The original refugium for the endangered pahranagat roundtail chub (gila robusta jordani) at the key pittman wildlife management area (kpwma) was built in 2004 and sustained a robust population that…

The original refugium for the endangered pahranagat roundtail chub (gila robusta jordani) at the key pittman wildlife management area (kpwma) was built in 2004 and sustained a robust population that provided demographic security and maintained genetic diversity for one of the most imperiled fish in nevada, until 2020. This species has lost nearly all of its wild habitat, and the kpwma site was the only functioning and successful refugium in its native pahranagat valley (lincoln county, nevada). After 16 years, a mechanical failure of the deep water well at kpwma led to decreased water levels, poor water quality, degraded habitat, and total loss of the refugium population in august 2020. Given the long-term success of the kpwma refugium prior to the mechanical failure, the nevada department of wildlife (ndow) secured partial funding through our habitat conservation fee program to restore the kpwma refugium. To-date, nearly all of the tasks associated with the restoration of the refugia pond have been completed. However, due to the unanticipated high costs and extent of the needed repairs, rehabilitation, electrical infrastructure upgrades, and replacement pump for the main well that supplies water to the refuge pond, additional funds are needed to complete the final restoration task before fish can be restocked into the pond. Through this grant application, we are seeking funds to address the current funding shortfall to ensure completion of the well rehabilitation needs and pump replacement. The result will be consistent and reliable water for the refugium pond and the critically endangered pahranagat roundtail chub. Implementation of this project will ensure the completion of the coordinated restoration and rehabilitation of the key pittman pahranagat roundtail chub refugium well and allow future restocking and management of a new population of the species at this location. This project addresses multiple recovery plan priority tasks and will enable continued progress towards species recovery.