Efficient Water Management for People & Wildlife, Virgin River, Utah

Authors: Elaine York

Year: 2022

Abstract

As a member of the Virgin River Program (VRP) administrative committee, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) supports this collaboration of federal, state and local partners to conserve the unique Virgin River ecosystem – important habitat for six native fish, southwestern willow flycatcher, and many other wildlife species. The River is also a critical water source for a rapidly growing human population. Our goal is to work closely with VRP partners on approaches to conserve native species while still providing water for human needs. To date we’ve partnered in several ways: 1) providing funds to identify river flows needed to maintain healthy summer water temperatures for the woundfin, 2) acquiring some critical river properties that are managed for native fish and other wildlife, and 3) financially supporting a 5-year Santa Clara river water lease to benefit the Virgin spinedace. One of our most complicated Virgin River projects has been obtaining federal funding to implement three Virgin River projects, one being the modernization of Hurricane’s water delivery system to provide additional flows for the Virgin River below the town of Hurricane, critical habitat for the woundfin and Virgin River chub. The presentation will explain some of the goals and challenges with this ongoing project.