Purpose of the project: The Shoshone pupfish is one of the most imperiled species in the Death Valley region due to their natural rarity, historic disruption of their habitat, only one remaining wild population, and genetic consequences of small population size. From 2012-2014, extensive habitat work at Shoshone Spring, including pond construction and nonnative vegetation removal, tripled the number of ponds that Shoshone pupfish occupy, representing a nearly 100-fold increase in habitat area (25m2 to 2400m2).
Purpose of the project:
The Shoshone pupfish is one of the most imperiled species in the Death Valley region due to their natural rarity, historic disruption of their habitat, only one remaining wild population, and genetic consequences of small population size. From 2012-2014, extensive habitat work at Shoshone Spring, including pond construction and nonnative vegetation removal, tripled the number of ponds that Shoshone pupfish occupy, representing a nearly 100-fold increase in habitat area (25m2 to 2400m2).
Despite this massive success, more restoration actions are necessary to increase the habitat occupied by Shoshone pupfish. Currently, the outflow of Shoshone Spring runs in a steep-sided, constructed linear ditch which is choked with cattails. In this condition, the channel does not support Shoshone pupfish. In addition, flow onto the Amargosa River floodplain is impeded by the encroaching vegetation, depriving both aquatic habitats and mesquite bosque of an adequate water supply. This project aims to resolve both of these issues by reconstructing and relocating the channel to eliminate cattails, provide more efficient water conveyance, and create a more open water habitat for Shoshone pupfish. The existing ditch would be filled and recontoured to match the surrounding floodplain, and the newly relocated channel would be created with both sinuosity and a narrow floodplain to support wetland vegetation. The creation of this additional habitat downstream from Shoshone Spring is necessary to secure the existence of the Shoshone pupfish in their native range.
The long-term extinction risk of the Shoshone pupfish by a catastrophic event, by nonnative competitors or predators, or through reduced genetic variation stemming from a small population size will be greatly reduced by expanding their range into the Shoshone wetlands, an area that historically was populated by the pupfish until 2004.
Human Interest/Community Benefit:
Shoshone Spring and the adjacent wetlands are on the Shoshone Village property which is actively and intentionally transitioning from a mining economy to one based on ecotourism. The initial restoration project opened a pond to public viewing, giving tourists the opportunity to see the Shoshone pupfish. The current restoration of the spring brook will only increase opportunities for the public to view these charismatic fish. The increase in native wetland vegetation will provide habitat for riparian birds, waterfowl, neotropical migrant birds, including the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo. The Nature Conservancy is a project partner and is providing stream-design consultation particularly as it pertains to maintaining and promoting the current Least Bell’s Vireo population. Shoshone Village provides numerous opportunities for recreation including hiking, cycling, camping, birding, photography, guided walks, and, in the future, Jeep Eco tours. Shoshone Village is also the perfect base camp in which tourists can explore the fascinating geology and scenery of the surrounding Amargosa and Death Valley region.
Project Timeline:
The initial restoration project was completed in 2014. The Shoshone Spring Stream Flow and Brook Reconstruction project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020.
Economic Calculator results:
Current Shoshone Spring Stream Flow and Brook Reconstruction:
Jobs: 0.966
Total Sales: $106,776.40
Value Added: $64,873.09
Income: $51,862.69
Overall habitat restoration work (Past project plus current work):
Jobs: 1.474
Total Sales: $164,784.83
Value Added: $99,760.07
Income: $78,299.23
Partners:
This project was funded and supported by the Desert Fish Habitat Partnership, Shoshone Development Corporation, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Nature Conservancy.