[acn-l] DESERT SPRINGS conservation trip

peter.unmack at ASU.Edu
Sun, 08 Feb 1998 18:16:13 -0700 (MST)

G'day folks

Please forward this onto anyone you might think is interested.

Calling all volunteers and guests Moapa River Expedition March 98

DESERT SPRINGS ACTION COMMITTEE - ALL ARE WELCOMED - March 20-22, 1998

The Desert Springs conservation group, comprised of members from the Bay
Area Killifish Association (BAKA), Tropical FishKeepers Exchange (TFEx),
Northern California Killifish Club (NCKC) and North American Native Fishes
Association (NANFA) is happy to announce the Moapa Warm Springs service
trip 98 is good to go. Peter Unmack, has finalized plans for a productive
learning and constructive Desert Happening. The March trip is authorized
and under the supervision of the Nevada State Dept. of Wildlife (NSDW)
while in the Moapa River area of Nevada. Various projects to enhance the
habitat will be conducted under the tutelage of agency biologist, Jim
Heinrich, who will be on site to oversee proper completion of our assigned
tasks. The weekends work will include a variety of fishy activities in
selected springs and their outflows.

The Moapa River is home to several rare and endemic native fishes
including Moapa springfish (Crenichthys baileyi moapae), Moapa dace (Moapa
coriacea), Moapa speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus moapae), and Virgin
River roundtail chub (Gila seminuda). Both mollies (Poecilia mexicana)
and damnbusia (Gambusia affinis) are widespread and abundant. Of special
concern is the recent upstream spread of cichlids (Tilapia sp) past the
upper most barrier in the Moapa River giving it full access to all
headwater springs.

Members are reminded that we are guests in this area all rules are to be
strictly observed. The Desert Springs Action Committee will rendezvous at
8:00 a.m., March 20 at the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge which is
about a mile west of the RV Park. The gate to the Refuge will be locked,
so a note will be left on the gate as to where the group will be at
specific days and times.

Directions to the Refuge: Our rendezvous location is on Warm Springs Road,
just off Highway 168. It is approximately 50 miles east of Las Vegas via
I-15. From I-15 you can take the Moapa/Glendale exit, head west toward
Moapa, and it is approximately 5 miles to the Warm Springs turnoff. If
you are coming from the north via Highway 93......31 miles to the north of
I-15 there will be a sign for Glendale/Moapa, (Primitive -BLM- camping can
be found along this road in or near Arrow Canyon). Again, take the Warm
Springs Road sign (this road is only 7-8 miles long and does a loop,
connecting to 168 at both ends.

Camping is allowed at the RV park but costs approximately $12.00 a night
for two. Nevada Division of Wildlife has also made a trailer available at
Lake Mead, just down the hill from Boulder City if individuals want to
come in a little early and need a place to stay near Las Vegas. There
will be food stuff and gear available for cooking several hot meals,
please bring complimentary supplies to share, and if needed your own
special dietary concerns. A $20.00 stipend will be collected in advance
from participants to help confirm attendance and assist in obtaining
supplies. The non-refundable stipend is due March 8, 1998. This area is
remote and adequate individual camping gear will be needed to facilitate
your stay and enjoyment.

Please contact us if you would like to attend this service trip and great
nature trek. Car pools will be available with advance planning. Direct
questions and reservations to:

Jim Lawson
802 Arlington Way
Martinez, CA 95443
510-335-9346
CompuServe:71740,3177
Email:jelawson at ix.netcom.com

Peter Unmack
Email:peter.unmack at asu.edu

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