The Nature Conservancy’s history and current role in fish conservation in the Chihuahuan Desert

Authors: Ryan Smith, John Karges

Year: 2019

Abstract

The Nature Conservancy has a deep history in conservation of aquatic ecosystems in the Chihuahuan Desert. This began with investment as a landowner and/or stakeholder in Texas, New Mexico, and several states of Mexico. In Texas, the Conservancy manages six major desert preserves, which protect habitat for at least nine endemic and endangered fishes as well as numerous invertebrates and plants. Development of science has also been a major goal, from an initial focus on natural heritage inventory, to ecoregional and local conservation planning, to targeted studies at preserves and watershed projects. Recently, in Texas this has taken on a focus on understanding ecosystem needs and balancing human needs with those of nature. In the Chihuahuan Desert we are collaborating with partners to better understand the groundwater-surface water interactions sustaining desert aquatic ecosystems to enable sustainable water management, even as Texas grows. The Conservancy is using this science to inform several conservation efforts that move beyond land protection to groundwater and surface water protection and restoration at scale. Developing understanding of springflow needs and underlying hydrogeology is informing groundwater policy and management. We also hope to help encourage sustainable approaches to energy development, including water use for hydraulic fracturing. Instream flow needs are also serving as targets for development of environmental water transactions and irrigation efficiency strategies.