natural resources and to note that the Stewardship Plan is a Natural Area implementation of recovery is consistent with SNWA’s management of conceptual document to begin dialogue and actions identified in the Muddy the water resources. It clarifies SNWA’s is not intended to require implementation Ensure management actions consistent River Recovery Implementation responsibilities and management direction of any specific management action with the Southern Nevada Public Land as they pertain to the Warm Springs Natural recommendations. Implementation of such Management Act Nomination Package and Program Area and ensures consistency with SNWA’s actions is left to the discretion of the SNWA Financial Assistance Agreement commitments in the SNPLMA Nomination and Board of Directors through the annual Create opportunities for low- the Muddy River Recovery Implementation budgeting process and through specific Ensure management actions consistent with impact public use Program. contract approvals as needed. the Muddy River Recovery Implementation Program Develop public education The development of the Stewardship Plan If funding is approved for a specific program opportunities which include for the natural resources and facilities or program element or if requests are made Provide a basis for the development has involved soliciting stakeholder input, for the Warm Springs Natural Area for a of staffing plans, budget needs, ecological processes and developing the mission statement to guide specific use, the Stewardship Plan is intended maintenance operations, and capital endangered species recovery the process, and establishing the goals to provide important guidance on how improvements and objectives for the management of the that program or program element is to be Provide the opportunity for a property. implemented. program of national scientific research on aquatic and terrestrial systems in the Mojave Desert

The known history of land use at WSNA The Southern Paiutes continued to use and Along with early American explorers, Mormon Around that time, the Muddy Springs band of begins with Native Americans during the live around the WSNA when the Dominguez- pioneers were among the first new arrivals to Paiute Indians was led by Chief Rufus. Their Early Agricultural period (AD1-550). Though Escalante Party charted the Spanish Trail. view the upper Muddy River area. Though home would have included Big Muddy Spring hunting and gathering certainly occurred the majority of settlements were established in and the surrounding area of WSNA. during the Archaic period (5500 BC-AD 1), The Spanish Trail passes about eight miles the lower Muddy River drainage, the town of it was not until the early inhabitants to the southeast (1776). The Coyote Spring West Point (about five miles down river) was The first recorded settlement on the WSNA was began agriculture that land use took on Rockshelter on WSNA shows a period of use established in 1868 and persisted until the by the Texas outlaw Alexander Dry. He built a new meaning. In the upper Muddy River, through the Early Historical (AD 1600-1830) flood of 1870. stone cabin with an arrowweed thatched roof agriculture can trace its origins as far back as and Settlement (1830-1900) periods where near a spring on WSNA in the late 1870s. AD 20-220 from a radiocarbon dated corn the shelter was possibly used by the Paiutes to He also ran a herd of cattle, the beginning cob. Cultivating maize, squash, and gourds escape Spanish slave raids that were common of grazing and its cumulative impacts to the was commonplace along the Muddy River and along the Spanish Trail. property. its tributaries during this period.

Texan outlaw Alexander Dry (Dri) homesteaded on WSNA. He built and lived in a stone cabin next to a Howard Hughes purchases Advent of maize farming in Mormon settle West Point spring until he was shot by Warm Springs Ranch. upper Muddy River Southern Paiutes - victims of Mormon settlement along (closest settlement to Warm the outlaw Jack Longstreet The Home Ranch School house moved to Big Ranching and agricultural (Basket maker II). Spanish slave trade. Muddy River. Springs). in 1882. established. Muddy Spring. practices continue.

Spanish priests Garces, Chief Rufus of the Muddy Town of West Point Warm Springs schoolhouse Francis Taylor acquired Baldwin and Home Ranches and Dominguez, and Escalante Springs Band of Paiutes abandoned following a flood along the Muddy River at other smaller parcels and he named the 1,200 acres the encounter Southern Paiutes. Their joins with other tribal chief and occupied by Paiutes. WSNA. “Warm Springs Ranch.” He built the “Big House” route becomes the Old Spanish and Mormon leaders to end otherwise known as the Taylor Mansion aside Big Muddy Trail. hostilities. Spring and began extensive pasture improvements. By 1906, at least three homes comprising the The property was then sold to Howard Hughes Home Ranch existed. The WSNA property in 1971 and then to the Latter Day Saints was largely divided by the Home Ranch to Church in 1978. In 2001, most of the Warm the southeast, and the Baldwin Ranch to the Springs Ranch property was sold to South northwest. At one point, a dairy existed on Fifteen LLC who sold it to SNWA in 2007. the Baldwin portion. The bulk of the property Though cultivation practices ended in the was under cultivation or irrigated pasture late 1970s after leasing the water used for by the 1950s which endured through the irrigation, cessation of grazing only ended in 1970s. The properties comprising the WSNA 2008. As a natural area, the property will passed several owners, but of note was the now be restored to native conditions for the consolidation of property by Frank Taylor who benefit of wildlife. purchased both ranches in 1950.

Folies Bergère Cabana

Environmental stewardship efforts are underway to recover the Moapa dace, SNWA Board of Directors approved an agreement restore habitat, and Warm Springs Ranch between South Fifteen, LLC, Sunburst Properties, (acres: 150 alfalfa, 70 oats, LLC, Pay Dace, LLC, and SNWA for the acquisition of manage the property as a 400 improved pastures, Water rights leased to SNWA submitted an application under the Warm Springs Ranch by SNWA and authorized Purchase of the Warm Springs Natural Area. 250 native pastures, 323 Nevada Power. Irrigated Round 6 of the Southern Nevada Public the General Manager to negotiate and execute the Ranch was finalized and SNWA rangeland, and 60 corrals/ agricultural fields Land Management Act (SNPLMA) to agreement and documents necessary to effectuate renamed the property “Warm buildings). abandoned. acquire the Warm Springs Ranch. the transfer. Springs Natural Area”.

Following death of Howard Property sold to South Fifteen, LLC. The Secretary of the Department of The Financial Assistance Agreement between SNWA End of ranching. Hughes in 1976, Warm Approximately 72 acres surrounding Interior approved SNWA’s request for and the United States Department of Interior Bureau Springs Ranch sold to the Big Muddy Springs were retained funding to acquire Warm Springs Ranch. of Land Management (BLM) was signed. SNWA LDS church. Ranching by the LDS Church. was awarded funding to purchase the property and and agricultural practices committed to manage it as a Natural Area. continue.

Imagine crossing Nevada’s harsh desert on Rich cultural heritage is preserved in the Before Native Americans began small-scale The first Euroamericans to settle the region horseback or wagon in the heat of summer, numerous archaeological sites found subsistence farming in the region 2,000 were members of the Church of Jesus Christ with its miles and miles of barren soil and throughout the Warm Springs Natural Area. years ago, they collected and ate the plentiful of the Latter Day Saints—the Mormons. scrubby creosote. Then off in the distance you The archaeological record tells us that edible foods. Thick stands of mesquite trees Their descendants, including Ute Perkins see a lush strip of green surrounding a flowing Southern Paiute people and their ancestors produced nutritious seed pods that were and his large family, still occupy the Moapa stream. Here, in what is today the Moapa lived in the Moapa Valley for thousands ground, made into cakes, and stored in Valley today. Historic corrals, irrigation Valley, tired settlers found water to quench their of years before the first American settlers caches. Grass seeds, wolf berries, cactus fruit, canals, fences, and house foundations found thirst, forage for their animals, shade from the arrived. The archaeological survey of the area and Indian spinach (Prince’s plume) are just a throughout the WSNA are a reminder of the heat, and warm pools to bathe tired feet. The identified prehistoric habitations, trails, artifact few of the numerous wild plants that the Native region’s early ranching and farming families, area’s flowing springs fed plants, animals, and scatters and rock shelters located on the Americans collected to supplement their crops like the Perkins, who struggled and fought to people for thousands of years—both Native terraces above the floodplain. Archaeologists of corn, beans, and squash. Bighorn sheep settle the American West. The Perkins family American and Euroamerican. believe that pithouse villages, like those and smaller animals such as quail, doves, leased the Home Ranch, located in the WSNA found elsewhere in the Southwestern United rabbits, and mice were hunted with traps or for six years, between 1923 and 1929. The States, probably lie buried in the Valley’s deep bows and arrows. Occasionally, large family family raised cattle and hogs, cultivated hay soils. Springs, fertile soils, lush vegetation, groups gathered to hunt jackrabbits by chasing and grain, and grew fruit trees on the ranch, and plentiful wildlife created a unique desert them into large handmade nets that could be and the only source of power was a water oasis. The wild grasses and seeds that the hundreds of yards in length. The Southern wheel until the 1930s. Although all of the first Euroamerican settlers fed to their livestock Paiute people and their ancestors developed buildings once occupied by the Perkins family were the staple foods of the area’s Southern cultural practices and traditions that enabled on the Home Ranch burned in a 1987 fire, Paiute occupants. them to grow and prosper for thousands of the oral histories, written stories, and photos years. Outlaws, like Alexander Dry, hid in the provide abundant information about what Warm Springs area and raised stolen cattle in early pioneer life was like in the area. the late 1800s.

Moapa Paiute House Las Vegas Paiute Encampment 1900 Water wheel Warm Springs Ranch 1941 station wagon (“Woodie”) Stream Temperature 32°C / 90.3°F

31°C / 88.5°F

30°C / 85.7°F

29°C / 83.4°F

27°C / 81.8°F

22°C / 72.7°F Temperature data courtesy of USGS and is an average of hourly temperature readings taken from 3/7/08 to 12/11/08. Temperatures between 17 sampling locations (not shown) are interpolated. More than any other feature of the landscape, The Warm Springs area is located near the house was also built on Jones Spring and Water is pumped from the river and piped to the hydrology of the Warm Springs area is southern end of the White River regional the landowner, Francis Taylor, donated water power plant. In the 1980s, the power plant key to the landscape. The unique hydrology groundwater flow system and is believed to rights and one acre of land to the Moapa was expanded and Nevada Power purchased is the reason Native Americans, ranchers, be the largest and one of the most southerly Valley Water Company. Frederick Apcar soon water rights from the LDS Church and other and people with recreational interests were outflows from this groundwater system. The bought the surrounding 45 acres for his own private landowners in the Warm Springs area. drawn to the property and also the reason aquifers in this area are generally composed private recreational use, concreted one of the Currently, NV Energy seasonally operates the property supports an endangered fish. of Paleozoic carbonate rocks and Tertiary springs and built a large swimming pool on about 12 alluvial wells in the Warm Springs The hydrology ties together a unique natural sedimentary rocks. Recharge in this system the site. A new pump house was constructed area and the surface water diversion on the environment with the rich cultural, historic, is primarily from precipitation in the high on the Jones Spring in 2004 by the Moapa river. Generally, the surface water is used in and socioeconomic uses of the Warm Springs mountain ranges of eastern Nevada (Eakin Valley Water District (Beck et al. 2006). the winter months and the wells are pumped Natural Area. All are juxtaposed through 1966). in the summer months (Beck et al. 2006). time due to the thermal waters which emanate Recreational Facilities from more than twenty regional springs, The US Geological Survey, irrigation Other recreational facilities were built to take Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge numerous seeps and wetlands in the area. districts, the US Bureau of Reclamation, the advantage of the 90°F water for swimming. In 1979, the Moapa Valley National Wildlife The springs then form warm-water tributaries, State of Nevada, SNWA and others have At the Pederson Springs, the 7-12 Warm Refuge was created from most of the 7-12 which become the headwaters of the Muddy collected water levels and stream gage data Springs Resort was built in the 1950s. This Warm Springs Resort and a small portion of River. The thermal spring water wells up at throughout the system as far back as 1913. resort had two swimming pools, one of which the Desert Oasis Warm Springs Resort. By the about 90°F from a deep carbonate aquifer. Six continuous-record stream gaging stations was built directly over a spring and the other late 1990s most of the swimming pools and As the water flows downstream it cools and and 11 partial-record stations in the area are was fed with piped spring water. The Desert other recreational infrastructure from the old becomes less favorable to the existence of cooperatively maintained by SNWA and the Oasis Warm Springs Resort had a swimming 7-12 Warm Springs Resort had been removed the endangered Moapa dace and the other USGS (Beck et al. 2006). pool, ponds, spa and water slide all fed by and restored for the Moapa dace. The Desert thermophilic species. the Plummer Springs. Other recreational Oasis Warm Springs Resort operated until History of Water Development swimming facilities included a large spring fed 1994 when a fire closed the resort. After the Hydrology pond and swimming pool on the LDS property fire, the resort remained closed until it was From European settlement in the late 1800s fed by Big Muddy Springs. In the early 1980s purchased by Del Webb and turned over to There are five major spring complexes in the to about the 1950s, water use in the area the LDS Church constructed a very large the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge. area. Two of these are on the Warm Springs consisted of a few ranches that derived their swimming pool at the Cardy Lamb Springs In 2001, the US Fish and Wildlife Service Natural Area: Cardy Lamb and Baldwin water from individual springs or wells. In the (Beck et al. 2006). (USFWS) expanded the Wildlife Refuge by Springs. The largest spring, producing over 1950s, the ranches eventually merged into purchasing 45 acres of land around Jones 4.8 million gallons per day, is Big Muddy one large ranch with an intricate system of Power Plant Spring (Apcar unit). The USFWS removed Spring located on the LDS Recreation Area. irrigation ditches. In the mid-1960s, the Reid Gardner coal- the swimming pool that Frederick Apcar had The remaining springs - Pederson and fired power plant was constructed about three installed and begun restoring the stream Plummer Springs - are located on the Moapa Water Companies miles downstream of the Warm Springs area. below the pump house (Beck et al. 2006). Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Two lesser In 1954, the Moapa Valley Water Company Initially, water for the plant was obtained In 2007, USFWS removed all the palm trees spring complexes of note, are Twin Springs and the Overton Water District entered into from the Muddy River near the plant and from the Apcar unit and restored the stream on the Warm Springs Natural Area and Jones a joint agreement to divert water from the from several wells in the Warm Springs area channel in Spring 2009. Springs on the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Warm Springs area to residences, businesses, on the Lewis Property. By the early 1970s, Refuge. A number of other unnamed springs and dairy establishments to the south. For Nevada Power (now NV Energy) constructed a and seeps also occur in the area (Beck et al. this purpose, water was developed from the diversion dam and a pumping station on the 2006). Baldwin Springs complex. In 1960, a pump Muddy River just above Warm Springs Road. FACILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE LEGEND

Û Flume #0 Gage op Spring

&( Well

Easement

Pipe

! !! Overhead Electrical

Concrete Ditch

Irrigation Pipe

Rivers and Streams

Roads

XXXXXX Fences

Warm Springs Natural Area

LDS Recreational Area

US Fish and Wildlife Service

Clark County Acquisition of the Warm Springs Natural Area by SNWA in 2007 included not only property assets but also a requirement to accommodate entities with easements on the property. Easements for water and power conveyance traverse the property servicing Moapa Valley Water District, NV Energy, and Overton Power Company. Gaging stations to Municipal water source/ monitor stream flows exist on several stream water treatment plant Water diversions reaches and have monitoring requirements by federal and state agencies. County roads Historic structures and State Highway 168 overlay a portion Irrigation ditches of the property. Because the property was previously used mainly for agriculture, irrigation ditches and fencing are ubiquitous features found throughout the Natural Area. To improve the aesthetics and decrease habitat segregation, much of the fencing and ditch works will be removed. Any features of historic significance will be preserved. Historic recreation Non-historic structures County road

Existing fencing

Production wells Easement maintenance

Historic agriculture Overhead easements

Pipeline easements

Fence maintenance

Vermilion flycatcher The upper Muddy River is considered one of the Mojave’s most important Common buckeye on sunflower areas of biodiversity and regionally Coyote (Canis latrans) Damselfly (Enallagma sp.) (Junonia coenia on Helianthus annuus) important ecological but threatened riparian landscapes (Provencher et al. 2005). Not only does the Warm Springs Natural Area encompass the majority of Muddy River tributaries it is also the largest single tract of land in the upper Muddy River set aside for the benefit of native species in perpetuity.

The prominence of water in an otherwise barren Mojave landscape provides an oasis for regional wildlife. A high bird diversity is attributed to an abundance of riparian and floodplain trees and shrubs. Contributions to plant diversity come from the Mojave Old World swallowtail (Papilio machaon) Desertsnow (Linanthus demissus) Lobe-leaved Phacelia (Phacelia crenulata) Cryptantha (Cryptantha sp.) vegetation that occur on the toe slopes of the Arrow Canyon Range from the west and the plant species occupying the floodplain where they are supported by a high water table. Several marshes and wet meadows add to the diversity of plants and animals. The thermal springs and tributaries host an abundance of aquatic species, many of which are endemic. The WSNA provides a haven for the abundant wildlife that resides permanently or seasonally and provides a significant level of protection for imperiled species.

Tarantula (Aphonopelma spp.) Beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) Pacific tree frog (Pseudacris regilla) Merriam’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami) Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) Desert banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) Spinyhair blazingstar (Mentzelia tricuspis) Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura)

Master blister beetle (Lytta magister) Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) California kingsnake California palm (Washingtonia filifera) Desert horned lizard (Lampropeltis getula californiae) seeds (Phyrnosoma platyrhinos)

Screwbean mesquite (Prosopis pubescens) Mesquite mistletoe Honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) Catclaw acacia (Acacia gregii) seed pods pods (Phoradendron californicum) fruit flowers Endemic Species Ecological Isolate

All organisms, their niches, and their The WSNA is considered a ecological isolate There are several bird species on the WSNA interactions with each other comprise (or island) within the dry Mojave Desert, identified under the Partners in Flight Species biological resources. Because of the providing quality riparian and mesquite Conservation Priority list. These species plentiful spring water with its unique thermal woodlands that attract an abundance of will be provided appropriate conservation properties, the Warm Springs Natural Area wildlife, especially birds. The endangered consideration. (WSNA) harbors an abundance of endemic Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax species that occur nowhere else on earth. Of traillii extimus) has been documented as Some species such as the Vermilion flycatcher all the endemic species that occur on WSNA, nesting on the property. Protecting the (Pyrocephalus rubinus) and Phainopepla the Moapa dace (Moapa coriacea) is the nesting habitat is an important management (Phainopepla nitens) are signature species most imperiled and is federally protected as objective to help ensure long-term population at the WSNA. Due to abundant and an endangered species. For this reason, the viability for this endangered species. Plant predictable population levels, they are priority of management attention is focused communities and their floristic composition, important for recreational viewing by the on its protection and recovery. The Moapa structure, and condition all contribute to birding community. Protecting at-risk and dace’s recovery is largely dependent upon habitat quality and preferential use by other important species is primarily a function restoring stream habitat and the removal of wildlife. Soil disturbance and the introduction of protecting and enhancing their respective introduced, competitive fish species. of invasive weeds have created a threat habitats. Much of their habitat requirements to habitat quality and increase the risk of overlap where multiple species are benefited catastrophic wildfires. from the same management practices.

Species Conservation Because of the oasis effect, provided by lush riparian vegetation in an otherwise harsh In addition to species protected under the Mojave Desert ecosystem, WSNA supports a federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), large and diverse population of bats. At least numerous other species are considered 15 species of bats have been documented Thermal properties of at-risk because of their local endemism or using various habitats of the Warm Springs limited distribution. A critical management Natural Area. Fields, mesquite woodlands, the WSNA springs and component on the WSNA is not only riparian habitats, marshes, and open water identifying threatened and/or endangered offer large insect populations and foraging tributaries are key to the species, but also managing at-risk or rare opportunities for bats. existence of the endemic plants and animals. It is important to monitor at-risk species in order to assess population and rare species. stability. It requires less effort to protect a species from becoming endangered than recovering one once it has become such. Sensitive Species 28 SENSITIVE SPECIES

28 Sensitive Species on WSNA Common Name Scientific Name USFWS NNHP State Status Footnotes There are 28 at-risk or Fish rare species including some 1 Moapa White River springfish Crenichthys baileyi moapae critically imperiled in state 4,6,8 endangered or threatened 2 Virgin River chub Gila seminuda (Muddy River Population) globally - critically imperiled 4,5,6,8 3 Moapa dace Moapa coriacea Endangered critically imperiled in state 1,4,5,6,8 species residing on the 4 Moapa speckled dace Rhinichthys osculus moapae critically imperiled in state 4,5,6,8 property. The 1996 Recovery Invertebrates 5 Western naucorid Ambrysus mormon 7 Plan for the Rare Aquatic 6 Warm Springs crawling water beetle Haliplus eremicus not ranked 4 Species of the Muddy River 7 MacNeill sooty wing skipper Hesperopsis gracielae critically imperiled in state 4,5,6 8 Moapa naucorid Limnocoris moapensis critically imperiled in state 4,7,8 Ecosystem identifies current 9 Moapa riffle beetle Microcylloepus moapus critically imperiled in state 4,5,7 status, threats and recovery 10 Pahranagat naucorid Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone 4,7 11 Moapa pebblesnail Pyrgulopsis avernalis petitioned for imperiled in state due to rarity 4,7,8 needs for the Moapa dace listing and seven other rare, aquatic 12 Moapa Valley pyrg Pyrgulopsis carinifera petitioned for critically imperiled in state 4,7 listing species (three fish, two snails 13 Moapa skater Rhagovelia becki 7 and two insects). 14 Moapa Warm Springs riffle beetle Stenelmis moapa critically imperiled in state 4,5,7,8 15 Grated tryonia Tryonia clathrata petitioned for imperiled in state due to rarity 4,7,8 listing Other species are included Birds from the Clark County 16 Western yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Candidate globally - vulnerable to decline 3,4,5,6 occidentalis Multiple Species Habitat 17 Southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus Endangered critically imperiled in state 1,4,5,6 Conservation Plan (2000), 18 Phainopepla Phainopepla nitens imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 19 Vermilion flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus 6 the Nevada Natural Heritage 20 Summer tanager Piranga rubra 6 Program at-risk tracking list Bats 21 Townsend’s big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 and/or watch list, and rare 22 Spotted bat Euderma maculatum imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 aquatic species at WSNA 23 Western red bat Lasiurus blossevillii critically imperiled in state 4,5 identified in a survey report by 24 Western yellow bat Lasiurus xanthinus critically imperiled in state 4 25 California leaf-nosed bat Macrotus californicus imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 Albrecht et al. (2008). 26 Fringed myotis Myotis thysanodes imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 27 Big free-tailed bat Nyctinomops macrotis imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 Reptiles 28 Desert tortoise Gopherus agassizii Threatened vulnerable to decline 2,4,5,6 FOOTNOTES: 1 Listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act 5 Bureau of Land Management - Nevada Special Status Species 2 Listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act 6 Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). 2000 3 Candidate species under the Endangered Species Act 7 Muddy River Headwaters Macroinvertebrate Report - Albrecht et al. 2008 4 State of Nevada Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. 2009 8 U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996. Recovery plan for the rare aquatic species of the Muddy River ecosystem ECOLOGICAL ASSEMBLAGES

Muddy River Aquatic Six ecological systems were identified by Assemblage Provencher and Andress (2004) as occurring in the upper Muddy River. Each system forms an ecologically functional assemblage Warm Springs Aquatic that contains habitat features and a suite of Assemblage organisms. All six assemblages are known to occur on the Warm Springs Natural Area and help characterize the existing Riparian Woodlands ecological units that require management in order to protect wildlife, many of which are endemic or regionally rare. The Warm N.. F Riparian Shrubland Forrk M Springs Aquatic Assemblage and the Muddy uu dd dd yy River Aquatic Assemblage are of particular interest due to the endangered Moapa dace Riparian Marsh/Meadow y d d d ud (Moapa coriacea) as well as several endemic S.. Fork M

B B

i i

g invertebrates. g Mesquite Bosques MM

uu

dd dd yy The other assemblages provide habitat for a SS pp rr variety of wildlife but especially for rare birds iinn gg ss SS such as the Southwestern willow flycatcher OTHER ECOLOGICAL ttrr ee aa (Empidonax traillii extimus), Yellow-billed m GROUPS A Mu cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis), Jones Apcar ddy R iver Spring Vermilion flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus), Complex m Summer tanager (Piranga rubra), and m a S a Str e eam e am r r t

t S

S Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitans). Each

n n

o o

s s

r

r m e

e a

d

d ea Creosote Bush Shrubland e

e re assemblage and its associated species

P t P Refuge St that merits management consideration is Pederson Spring Plummer discussed per assemblage. This approach Saltbush Shrubland Complex Spring emphasizes the need to manage functional Complex systems and habitats in order to sustain Alkali Meadow and/or enhance identified recovery species. !!! While the same species may occupy multiple : ecological assemblages, each species is 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 discussed in the assemblage where it reaches Abandoned Agricultural Feet Fields maximum prevalence.

Other The Muddy River Aquatic Assemblage Virgin River chub Moapa speckled dace Aquatic invertebrates encompasses the Muddy River. It is (Gila seminuda) (Rhinichthys osculus moapae) characterized by shrubby vegetation composed primarily of tamarisk and honey The Muddy River population of Virgin River Moapa speckled dace populations are known The only published collection of the Moapa mesquite growing along a highly incised chub has a high potential for being listed as to fluctuate greatly. The Moapa speckled skater (Rhagovelia becki) was by Polhemus streambank. Water temperatures range an endangered species. It has been declining dace averages three inches in length and (1973) who described the species and by between 80°-90° F on the WSNA. Exotic throughout the Muddy River since the 1960s. typically lives for three years. The speckled Huillet (1998). Several surveys since have fishes such as tilapia, mollies, and mosquito Chub decline has been attributed to changes dace is a close relative of the Moapa dace not recorded the species (Albrecht et al. fish are ubiquitous. While many aquatic in water and substrate quality, channelization, and has similar habitat requirements but 2008, Stevens Ecological Consulting 2004, animal species occur throughout the introduced fishes, and parasites. Since its prefers the cooler water temperatures below Sada and Herbst 1999), but R. choneutes aquatic assemblages, a few reach maximum extirpation in the Warm Springs area in about the Warm Springs area. Because of this was commonly observed in the Warm Springs prevalence within this assemblage. Two 1997, this species has not been able to thermal barrier, the two species are non- area, suggesting either local extirpation or native fishes and two aquatic invertebrates of recolonize these streams due to a diversion competitive. Larval speckled dace are misidentification of R. becki (Sada and Herbst concern primarily occur in this assemblage. dam near Warm Springs Road. The Virgin primarily plankton feeders, while the adults 1999). The Warm Springs crawling water River chub averages 8-10 inches in length. feed primarily on both aquatic insects and beetle (Haliplus eremicus) was collected SPECIES FOR It prefers deep streams with swift water. algae. Speckled dace prefer the lower originally on the LDS Recreational Property MANAGEMENT Dietary preferences of larval and juvenile horizon of shallow, cobble riffles. They likely as well as from Arizona (Wells 1989) and chub consist primarily of aquatic insects. face similar threats from deterioration in water subsequently from the Muddy River on CONSIDERATION Adult chub feed on both insects and algae. quality, introduction of non-native fish, and the LDS property (Huillet 1998). Current • Virgin River chub Management of Virgin River chub on WSNA parasites. The source population of speckled collection records include California and requires reestablishing connectivity with the dace resides downstream of WSNA below a Utah within its range (R. Baumann, personal Gila seminuda - Muddy core population that occur downstream, fish barrier. Restoring a population on the communication, April 2009). River Population* eliminating introduced fishes, and restoring WSNA will require reestablishing connectivity. floodplain vegetation. • Moapa speckled dace Rhinichthys osculus moapae*

• Warm Springs crawling water beetle Haliplus eremicus

• Moapa skater Surveys for Virgin River Rhagovelia becki chub are currently * Recovery Plan for the Rare Aquatic Species conducted in the Muddy of the Muddy River Ecosystem (USFWS 1996) River in Spring and Fall. Virgin River chub Moapa speckled dace Warm Springs crawling water beetle (Gila seminuda) (Rhinichthys osculus moapae) (Haliplus eremicus) 30 WARM SPRINGS AQUATIC ASSEMBLAGE

The Warm Springs Aquatic Assemblage The overall condition of the Warm Springs is considered irreplaceable and the most Aquatic Assemblage is considered “poor” SPECIES FOR MANAGEMENT important assemblage in the upper Muddy due to water withdrawals, entrenchment, River ecoregional portfolio (Provencher and and exotic species (Provencher et al. 2005). CONSIDERATION Andress 2004). This assemblage includes Past and ongoing stream restoration has the thermal springs and tributaries which improved conditions, but until the Moapa constitute the headwaters of the Muddy dace population has rebounded, restoration River. The endangered Moapa dace (Moapa efforts will continue. On the WSNA, stream coriacea) and the Moapa White River reaches and spring heads have been Endemics springfish (Crenichthys baileyi moapae) are identified and prioritized by the Biological native thermophiles dependent upon the Advisory Committee for restoration. The warm springs and streams for survival. The Lower Pederson has been rechanneled, and Moapa dace (Moapa coriacea)* Moapa pebblesnail (Pyrgulopsis avernalis) the system is currently being improved for Moapa White River springfish (Crenichthys baileyi is an endemic snail species found in the dace habitat by installing drift stations and moapae)* headwaters of the upper Muddy River. augmenting natural revegetation. Of the Additionally, three thermophilic aquatic nine upper Muddy Valley stream segments Moapa naucorid (Limnocoris moapensis)* insects are endemic to the Muddy River identified for restoration by Provencher et Moapa riffle beetle (Microcylloepus moapus) headwaters, namely, the Moapa naucorid al. (2005), four reside almost exclusively on Moapa pebblesnail (Pyrgulopsis avernalis)* (Limnocoris moapensis), Moapa riffle beetle the WSNA, and one other is shared with the Moapa Warm Springs riffle beetle (Stenelmis moapa)* (Microcylloepus moapus), and Moapa Warm Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The Springs riffle beetle (Stenelmis moapa) (Parker remaining reach segments would not be et al. 1997). All seven species are identified considered part of the Warm Springs Aquatic by the Nevada Natural Heritage Program Assemblage but rather the Muddy River Rare Non-Endemics as at-risk. Other rare species within this Aquatic Assemblage. assemblage that occur on the WSNA and other locations in Nevada include the Western Grated tryonia (Tryonia clathrata)* naucorid (Ambrysus mormon), Pahranagat Moapa Valley pyrg (Pyrgulopsis carinifera) naucorid (Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone) Western naucorid (Ambrysus mormon) (Parker et al. 1997), and Moapa Valley pyrg (Pyrgulopsis carinifera) (Albrecht et al. Pahranagat naucorid (Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone) 2008). The latter two species are also listed as “at-risk” by the Nevada Natural Heritage Program.

Moapa dace population * Recovery Plan for the Rare Aquatic Species of the surveys are conducted each Muddy River Ecosystem (USFWS 1996) February and August. MOAPA DACE RECOVERY GOALS FOR DELISTING

Life Cycle of the Moapa Dace

STEPS TO ACHIEVE RECOVERY OTHER RARE AQUATIC SPECIES

Moapa White River springfish Aquatic Invertebrates (Crenichthys baileyi moapae)

As the most abundant native fish on WSNA Several aquatic invertebrates identified for The Amargosa naucorid (Pelocoris shoshone Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone was also and the entire upper Muddy River, the management consideration are known to amargosus) may have mistakenly been encountered by Sada and Herbst (1999). Moapa White River springfish is the least reach their maximum prevalence in the Warm thought as occurring in the Muddy River Albrecht et al. (2008) listed a sampled threatened. The springfish is able to tolerate Springs Aquatic Assemblage. The Recovery due to referenced use of the common name naucorid as Pelocoris biimpressus (?shoshone) high water temperatures and low dissolved Plan for the Rare Aquatic Species of the “Amargosa naucorid.” Parker et al. (1997) suggesting uncertainty as to the identification oxygen making the thermal springs and Muddy River Ecosystem (1996) recognizes two lists P. shoshone as occurring in thermal at the subspecies level. It is apparent that all streams on WSNA ideal habitat. The upper snails and two insects as species of concern. springs of the upper Muddy River, but no variations are the same species – hereafter Muddy River is the source population for They are all endemic to the Muddy River mention is made of the subspecies. The referred to as the Pahranagat naucorid those downstream. The Moapa White and known to occur on WSNA. The Clark Recovery Plan for the Rare Aquatic Species of (Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone). River springfish is commonly 1.5-2.0 inches County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation the Muddy River Ecosystem (USFWS 1996) in length and typically lives three years. Plan (2000) identifies one additional snail identifies Pelocoris shoshone shoshone as a Springfish reproduce year-round, with peak and two additional aquatic insects as high species of concern on their recovery list but reproduction occurring in the spring when priority species for evaluation. An aquatic applies the common name as Amargosa food sources, such as algae and aquatic invertebrate survey performed on WSNA naucorid. Huillet (1998) did not sample insects are most readily available. Protecting by Albrecht et al. (2008) identified three Pelocoris shoshone but listed Pelocoris existing thermal and flow qualities of the additional rare insect species. The Nevada biimpressus shoshone indicating taxonomic upper Muddy River springs and reaches, and Natural Heritage Program adds another confusion among literature citing Pelocoris in controlling introduced fishes is important for aquatic insect purported as occurring on the Muddy River. this species. WSNA on their watch list.

Moapa White River springfish Moapa Warm Springs riffle beetle Pahranagat naucorid Moapa naucorid (Limnocoris moapensis) (Crenichthys baileyi moapae) (Stenelmis moapa) (Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone) Aquatic Invertebrate Recovery projects. Restoration projects will also give parameters throughout the stream reaches. due consideration to habitat heterogeneity in Sada and Herbst (1999) recommend The general belief is that restoring stream design and implementation. maximizing habitat diversity to benefit the habitat for Moapa dace will be beneficial entire community. for all aquatic invertebrates. Competition Stream restoration efforts require provisions theory suggests niche separation will occur for the full suite of endemic and rare Focusing restoration work solely on fishes across the breadth of existing niches. Single aquatic macroinvertebrates at WSNA. may negatively impact aquatic invertebrates. species management can easily favor one Because the different species prefer different Community stability, resistance, and resilience group of species over another. Due to the flow velocities, water depths, substrates, are positively related to species diversity. diversity of rare aquatic species in the upper vegetation, coarse particulate organic Muddy River, aquatic invertebrate sampling matter, and bank structure, it is imperative will be implemented for all stream restoration to maintain a diversity of aquatic habitat Moapa pebblesnail (Pyrgulopsis avernalis)

Aquatic Invertebrates - Percent Occurrence % Reach The occurrence of rare aquatic invertebrates throughout the headwaters per 11 Reaches from Muddy River Occurrence of the Muddy River within the Warm Headwaters to NV Energy Diversion Springs Aquatic Assemblage indicates broad distribution with the exception of the Pahranagat naucorid which was only Grated tryonia (Tryonia clathrata) 100% sampled in 3 of 11 headwater reaches (Albrecht et al. 2008). It was located in Moapa Warm Springs riffle beetle (Stenelmis moapa) 91% the Apcar, South Fork, and middle main stem reaches. Previous sampling by Sada Moapa riffle beetle (Microcylloepus moapus) 91% & Herbst (1999) did not encounter it in the South Fork but did locate it in the Plummer Western naucorid (Ambrysus mormon) 82% and Pederson streams. They noted a habitat preference for slow backwater Moapa pebblesnail (Pyrgulopsis avernalis) 73% with fine substrates and sparse vegetation. Huillet (1998) mentioned the naucorid Moapa naucorid (Limnocoris moapensis) 73% as commonly collected. The distribution of this species appears greater than what Moapa Valley pyrg (Pyrgulopsis carinifera) 73% was sampled by Albrecht et al. (2008) and Pahranagat naucorid (Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone) 27% is likely an artifact of sample methodology. Albrecht et al. 2008 The Deciduous Riparian Woodland along the Fremont cottonwood provides the largest SPECIES FOR Muddy River and its tributaries on WSNA have structural component in this assemblage and MANAGEMENT an abundance of velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina), is an important habitat species. It readily CONSIDERATION Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), pioneers disturbed riparian areas and will Goodding’s willow (Salix gooddingii), and likely not require significant restoration California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera). attention. In established groves along • Southwestern willow The deciduous trees are especially important irrigation ditches, the trees continue to persist flycatcher as nesting habitat for birds and as shade because their roots have reached groundwater, Empidonax traillii extimus cover for native fish. The fan palms, while but recruitment of new trees is limited because not desirable when they are impacting stream of discontinued irrigation. In such areas, flow dynamics, do provide roosting habitat for managed restoration may be desirable. • Western yellow-billed the yellow bat and food for a variety of birds. cuckoo Riparian woodlands have expanded along Because the California fan palm has invasive Coccyzus americanus many irrigation ditches thereby extending characteristics, develops undesirable fuel the distribution of quality bird habitat. In loads, and can negatively impact stream flow occidentalis many riparian areas, the trees alternate with dynamics, it will not be purposefully planted as or are replaced by the Riparian Shrubland a component in riparian woodland restoration. • Summer tanager Assemblage, forming an ecotone. In many woodland areas, the palms will be controlled in favor of more desirable native Piranga rubra Management of riparian woodland entails trees. Where fuel loads are not an issue, protecting existing quality habitat from palms may be left intact. Where palm trees • Townsend’s big-eared bat fire, exotic plant invasion, and age-related are removed, native tree species will be Corynorhinus townsendii decadence, as well as restoring riparian restored. woodland along denuded stream reaches. Velvet ash and Goodding’s willow are • Western red bat particularly valuable riparian woodland Lasiurus blossevillii species. Where recruitment of these species is not occurring naturally, site augmentation with propagated plants or transplants is • Western yellow bat recommended. The desired condition for this Lasiurus xanthinus assemblage is a heterogeneous composition of age classes and tree densities throughout the riparian corridors. • Fringed myotis Myotis thysanodes

Velvet ash woodland RIPARIAN SPECIES

Southwestern willow flycatcher Western yellow-billed cuckoo Summer tanager Western yellow bat (Empidonax traillii extimus) (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) (Piranga rubra) (Lasiurus xanthinus)

The southwestern willow flycatcher is a small, The Western yellow-billed cuckoo is a The summer tanager, a Clark County Multiple The Western yellow bat has been recorded insect-eating bird that has been protected medium-sized, slender and inconspicuous Species Habitat Conservation Plan Covered roosting in the palm trees (Washingtonia as an endangered species by the US Fish bird that forages in dense, leafy trees and Species, is a medium-sized bird with a stout filifera) of the Warm Springs Natural Area. and Wildlife Service since 1995. There are eats large insects such as grasshoppers and bill. Males are a brilliant red color and This is the only population of yellow bats estimated to be only 900 - 1,000 breeding caterpillars. The Nevada Department of females are a buffy orange color. Males have that has been located in Nevada, and this pairs of the southwestern willow flycatcher. Wildlife has identified cuckoos in a few areas small crests. Summer tanagers feed on bees population is disjunct and more northerly than Southwestern willow flycatchers breed in sites around the state in small numbers. These and wasps that they catch in the air. They other populations of yellow bats (O’Farrell et that have very dense tree cover usually close birds are nomadic and numbers fluctuate are confirmed breeders on the Warm Springs al. 2004). to water and over saturated soil. greatly from year to year. A significant portion Natural Area according to Great Basin Bird of the cuckoos found in Nevada in the early Observatory (Appendix 4). Management for Resident southwestern willow flycatchers were 2000s were at the Warm Springs Natural the summer tanager is similar to management RIPARIAN WOODLAND noted on the Warm Springs Natural Area in Area but more recent surveys have only for the southwestern willow flycatcher and BAT SPECIES 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. detected one bird each year from 2003 to includes preservation and establishment of • Western yellow bat In 2008, nine southwestern willow flycatchers 2006, zero in 2007, and three in 2008. Two dense riparian vegetation. Lasiurus xanthinus were located on WSNA north of the Apcar detections were made in 2009 (Bruce Lund, Stream (Braden et al. 2009). In 2009, four personal communication, 2009). These birds • Townsend’s big-eared bat birds were found in dense patches of trees have been observed in the large woodland Corynorhinus townsendii north of the Muddy River (Klinger & Conrad north of the main stem of the Muddy River • Western red bat 2010). Of the four birds detected, two were (Braden et al. 2009), but cuckoos can be Lasiurus blossevillii a pair that fledged three young (McLeod et al. found throughout the WSNA in appropriate • Fringed myotis 2010). habitats. Myotis thysanodes

Southwestern willow flycatcher Western yellow-billed cuckoo Summer tanager (Piranga rubra) Western yellow bat (Empidonax traillii extimus) (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) (Lasiurus xanthinus) 3.07 RIPARIAN SHRUBLAND

The Riparian Shrubland at WSNA occurs MacNeill sooty wing skipper along sections of the South Fork and Muddy (Hesperopsis gracielae) River as well as along some irrigation ditches. Shrubs including Emory’s baccharis (Baccharis Quailbush is a known host plant for the emoryi), arrowweed (Pluchea sericea), MacNeill sooty wing skipper. Larvae of this coyote willow (Salix exigua) and other butterfly feed on the leaves whereas the riparian non-obligates such as quailbush adults forage for nectar on flowering plants. (Atriplex lentiformis) commonly occur in this Quailbush occurs abundantly at WSNA and is assemblage. This riparian shrubland provides not in danger of diminishing. valuable habitat for birds, small mammals, and terrestrial invertebrates. The MacNeill sooty wing skipper is considered common to abundant in Moapa Valley having been collected from Bowman Reservoir and Hidden Valley (Austin & Austin 1980). SPECIES FOR Hidden Valley is approximately five miles MANAGEMENT south of the WSNA and no fragmented host plant populations occur between recorded CONSIDERATION collections and the WSNA property. Adults have been recorded nectaring on tamarisk, salt heliotrope (Heliotropium curassavicum), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) (Austin & Austin 1980). However, Nelson (2009) did not record the MacNeill sooty-wing skipper at the WSNA during limited sampling in April and July 2009.

• MacNeill sooty wing skipper Hesperopsis gracielae

MacNeill sooty wing skipper Quailbush (Hesperopsis gracielae) (Atriplex lentiformis) 3.08 RIPARIAN MARSH/MEADOW

Marshes and seeps provide essential habitat Marshland on the Warm Springs Natural Area Introduction of the Because Warm Springs Area is within the for amphibians, birds, invertebrates, and is primarily derived from spring outflow that Relict leopard frog historic range of the relict leopard frog, frogs small mammals. Because wetland habitat may be either partially ponded or terminates were relocated to adjacent lands owned is so productive, it provides the food base in wet meadows. The amount of water varies The relict leopard frog (Lithobates onca) by Clark County in 2010. Releasing relict to support higher trophic species such as seasonally with the greatest standing water historically occurred in springs near the leopard frogs on the Warm Springs Natural predators. Due to its rarity and resource-rich most abundant during the winter months Colorado, Virgin, and Muddy Rivers including Area may be part of recovery efforts for this quality within an otherwise resource-scarce when the groundwater is particularly close to the springs at the headwaters of the Warm species. Mojave desert ecosystem, riparian marshes the surface. In some areas, riparian meadow Springs Natural Area (Bradford et al. 2004). and seeps attract and harbor an abundance vegetation can be found where surface water By 1950, this frog was believed to be extinct. of wildlife. is entirely absent. Vegetation in such areas However, in 1991 relict leopard frogs were is supported by the high water table in the rediscovered in several springs near Littlefield winter months. Riparian meadows form an Arizona, near Lake Mead, and below Hoover important feeding ground for many of the bird dam. Conservation efforts include monitoring SPECIES FOR species found on the natural area. Mowing existing populations, enhancing spring MANAGEMENT in combination with periodic prescribed fire is habitats, captive rearing, and translocating useful to maintain the health and productivity frogs into historic and new locations. CONSIDERATION of riparian meadows. The few marshes found on the Natural Area are largely overgrown with cattails and would benefit from the management practices that expose surface water for waterfowl and other wildlife.

• Relict leopard frog Lithobates onca

Marsh Cattails Relict leopard frog (Lithobates onca) Yerba mansa 3.09 MESQUITE BOSQUE

Both honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) Phainopepla Vermilion flycatcher Spotted bat and screwbean mesquite (Prosopis pubescens) (Phainopepla nitans) (Pyrocephalus rubinus) (Euderma maculatum) comprise the mesquite woodland community type. Of the two, screwbean mesquite The phainopepla is a medium-sized bird. The Vermilion flycatcher is a small flycatcher The spotted bat is a large bat with extremely is regionally least common and perhaps Males are a silky black color and females are found in the southwestern United States large ears and three large white spots on its therefore the most ecologically significant. gray. Both sexes have crests. Phainopeplas southward to Argentina. This species inhabits back. This state-protected species is known On the WSNA screwbean mesquite forms feed on both berries and flying insects. desert riparian areas but primarily nests in to roost on cliffs and to forage in mesquite a dense (near monotypic) woodland in The phainopepla is closely tied to the the screwbean woodland on the WSNA. The bosques in the Warm Springs Natural Area (O’Farrell et al. 2004 and Williams et al. some areas and provides important nesting availability of the berries of mistletoe Warm Springs Natural Area is home to the 2006). The spotted bat eats a variety of and shelter habitat for many species of (Phoradendron spp.) which is a parasitic plant largest breeding population of Vermilion insects but primarily feeds on moths. This wildlife. The screwbean mesquite woodland that grows on mesquite trees (Prosopis spp.). flycatchers in Nevada. Males are a bright species is rare and patchy in occurrence in red color and females are gray with a peach at WSNA is the largest contiguous stand in The phainopepla eats the mistletoe berries, a variety of habitats throughout the western belly. Vermilion flycatchers feed mostly on Nevada. Both mesquite species host the digests them, and defecates the remaining United States. The spotted bat has one young parasitic mesquite mistletoe (Phoradendron sticky seeds on the branches of mesquite flying insects, such as bees and dragonflies per year in June or July. Little else is known californicum) which is an important food item trees. The seeds sprout and the mistletoe that they catch on the wing. They often about this elusive species. Management for the Phainopepla. Aerial photographs of becomes established on new mesquite trees. forage over water or meadows. Management for the spotted bat includes protecting cliff WSNA taken in 1950 reveal an absence of Management for phainopepla includes for the Vermilion flycatcher includes keeping roosting areas and maintaining insect and mesquite in the floodplain due to cultivated maintaining mesquite stands that are riparian and mesquite woodlands relatively moth diversity by maintaining open mesquite crops. Much of the land currently occupied parasitized by mistletoe. open because they avoid densely wooded bosque habitat. by mesquite was still farmed as late as areas. These birds also occur in the riparian- 1985. The abundance of mesquite at the agricultural interface especially near lightly present time reflects a discontinuation of cultivated or abandoned fields near open SPECIES FOR farming and change to cattle grazing as the water. MANAGEMENT primary land use on the property since the late 1980s. While mature stands of mesquite CONSIDERATION provide positive habitat attributes, the total replacement of native grasslands by mesquite • Phainopepla is not desirable. Ideally, a mosaic of mesquite woodland across the landscape representing Phainopepla nitans different age-classes and densities is the preferred ecological state. At present, the • Vermilion flycatcher woodland understory is dominated by non- Pyrocephalus rubinus native grasses and forbs, remnants of former pasture species. A long-term goal of restoring native understory species will only enhance • Spotted bat the value of this vegetation type. Euderma maculatum

Honey mesquite pods Phainopepla Vermilion flycatcher (Phaninopepla nitans) (Pyrocephalus rubinus) 3.10 OTHER ECOLOGICAL GROUPS

Several plant communities exist on WSNA Creosote bush shrubland Saltbush shrubland Alkali meadow that do not fall within TNC’s six ecological “assemblages” (Provencher et al. 2005) but Characteristic of the Mojave Desert, this This vegetation community is found in Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) is the most still harbor rare and or protected animal shrubland provides habitat for the threatened more saline soils of the floodplain in the prevalent species found within this plant species. Additional plant communities desert tortoise and at least two species of upper Muddy River. In the most saline soils community followed by alkali sacaton include the creosote bush shrubland, saltbush bats, the California leaf-nosed bat and the where a high water table exists, iodinebush (Sporobolus airoides). Because of the past shrubland, and alkali meadows. big free-tailed bat. Creosote bush shrubland (Allenrolfea occidentalis) can be a dominant extensive cultivation at WSNA, remnant stands occupies the upland areas of WSNA above species. Other areas on the WSNA are of alkali meadows are considered extremely the floodplain. It is also the dominant dominated by quailbush (Atriplex lentiformis) important. Much of this community type has vegetation type that surrounds WSNA. and Mojave seablite (Suaeda moquinii). This been replaced by Bermuda grass (Cynodon Much of the plant diversity documented on community often forms a gradient with alkali dactylon). These meadows also serve as the WSNA occurs in this community. The meadows. foraging grounds for wildlife, especially where Creosote bush shrubland at the WSNA has they border mesquite woodland. not been heavily impacted by past agricultural practices. This area is in good condition with expansive distribution outside the WSNA boundary. Management action will likely be limited to controlling some of the common non-native weeds that increase the risk and spread of wildfire such as red brome (Bromus rubens) and Sahara mustard (Brassica SPECIES FOR tournefortii). MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATION (Creosote bush shrubland)

• Desert tortoise Gopherus agassizii

• California leaf-nosed bat Macrotus californicus

• Big free-tailed bat Nyctinomops macrotis

Creosote bush shrubland Saltbush shrubland Alkali meadow Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) SPECIAL MANAGEMENT

FIRE MANAGEMENT

INVASIVE MANAGEMENT

CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

SPECIAL MANAGEMENT

Stewardship Plan Management Priorities Goals and Objectives MANAGEMENT

SNWA committed to join with stakeholders The prioritization process was formulated by Goals and objectives guide implementation PRIORITIES to develop a long-term plan for the property. the Core Team and experts in various fields. of future management actions toward The purpose of this document is to establish The Mission Statement developed by the Core activities that produce the desired outcome long-term management direction for the Team establishes management priorities and of a well-balanced Natural Area. The Core Manage the property for the Warm Springs Natural Area. It is SNWA’s serves to frame future decisions. Team identified the following goals and intention that the Stewardship Plan will objectives to direct future management for the benefit and recovery of the establish a framework for appropriate land The following are management priorities for Warm Springs Natural Area: Moapa dace. This includes uses for the property that preserve the integrity the property: restoring and protecting the of natural resources and lay a foundation • Protect listed, sensitive, and thermal thermal springs and their for the property that will foster stakeholder • Manage the property for the benefit endemic species and their habitat when outflows. relationships. The Stewardship Plan is and recovery of the Moapa dace. This conducting management activities; intended to clarify SNWA’s responsibilities includes restoring and protecting the Manage the property for and management direction as they pertain to thermal springs and their outflows. • Reduce fuels on site, focusing first on conservation on the Warm Springs Natural the portion of the property adjacent to the benefit of protected Area and ensure consistency with the SNWA’s • Manage the property for the benefit neighbors and then property-wide fuels species: federal, state, commitments in the SNPLMA Nomination and of federally-protected, state-protected, reduction to insure safety; sensitive and thermal endemic the Muddy River Recovery Implementation sensitive, and thermal endemic species. species. Program. • Preserve cultural and historic resources on • Manage the property as a Natural Area – the property; Manage the property as a While the Stewardship Plan is intended to which means encouraging native species Natural Area – which provide guidance for SNWA management and their ecological assemblages and • Utilize local, native species when restoring and future land uses and activities on the removing invasive species. the Natural Area; means promoting native Warm Springs Natural Area, it is important species and their habitats and to note that the Stewardship Plan is a • Reduce fuel loads and establish fire • Reduce invasive species on site, where controlling invasive species. conceptual document to begin dialogue and breaks on the Natural Area to protect possible; is not intended to require implementation neighbors and property. Reduce fuel loads and of any specific management action • Encourage public appreciation of the establish fire breaks on the recommendations. Implementation of such • Carry out SNPLMA commitments for the natural systems through education; Natural Area to protect actions is left to the discretion of the SNWA property for controlled public access of Board of Directors through the annual the Natural Area. • Provide the opportunity for scientific neighbors and property. budgeting process and through specific research programs of the Warm Springs contract approvals as needed. ecological system; and Carry out SNPLMA commitments for controlled • Consider the Warm Springs Natural public access of the Natural Area as a component of the Muddy Area. River ecosystem (migratory flyway, headwaters of the Muddy River, etc.) when implementing management decisions. Illegal Dumping Beaver Management Grazing

Illegal dumping of trash has occurred at Although beaver dams and ponds are well The current ecological condition of WSNA Using grazing for the purpose of fuels certain locations of the WSNA for many years. known for their important role in flood (ranging from poor to good) is primarily due reduction or biological weed control is worthy Lawn and garden refuse and household items control and in the establishment of wetlands, to the cumulative effect of crop cultivation of consideration given other factors of habitat are a few of the commonly encountered items meadows, and riverine forests, beaver dams and extensive grazing. While grazing quality are preserved. Currently, preference once disposed of on the property. The most and ponds can be detrimental to Moapa pastured or grassland systems can have the for fuels reduction is being given to serious known dump site is an area adjacent dace habitat. Dams cause the swift-flowing visual effect of a pleasing pastoral scene, mechanical mowing and prescribed fire. For to BLM land that has always been accessible water to slow, pond, and cool, which reduces its persistent practice has more subtle but the purpose of weed control in biologically just off Highway 168 on a gravel road. To the length of stream with the warm water lasting negative effects on natural systems. sensitive areas where chemical control is not prevent further dumping, it is necessary to temperatures needed by the dace. This Cattle preferentially forage on certain appropriate, confined, intensive grazing may adequately fence off open access areas and ultimately reduces the amount of adequate species, thereby encouraging the expansion produce desirable outcomes. to properly sign the property. Existing trash dace habitat. Non-native dace competitors of less preferred plants. On WSNA, alkali will need to be removed and disposed of and predators such as mollies and tilapia goldenbush (Isocoma acradenia) and honey Vegetation manipulation by grazing should properly at an authorized landfill. thrive in the slow moving water behind mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) have greatly only be considered in localized situations. beaver dams. Due to the imperiled status increased due to grazing. Grazing can have the unwanted outcome of the Moapa dace, beavers and their dams of introducing or spreading noxious weeds. should be removed from streams containing Grazing for the sake of livestock production Overgrazing can negatively affect plant Moapa dace. Beaver and dam removal will is no longer a justifiable activity under community composition. Serious problems improve habitat for the dace by increasing managing the property as a natural area. persist from past grazing, impacting stream water temperatures, increasing appropriate The use of animals to accomplish certain bank stability, water quality, and hydrological swift water habitat, and will reduce habitat for management objectives may be considered function, which has negatively altered Moapa non-native fish. in the event that other alternatives are not dace habitat. available or are less satisfactory. FIRE MANAGEMENT

Fire History Pre-suppression

Warm Springs Natural Area has experienced The loss of desirable riparian and mesquite Pre-suppression means taking preventative Grass contributes to the establishment of a many wildfires over the past half century. woodland due to wildfire can also have action to reduce the likelihood or extent fine fuel load through which fire can rapidly Large wildfires have occurred approximately significant impacts on sensitive bird species. of accidental or natural wildfires. Pre- advance. There are several areas where every ten years. A large wildfire occurred in Wildfire results in the expansion of introduced suppression activities include surveying WSNA perennial grasslands are extensive. Because 1987 consuming several homes and barns weeds which in turn can increase frequency and prioritizing areas that would benefit from these grasses are generally valuable habitat at the old Home Ranch. Another catastrophic and extent of future wildfires. Much of fuel reduction, fire breaks, and vegetative components, maintaining roads to function fire occurred in 1994 impacting property and WSNA is densely vegetated and entails a manipulation. Weed management is a related as fire breaks should be employed. Additional Moapa dace habitat on the Moapa Valley certain degree of risk for wildfire. Steps to activity that contributes to the reduction of roads can be created to act as fire breaks National Wildlife Refuge. In 2004, a wildfire reduce wildfire risk to property and habitat fine fuels. A survey of fuels around priority against grassland fire. Periodic prescribed followed the palms up the North Fork and will be implemented as part of a fuels wildlife areas, structures, and neighboring burns in grasslands can help minimize the destroyed a home. In 2008 a lightning strike reduction program and outlined in a wildfire properties will be required on a regular basis. buildup of fine fuels. Prescribed burning ignited a palm tree on the northern side of the management plan. Fuel loads may be reduced using a variety of can also improve the overall quality of grass property starting a 2.5 acre wildfire that was methods including mechanical, chemical, and dominated systems. quickly quelled thanks to water trucks working biological treatments. Because fuel biomass nearby. A fire in 2010 burned 601 acres, will continually accrue from one growing Prescribed fire destroying a residence, staffing quarters season to the next, fuels reduction will need and the “Big House” on the LDS Church to be an ongoing program requiring vigilant Prescribed fire can be a valuable Recreational Area. monitoring. management tool and is a viable option for WSNA. Use of prescribed fire is however Fire can have positive effects on natural Palm trees contribute to the most serious build contingent upon the development of a ecosystems. Many ecosystems require fire up of fuels at the WSNA. Dry palm fronds are site specific prescribed fire plan with a to maintain plant community health and highly flammable and are easily ignited by full complement of appropriate response productivity which can support a more lightning strikes. Because so much biomass personnel and equipment. Following abundant and diverse wildlife component. accumulates in the palm tree skirts, palm fires prescribed burns, areas that lack the capacity While wildfire can be beneficial, the threat are intense and can carry in the tree canopies to rejuvenate as native plant communities of wildfire to private property has been regardless of understory vegetation. Fire risk should be reseeded with native species. and continues to be a relevant concern for from palm trees can be partially remedied by Encouraging native plant revegetation will property owners in the Warm Springs area. regularly trimming palm skirts or complete help exclude the establishment of exotic The impact of wildfire to the endangered removal of enough trees to disrupt fuel weeds which can exacerbate future fire Moapa dace is also of concern. Burning continuity. Given the thousands of palm trees problems. vegetation along streams can raise the water on the property, palm frond trimming is not temperature. Ash deposition in streams can feasible for property wide application. raise the pH and lower the dissolved oxygen. Fire Breaks Palm Management Fire Response Post-fire Rehabilitation

Fire breaks can provide an effective safeguard Fond memories of swimming amid the palms The Clark County Fire Department has Depending upon the severity and extent against fire advance if their width is sufficient as a child at Warm Springs pervade the fire suppression responsibilities outside of habitat damage following a wildfire, to prevent a breach. The appropriate width memory of many local citizens. The public incorporated areas within Clark County and natural recovery, augmented recovery, or of a fire break is dependant upon adjacent has a strong emotional link to the past and therefore has command responsibility. The intensive rehabilitation should be evaluated fuel types. Higher, denser vegetation such palm trees appeal to people’s sense of place. closest Clark County Fire Department station for treatment consideration. Post-fire weed as trees require wider fire breaks. Regardless There is considerable debate regarding the is the Moapa Volunteer Fire Department control is usually necessary to prevent the of fire break design, high winds can carry palm trees’ origin and the role California Station 72 located in Moapa. Federal spread of invasives. Post-fire monitoring embers far beyond any fire break. Fire palms play in the riparian ecosystem. Palms agencies responded to the fire in July 2010, using photo-points and vegetation analysis breaks require regular maintenance to on WSNA will be managed individually, due to the proximity of WSNA to the Moapa should be encouraged. Unlike federal preserve their effectiveness. Fire break depending upon an identified impact to Valley National Wildlife Refuge. agencies which have access to emergency lines will need to be monitored regularly hydrological function, stream ecology, or as fire funds to help rehabilitation efforts, and treated as appropriate. Mechanical or a fire risk. Palms having no direct impact WSNA rehabilitation will be contingent chemical treatments can be effective though may be left for wildlife. The first management upon budgeted funding availability. For mechanical treatments can subsequently solution for palms considered as a fire risk that reason, pre-suppression will be promote the growth of weedy species. may be to trim the palm skirt, otherwise they emphasized; however, a post-fire analysis may be removed. can be conducted to develop a response Besides defensive perimeters around plan that will document restoration needs neighboring property owners, fire breaks and costs. Post-fire rehabilitation plans will within the property are necessary to reduce be coordinated with the Biological Advisory the spread and severity of fire. Palm trees Committee and the USFWS. skirts form a near continuous fuel source for fire to travel riparian corridors. The heat generated from flame engulfed palm trees contributes to the rapid spread of fire into neighboring vegetation. Sections of palm trees along the waterways may be removed to eliminate a contiguous line of fuel load. INVASIVE MANAGEMENT

2008 Weed Survey

Malta Starthistle STATE ROUTE 168 Perennial Pepperweed

Russian Knapweed

Sahara Mustard

Saltcedar

Morning Glory

Hoary Cress

Malta Starthistle

Perennial Pepperweed

Russian Knapweed WARM SPRINGS RD

Sahara Mustard

Saltcedar

Common Reed

Giant Reed !!! Morning Glory : 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 Feet Warm Springs Natural Area Weed Management Invasive Plants

Malta starthistle Any undesired plant in a given location can While saltcedar is one of the most dominant Bermudagrass was originally planted as a residues into surface waters supporting be classified as a weed; however, not all weeds on the property, it is relatively stable pasture grass and dominates much of the Moapa dace and other sensitive aquatic weeds are equal. Some weeds are labeled when compared to Russian knapweed grassland and mesquite understory. species, non-chemical control options will be “noxious” and require abatement action which is expanding and has the potential to Due to its competitive nature, it precludes given priority in areas where contamination according to Nevada State law. In Nevada, dominate new areas on the WSNA. Similarly, many desirable native species especially is possible. Chemicals that can directly or noxious weeds are broken into one of Malta starthistle is highly invasive due to its herbaceous forbs which are distinctly lacking indirectly affect fish will not be used within a three categories (A, B, or C). Category A mode of dispersal. It is commonly found on the property. Eelgrass, an aquatic plant, generous buffer zone, in windy conditions, noxious weeds require active control of all along roads and trails where it is dispersed is of particular importance to Moapa dace or during inclement weather. The use of any populations. Control of Category B noxious as a hitchhiker on people, animals, or habitat, though it is already widespread and chemical within or bordering dace habitat weeds is centered on reducing the risk of vehicles. Russian thistle is problematic due has likely reached its maximum distribution will require coordination with the US Fish further contamination and the eradication to its potential risk for wildfire. Russian thistle on the WSNA. The remaining species occupy and Wildlife Service. In all instances, best of emerging populations. Category C can grow in dense stands and is extremely small areas and/or comprise a minimal threat management practices will apply. Use of any noxious weeds are generally widespread, flammable when dry. Wind commonly but will either be monitored or treated as time restricted chemical will require an on-site, and abatement is at the discretion of the piles Russian thistle along fence lines or and resources permit. licensed person for the duration of chemical state quarantine officer. Other weeds are hedgerows, creating an opportunity for rapid application. Care will be taken to prevent the considered “nuisance” and have no legal fire movement over long distances. Russian The WSNA management strategy follows bioaccumulation of systemic chemicals in soils requirement for eradication/control even if thistle can also roll across the landscape an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) or systems caused by multiple applications Tamarisk the nuisance weed may be ecologically more while on fire during windy conditions, further approach to weed control and/or eradication. or by using highly persistent chemicals. The damaging than any given noxious weed. exacerbating fire spread. Mechanical, chemical, and biological control development of an IPM Plan for the property measures will be given due consideration would address the various issues associated Noxious Weeds Acres Category Management as control treatments. Because of the with managing pest species at the WSNA. Infested Priority contamination potential for chemical

Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens) 157.5 B 1 Nuisance Weeds Acres Management Malta starthistle (Centaurea melitensis) 47.9 A 2 Infested Priority Saltcedar (Tamarisk spp.) 35.4 C 3 Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) *C 8Prickly Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) 150.0 4 Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii) 1.5 B 9 American eelgrass (Vallisneria americana) *5 Hoary cress (Cardaria draba) *C10Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) 150.0+ 6 Giant reed (Arundo donax) *A12Red brome (Bromus rubens) *7 White horse-nettle (Solanum elaeagnifolium) *B**Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) *11 Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) *C**Common reed (Phragmites australis) * ** Puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris) *C**Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) *** * Less than one acre ** Low management priority Tamarisk Many of the important resources found on the HRA recommended that 12 of the 19 Management of known archaeological Interpretive opportunities for public interest WSNA property are cultural and historical. properties are eligible for nomination to sites includes protection from public access and education will be explored. Signs and Historic property can include buildings, the NRHP because they are likely to yield and future development plans. Most of the other interpretive displays explaining the area’s structures, objects, sites, and traditional information important to prehistory or history. area’s archaeological resources are fragile unique history may be incorporated into visitor cultural properties that are at least 50 years Most of the NRHP-eligible sites are prehistoric and can be impacted in direct and indirect facilities and trails. old. Protecting cultural resources on the artifact scatters located on the upland terraces ways. Direct impacts occur when a site is WSNA is a management goal of SNWA. In and hills. Only a few archaeological sites affected by construction activities such as 2008, an intensive archaeological survey were identified in the low-lying floodplain grading or digging, and indirect impacts are was conducted to identify and document where past agriculture would have been typically damages that are visual or result the archaeological resources on WSNA and practiced. from visitors or daily operations. Impacts evaluate the eligibility of these resources for to the archaeological sites can be avoided nomination to the National Register of Historic by taking these resources into consideration Places (NRHP) (HRA 2008 and 2009). The during the early stages of planning. Areas survey identified three previously recorded sites containing known cultural resources should be and 16 previously unrecorded archaeological avoided during future development projects. sites. Of these 19 sites, 16 are prehistoric If avoidance is not possible, then a treatment habitations, trails, artifacts scatters, and rock plan to mitigate impacts to cultural resources shelters; and three are historic. The historic should be developed in consultation with sites include the Home Ranch, irrigation the State Historic Preservation Office. These ditches, and a recreational facility built by treatment plans may include surface mapping, Xavier Cougat for Folies Bergère showgirls in artifact collection and analysis, monitoring, the late 1950s. and in some cases excavation.

Eastgate expanding stem projectile point

Obsidian Rose Spring projectile point

Great Basin metate T14S, R65E GLO Plat (Surveyed Sept. 1881) PUBLIC USE

MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND NEXT STEPS

PUBLIC USE

CONCEPTUAL PLAN

Public Sites

Type

WSNA Field Station

Parking Area

Restrooms

Interpretive Zones

Usage High Interpretive Zone

Medium Interpretive Zone

Low Interpretive Zone Public Use environmental education will increase parking area, and primitive nature trail. represent areas where visitors experience citizen awareness about the challenges of Interpretation may include orientation to the nature first-hand with minimal trailside water management and land development, property and the important ecology of the interpretation. For lower-level interpretive The Warm Springs Natural Area is an threats from invasive species, historic use system, and SNWA’s plans for the Natural zones, interpretation assistance may be expansive and unique oasis resting in the of the Warm Springs Area to early Mormon Area. If the approach is implemented, provided in the form of pamphlets and trail Mojave Desert, yet the adjacent neighbors agricultural practices, and the value of visitors to the Natural Area and those driving guides obtained at trailhead kiosks. Trails in surrounding the property serve as a critical biodiversity in areas of regional spring the perimeter of the property would be able these areas will be more primitive and may be link to maintaining the important ecosystems complexes and desert riparian systems. to view the kiosk with roadside interpretive as simple as a rock lined trail or mowed path. on site. The biological and cultural diversity signage of the Natural Area to illustrate of this place is not limited or defined by the Adjacent access between the Warm Springs interesting aspects of the property to folks out Future Plans property boundaries, therefore the neighbors Natural Area and the Wildlife Refuge serves for a Sunday drive as well as roadside tourists serve as important partners in the public to manage public access cooperatively pulling off the highway for a rest. Depending on available resources, the next use of the property. Since the establishment with the US Fish and Wildlife Service as phase of the public use component could be of the Moapa Valley National Wildlife identified in the “Park, Trails, and Natural This initial phase may involve opening the implemented about five years after the initial Refuge (Refuge) in 1979, area residents Area” category of the Southern Nevada property to a target audience to enjoy a phase. This may involve a loop trail for hiking have expressed a strong desire to see the Public Land Management Act. It is also nature trail or limited foot trail use of the and accessing the interior of the property. area open for public use. Plans for the important to reconnect the local community property. Target audiences could include Interpretive storylines could be refined to Refuge include a program of environmental with the resources and values of the Muddy school groups and the birding community. To target important interpretive elements. education showcasing the uniqueness of the River region. By creating opportunities date, bird watchers have traveled from the Themes may include the natural environment springs’ fauna and ecology. Visitor access on for appropriate, low-impact public use, as Northwestern United States hoping to access and ecology; current-day water resource use the Warm Springs Natural Area would reflect well as the tremendous opportunities that the Warm Springs Natural Area to see the in the area; history of the property such as the goals of the public use of the Refuge. would come from the potential to establish vermilion flycatcher. In this scenario, school prehistoric use by early peoples and Native The Refuge theme of protecting thermal the property as a field research station, the groups and tours could be accompanied by Americans, agricultural development by springs and their associated endemic fish and education opportunities are endless. interpretive biologists able to guide students early settlers in the valley and historic uses of invertebrate species would be expanded on and enhance the experience. the property such as ownership by Howard Warm Springs Natural Area to include the The level of public use will be carefully Hughes. ecology of the fingerling tributaries - formed evaluated by SNWA to assess the number Interpretive Zones from the spring outflows - as they traverse of visitors, appropriate uses of the property, the Natural Area and form the headwaters of security issues, desired messaging, and Conceptual zones of interpretation have been the Muddy River. In addition to the thermal minimization of long-term impacts to the proposed to encompass projected compatible The natural area will dependent species on the property, a key property. To thoroughly evaluate these public use interests. The high interpretive theme to be interpreted for visitors to the issues, it is anticipated that public use may be zone (see map) includes easy access along provide controlled Warm Springs Natural Area would include implemented in phases. Warm Springs Road and is immediately public access to enjoy viewing the abundant and diverse variety of adjacent the Moapa Valley National Wildlife bird species inhabiting the riparian corridor, Nature Trail and Kiosk Refuge. This zone has abundant wildlife the abundant natural mesquite forests and retired pasture land. viewing opportunities as well as a rich history resources... The initial development of a public use of early settlement for historical interpretation. SNPLMA Objective A well-visited Natural Area devoted to component may involve a roadside kiosk, Zones of medium and low interpretation 5.02 MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES

Stewardship Plan Prioritization Process Management Priorities

SNWA committed to join with stakeholders The prioritization process was formulated The following are management priorities for dace habitat in order to increase populations to develop a long-term plan for the property. by the Core Team and technical experts the property as determined by the interagency and contribute to recovery of the species. The purpose of this document is to establish in various fields. The Mission Statement Core Team, biological experts, and SNPLMA long-term management direction for the developed by the Core Team - “To manage commitments: Actions that protect existing Moapa dace Warm Springs Natural Area. It is SNWA’s the property as a natural area for the benefit habitat will likely protect other sensitive aquatic species. Moapa dace “restoration” intention that the Stewardship Plan will of native species and for the recovery of • Manage the property for the benefit actions, however, will need to consider establish a framework for appropriate the endangered Moapa dace – consistent and recovery of the Moapa dace. This impacts to all other affected sensitive species land uses that preserves the integrity of with the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s includes restoring and protecting the both aquatic and terrestrial. The BAC has natural resources and lays a foundation commitments to the Southern Nevada thermal springs and their outflows. prioritized dace restoration projects by reach. for fostering stakeholder relationships. The Public Land Management Act funding of Some restoration projects identified by the Stewardship Plan is intended to clarify SNWA’s the property” – establishes prioritization of • Manage the property for the benefit BAC have already been completed or are responsibilities and management direction management goals and serves to frame future of federally-protected, state-protected, in the beginning stages of execution. The as they pertain to conservation on the Warm decision processes. sensitive, and thermal endemic species. main objectives of the BAC dace restoration Springs Natural Area and ensures consistency projects by reach are to: with SNWA’s commitments in the SNPLMA The Moapa dace has been designated as the • Manage the property as a Natural Area Nomination and the Muddy River Recovery highest management priority for consideration – which means promoting native species • Restore stream thermal properties Implementation Program. when restoring the property as a natural and their habitats and controlling invasive area and restoring the riparian ecosystem. species. • Restore stream flow dynamics While the Stewardship Plan is intended to This includes protecting the natural thermal provide guidance for SNWA management springs on the property. The next highest • Reduce fuel loads and establish fire • Eradicate tilapia and future land uses and activities on the priority is to manage for federal and state- breaks on the Natural Area to protect • Install dace habitat features Warm Springs Natural Area, it is important to protected species and thermal endemic neighbors and property. note that the Stewardship Plan is a conceptual species identified in the Muddy River RIP • Restore stream connectivity document to begin dialogue and is not and, in general, prioritize restoration for • Carry out SNPLMA commitments for the intended to require implementation of any management of the 28 sensitive species on property for controlled public access of It is expected that controlling invasive species specific management action. Implementation the property. The next highest priority is to the Natural Area. whether of terrestrial or aquatic origin will of such actions is left to the discretion of the manage the property as a Natural Area – directly or indirectly aid in the recovery and SNWA Board of Directors through the annual which means promoting native species and Moapa Dace Recovery stability of sensitive species. budgeting process and through specific their habitats and controlling invasive species. Restoration falls under one of contract approvals as needed. Reducing fuel loads and establishing fire The highest priority at WSNA is to protect two categories: breaks to protect habitat and property is the and aid in the recovery of the Moapa dace. next priority. Lastly, it is a priority to carry out Moapa dace recovery is an important objective as a component for managing SNPLMA commitments for the property for 1) Moapa dace recovery SNWA’s water rights in Coyote Spring Valley public use and scientific research. and the Muddy River. Restoration activities 2) Natural Area restoration are designed to substantially improve Moapa MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES

Manage the property for the benefit and recovery of the Protected Species Management Important components for managing the The property overall lacks a native Fire Management Moapa dace. This includes property as a natural area include: herbaceous component across the alluvial restoring and protecting the In addition to the endangered Moapa dace, 1) resource protection, 2) habitat restoration, floodplain. Floodplain soils were used for Of highest priority is protection of neighbors, thermal springs and their outflows. other federally and state protected species and 3) property maintenance. intensive crop production or in combination life, and property from wildfire. Protecting live at WSNA. Managing for protected with grazing. Bermudagrass was widely species requires protecting their habitat. species is a priority as well as managing for Resource Protection: It is more cost- planted as a forage species and still persists Implementing a fire management program rare or sensitive species (Appendix 2) which effective to protect existing quality habitat over much of the property. Restoring the can be helpful in protecting neighbors and Manage the property for the could receive protection status in the future from degradation than to restore quality native herbaceous cover will require a long- habitat from catastrophic wildfires. Fire benefit of protected species: due to habitat loss or population declines. habitat after it has been lost. Noxious and term commitment, entailing reintroduction of Protected species include species protected nuisance weeds have the ability to stress lost native forbs and a gradual replacement management as addressed under special federal, state, sensitive and thermal under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, ecosystem health and even displace native of bermudagrass with saltgrass (Distichilis management (Section 4.02) will include a endemic species. the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, the plant communities. Weeds also contribute to spicata), alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), fuels reduction plan and the establishment of Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940, and the buildup of fine fuels, which in combination and scratch grass (Muhlenbergia asperifolia). appropriate fuel breaks. Nevada Revised Statutes Chapters 501 & 503 with natural plant decadence can contribute To preserve the genetic integrity of local Manage the property as a which include game species. Other species to catastrophic wildfires. Wildfires can in turn germplasm, revegetation material should be Public Use identified for management consideration impact Moapa dace habitat and alter plant sourced from the property or from the same Natural Area – which means include those species listed by the Nevada community composition trajectories in favor of drainage system. A plant nursery may be Objectives identified in the SNPLMA Financial promoting native species and their Natural Heritage Program, Nevada At-Risk invasive species and novel plant communities. utilized to grow native plant material and Assistance Agreement for public use are habitats and controlling invasive Species Tracking List, and Nevada Plant and Implementation of proactive management store transplant material for revegetation detailed in Section 5.01. Implementation species. Animal Watch-List. Species under these strategies to accomplish weed control and projects. of actions facilitating the controlled public categories are prime candidates for scientific fuels reduction is an imperative long-term access component identified in the SNPLMA research which can contribute in future status management requirement at WSNA. Long- Property Maintenance: Capital assets Objective is projected to begin in about assessments. term natural resource monitoring is also such as the manager’s residence, field 2012. The extent of limited public use is in Reduce fuel loads and establish an important management component for station, sheds, equipment, etc., have ongoing part dependent upon funding availability from fire breaks on the Natural Area to Natural Area Management assessing biological trends and measuring maintenance needs with associated costs. grants and budgeting processes and may be protect neighbors and property. progress. Cultural resources are also Roads and fences traversing the property also implemented over time. Initially, primitive Management of the Natural Area includes important property facets that require careful require routine management attention. As trails with nominal interpretive features property management for all wildlife species management consideration and protection. with all properties owned by SNWA, property may be installed. The public interpretive and their habitats with an emphasis on maintenance is an ongoing commitment component of the Natural Area would Carry out SNPLMA commitments restoring natural systems and processes. Habitat Restoration: The goal in habitat and may be conducted by both internal staff focus on natural features with low impact for controlled public access of The Natural Area also consists of facilities, restoration is to advance the recovery of and outside services. Maintaining property on the natural environment. To that end, the Natural Area. equipment, and support infrastructure used native species by encouraging diversity in infrastructure is an important element for trail development features could emphasize to carry out the management objectives for species, habitat structure, and ecological effective, sustainable management of the trailhead entrances, trail quality, and the property. Implementation of management processes. The current condition in habitat natural area over time. interpretation, while maintaining a primitive objectives are slated to occur over several quality varies across the property. Methods look and feel. Trail maintenance will be a years. to enhance habitat need to be identified continuous management commitment. and evaluated based on individual site characteristics and available resources. 5.03 ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND NEXT STEPS

Accomplishments to Date

As a ranch for the last one hundred years, Moapa dace surveys was now guaranteed. All in all, the Warm Springs Natural Area was Apcar stream thereby providing contiguous Warm Springs Natural Area underwent an Next, SNWA contracted cultural surveys to found to be home to 28 Sensitive Species Moapa dace habitat and allowing for identity change when SNWA took possession identify archeological and historic sites (HRA, (Appendix 2) and a host of other native movement upstream for spawning. The of it in Fall of 2007. Lands that had been 2008, 2009). species drawn to the warm springs oasis. investment has proven profitable in dace watered via a spiderweb of irrigation ditches At the time of acquisition, a number of numbers, as they have significantly climbed for growing crops and grazing over 800 head Bird surveys were conducted by the Great the species were not known to occur on in the Lower Pederson Stream since the of roping steers in the winter, were committed Basin Bird Observatory, San Bernardino the property, but will be important to restoration. to transition back to the native vegetation that County Museum, and Nevada Department the development of regional resource once grew there. Years of buildup of weighty of Wildlife. As expected in a sensitive setting, management strategies for the Muddy River MOA Accomplishments palm trees - knocked back only when wildfire abundant varieties of birds were found, Recovery Implementation Program. fire ripped through the property - were slated including an endangered bird, a candidate A number of conservation actions required by to be trimmed or removed to reduce the fire bird, and other birds considered sensitive Maintenance Accomplished the 2006 MOA were implemented and have hazard or to improve Moapa dace habitat. (Appendix 2). contributed toward recovery of the Moapa Upon acquisition, SNWA began management dace. They include: Staff Assigned Aquatic invertebrates were surveyed on the of the property. Clean-up of trash, a dump property (Albrecht et al., 2008). This was site, and an abandoned building were • Improvement and restoration of Moapa SNWA sought important advice from a valuable characterization of the other undertaken. Weeds were mapped and dace habitat on the Apcar Unit of the neighbors and resource agencies and then thermal dependent species inhabiting the treated by Tri-County Weed Control. Weed Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge. set in motion some basic plans. With the new spring outflows over this previously-ranched treatments are being continued to date land responsibility, SNWA hired a caretaker property. Four of these species are included to reduce persistent weed problems. The • Development of the Muddy River Recovery to look after its acquisition. In 2008, SNWA in the 1996 USFWS Recovery Plan for the Muddy River Regional Environmental Impact Implementation Program. hired a manager for the Warm Springs Rare Aquatic Species of the Muddy River Alleviation Committee (MRREIAC) treated Natural Area to further protect the property, Ecosystem. tamarisk along the Sim Road property • Funding for development of an Ecological live on site, and interface with the citizens boundary in 2009. Palm trees were trimmed Model for the Moapa dace by the USGS. of the Moapa Valley. SNWA biologists and Pollinators and their habitat affinities relative along Warm Springs Road and the Refuge hydrologists were dedicated to the property to habitat quality were studied in 2009 Stream in 2009, and stimulus funding • Construction of a fish barrier in the South and surrounding region. (Nelson, 2009). provided for fuels reduction in 2010. SNWA Fork of the Muddy River. acquired equipment and tractors to maintain Inventories Completed A floral inventory was completed in 2010 the property. Mowing weeds in abandoned • Funding for eradication of non-native fish by Dr. Robert L. Johnson, the Warm Springs agricultural fields is an ongoing job. in the South Fork of the Muddy River. SNWA also set out to inventory what it had Natural Area Manager (Appendix 5). Bat acquired. species on the property were described Stream Restoration Work • Formation of a technical committee, the previously by Williams and O’Farrell (2004) Hydrological Review Team. Boundary surveys as well as rights-of-way and Williams, O’Farrell and Riddle (2006). In Upon the recommendations of the Muddy crisscrossing the property were defined before addition, the Warm Springs Area Hydrologic River Biological Advisory Committee, SNWA purchase. Resource inventories on site were Monitoring Network is established for the funded construction of the Lower Pederson lacking since the property had been previously area (Appendix 6). Stream channel in 2008. This reconnected the held in private ownership. Access for thermal springs on the Refuge to the lower Next Steps

to include the US Fish and Wildlife Service, SNWA is looking to restore additional reaches The Stewardship Plan is intended to be an Nevada Department of Wildlife, The Nature on the Warm Springs Natural Area as part overarching umbrella document to guide Conservancy, the Executive Committee of of the Muddy River Recovery Implementation Management the future of Warm Springs Natural Area. It the Muddy River Recovery Implementation Program (RIP). Restoration of Moapa dace Components establishes property commitments, documents Program, the Biological Advisory Committee, habitat for the major thermal spring systems accomplishments, and sets a course for the Clark County, the Moapa Town Advisory identified in the 1996 Recovery Plan for Rare HABITAT RESTORATION future. By no means does it encompass the Board, the Moapa Valley Town Advisory Aquatic Species of the Muddy River Ecosystem Hydrological data collection details of how all will be accomplished. Board, and technical experts, as needed. is feasible to be accomplished under the RIP. Stream restoration As new streams are restored on the Refuge Stream maintenance Step-down Plans Fuels Reduction and on the Warm Springs Natural Area, they Invasive aquatic control will require maintenance, weeding aquatic Terrestrial habitat restoration It is envisioned that there will be step-down Reducing the fire hazard and build-up of invasive plants, and trapping and removal of plans to further formulate critical components fuels will be an on-going management invasive fish. Restoration nursery and guide resource management. For responsibility. Progress has been made and LIMITED PUBLIC USE example, step-down plans may include a will continue. SNWA is blading fire breaks Natural Area restoration is a gradual and Public use planning Restoration Plan, a Public Use Plan, and a adjacent to neighboring properties; reducing long-term process. It will continue to be Trail establishment Fire Management Plan. A Restoration Plan palm-tree fuel loads; cutting fire breaks accomplished and worked at over time. As Interpretive elements provides the roadmap for a rich, viable between palm trees; eliminating tamarisk; habitats for sensitive species are restored, RESOURCE PROTECTION Natural Area with local, native species and reducing other vegetation that is known often grants are readily available to do so. replacing areas claimed by weeds. A Public to transmit fire across properties. These are Funding will be sought to augment native Noxious weed eradication Use Plan directs limited public uses which continuing maintenance activities associated habitat replenishment and the Natural Area Fuels reduction are compatible with the Refuge and with a with the Warm Springs Natural Area. SNWA restoration through time. Biological monitoring Natural Area. The Fire Management Plan contracted a company with technical fire Hydrological monitoring insures the property is managed for protection expertise to compile a fire management plan Public Use Cultural resource inventory of neighbors’ property and to insure safety. after the 2010 fire. Property access issues/security These plans would be implemented as Careful planning is essential to shape the directives from SNPLMA documents and as Restoration Forward limited public use component of the property. Perimeter fencing directed by the SNWA Board of Directors. It will be a delicate balance to provide an Property acquisition Progress has been made since 2002 when enjoyable experience for the public that PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Process Forward restoration for Moapa dace habitat was respects the sensitive environment. SNPLMA Equipment maintenance first initiated on the Moapa Valley National funding is being sought to provide for a public Maintenance shed As a template for the Stewardship Plan Wildlife Refuge. Much of the Refuge has been use component that would potentially include Field station maintenance process, it has been successful to enlist the restored. And as discussed on the previous a primitive nature trail, a shade structure or a help of property stakeholders to advise and page, reaches have also been restored and bird-viewing platform. Providing meaningful Facility maintenance provide important information and feedback. reclaimed on the Warm Springs Natural Area. interpretation for the public will also be Property interior fence removal Management of the property will benefit with The Biological Advisory Committee identified important. Residence maintenance this kind of cooperative effort forward. It is a plan for stream reaches that still need Road/trail maintenance envisioned that stakeholders would continue to be restored as high priority reaches. CONTRIBUTORS 2007-2010 PHOTO CREDITS

CORE TEAM Page 3: Vermilion flycatcher, Pablo Page 38: Virgin River chub, Brandon Albrecht. Lèautaud (shared under a Creative Tanya Anderson, The Nature Conservancy Commons license for non-commercial Page 40: Western yellow-billed cuckoo, US Janet Bair, US Fish and Wildlife Service use at www.flickr.com/photos/ Bureau of Reclamation. Southwestern Robert Johnson, SNWA pleautaud/913191344/in/set- Willow Flycatcher, US Bureau of Cynthia Martinez, US Fish and Wildlife Service 72157603757048983/). Reclamation. Summer tanager, Jerry Janet Monaco, SNWA Oldenettel (shared under a Creative Jon Sjöberg, Nevada Department of Wildlife Pages 18 and 19: Background map is 1918 Commons license for non-commercial map drawn by L. Tanner. Southern Paiute use at www.flickr.com/photos/ basket weaver Mary Ann Pepo at Moapa jroldenettel/2146321428/). Western TECHNICAL ADVISORS in 1940 by Arthur Rothstein. yellow bat, Allen Calvert.

Elisabeth Ammon, Great Basin Bird Observatory Page 20: Background map is 1918 map Page 43: Yuma clapper rail, Joe Kahl. Red- Mauricia Baca, Outside Las Vegas Foundation drawn by L. Tanner. winged blackbirds, Bruce Lund. Amy LaVoie, US Fish and Wildlife Service Heidi Roberts, HRA Inc., Conservation Archaeology Page 21: Moapa Paiute House, William R. Page 44: Vermilion flycatcher, Doug Amy Sprunger, US Fish and Wildlife Service Palmer Collection, Special Collections, Greenberg (shared under a Creative Cris Tomlinson, Nevada Department of Wildlife Southern Utah University. Las Vegas Paiute Commons license for non-commercial Encampment 1900 by Sadie Kiel George use at www.flickr.com/photos/ dagberg/2020944801/). SNWA STAFF and in the private collection of Elizabeth v.T. Warren. Warm Springs Ranch 1941 station wagon “Woodie,” donated by Ann Page 51: Beaver, Laszlo Ilyes (shared under William Rinne, Director, Surface Water Resources Department W. Funk to the Nevada State Museum. a Creative Commons license for non- Janet Monaco, Manager, Muddy and Virgin Rivers Division commercial use at www.flickr.com/ Robert Johnson, Manager, Warm Springs Natural Area Page 27: Vermilion flycatcher, Pablo photos/laszlo-photo/152839527/). Cathryn Cherry, Environmental Planner Lèautaud (shared under a Creative David Syzdek, Environmental Biologist Commons license for non-commercial Page 54: Metate, HRA, Inc. Conservation Crystal Shanley, Biologist use at www.flickr.com/photos/ Archeology Staff. Arrowheads, HRA, Inc. pleautaud/913191344/in/set- Conservation Archeology Staff. 72157603757048983/). Page 51: GLO Plat, Government Land Office Page 28: From left to right. Common buckeye Plat surveyed September 1881. on sunflower, Bruce Lund. Old world swallowtail, Bruce Lund. All other photos by SNWA staff and Lucchesi Galati. Page 33: Moapa dace illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri. CITATIONS

Albrecht, B., E. de la Hoz, and E. Oborny. Eakin, T.E. 1966. A regional interbasin Nelson, M. S. 2009. Associations of Terrestrial Sada, D.W., and D.B. Herbst. 1999. Habitat U.S. Dept. of the Interior Bureau of Land 2008. Distribution and relative groundwater system in the White River Invertebrate Groups with Environments use by rare aquatic macroinvertebrates in Management. 2006. Implementation abundance of aquatic macroinvertebrates area, southeastern Nevada. Water at the Warm Springs Natural Area, spring brooks of the upper Muddy River, agreement. Southern Nevada Public Land in the headwa ter tributaries of the Muddy Resources Research 2:251–271. Nevada. Technical Memorandum No. Clark County, Nevada. Management Act of 1998 Public Law River, Clark County, Nevada. Final Report 86-68220-10-02. U.S. Department of the 105-263 (as amended) and Federal Land PR-1128-3-1. Bio-West, Inc.: Logan, HRA, Inc. Conservation Archaeology. Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, Scoppettone, G.G., H.L. Burge, and P.L. Transaction Facilitation Act of 2000 Public Utah. 39 pp. 2008. An archaeological survey of Colorado. 38 pp. Tuttle. 1992. Life history, abundance, Law 106-248. 158 pp. approximately 1,200 acres in the Warm and distribution of Moapa dace (Moapa Austin, G.T. and A.T. Austin. 1980. Butterflies Springs Ranch project area, Clark County, Nevada Department of Conservation & coriacea). Great Basin Naturalist 52(3): U.S. Dept. of the Interior Fish and Wildlife of Clark County, Nevada. Journal of Nevada. Final Report No. 08-01. 106 pp. Natural Resources. 2009. Nevada 216-225. Service. 1995. Virgin River fishes recovery Research on the Lepidoptera 19:1-63. National Heritage website. Retrieved plan. Salt Lake City, Utah. 45 pp. HRA, Inc. Conservation Archaeology. 2009. from: http://heritage.nv.gov/. Scoppettone, G.G. 1993. Interactions Baumann, R. 2009. Professor Emeritus, The Home Ranch: an early 20th century between native and nonnative fishes U.S. Dept. of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Department of Biology, Brigham Young ranch in the Warm Springs project area, Nevada State Engineer. 2002. State engineer of the upper Muddy River, Nevada. Service. 1996. Recovery plan for the University. pers. comm. Clark County, Nevada. Addendum to order number 1169. State Engineer of the Transactions of the American Fisheries rare aquatic species of the Muddy River Final Report No. 08-01. 59 pp. State of Nevada, Carson City, Nevada. Society 122: 599-608. ecosystem. Portland, Oregon. 60 pp. Beck, D.A., R. Ryan, R.J. Veley, D.P. Harper, and D.J. Tanko. 2006. Water-surface Hubbs, C.L. and R.R. Miller. 1948. Two O’Farrell, M.J., J.A. Williams, and B. Lund. Scoppettone, G.G., J.A. Salgada, and M.B. U.S. Dept. of the Interior Fish and Wildlife elevations, discharge, and water-quality new relict genera of cyprinid fishes from 2004. The western yellow bat (Lasiurus Nielsen. 2005. Blue tilapia (Oreochromis Service. 2006. Intra-service programmatic data for selected sites in the Warm Nevada. University of Michigan Museum xanthinus) in southern Nevada. The aureus) predation on fishes in the Muddy biological opinion. File No. 1-5-05- Springs area near Moapa, Nevada. U.S. of Zoology Occasional Papers 507: 1-30. Southwestern Naturalist, 49:514-518. River system, Clark County, Nevada. FW-536. Muddy River memorandum of Geological Survey Open-File Report Western North American Naturalist 65(3): agreement regarding the groundwater 1311. 230 pp. Huillet, A. 1998. Aquatic insects of the Muddy Parker, M.S., G.G. Scoppettone, and M.B. 410-414. withdrawal of 16,100 acre-feet per year River drainage with emphasis on Moapa Nielsen. 1997. Distribution and relative from the regional carbonate aquifer Braden, G.T., M. Rathbun, T. Hoggan, A. Warm Springs, Nevada: including notes abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates Stevens Ecological Consulting, LLC. 2004. in Coyote Spring valley and California Davenport, and K. Carter. 2009. The on Limnocoris moapensis (Naucoridae). along the Muddy River, Nevada. National An ecological survey of the upper Muddy Wash basins, and establish conservation status of yuma clapper rail and yellow- Master’s Thesis, Brigham Young Biological Service, California Science River, Clark County, Nevada. Final Report. measures for the Moapa dace, Clark billed cuckoo along portions of the University. Center, Reno Field Station unpublished County, Nevada. April 20, 2006. 23 pp. Virgin River and Muddy River in southern report. Tri-County Weed Control. 2008. Report and Nevada, with incidental observations of Klinger, C., and B. Conrad. 2010. recommendations for Warm Springs U.S. Dept. of the Interior Fish and Wildlife the southwestern willow flycatcher: 2008 Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and Polhemus, J.T. 1973. Notes on aquatic Natural Area project. Ely, Nevada. April Service. 2009. Moapa valley national Final. Biological Sciences Division, San Yellow-Billed Cuckoo Survey and and semiaquatic Hemiptera from the 2008. 2 pp. wildlife refuge website. Retrieved from: Bernardino County Museum, Redlands, Monitoring at Select Sites in Southern southwestern United States (Insecta: http://www.fws.gov/desertcomplex/ California. Final Report to the Southern Nevada, 2009 Annual Report. Nevada Hemiptera). The Great Basin Naturalist, U.S. Dept. of the Interior Bureau of Land moapavalley/. Nevada Water Authority. 58 pp. Dept. of Wildlife. Las Vegas, NV. 68 pp. 33(2):113-119. Management. 2006. Financial assistance cooperative agreement no. FAA060138. Wells, S.A. 1989. A new species of Haliplus Bradford, D.F., J.R. Jaeger, and R.D. Lund, B. 2009. Moapa, Nevada, pers. comm. Provencher, L. and R. Andress. 2004. Priority #6-5; Project #WA03. from Warm Springs, Nevada (Coleoptera: Jennings. 2004. Population status and Integrated science assessment for the Warm Springs Ranch Acquisition for Haliplidae). Great Basin Naturalist 49:89- distribution of a decimated amphibian, McLeod, M.A., and T.J. Koronkiewicz. 2010. upper Muddy River, Clark County, Development of a Natural Area. SNPLMA 91. the relict leopard frog (Rana onca). The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher surveys, Nevada. Annual report to the Clark Parks, Trails and Natural Areas – Southern Southwestern Naturalist, 49(2):218-228 demography, and ecology along the County MSHCP, Nevada. TNC: Reno, NV. Nevada Water Authority. 14 pp. Williams, J.A., M.J. O’Farrell, and B.R. lower Colorado River and tributaries, Riddle. 2006. Habitat use by bats in a Clark County Multiple Species Habitat 2009. Annual report submitted to Bureau Provencher, L., S. Wainscott, and R. Andress. riparian corridor of the Mojave Desert in Conservation Plan (MSHCP). 2000. Clark of Reclamation, Boulder City, NV, by 2005. Integrated science assessment for southern Nevada. Journal of Mammalogy County DCP. Retrieved from: http://www. SWCA Environmental Consultants, the upper Muddy River, Clark County, 87:1145-1153. accessclarkcounty.com/depts/daqem/ Flagstaff, AZ. 165 pp. Nevada. Final report to the Clark County epd/dcp/pages/dcp_guidingdocs.aspx. MSHCP. TNC: Reno, NV. A SNPLMA NOMINATION

A SENSITIVE SPECIES TABLE

A RESOURCE INVENTORIES

A BIRD CHECKLIST

A FLORAL INVENTORY

A HYDROLOGIC MONITORING TABLE

A.01 SNPLMA NOMINATION

The Secretary of the Department of Interior Financial Assistance Agreement approved funding to acquire the Warm Springs Natural Area under Round 6 of the SNWA signed the Southern Nevada Public There is approximately 3.8 miles of Muddy 5. Make certain necessary permits or SNPLMA “Park, Trails and Natural Area” Land Management Act (SNPLMA) Financial River and tributary frontage and substantial environmental clearances are obtained. category. Assistance Agreement (FAA) with the United wetland and riparian habitat. The natural 6. Own and maintain in perpetuity any land, States Department of Interior Bureau of Land area will provide controlled public access to buildings, trails, facilities, or other features • October 2005 – SNWA submitted Management on May 16, 2007 to purchase enjoy the abundant natural resources, will improved or constructed, unless a shorter an application under Round 6 of the property under the “Parks, Trails and include interpretation of the resources and period is specifically stated in a separate the Southern Nevada Public Land Natural Area” category. The following are T&E species located on the site, and will project nomination authorized through the Management Act (SNPLMA) to acquire key excerpts from the FAA: include measures to preserve and protect approval by the Secretary of the Interior. the Warm Springs Ranch under the those resources. Natural Resources on the “Park, Trails and Natural Area” category. Section I. “Statement of Joint Objectives” Property include, aquatic habitat for the B. THE BLM AGREES TO: Virgin River Roundtail Chub, the endemic • February 7, 2006 - the Secretary of the A. PURPOSE Moapa Dace (listed), the Southwestern Willow 1. Provide coordination and assistance Department of Interior approved SNWA’s This Agreement is made and entered into Flycatcher, and the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo. The during all phases of Project development, request for funding to acquire Warm by the Department of the Interior, Bureau property includes Nevada’s largest breeding including, but not limited to providing Springs Ranch. of Land Management (BLM), Nevada State population of Vermilion Flycatcher. Within guidance regarding SNPLMA policies and Office for the Las Vegas Field Office, and the this section of the Muddy River reside pockets procedures. • July 20, 2006 - SNWA Board of Southern Nevada Water Authority, through of native Mesquite Bosque and Cottonwood- 2. Conduct Project inspections and meet with Directors approved an agreement implementation of the Southern Nevada Public Willow riparian habitat. Project staff to confirm project progress between South Fifteen, LLC, Sunburst Land Management Act, for the purpose of and assist in achieving objectives for this Properties, LLC, Pay Dace, LLC, and developing parks, trails, and natural areas in Section II. “Definitions” Project SNWA for the acquisition of the Warm Clark and Lincoln County, Nevada. 3. Facilitate and coordinate the processing Springs Ranch by SNWA and authorized Section III. “Project Management” of funding, to include amendments to this the General Manager to negotiate and Agreement. execute the agreement and documents B. OBJECTIVE A. THE RECIPIENT (SNWA) AGREES TO: 4. Adhere to the policies and procedures necessary to effectuate the transfer. Cooperation between BLM and Clark identified in the IA. County in order to facilitate the construction 1. Accomplish the stated Objective of the 5. Recipient’s submitted documents are • May 16, 2007 - The Financial of the Warm Springs Ranch Acquisition Project as approved by the Secretary of incorporated by reference: Project Assistance Agreement between SNWA for Development of a Natural Area. The the Interior or as otherwise modified. Proposal entitled Warm Springs Ranch and the United States Department of property will be acquired as a Parks, Trails, 2. Adhere to the policies and procedures Acquisition for Development of a Interior Bureau of Land Management and Natural Area (PTNA) acquisition with the identified in the IA. Natural Area, as approved by the (BLM) was signed. SNWA was awarded objective to develop a natural area under the 3. Furnish qualified personnel for the Secretary of the Interior on February 7, funding to purchase the property and PTNA category in a future round. Totaling coordination, oversight, and performance 2006, SF 424, Application for Federal committed to manage it as a Natural approximately 1179 acres this property is of the objective for the Project. Assistance, SF 424A, Budget Information Area. located in the upper Muddy River Valley 4. Provide supervision for the Project to - Non-Construction Programs, SF 424B, approximately 7 miles northwest of the Town include responsibility for all technical Assurances – Non-Construction Programs, • September 13, 2007 – Purchase of the of Moapa and borders the Moapa Valley aspects, development, implementation, SF424B, Assurances - Non-Construction Warm Springs Ranch was finalized and National Wildlife Refuge. scheduling, safety, coordination, and other Programs, DI-2010 and Appendix B-6 SNWA renamed the property “Warm Project needs. Estimated Necessary Expenses & Key Springs Natural Area”. Milestone Dates. Nomination by the Secretary of the Interior Property Deed

The following are excerpts from the SNPLMA Upon acquisition of the Warm Springs Ranch with the resources and values of the Muddy The Deed for the Warm Springs Natural Special Account Nomination Round 6 to the property, the SNWA will work cooperatively River region. By creating opportunities for Area was signed on August 31, 2007 and Secretary of the Department of Interior for the with stakeholders to implement a series of appropriate, low-impact public access, as recorded on September 13, 2007. In it, the purchase of the Warm Springs Ranch (Warm management and conservation actions. well as the tremendous opportunities that Warm Springs Ranch and 16 other parcels Springs Natural Area). Principle among these may include: would come from the potential to establish were conveyed to the Southern Nevada the property as a field research station, the Water Authority (Grantee) from the following Project: Warm Springs Ranch Acquisition • Development of educational and educational opportunities are endless. Grantors: South Fifteen, LLC; Sunburst recreational area/trails emphasizing Properties LLC; Dace 2 Fish, LLC; Moapa A. The Southern Nevada Water Authority the natural resources for public use C.2. Acquisition of the property by the SNWA Express, LLC; Pay Dace, LLC; and TNES, LLC. (SNWA) proposes to acquire and manage consistent with the Moapa National would place the property in public trust in The following is an excerpt from the Property 1,179 acres of privately held property along Wildlife Refuge and other adjacent perpetuity. Deed: the upper Muddy River, also referred to as the lands Warm Springs Ranch as a natural area under • Invasive plant management C.3. Once acquired, the SNWA has committed THE GRANT & CONVEYANCE HEREUNDER the PTNA category. This property is the single • Invasive fish and invertebrate management to working with all relevant stakeholders IS EXPRESSLY SUBJECT TO A RESTRICTION & most ecologically significant privately held • Bank and channel stabilization activities (including, but not limited to, The Nature COVENANT RUNNING WITH THE LAND: property along the Muddy River. The property • Construction and/or enhancement of Conservancy, Clark County, U.S. Fish is approximately seven miles northwest of the wetlands and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Land IT IS EXPRESSLY UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED Town of Moapa in Clark County, Nevada. • Restoration and/or enhancement of Management, Nevada Division of Wildlife, that the conveyance of the Land described The property is bordered by State Route 168 riparian and upland habitat Town of Moapa, etc.) to determine how the herein to the GRANTEE, SOUTHERN NEVADA to the north, Warm Springs Loop Road to the • Spring pool restoration/enhancement property should be improved and managed for WATER AUTHORITY, a political subdivision of south and the Moapa National Wildlife Refuge the long-term benefit of the species and habitat the State of Nevada, is made for the benefit to south and west (see attached map). The B. The SNWA will be responsible for the within the context of a natural area under the of the people of the State of Nevada for the property is bisected by approximately 3.8 miles operation, maintenance and management of PTNA category. exclusive use as a public park, trail, or natural of the Muddy River. The acquisition will address the property over the long-term as a natural area under Section 4(e)(3)(A)(iv) of the federal the potential need to acquire water rights for area under the PTNA category. However it C.4. Acquisition of the property will increase Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act sustainability of the natural area. It will also is anticipated that this will be accomplished the opportunity to acquire funding and engage of 1998, Public Law 105-263, 112 Stat. 2343, address acquisition of mineral and mining cooperatively with other stakeholders. in collaborative joint management of the as amended. If the Land described herein rights, including any that may be held by third property. is not used or ceases to be used as a public parties, to ensure that the resources within the C.1. The acquisition of this property will place park, trail, or natural area within ninety-nine natural area will not be subject to damage or in public ownership one of the most biologically Acquisition of this property is considered as (99) years from the date of this conveyance, destruction from mining operations. and culturally significant properties in Southern one of the highest priority action items for any person or entity may enforce the terms Nevada. In addition to the significant benefits conservation in southern Nevada by Clark of this use restriction in a court of competent to species and habitat that would accrue from County, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. jurisdiction. acquisition and restoration of the property, Bureau of Land Management, Red Rock the Warm Springs Ranch also provides an Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy. opportunity to reconnect the local community A.02 SENSITIVE SPECIES TABLE

28 Sensitive Species on WSNA Common Name Scientific Name USFWS NNHP State Status Footnotes Fish 1 Moapa White River springfish Crenichthys baileyi moapae critically imperiled in state 4,6,8 2 Virgin River chub Gila seminuda (Muddy River Population) globally - critically imperiled 4,5,6,8 3 Moapa dace Moapa coriacea Endangered critically imperiled in state 1,4,5,6,8 4 Moapa speckled dace Rhinichthys osculus moapae critically imperiled in state 4,5,6,8 Invertebrates 5 Western naucorid Ambrysus mormon 7 6 Warm Springs crawling water beetle Haliplus eremicus not ranked 4 7 MacNeill sooty wing skipper Hesperopsis gracielae critically imperiled in state 4,5,6 8 Moapa naucorid Limnocoris moapensis critically imperiled in state 4,7,8 9 Moapa riffle beetle Microcylloepus moapus critically imperiled in state 4,5,7 10 Pahranagat naucorid Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone 4,7 11 Moapa pebblesnail Pyrgulopsis avernalis petitioned for imperiled in state due to rarity 4,7,8 listing 12 Moapa Valley pyrg Pyrgulopsis carinifera petitioned for critically imperiled in state 4,7 listing 13 Moapa skater Rhagovelia becki 7 14 Moapa Warm Springs riffle beetle Stenelmis moapa critically imperiled in state 4,5,7,8 15 Grated tryonia Tryonia clathrata petitioned for imperiled in state due to rarity 4,7,8 listing Birds 16 Western yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Candidate globally - vulnerable to decline 3,4,5,6 occidentalis 17 Southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus Endangered critically imperiled in state 1,4,5,6 18 Phainopepla Phainopepla nitens imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 19 Vermilion flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus 6 20 Summer tanager Piranga rubra 6 Bats 21 Townsend’s big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 22 Spotted bat Euderma maculatum imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 23 Western red bat Lasiurus blossevillii critically imperiled in state 4,5 24 Western yellow bat Lasiurus xanthinus critically imperiled in state 4 25 California leaf-nosed bat Macrotus californicus imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 26 Fringed myotis Myotis thysanodes imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 27 Big free-tailed bat Nyctinomops macrotis imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 Reptiles 28 Desert tortoise Gopherus agassizii Threatened vulnerable to decline 2,4,5,6 FOOTNOTES: 1 Listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act 5 Bureau of Land Management - Nevada Special Status Species 2 Listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act 6 Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). 2000 3 Candidate species under the Endangered Species Act 7 Muddy River Headwaters Macroinvertebrate Report - Albrecht et al. 2008 4 State of Nevada Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. 2009 8 U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996. Recovery plan for the rare aquatic species of the Muddy River ecosystem A.03 RESOURCE INVENTORIES

Resource Inventories for WSNA Data Completed Survey Source Data Collection Frequency Methodology Property Ownership ALTA survey yes once SNWA ALTA survey standard Site Geography Aerial yes biannual SNWA Aerial photography photo coverage LiDAR yes once SNWA Laser altimetry elevation Soil yes once NRCS survey Hydrological ongoing progressive SNWA Multiple methods features Cultural Resources Class I yes once HRA Inc. Literature search archeological survey Class III yes once HRA Inc. 30 m. transects, total cover- archeological survey age Biological Resources Moapa dace survey yes biannual SNWA, USGS, Snorkel survey - reach NDOW, USFWS Aquatic invertebrate yes 5 years Bio-West Inc. D-frame kick net - reach seg- survey ment Small mammal survey partial 5 years SNWA Sherman live trap - transect Floral inventory yes 10 years SNWA Observation Lepidoptera yes 5 years BOR Observation, netting Hymenoptera survey partial 10 years BOR observation, pan trapping Bird survey yes annually SNWA, GBBO, GBBO transect, intensive area NDOW surveys, breeding bird census; Christmas bird count Herpetological survey no 5 years SNWA Observation, pitfall arrays A.04 BIRD CHECKLIST

Relative Abundance PRELIMINARY CHECKLIST OF MONTHLY RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF BIRDS ON THE WARM SPRINGS NATURAL AREA High Low

SPECIES* JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC SPECIES* JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Grebes Lesser Yellowlegs Pied-billed Grebe Solitary Sandpiper Cormorants Spotted Sandpiper Double-crested Cormorant Willet Pelicans Long-billed Dowitcher American White Pelican Least Sandpiper Ducks, Swans, Geese Avocets and Stilts Ruddy Duck Black-necked Stilt Canada Goose Plovers and Lapwings Wood Duck Killdeer American Wigeon Gulls and Terns Green-winged Teal Ring-billed Gull Mallard Bonaparte's Gull Northern Pintail Pigeons and Doves Blue-winged Teal Rock Pigeon Cinnamon Teal Band-tailed Pigeon Northern Shoveler Eurasian Collared-Dove# Canvasback Mourning Dove Ring-necked Duck White-winged Dove Bufflehead Inca Dove Herons, Egrets, Bitterns Cuckoos and Allies Snowy Egret Yellow-billed Cuckoo Great Blue Heron Greater Roadrunner Great Egret Owls Cattle Egret Barn Owl Green Heron Great Horned Owl Black-crowned Night-Heron Burrowing Owl American Bittern Long-eared Owl Ibis and Spoonbills Northern Saw-whet Owl White-faced Ibis Nightjars New World Vultures Lesser Nighthawk Turkey Vulture Common Nighthawk Ospreys Common Poorwill Osprey Swifts Hawks, Eagles, Kites White-throated Swift Mississippi Kite Hummingbirds Northern Harrier Black-chinned Hummingbird Sharp-shinned Hawk Costa's Hummingbird Cooper's Hawk Broad-tailed Hummingbird Common Black-Hawk Rufous Hummingbird Red-shouldered Hawk Kingfishers Broad-winged Hawk Belted Kingfisher Swainson's Hawk Woodpeckers Red-tailed Hawk Lewis's Woodpecker Ferruginous Hawk Red-naped Sapsucker Rough-legged Hawk Ladder-backed Woodpecker Golden Eagle Northern Flicker Falcons, Caracaras Tyrant Flycatchers American Kestrel Olive-sided Flycatcher Merlin Western Wood-Pewee Prairie Falcon Willow Flycatcher Peregrine Falcon Gray Flycatcher Pheasants, Grouse, Quail, Turkeys Dusky Flycatcher Chukar Cordilleran Flycatcher Ring-necked Pheasant Say's Phoebe Wild Turkey Black Phoebe Gambel's Quail Vermilion Flycatcher Rails and Coots Ash-throated Flycatcher Virginia Rail Brown-crested Flycatcher Sora Cassin's Kingbird American Coot Western Kingbird Cranes Crows and Jays Western Scrub-Jay Sandhill Crane American Crow Sandpipers Common Raven Wilson
s Snipe Vireos and Allies Long-billed Curlew Bell's Vireo Greater Yellowlegs Plumbeous Vireo Relative Abundance PRELIMINARY CHECKLIST OF MONTHLY RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF BIRDS ON THE WARM SPRINGS NATURAL AREA High Low

SPECIES* JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC SPECIES* JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Cassin
s Vireo Townsend's Warbler Red-eyed Vireo Hermit Warbler Warbling Vireo Black-and-White Warbler Shrikes American Redstart Loggerhead Shrike Worm-eating Warbler Northern Shrike MacGillivray's Warbler Waxwings and Silky-Flycatchers Common Yellowthroat Phainopepla Wilson's Warbler Cedar Waxwing Yellow-breasted Chat Thrushes Buntings, Sparrows, Tanagers, Allies Varied Thrush Song Sparrow Western Bluebird Lincoln's Sparrow Mountain Bluebird Swamp Sparrow Townsend's Solitaire White-crowned Sparrow American Robin Dark-eyed Junco Mockingbirds and Thrashers Savannah Sparrow Northern Mockingbird Baird's Sparrow Sage Thrasher Chipping Sparrow Crissal Thrasher Brewer's Sparrow Starlings Vesper Sparrow European Starling Lark Sparrow Nuthatches and Creepers Black-throated Sparrow White-breasted Nuthatch Sage Sparrow Brown Creeper Green-tailed Towhee Wrens Spotted Towhee Cactus Wren Abert's Towhee Rock Wren Hepatic Tanager Marsh Wren Summer Tanager Bewick's Wren Western Tanager Winter Wren Rose-breasted Grosbeak House Wren Black-headed Grosbeak Gnatcatchers and Bushtits Blue Grosbeak Verdin Lazuli Bunting Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Indigo Bunting Black-tailed Gnatcatcher Blackbirds, Grackles, and Orioles Bushtit Hooded Oriole Swallows Bullock's Oriole Tree Swallow Orchard Oriole Violet-green Swallow Scott's Oriole Northern Rough-winged Swallow Yellow-headed Blackbird Barn Swallow Red-winged Blackbird Cliff Swallow Western Meadowlark Kinglets, Chickadees Great-tailed Grackle Ruby-crowned Kinglet Brewer's Blackbird Golden-crowned Kinglet Brown-headed Cowbird Mountain Chickadee Larks Horned Lark Old World Sparrows * This checklist was compiled by GBBO using the Nevada Bird Atlas, Nevada Bird Count point count transects, two area search plots, and grid inventory/rapid House Sparrow area searches (April through June, and September 2009), as well as a checklist provided by Bruce Lund, containing the results of his birding on the Wagtails and Pipits property between 1998 and 2007. American Pipit # Based on limited data; the Eurasian Collared-Dove was not recorded during the 1998-2007 time period but has been prevalent 2008-2009; however, winter Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies surveys have not yet been completed on the property. Footnotes: Pine Siskin (1) Species names in bold indicate that they are confirmed or probable breeders. However, not all birds breeding on the property may be highlighted, American Goldfinch since each year of surveys produces breeding evidence for new species. Lesser Goldfinch (2) The relative abundance of a species in a particular month is indicated by the shading (white indicates no records, black indicates high relative Cassin's Finch abundance). There are not specific numbers or densities attached to these because much of the non-breeding data was from Lund
s checklist which has House Finch uncertain effort/standardization for each month. Evening Grosbeak New World Warblers Orange-crowned Warbler Nashville Warbler Virginia's Warbler Lucy's Warbler Northern Parula Yellow Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Gray Warbler A.05 FLORAL INVENTORY

Family Scientific Name Author Floral Inventory: Warm Springs Natural Area Common Name Prepared by: Robert L. Johnson PhD, Southern Nevada Water Authority, May 2011 Asteraceae Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist var. glabrata (A. Gray) Cronquist Family Scientific Name Author Canadian horseweed Asteraceae Common Name Encelia farinosa A. Gray ex Torr Brittlebush Asteraceae Amaranthaceae Amaranthus retroflexus L. Geraea canescens Torr. & A. Gray Redroot amaranth Hairy desertsunflower Asteraceae Amaranthaceae Tidestromia oblongifolia (S. Watson) Standl. Geraea canescens Torr. & A. Gray Arizona honeysweet Hairy desertsunflower Asteraceae Apiaceae Apium graveolens L. Gutierrezia sarothrae (Pursh) Britton & Rusby Wild celery Broom snakeweed Asteraceae Apiaceae Berula erecta (Hudson) Cov Helianthus annuus L. Cut-leaf water-parsnip Common sunflower Asteraceae Apiaceae Cicuta maculata L. Isocoma acradenia (Greene) Greene Water-hemlock Alkali goldenbush Asteraceae Apiaceae Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. Lactuca serriola L. Whorled marshpennywort Prickly lettuce Asteraceae Apocynaceae Apocynum cannabinum L. Laennecia coulteri (A. Gray) G.L. Nesom Indianhemp Coulter's horseweed Asteraceae Apocynaceae Nerium oleander L. Palafoxia arida B.L. Turner & Morris Oleander Desert palafox Asteraceae Arecaceae Washingtonia filifera (Linden ex André) H. Wendl. Pluchea odorata (L.) Cass. California fan palm Sweetcent Asteraceae Asteraceae Acroptilon repens (L.) DC. Pluchea sericea (Nutt.) Coville Hardheads, Russian knapweed Arrowweed Asteraceae Asteraceae Ambrosia dumosa (A. Gray) Payne Psathyrotes pilifera A. Gray Burrobush Hairybeast turtleback Asteraceae Asteraceae Ambrosia eriocentra (A. Gray) Payne Psathyrotes ramosissima (Torr.) A. Gray Woolly fruit bur ragweed Velvet turtleback Asteraceae Asteraceae Ambrosia salsola var. salsola (Torrey & A. Gray) Strother & B. G. Baldwin Psilostrophe cooperi (A. Gray) Greene Burrobrush Whitestem paperflower Asteraceae Asteraceae Amphipappus fremontii ssp. fremontii Torr. & A. Gray ex A. Gray Rafinesquia neomexicana A. Gray Fremont's chaffbush New Mexico plumeseed Asteraceae Asteraceae Antheropeas lanosum (A. Gray) Rydb. Solidago spectabilis (D.C. Eaton) A. Gray var. confinis (A. Gray) White easterbonnets Nevada goldenrod Cronquist Asteraceae Asteraceae Atrichoseris platyphylla (A. Gray) A. Gray Sonchus asper (L.) Hill Parachute plant Spiny sowthistle Asteraceae Asteraceae Baccharis emoryi A. Gray Sonchus oleraceus L. Emory's baccharis Common sowthistle Asteraceae Asteraceae Baccharis salicifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers. Stephanomeria pauciflora (Torr.) A. Nelson Mule-fat Brownplume wirelettuce Asteraceae Asteraceae Baileya multiradiata Harv. & A. Gray ex A. Gray Stylocline micropoides A. Gray Desert marigold Woollyhead neststraw Asteraceae Asteraceae Bebbia juncea (Benth.) Greene Symphyotrichum divaricatum (Nutt.) G.L. Nesom Sweetbush Southern annual saltmarsh aster Asteraceae Asteraceae Centaurea melitensis L. Xanthium strumarium L. Maltese star-thistle Rough cocklebur Asteraceae Asteraceae Chaenactis carphoclinia A. Gray Xylorhiza tortifolia var. tortifolia (Torr. & A. Gray) Greene Pebble pincushion Mojave woodyaster Asteraceae Asteraceae Chloracantha spinosa (Benth.) G.L. Nesom Chaenactis carphoclinia var. carphoclinia A. Gray Spiny chloracantha Pebble pincushion Boraginaceae Asteraceae Cirsium mohavense (Greene) Petr. Amsinckia menziesii var. intermedia (Lehm.) A. Nelson & J.F. Macbr. var. (Fisch. & C.A. Mojave thistle Common fiddleneck Mey.) Ganders Family Scientific Name Author Family Scientific Name Author Common Name Common Name

Boraginaceae Amsinckia tessellata A. Gray Cactaceae Cylindropuntia echinocarpa (Engelm. & Bigelow) F.M. Knuth Bristly fiddleneck Wiggins' cholla Boraginaceae Cryptantha angustifolia (Torr) Greene Cactaceae Cylindropuntia ramosissima (Engelm.) F.M. Knuth Narrowleaf cryptantha Branched pencil cholla Boraginaceae Cryptantha barbigera (A. Gray) Greene Cactaceae Echinocactus polycephalus Engelm. & Bigelow Bearded cryptantha Cottontop cactus Boraginaceae Cryptantha gracilis Osterh. Cactaceae Echinocereus engelmannii (Parry ex Engelm.) Lem. Narrowstem cryptantha Engelmann's hedgehog cactus Boraginaceae Cryptantha nevadensis Nelson & Greene Cactaceae Echinomastus johnsonii (Parry ex Engelm.) E.M. Baxter Nevada cryptantha Johnson's fishhook cactus Boraginaceae Cryptantha pterocarya var. cycloptera (Torr.) Greene var. (Greene) J.F. Macbr. Cactaceae Ferocactus cylindraceus (Engelm.) Orcutt var. lecontei (Engelm.) H. Bravo Wingnut cryptantha Leconte's barrel cactus Boraginaceae Cryptantha recurvata Cov Cactaceae Mammillaria tetrancistra Engelm. Recurved cryptantha Common fishhook cactus Boraginaceae Cryptantha utahensis (A. Gray) Greene Cactaceae Opuntia basilaris Engelm. & Bigelow Scented cryptantha Beavertail pricklypear Boraginaceae Heliotropium curassavicum L. Cactaceae Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea Haw. var. (Engelm. & Bigelow ex Engelm.) Parfitt Salt heliotrope Grizzlybear pricklypear Boraginaceae Pectocarya platycarpa Munz & I.M. Johnst.) Munz & I.M. Johnst. Campanulaceae Nemacladus glanduliferus Jeps. Broadfruit combseed Glandular threadplant Boraginaceae Pectocarya recurvata I. M. Johnston Caryophyllaceae Spergularia salina J. Presl & C. Presl Curvenut combseed Salt sandspurry Boraginaceae Plagiobothrys jonesii A. Gray Chenopodiaceae Allenrolfea occidentalis (S. Watson) Kuntze Jone's popcornflower Iodine bush Brassicaceae Brassica tournefortii Gouan Chenopodiaceae Atriplex confertifolia (Torr. & Frém.) S. Watson Sahara mustard Shadscale saltbush Brassicaceae Chorispora tenella (Pall.) DC. Chenopodiaceae Atriplex elegans var. elegans (Moq) D. Dietr Crossflower, Muskmustard Wheelscale Brassicaceae Descurainia pinnata ssp. Glabra (Walter) Britton ssp. (Woot. & Standl.) Detling Chenopodiaceae Atriplex hymenelytra (Torr.) S. Watson Western tansymustard Desertholly Brassicaceae Guillenia lasiophylla (Hook. & Arn.) Greene Chenopodiaceae Atriplex lentiformis (Torr.) S. Watson California mustard Big saltbush, Quailbush Brassicaceae Lepidium fremontii S. Watson Chenopodiaceae Atriplex polycarpa (Torr.) S. Watson Desert pepperweed Cattle saltbush Brassicaceae Lepidium lasiocarpum var. lasiocarpum Nutt. Chenopodiaceae Atriplex semibaccata R. Br. Shaggyfruit pepperweed Australian saltbrush Brassicaceae Lepidium latifolium L. Chenopodiaceae Bassia hyssopifolia (Pall.) Kuntz Broadleaved pepperweed Fivehorn smotherweed Brassicaceae Malcolmia africana R. Br. Chenopodiaceae Monolepis nuttalliana (Schult.) Greene African mustard Nuttall's povertyweed Brassicaceae Physaria tenella (A. Nelson) O’Kane & Al-Shehbaz Chenopodiaceae Nitrophila occidentalis (Moq.) S. Watson Moapa bladderpod Boraxweed Brassicaceae Rapistrum rugosum (L.) All. Chenopodiaceae Salsola tragus L. Annual bastardcabbage Prickly Russion thistle Brassicaceae Sisymbrium irio L. Chenopodiaceae Suaeda calceoliformis (Hook.) Moq. London rocket Pursh seepweed Brassicaceae Sisymbrium orientale L. Chenopodiaceae Suaeda moquinii (Torr.) Greene Indian hedgemustard Mojave seablite Brassicaceae Thelypodium integrifolium ssp. affine (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp ssp. (Greene) Al-Shehbaz Convolvulaceae Calystegia sepium (L.) R. Br. Entireleaved thelypody Hedge false bindweed Cactaceae Cylindropuntia bigelovii (Engelm.) F.M. Knuth Convolvulaceae Convolvulus arvensis L. Teddybear cholla Field bindweed Family Scientific Name Author Family Scientific Name Author Common Name Common Name

Cuscutaceae Cuscuta californica Hook. & Arn. Fabaceae Psorothamnus fremontii (Torr. ex A. Gray) Barneby Chaparral dodder Fremont's dalea Cuscutaceae Cuscuta indecora Choisy Fabaceae Trifolium fragiferum L. Bigseed alfalfa dodder Strawberry clover Cuscutaceae Cuscuta pentagona Engelm. Geraniaceae Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Aiton Fiveangled dodder Redstem stork's bill Cuscutaceae Cuscuta salina var. major Engelm. var. Yunck. Geraniaceae Erodium texanum A. Gray Goldenthread Texas stork's bill Cyperaceae Carex nebrascensis Dewey Hydrocharitaceae Vallisneria americana Michx. Nebraska sedge American eelgrass Cyperaceae Carex praegracilis W. Boott Hydrophyllaceae Eucrypta micrantha (Torr.) A. Heller Clustered field sedge Dainty desert hideseed Cyperaceae Cladium californicum (S. Watson) O'Neill Hydrophyllaceae Nama pusillum A. Gray California sawgrass Eggleaf fiddleleaf Cyperaceae Cyperus odoratus L. Hydrophyllaceae Phacelia calthifolia Brand Fragrant sedge Calthaleaf phacelia Cyperaceae Cyperus strigosus L. Hydrophyllaceae Phacelia crenulata var. crenulata Torr. ex S. Watson Strawcolored flatsedge Cleftleaf wildheliotrope Cyperaceae Eleocharis macrostachya Britton Hydrophyllaceae Phacelia fremontii Torr. Pale spikerush Fremont's phacelia Cyperaceae Eleocharis rostellata (Torr.) Torr. Hydrophyllaceae Phacelia incana Brand Beaked spikerush Hoary phacelia Cyperaceae Schoenoplectus americanus (Pers.) Volkart ex Schinz & R. Keller Hydrophyllaceae Phacelia neglecta M.E. Jones Chairmaker's bulrush Alkali phacelia Elaeagnaceae Elaeagnus angustifolia L. Hydrophyllaceae Phacelia pulchella var. gooddingii A. Gray var. (Brand) J.T. Howell Russian olive Goodding's phacelia Ephedraceae Ephedra fasciculata A. Nelson Iridaceae Sisyrinchium sp. Arizona jointfir Blue-eyed grass Euphorbiaceae Argythamnia neomexicana Müll. Arg. Juncaceae Juncus cooperi Engelm. New Mexico silverbush Cooper's rush Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce albomarginata (Torr. & A. Gray) Small Juncaceae Juncus mexicanus Willd. ex Schult. & Schult. f. Whitemargin sandmat Mexican rush Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce micromera (Boiss. ex Engelm.) Woot. & Standl. Krameriaceae Krameria erecta Schultes Sonoran sandmat Pima ratany Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce setiloba (Engelm. ex Torr.) J.B.S. Norton Krameriaceae Krameria grayi Rose & Painter Yuma sandmat White ratany Fabaceae Acacia greggii A. Gray Lamiaceae Lycopus americanus W.C. Barton Catclaw acacia Bugleweed Fabaceae Glycyrrhiza lepidota Pursh Lamiaceae Salazaria mexicana Torr. Wild licorice Mexican bladdersage Fabaceae Lotus glaber Mill. Lemnaceae Lemna sp. Narrow-leaf bird's-foot trefoil Duckweed Fabaceae Medicago sativa L. Lemnaceae Spirodela polyrrhiza (L.) Schleid. Alfalfa Common duckmeat Fabaceae Melilotus indicus (L.) All. Liliaceae Androstephium breviflorum S. Watson Annual yellow sweetclover Pink funnel lily Fabaceae Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam. Liliaceae Calochortus flexuosus S. Watson Yellow sweetclover Winding mariposa lily Fabaceae Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana Torr. var. (L.D. Benson) M.C. Johnst. Loasaceae Mentzelia albicaulis (Hook.) Torr. & A. Gray Western honey mesquite Whitestem blazingstar Fabaceae Prosopis pubescens Benth. Loasaceae Mentzelia oreophila J. Darl. Screwbean mesquite Argus blazingstar Family Scientific Name Author Family Scientific Name Author Common Name Common Name

Loasaceae Mentzelia tricuspis A. Gray Poaceae Bromus diandrus Roth Spinyhair blazingstar Ripgut brome Lythraceae Lythrum californicum Torr. & A. Gray Poaceae Bromus rubens L. California loosestrife Red brome Malvaceae Eremalche rotundifolia (A. Gray) Greene Poaceae Bromus tectorum L. Desert fivespot Cheatgrass Malvaceae Malva neglecta Wallr. Poaceae Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Common mallow Bermudagrass Malvaceae Malvella leprosa (Ortega) Krapov. Poaceae Dasyochloa pulchella (Kunth) Willd. ex Rydb. Alkali mallow Low woollygrass Malvaceae Sphaeralcea ambigua A. Gray Poaceae Distichilis spicata (L.) Greene Desert globemallow Saltgrass Malvaceae Sphaeralcea angustifolia (Cav.) G. Don Poaceae Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. Copper globemallow Barnyardgrass Nyctaginaceae Allionia incarnata var. villosa L. var. (Standl.) B.L. Turner Poaceae Holcus mollis L. Trailing windmills German velvetgrass Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia wrightii A. Gray Poaceae Hordeum brachyantherum Nevski Largebract spiderling Meadow barley Nyctaginaceae Mirabilis laevis var. retrorsa (Benth.) Curran var. (A. Heller) Jeps. Poaceae Hordeum marinum ssp. gussonianum Huds. spp. (Parl.) Thell. Wishbone-bush Mediterranean barley Nyctaginaceae Selinocarpus nevadensis (Standl.) Fowler & Turner Poaceae Muhlenbergia asperifolia (Nees & Meyen ex Trin.) Parodi Desert moonpod Scratchgrass Oleacea Fraxinus velutina Torr. Poaceae Paspalum dilatatum Poir. Velvet ash Dallisgrass Onagraceae Camissonia brevipes (A. Gray) Raven Poaceae Phalaris minor Retz. Sun cup Littleseed canarygrass Onagraceae Camissonia refracta (S. Watson) P.H. Raven Poaceae Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. Narrowleaf suncup Common reed Onagraceae Epilobium ciliatum Raf. Poaceae Pleuraphis rigida Thurb. Fringed willowherb Big galleta Onagraceae Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh Poaceae Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf Scarlet beeblossom Annual rabbitsfoot grass Papaveraceae Eschscholzia glyptosperma Greene Poaceae Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort. Desert poppy Tall fescue Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata L. Poaceae Schismus arabicus Nees Narrowleaf plantain Arabian schismus Plantaginaceae Plantago major L. Poaceae Schismus barbatus (Loefl. ex L.) Thell. Common plantain Common Mediterranean grass Plantaginaceae Plantago ovata Forskal Poaceae Setaria sp. Desert Indianwheat Bristlegrass Poaceae Achnatherum hymenoides (Roemer & Schultes) Barkworth Poaceae Sporobolus airoides (Torr.) Torr Indian ricegrass Alkali sacaton Poaceae Andropogon glomeratus (Walter) Britton, Sterns, & Pogg Polemoniaceae Aliciella hutchinsifolia (Rydb.) J.M. Porter Southwestern bushy bluestem Desert pale gilia Poaceae Aristida purpurea. var. wrightii Nutt. var. (Nash) Allred Polemoniaceae Aliciella latifolia (S. Watson) J.M. Porter Wright's threeawn Broad-leaf gilia Poaceae Avena fatua L. Polemoniaceae Gilia scopulorum M.E. Jones Wild oat Rock gilia Poaceae Bouteloua barbata Lag. Polemoniaceae Gilia transmontana (H. Mason & A.D. Grant) A.D. Grant & V.E. Grant Sixweeks grama Transmontane gilia Poaceae Bromus catharticus Vahl Polemoniaceae Ipomopsis polycladon (Torr.) V.E. Grant Rescuegrass Manybranched ipomopsis Family Scientific Name Author Family Scientific Name Author Common Name Common Name

Polemoniaceae Langloisia setosissima (Torr. & A. Gray ex Torr.) Greene Solanaceae Datura wrightii Regel Great Basin langloisia Sacred thorn-apple Polemoniaceae Linanthus arenicola (M.E. Jones) Jeps. & V. Bailey Solanaceae Lycium andersonii A. Gray Sanddune linanthus Water jacket Polemoniaceae Linanthus demissus (A. Gray) Greene Solanaceae Lycium cooperi A. Gray Desert snow Peach thorn Polygonaceae Chorizanthe brevicornu Torr. Solanaceae Lycium torreyi A. Gray Brittle spineflower Torrey wolfberry Polygonaceae Chorizanthe rigida (Torr.) Torr. & A. Gray Solanaceae Nicotiana obtusifolia M. Martens & Galeotti Devil's spineflower Desert tobacco Polygonaceae Eriogonum brachypodum Torr. & A. Gray Solanaceae Physalis crassifolia Benth. Parry's buckwheat Yellow nightshade groundcherry Polygonaceae Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. Solanaceae Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. Eastern Moave buckwheat Silverleaf nightshade Polygonaceae Eriogonum inflatum Torr. & Frém Suaruraceae Anemopsis californica (Nutt.) Hook. & Arn. Desert trumpet Yerba mansa Polygonaceae Eriogonum thomasii Torr. Tamaricaceae Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karst Thomas' buckwheat Athel tamarisk Polygonaceae Eriogonum trichopes Torr. Tamaricaceae Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. Little deserttrumpet Saltcedar Polygonaceae Polygonum punctatum Elliot Typhaceae Typha domingensis Pers. Dotted smartweed Southern cattail Polygonaceae Rumex crispus L. Verbenaceae Phyla lanceolata (Michx.) Greene Curly dock Lanceleaf fogfruit Polygonaceae Rumex hymenosepalus Torr. Viscaceae Phoradendron californicum Nutt. Canaigre dock Mesquite mistletoe Primulaceae Samolus valerandi. ssp. parviflorus L. ssp. (Raf.) Hultén Vitaceae Vitis arizonica Engelm. Seaside brookweed Canyon grape Punicaceae Punica granatum L. Zygophyllaceae Larrea tridentata (DC.) Coville Pomegranate Creosote bush Ranunculaceae Delphinium parishii ssp. parishii A. Gray Zygophyllaceae Tribulus terrestris L. Desert larkspur Puncture vine Resedaceae Oligomeris linifolia (Vahl) J.F. Macbr. Total Species: 248 Lineleaf whitepuff Resedaceae Oligomeris linifolia (Vahl) J.F. Macbr. Lineleaf whitepuff Rutaceae Thamnosma montana Torr. & Frém. Turpentinebroom Salicaceae Populus fremontii ssp. fremontii S. Watson Fremont cottonwood Salicaceae Salix exigua Nutt Narrowleaf willow Salicaceae Salix gooddingii C.R. Ball Goodding's willow Scrophulariaceae Mimulus guttatus DC Yellow monkeyflower Scrophulariaceae Mohavea breviflora Coville Golden desert-snapdragon Scrophulariaceae Neogaerrhinum filipes (A. Gray) Rothm. Yellow twining snapdragon Scrophulariaceae Veronica americana (Raf) Benth American brooklime A.06 HYDROLOGIC MONITORING TABLE

WL PRODUCTION/ Hydrogeologic Basin_no Name_2 Alias1 Alias2 TYPE WellType AGENCY MEASUREMENT FLOW DATA Remarks UTM_X UTM_Y Unit FREQUENCY FREQUENCY

Groundwater Monitoring: 219 ABBOTT UM7 Well Monitor Valley Fill NPC (NVEnergy) Monthly 706442.8946 4065656.5879 219 ARROW_CANYON Well Production Carbonate MVWD Continuous Continuous 701103.7690 4067755.2460 219 ARROW CANYON 2 Well Production Carbonate MVWD Continuous Continuous 701103.3700 4067768.3000 219 BEHMER-MW Well Monitor Valley Fill NPC (NVEnergy) Monthly 706030.6983 4065280.1818 219 CSV-1 364601114514301 Well Monitor Valley Fill SNWA Monthly 691377.9927 4071630.4100 219 CSV-2 364650114432001 Well Monitor Carbonate SNWA/USGS/NV Energy Continuous NVEnergy includes data 703217.0806 4072966.7777 219 EH-4 Well Monitor Carbonate NPC (NVEnergy) Continuous 703929.2650 4064736.4078 219 EH-5B Well Monitor Carbonate NPC (NVEnergy) Continuous 701568.7861 4067619.1347 219 LDS CENTRAL UM49 Well Production Valley Fill NPC (NVEnergy) Monthly Daily 704113.9580 4066543.6361 219 LDS EAST UM50 Well Production Valley Fill NPC (NVEnergy) Monthly Daily 704478.9759 4066594.2407 219 LDS WEST UM18 Well Production Valley Fill NPC (NVEnergy) Monthly Daily 702746.2777 4067083.3415 219 LEWIS 1 OLD UM55 Well Monitor Valley Fill NPC (NVEnergy) Monthly 702076.8581 4068229.1435 219 LEWIS 2 UM74 Well Production Valley Fill NPC (NVEnergy) Continuous Daily 702339.3990 4067921.3381 219 LEWIS NORTH UM45 Well Monitor Valley Fill NPC (NVEnergy) Continuous 701588.5926 4067871.6716 219 LEWIS SOUTH UM43 Well Monitor Valley Fill NPC (NVEnergy) Continuous 702737.1327 4067265.8985 219 MX-6 CE-DT-6 364604114471301 Well Production Carbonate MVWD Monthly Continous 697482.4475 4071381.1641 219 PERKINS OLD UM15 Well Monitor Valley Fill NPC (NVEnergy) Continuous 705637.2978 4065223.3801 219 PERKINS PRODUCTION Well Production Valley Fill NPC (NVEnergy) Monthly Daily 705692.9601 4065206.0659 219 UMVM-1 DEADMAN WASH Well Monitor Carbonate SNWA Continuous 694304.6450 4070247.5450 220 EH-3 Well Monitor Carbonate NPC (NVEnergy) Continuous 721085.0000 4063300.0000 220 EH-7 Well Monitor Carbonate NPC (NVEnergy) Continuous 720660.0000 4060990.0000

Surface Water Monitoring: 219 BALDWIN SPRING BOX Spring Flow Meter MVWD Continuous Continuous 703257.3243 4066270.2745 219 JONES SPRING BOX Spring Flow Meter MVWD Continuous Continuous 703713.6616 4065660.8144 219 PEDERSON EAST SPRING 219 GAGE PLAYBOY POOL GAGE Spring Flume SNWA/USGS Continuous Continuous 704034.2489 4065063.0421 219 PEDERSON SPRING GAGE Spring Weir SNWA/USGS Continuous Continuous 704008.0508 4065088.5140 219 WARM SPRINGS WEST 219 GAGE Spring Flume SNWA/USGS Continuous Continuous 704210.7611 4065272.2446 219 IVERSON FLUME Stream Flume SNWA/USGS Continuous Continuous 704569.9449 4065295.8619 219 MUDDY SPRING GAGE Spring Flume SNWA/USGS Continuous Continuous 704018.1277 4066347.6635 219 MOAPA GAGE Stream Stream Gage USGS Continuous Continuous 705823.3289 4065349.9049 220 GLENDALE GAGE Stream Stream Gage USGS Continuous Continuous 719896.9331 4058057.4259 220 OVERTON GAGE Stream Stream Gage SNWA/USGS Continuous Continuous 730091.3558 4046453.5134 215 BLUE POINT SPRING Spring Stream Gage NPS Continuous Continuous 730352.7311 4030270.7397 215 ROGERS SPRING Spring Stream Gage NPS Continuous Continuous 729419.7449 4028891.3629

Source: List of sites that will be monitored for the duration of the Order 1169 test, as requested by, and submited to, the Nevada Division of Water Resources

Southern Nevada Water Authority Lucchesi Galati 100 City Parkway, Suite 700 500 Pilot Road, Suite A Las Vegas, NV 89106 Las Vegas, NV 89119 t: (702) 862-3400 t: (702) 263-7111 www.snwa.com www.lgainc.com