PNWR__Upper_Lake_Dam__Project_Nomination_0002.pdf

United States Department of the Interior U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge

SNPLMA Round 18 Capital Improvement Program

Upper Lake Dam Modernization and Water Management Improvements on Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge

Nevada Congressional District 4

Project location

37.286806° -115.120787°

Amount Requested $4,884,472

Project Manager: Rob Vinson, Wildlife Refuge Manager Email address: james_vinson@fws.gov

Mile Post 32, Highway 93 Alamo, Nevada, 89001

(775) 725-3417, ext. 102

Nomination reviewed and approved by:

Kevin DesRoberts Project Leader

Date

Upper Lake Dam Modernization and Water Management Improvements SNPLMA Rnd. 18 Nomination USFWS Pahranagat NWR

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Executive Summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) mission is working with others, to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The overall goal of the nomination is to improve infrastructure on Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge (PNWR) Upper Lake in a way to advance water conservation, modernize water monitoring, and ensure a diversity of wetland habitats are available to wildlife.

The USFWS is requesting approval of funds to implement these enhancements to improve the integrity of the Upper Lake Dam, North Marsh Inlet, and Upper Supply Ditch. Since the inception of PNWR in 1963, the refuge purpose has been to provide habitat for migratory birds, especially waterfowl. This is accomplished by a series of culverts, dikes, ditches, water control structures, and the Upper Lake Dam. Most of the infrastructure at the Pahranagat Drain, Upper Lake, and Upper Supply Ditch have been in place for 30-80 years. PNWR has been targeting and completing infrastructure improvements to address the inefficiencies of the water and wetland management systems through a variety of avenues, such as the USFWS deferred maintenance and Sothern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA) funding processes. Building off the recent SNPLMA project (CI39), PNWR is proposing to modernize existing aged infrastructure, improve water delivery from the Upper Lake, and to modernize the water monitoring system. The completion of these improvements will complete the PNWR water conservation plan and ensure over 1,800 acres rare wetland habitats in southern Nevada will persist for the next 50 years.

The major deliverables of the nomination include improving approximately 4,400 feet of earthen water delivery ditch; rehabilitating approximately 1,200 feet of Upper Lake Dam; creating approximately 100 feet of new diversion channel into critical nesting habitat for the federally-endangered southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus); modernizing current water monitoring stations; and improving approximately 640 feet of the Pahranagat Ditch Drain.

These improvements will result in significant habitat improvements for myriad of bird species.

Special attention focus will be providing optimal southwest willow flycatcher (SWFL) nesting habitat conditions; open water habitat is available for migrating and nesting waterbirds such as grebes, loons, and white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos); and ensure the management of 1800 acres of marsh habitats for nesting, migrating, wintering marsh birds, waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and wading birds. In addition to providing critical wetland habitat for migratory birds, the nomination will improve the flood control holding capabilities of the Upper Lake for the Pahranagat Valley, and provide secure flood protection for Highway 93.

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Purpose Statement:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is nominating this project on Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, Lincoln County, Nevada; part of Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

The proposed project will modernize the current, aged, infrastructure responsible for receiving and holding the refuge’s summer water rights that are used to maintain lacustrine (shallow open water wetlands) and palustrine (emergent vegetation wetlands) ecosystems. The infrastructure improvements have direct impacts to management of rare wetland habitats, thereby increasing public outdoor recreational activities, notably hunting, fishing, boating, and photography.

Modernizing water monitoring systems will increase the accuracy of developing water budgets and delivering water to needed wetland systems, further improving the water conservation measures.

The proposed project will improve the overall water management capabilities of the inflows into PNWR. The refurbishing of the Upper Lake dam will bring the dam into Nevada Department of Environmental Protection compliance and ensure the water holding and delivering capabilities are not compromised in order to continue support of wildlife habitats and public recreation on the refuge. Refurbishing the Upper Lake Dam will also provide improved flood protection to the Pahranagat Valley during large storm events, and provide the only flood protection mechanism in place for Highway 93.

The nomination will improve direct flows from the Pahranagat Drain to enter critical nesting habitat for southwestern willow flycatchers (SWFL). These improvements will allow the refuge to better manage SWFL nesting Critical Habitat, outline by the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Recovery Plan.

After construction is completed restoration efforts will focus on restoration efforts to replace habitat loss associated with landscape disturbances. Restoration zones will focus on grassland restoration, riparian restoration, and invasive species management on disturbed sites. Invasive species management will be a primary focus on habitat restoration, due to the presence of highly aggressive invasive species, such as Russian knapweed (Rhaponticum repens), from quickly invading disturbed sites as a result of construction activities.

Background Information:

Located in the Pahranagat Valley of southern Nevada, PNWR was established in 1963 to protect important wetlands and wet meadows for wetland dependent migratory birds and endangered species of the Pacific Flyway. Pahranagat Valley is but one link in a chain of increasingly rare open water and riparian habitats across the arid western United States and especially across Nevada. Perennial water on PNWR sustains a variety of habitat patches, including open lake, marsh, wet meadow, alkali meadow, and riparian woodlands that provide valuable aquatic and wetland habitat for many of Nevada’s native species. The refuge provides essential stopover habitat for numerous migratory birds and waterfowl traveling along the Pacific Flyway in the spring and fall. Willow groves on the refuge provide critical nesting habitat for the endangered SWFL; migration habitat for the western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis). Marshes on PNWR provide migration habitat for the endangered Ridgway rail (Rallus obsoletus longirostris), while the springs are home to rare aquatic species such as the

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Pahranagat speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus velifer), and northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens). The PNWR provides a welcome watering hole not only for unique and migratory wildlife species, but also attracts numerous visitors from large cities and rural areas that come to enjoy the outdoors and gain an appreciation of an important Nevada wetland.

Located at the terminus of the pluvial White River system, PNWR receives winter water from Ash and Crystal Springs, located 15 miles north of the refuge. Water quantities historically fluctuated depending on annual precipitation patterns and diversion of water users located on upstream ranches and populated areas. Agricultural development in the Pahranagat Valley that included diverting water through an extensive network of ditches began as early as the 1800s.

Current dikes, culverts, water control structures, and ditches on PNWR are outdated structures that can no longer efficiently convey water. Water conservation is one of the top priorities in Pahranagat Valley, where water availability is key to cultural and environmental survivability.

Due to the scarcity of water shared by upstream ranchers and the refuge, today’s PNWR managers face a challenge to maintain wetland habitats with a limited water supply.

As part of its goal for preserving wetland and riparian habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, the PNWR is currently in the process of refuge-wide wetland restoration planning. In 2012, an assessment was completed for dikes, dams, and other water control structures on the refuge. The assessment found many of the water control and conveyance structures to be outdated and in need of structural repairs or design improvement. Improvements of the Upper Lake Dam and associated water structures, as well as the Upper Supply Ditch will increase water efficiency by reducing water loss and allowing better control over water distribution.

Modernization of PNWR water holding infrastructure will allow for improved management of important wetland areas for migratory birds and species of conservation concern. A significant impact would be building off of the SNPLMA CI39 pipeline project. This project will complement and complete the entire water delivery system that the refuge uses for wetland Management. With the completion of the pipeline, the refuge estimates that total water savings improved by 60-70%. With the completion of this project, water saving estimates are in the 90%- 95% range.

In a flood model that was completed and reported in a Safety Evaluation of Existing Dams (SEED) report, a failure from the Upper Lake Dam would cause water to overtop and wash U.S.

Highway 93. U.S. Highway 93 is a major supply route ranging from the Canadian border to Arizona. The loss of this route due to flooding failure from an 83 year old lake dam would be catastrophic. This project would bring the Upper Lake Dam into Nevada Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Interior dam compliance. These improvements would reduce the likelihood of dam infrastructure failure, and protect state and federal public assets for the foreseeable future.

The completion of this project will improve the overall water holding and delivery infrastructure, resulting in numerous, beneficial impacts to the USFWS national, regional, and local budgets.

Nationally, there is a low likelihood of completing such a complex and expensive project through current USFWS processes. Reconstruction of the Upper Lake Dam will decrease the USFWS nationwide maintenance request by millions of dollars. Improvements made to PNWR’s infrastructure and water monitoring systems will reduce the workload and budgetary

P a g e | 5 expenditures for USFWS regional office hydrologists by reducing the need for frequent visits to PNWR for water inflow and usage data collection and calculations. A modernized water monitoring system will equate to millions of dollars in budgetary savings. The PNWR will also see a reduction of maintenance cost by 20%-30% by reducing the need for emergency repairs and maintenance of outdated infrastructure along the Upper Supply Ditch area.

Project Deliverables:

Primary Deliverables

The primary deliverables will include all structures and improvements that will need to be installed and updated to modernize PNWR’s water holding capabilities through the Upper Lake.

o A construction design to determine appropriate improvements, materials, construction sequencing, and best management practices (BMPs).

o Complete improvements on approximately 640 feet of the Pahranagat Drain Inlet access and water monitoring system.

o Rehabilitate approximately 1,200 feet of Upper Lake Dam into Nevada Department of Environmental Protection compliance.

o Improve emergency water conveyance from the Upper Lake Dam into nearby wetland units, by replacing two exiting no functioning 24 inch culverts (Figure

10) with two 36 inch structures that will direct water directly into surrounding wetlands.

o Improve and modernize approximately 4,400 feet of water delivery system from Upper Lake Dam to the pipeline inlet structure to decrease water loss through filtration to insignificant levels.

o Improve water routing system in the Upper Supply Ditch by modernizing approximately 7 water control/culvert structures.

o Create approximately 100 feet of new SWFL diversion channel into North Marsh, to allow Pahranagat Drain spring and summer flows to directly enter critical SWFL nesting habitat.

o Modernize water monitoring stations, by installing two digital flow meters with data loggers (Pahranagat Drain and Upper Supply Ditch), to eliminate flow estimations and improve water budgeting and reporting of water rights.

o Restoration of approximately 3 acres of grassland habitat on the Upper Lake Dam, approximately 6 acres of Riparian habitat, and approximately 7 acres of invasive species management on disturbed sites within the nomination Area of Interest (AOI).

Anticipated deliverables Anticipated deliverables are those that are desirable and beneficial, but not minimally necessary to completion of the proposed project and project purpose. These deliverables include:

Reduce sediment movement through the use of existing dirt supply ditches.

Improving the existing earthen Upper Supply Ditch, by installing a liner, and or pipeline system will no cause water to be moved through an earthen ditch.

The proposed monetarization improvements will stop the movement of sediment in the Upper Supply ditch caused by high water velocities. Staff

P a g e | 6 will measure silt deposits in the Lower Pipeline delivery pool to determine the reduction of the sediment load from Upper Supply Ditch. An overall reduction in siltation will improve water quality and decrease siltation in the wetland units.

Clean Upper Supply Ditch blockages from years of aquatic plant growth and downed tree debris will improve water flow. Using the digital water flow monitoring stations, staff will be able to monitor exact water flows down the Upper Supply Ditch. With removal of water dams in the existing ditch caused by dense emergent vegetation, and down trees, water flow will increase. As a result of improved water delivery, wetland management effectiveness will increase, due to the reduced timing it normally takes to delivery water from the Upper Lake to the individual wetland units.

Refurbishing an 83 year old lake dam will provide flood control safety to U.S. Highway 93. A Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) flood model predicted a dam failure would cause water to overtop Hwy 93, and result in significant damage to PNWR building and residences. Addressing individual deficiencies identified by the SEED report will bring the Upper Lake Dam into safety compliance. The factors/measures identified in the SEED report will be the same measures used to confirm the deliverable was completed.

Maintain public outdoor recreational activities around the Upper Lake such as hiking, wildlife viewing, wildlife photography, and environmental interpretation. Part of the Upper Lake Trail crosses the Upper Lake Dam.

With improvements made to the Upper Lake Dam, the existing earthen trail will be improved as a result. The improvement from the SNPLMA and identified in the SEED report to rehabilitate the dam for the next 50 years will be the measure for USFWS to confirm this deliverable will allow the refuge to continue to maintain public recreation activities for the next 50 years.

Survey approximately 8 acres of cultural areas associated with Black Canyon west using past survey information to document changes and include newly discovered sites. The report generated will be used to monitor sites while construction is active, and evaluate sites after construction is completed. The USFWS will invite a Nuwuvi representative to be part of the survey and monitoring team.

Improve critical nesting habitat for SWFL. With construction of a new diversion channel into the SWFL nesting area, and installation of a modernized water monitoring station along the Pahranagat Drain, better water management for the SWFL nesting area will be achieved by allowing USFWS to directly delivery water into the SWFL nesting forest more effectively. Monitoring water inflows into the SWFL with the digitized flow meters will allow USFWS to calculate water budgets, to more effectively provide favorable habitat for nesting SWFL.

Improve the Waterway Trail by reducing surrounding dead and downed tree debris, and improving route access with newly installed culvert crossings.

The waterway tail parallels the Upper Supply Ditch to the junction of the

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Upper Supply Ditch to the Wetland Pipeline. Improvements made along the Upper Supply Ditch will have secondary improvements to the Waterway Trail. Improvements include improving safety issues, such as removing overhead dead limbs, narrow ditch crossings by installing new culverts, and improve the ascetics and petroglyph viewing by removing dead trees and half fallen trees along the Upper Supply Ditch, which is causing visual blockages for petroglyph observation points that the trail is known for.

Standard deliverables

1. Contract management by USFWS agency personnel, including but not limited to, developing scopes of work, writing bid requests, reviewing proposals/bids, and providing technical representation for the Contracting Officer throughout the project’s duration.

2. Environmental permitting by USFWS agency personnel when applicable, such as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, etc.

3. Project management by a refuge employee to:

1. oversee project activities and deliverables;

2. conduct appropriate reviews throughout different stages of deliverables;

3. coordinate with other agency personnel or contractors

4. ensure sufficient progress throughout the duration of the project.

Project Timeframe:

Upper Lake, Upper Supply Ditch, and Pahranagat Drain Inlet infrastructure improvements proposed in this nomination will be completed within four years, with close out documents completed by the fifth year. NEPA documentation, planning and design for project layout on the refuge will occur in the first year. Construction and installation of structures will take place during the following 2-4 years. The SNPLMA close out package may then be prepared in year five, or earlier if the project progresses ahead of schedule.

1 month Complete work plan and funding authorization

12 months Complete planning and design includes:

FWS Engineering/Government estimates Drafting Scope of Work (SOW) Contract design-build Award Contract Scoping Meetings SHPO/Historic Properties consultation NEPA preparation Final design and engineering

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36 months Construction includes:

Mobilization Construction through full build-out Agency acceptance as complete Payment of final invoice, close out of contracts Release of lien

12 months (minimum)

Project close out with SNPLMA Final site inspection Final review of project file and expenditures Request for close out SNPLMA close out of the funding authorization

60 months Total anticipated period of performance to complete

Location of the project:

The entire project area lies on PNWR. The project area of interest starts at the northern boundary of PNWR, where the Pahranagat Drain enters the refuge boundary. The project area ends where the Upper Supply Ditch connects into the pipeline (CI39) inlet. This inlet lies south of the current location of Refuge Road. The entire area encompasses approximately 467 acres, but has direct impact on 1,850 acres of wetland habitats.

PNWR is part of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex. PNWR is located approximately 8 miles south of the small town of Alamo, Lincoln County, Nevada. The Refuge lies within Congressional District 4 (See Figure 1).

Relevant SNPLMA Performance Measures process:

The vision, mission and goals of the SNPLMA program is associated with connecting people to the outdoors, and conserving public lands while ensuring the project fiscal sustainability. The proposed Pahranagat Upper Lake Dam Modernization and Water Improvements supports these goals and the anticipated performance measures.

Outcome – Sustain the quality of the Outdoor environment by conserving, preserving, and restoring natural and cultural resources.

Output (Primary): Rehabilitate approximately 1,200 feet of Upper Lake Dam into Nevada Department of Environmental Protection compliance.

o Performance Measure H2: Miles of shoreline habitat treated, enhanced, or restored. As a result of improving the Upper Lake Dam’s condition and addressing factors identified in the SEED report, the overall impact will allow us to restore water management to 5 miles of shoreline from Upper Lake and North Marsh.

o Performance Measure H6: Acres of wetlands enhanced.The Upper Lake Dam is responsible for holding and delivering summer water to augment for water loss during months the refuge does not have water rights. Total acres of wetland habitat treated as a result of

P a g e | 9 improvements to the Upper Lake Dam will be approximately 1,850 acres o Performance Measure H15: Conservation actions implemented for non-listed species. The Upper Lake is critical for the refuge’s wetland management plan. This plan outlines critical non-listed species such as Sandhill crane and cinnamon teal.

Output (Primary): Improve and modernize approximately 4,400 feet of water delivery system from Upper Lake Dam to the pipeline inlet structure to decrease water loss through filtration to insignificant levels.

o Performance Measure H2: Miles of Riparian Stream treated, enhanced, or restored. With completing improving 4,400 feet of Upper Supply Ditch, improvements will also treat 3 miles of riparian habitat, by removing down and dense vegetation, enabling tree regeneration to establish.

o Performance Measure H6: Acres of wetlands enhanced. The Upper Supply Ditch is the only water conveyance system from the Lake Dam to the Lower pipeline or meandering stream system of the visitor center. This supply ditch is responsible for delivering all water to the refuge’s wetland system, which results in a total impact of approximately 1,850 acres o Performance Measure H15: Conservation actions implemented for non-listed species. The Upper Supply Ditch is the only water delivery ditch that comes directly from Upper Lake to the junction of the pipeline system. This ditch is a crucial element in the refuge’s wetland management plan.

Output (Primary): Complete improvements on approximately 640 feet of the

Pahranagat Drain Inlet. Improvements will include access and water monitoring system; construction of approximately 100 feet of diversion channel into North Marsh allowing water flows to directly enter critical SWFL nesting habitat.

o Performance Measure H6: Acres of wetlands enhanced. The Pahranagat Drain is the only ditch system that transports the Refuge’s water rights from Ash and Crystal Springs. The improvements to the drain, including access points and water monitoring stations will have direct impacts on all refuge wetland, which total approximately 1,850 acres.

o Performance Measure H14: Threatened and Endangered species recovery actions implemented. The project will have direct impacts to 5 acres of SWFL critical nesting habitat.

o Performance Measure H15: Conservation actions implemented for non-listed species. The Pahranagat Drain is the only ditch system that moves water from Ash and Crystal Springs into the refuge. The water received from the two springs are the sole water rights they refuge has.

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Improvements to the Pahranagat Drain directly ties to the refuge’s wetland management plan.

Output (Primary): Improve emergency water conveyance from the Upper Lake Dam into nearby wetland units, by replacing two exiting nonfunctioning 24 inch culverts (Figure 10) with two 36 inch structures that will direct water directly into surrounding wetlands.

o Performance Measure H6: Acres of wetlands enhanced. The Upper Supply Ditch is the only water conveyance system from the Lake Dam to the Lower pipeline or meandering stream system of the visitor center. This supply ditch is responsible for delivering all water to the refuge’s wetland system, which results in a total impact of approximately 1,850 acres.

o Performance Measure H8: Water developments improved to be used by wetland dependent wildlife. Improvements to the Upper Supply Ditch will improved water movement from the Upper Lake to the Lower Water Pipeline. Improvements made in the Upper Supply ditch will greatly decrease with water loss due to filtration and decrease water blockages due to old collapsed culverts.

Output (Primary): Modernize water monitoring stations, by installing two digital flow meters with data loggers (Pahranagat Drain and Upper Supply Ditch), to eliminate flow estimations and improve water budgeting and reporting of water rights.

o Performance Measure H6: Acres of wetlands enhanced. The Upper Supply Ditch is the only water conveyance system from the Lake Dam to the Lower pipeline or meandering stream system of the visitor center. This supply ditch is responsible for delivering all water to the refuge’s wetland system, which results in a total impact of approximately 1,850 acres.

o Performance Measure H8: Water developments improved for wildlife.

Modernization of current water delivery estimations used by staff gauges will be eliminated by installing a digital flow meter with data loggers. The water flow rates to the refuge and down the Upper Supply Ditch will be precise, due to 21 century technology. Precise water readings will allow refuge staff to develop accurate water budgets and more effectively delivery water to the wetland units round the refuge.

Output (Primary): Invasive species management within the riparian area of the nomination Area of Interest (AOI).

o Performance Measure H9: There will be approximately 7 acres of invasive species management within the riparian area of the nomination Area of Interest (AOI).

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Output (Anticipated Deliverable): Survey approximately 8 acres cultural areas associated with Black Canyon west. Generate a report to monitor sites while construction is active, and post construction evaluation.

o Performance Measure C2: Cultural or paleontological resources surveyed and inventoried. The Refuge will inventory and generate a report on approximately 8 acres of Black Canyon – west.

Outcome - Improve the quality of life for all publics in urban and rural communities by enhancing recreation opportunities that connect people with the outdoor environment

Output (Primary Deliverable): Rehabilitate approximately 1,200 feet of Upper Lake Dam into Nevada Department of Environmental Protection compliance.

o Performance Measure R3: Recreational facilities or structures constructed or improved. The rehabilitation of the Upper Lake Dam is will ensure a major recreational structure is in place for the next 50 years. The Upper Lake Dam has direct impacts to the Refuge’s fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife photography, environmental education, and hunting programs.

Output (Anticipated Deliverable): Improve the Waterway Trail by reducing surrounding dead and downed tree debris, and improving route access.

o Performance Measure R4: Recreation roads or trails routes improved. The waterway tail parallels the Upper Supply Ditch to the junction of the Upper Supply Ditch to the Wetland Pipeline.

Improvements made along the Upper Supply Ditch will have secondary improvements to the Waterway Trail.

Outcome- values of sustainability, connectivity and community.

Output (Anticipated Deliverable): Survey approximately 8 acres of cultural areas associated with Black Canyon west using past survey information to document changes and include newly discovered sites. The report generated will be used to monitor sites while construction is active, and evaluate sites after construction is completed. The USFWS will invite a Nuwuvi representative to be part of the survey and monitoring team.

o Performance Measure O10: Volunteers used in monitoring and restoration project. The USFWS estimates that approximately 5-10 volunteers will be used over the course of the project to help with the monitoring and restoration efforts of completing the project deliverables.

o Performance Measure O11: Electronic reports developed and implemented. Reports generated from the cultural surveys will be used to do complete in field monitoring over time.

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Description of the implementation process:

The project implementation process will generally follow the Project Timeframe and Deliverables section noted above. Initial coordination would occur between the Refuge Manager and Contracting Officer to develop scopes of work, write bid requests, and review proposals/bids for selection of a contractor or cooperator to complete the deliverables. The Refuge Manager would then coordinate with the selected contractor or cooperator on final planning, permitting and design. Upon completion of initial stages, implementation will begin through the final inspection. The Contracting Officer and other agency personnel would be engaged as needed throughout the duration of the project. The project will be considered complete once the improvements to the Upper Lake delivery system, and water monitoring stations are operational and the Upper Lake Dam meets state and federal safety classification criteria. Once the project is completed, final documentation and a closeout package will be prepared and submitted for approval.

Table 1. Deliverables and implementation schedule.

Deliverable Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

(1) Development of a construction design report to determine appropriate approach to refurbish Upper Lake Dam, water conveyance improvements, materials, construction sequencing, and best management practices (BMPs).

Planning and Design

Final Documentation and Closeout

(2) Publication of an Environmental Assessment (EA) report, including Section 7 and 106 Cultural Resource consultations by USFWS, for construction of pipeline, to be reviewed by the public.

Planning and Design

Planning and Design

Construction and Installation

Final Documentation and Closeout

(3) Based on the results of the EA, USFWS will publish a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) statement or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Record of Decision (ROD).

Planning and Design

Planning and Design

Construction and Installation

Final Documentation and Closeout

(4) Pahranagat Drain Improvements – approximately 640 feet.

Planning and Design

Construction and Installation

Construction and Installation

Final Documentation and Closeout

(5) Rehabilitate approximately 1,200 feet of the Upper Lake Dam

Planning and Design

Construction and Installation

Construction and Installation

Final Documentation and Closeout

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Deliverable Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

(6) Improve the emergency spillway of the Upper Lake Dam

Planning and Design

Construction and Installation

Construction and Installation

Final Documentation and Closeout

(7) Improve approximately 4,500 feet of the Upper Supply Ditch water conveyance system

Planning and Design

Construction and Installation

Construction and Installation

Final Documentation and Closeout

(8) Modernize water monitoring stations to improve accuracy in developing water budgets and water rights documentation.

Planning and Design

Construction and Installation

Construction and Installation

Final Documentation and Closeout

(9) Habitat restoration and invasive species management.

Planning and

Design

Construction and

Installation

Construction and

Installation

Final

Documentation and Closeout

(10) Contract management by Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) agency personnel, including but not limited to, developing scopes of work, writing bid requests, reviewing proposals/bids, and providing technical representation for the Contracting Officer throughout the project’s duration.

Throughout Project Duration

(11) Environmental permitting by USFWS agency personnel when applicable, such as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, etc.

Planning and Design

Planning and Design

Final Documentation and Closeout

(12) Project management by a refuge employee on the project

Throughout Project Duration

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Level of Readiness for Project Implementation:

PNWR is ready to initiate implementation of the nominated project with notification from the SNPLMA Capital Improvements Program Manager. Over past years, USFWS has managed existing projects and completed SNPLMA projects at PNWR well before project deadlines. The refuge continues to make excellent progress on existing SNPLMA projects.

Design work and construction will be contracted out, to insure a timely execution of the project.

This will ensure that the infrastructure will be operational by fall/winter of the year construction starts and ensure wetland management goals are achieved. PNWR staff and contractors will complete necessary permitting for this project.

Partnerships and contributed funding:

There are no partnerships in place to assist with this scope of the project. The USFWS is estimating that there will be $406,068 in in-kind labor during the pre-planning and pre-construction phase. Positions involved will consist of volunteers to assist with site preparation;

USFWS personnel (Refuge Manager, Biological Science Technician, and Engineer, Archeologist, Maintenance Mechanic, Refuge Specialist), conducting planning meetings, and assisting with site prep prior to engineering the project designs. In addition, refuge vehicles and heavy equipment will be used to conduct site prep before the project begins. Table 3 provides a detailed breakdown of the in-kind labor and materials that are being used to develop the in-kind figure.

Table 2. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in-kind labor and materials breakdown.

Position/materials Individual count Hours/miles $ Per hour Total Volunteer 2 800 $21.36 $ 17,088 Biological Science Technician

1 2050 $32 $ 65,600

Engineer 1 200 $69.00 $ 13,800 Hydrologist 2 737 $54 $ 79,596 Refuge Specialist 1 1786 $51 $ 91,086 Maintenance Mechanic

1 600 $36 $ 21,600

Refuge Support Staff

2 1323 $72 $ 95,256

Refuge Vehicles 3 18000 $ 0.58 $ 10,440 Refuge Equipment

4 2400 $70.00 $ 168,000

TOTAL $ 562,466

Relationship to previous phases and anticipated future phases:

This nomination is for a stand-alone capital improvement project with no previous or anticipated future phases of work.

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Proposed Project Budget:

The overall project budget proposal for the nomination is $4,884,472. See attached spreadsheets for summary of expenses – Attachment 1A Cost Estimate Summary, and Attachment 1B, Detailed Estimated Cost Sheet.

The project budget will consist of contracting a design built to address all phases of the infrastructure improvements and modernization through a design/build bidding process. The contractor will be responsible for conducting the design work to accomplish the primary deliverables, and complete the construction process. PNWR will work with USFWS engineering and contracting to develop a Scope of Work and award a bid to the best qualified contactor.

An estimated $562,466 in contributed funds is projected at this time. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel (Refuge Administration, Biological Technician, Engineer, Hydrologist, Refuge Specialists, and Maintenance Mechanic) charging to base agency funding will contribute time, and therefore salary, each year to the project.

The Refuge Manager and Biological Science Technician will fulfill various roles in the planning and design, as well as the subsequent monitoring of critical habitats throughout the year as this project is developed and construction is undertaken. Refuge Manager and Biological Science Technician will also be necessary to complete coordination, review and permitting. Additionally, The Refuge Manager would supervise and act as the COR/Project Manager. The Biological Science Technician will monitor project progress and make recommendations on construction timing and implementation to ensure downstream wetland and riparian habitats and associated wildlife are not negatively impacted. The Refuge Manger will also serve as a liaison to other agency biological representatives during permitting and contracting.

To obtain the best quality plants and to ensure the correct genotypes of plant species are being used in the restoration process, local plants and seeds will be collected and contracted to local nurseries to grow for the refuge. Using local genotypes will allow the best chances for a successful habitat restoration program. To help deliver a complex restoration plan on multiple sites of this project, a contract restoration intern will be used to assist with plant collections, habitat restoration, and invasive species management.

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Attachment B-3 Project Cost Estimate Summary

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Attachment B-1 – DETAIL EXPENSE-Project Planning

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Attachment B-2 – DETAIL EXPENSE-Project Construction

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Attachment B-3 – DETAIL EXPENSE-Project Equipment

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Attachment B-4 – DETAIL EXPENSE-Project Travel

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Attachment B-5 – DETAIL EXPENSE-Project Official Vehicle Use

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Attachment B-6 – DETAIL EXPENSE-Project Direct and Contracted Labor

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Attachment B-7 – DETAIL EXPENSE-Project FWS Consultation

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Attachment B-8 – DETAIL EXPENSE-Project Federal Labor

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Attachment B-9 – DETAIL EXPENSE- Project Other Necessary Expenses

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Attachment B-10 – DETAIL EXPENSE-Project Contributed Funds Estimate

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Capital Improvement Ranking Criteria:

Criteria 1: Sustainability & Modernization.

Factor A: A new project or facility designed specifically to engender conservation stewardship and provide new opportunities within the management area that is ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable for present and future generations and restore or preserve natural resources or cultural resources of the area.

Yes, the project meets this criteria by:

1) The project nomination supports preservation of critical nesting habitat of the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher (SWFL). The proposed improvements to the Pahranagat Drain Inlet feature a newly redesigned diversion channel that will directly deliver water from the Pahranagat Drain into SWFL nesting habitat. Water availability has been identified as one of the most important factors in supporting SWFL continued nest success, population growth and ultimately species recovery and delisting. Having this improved diversion channel, will provide a long term solution, 25+ years, to provide quality nesting habitat for the endangered SWFL. Riparian restoration will be completed after construction activities along the Upper Supply Ditch to restore disturbed or lost trees during the construction process. Invasive species management will also be conducted to promote native riparian species establishment.

Factor B: Modernization or rehabilitation of an existing project, facility and /or amenities to enhance the visitor experience, improve unit operations, and reduce or eliminate user impacts to the natural or cultural resources, or restore natural processes within the immediate project area.

Yes, the project meets this criteria by:

1) The project nomination supports this criteria by rehabilitating the Upper Lake Dam for the next 50 years. The dam is 83 years old and in need of refurbishing, including installing a modern self-activating emergency spillway in the system. Improvements will consist of removing dying large trees from the levee, removing animal burrows causing seeps, and providing better slopes and armor to the face of the levee. This Dam supports all major wetland, riparian, open water and meadow habitats that comprise the unique ecosystem of Pahranagat NWR. Total impacted area is approximately 1,900 acres. Three acres of grassland restoration will be completed, along with invasive species management after construction activities are completed.

2) The project nomination supports the modernization of PNWR water monitoring infrastructure. The current outdated system uses a series of weir boxes and staff gauges resulting in low-accuracy estimates of water inflows and outflows. Additionally, these outdated monitoring systems stop working when water flow rates drop to summer levels.

This nomination proposes to modernize the water monitoring ability of PNWR through the installation of new water monitoring systems with flow meters and data loggers. Two monitoring stations will be installed and new flowmeters and data loggers will replace the former low-accuracy water monitoring system. A modernized system ensures all water flows to be measured and digitally documented, as well as water to be measured prior to entering the SWFL nesting area. The improved accuracy will benefit the refuge when reporting beneficial use water rights data. The development of better refined and accurate water budgets will allow PNWR to conduct wetland management activities to support long term wetland habitat conservation goals.

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3) This project nomination supports water conservation in the arid desert landscapes of southern Nevada. Proposed improvements and modernizations will address the historic 90% water loss of 7,200 acre-feet reducing water loss 95%-100%. With constantly improving water conservation on PNWR, management can more effectively focus on providing quality wetland habitat for species of conservation priority and migratory birds.

The improvements of water delivery from Upper Lake will also be modernized with the improvements to the Upper Supply Ditch and or installation of a secondary pipeline to feed from the lake to the newly installed water delivery pipeline.

Factor C: Conservation and stabilization, restoration, or rehabilitation of significant historic buildings, cultural sites, and other significant historic facilities for the present and future generations to enjoy and appreciate the areas cultural heritage.

Yes, the project meets this criteria by:

1) This project nomination supports preservation of historic and cultural resources. With the project nomination area of interest (AOI) overlapping the west side of Black Canyon Archeological District, special attention to the cultural resources within this area is being addressed. Due to the presence of sensitive and culturally significant rock writing, a comprehensive cultural resources survey will be conducted, and newly discovered site will be submitted to the National Register. Tribal involvement will be imperative to complete these surveys and monitor during the construction process of the water delivery improvements. Identifying and protecting these precious nonrenewable resources is of the utmost importance.

Factor D: New facilities that enhance or improve management of public lands. These might include visitor centers, contact stations, and campgrounds to improve public access; housing for staff, interns, and volunteers to carry out programs for improved conservation, education; and curation facilities and workspace to improve conservation of natural and cultural resources and opportunity for educational programming.

Yes, the project meets this criteria by:

1) This nomination proposes to modernize the water monitoring ability of PNWR through the installation of new water monitoring systems with flow meters and data loggers.

Two monitoring stations will be installed and new flowmeters and data loggers will replace the former low-accuracy water monitoring system.

Criteria 2: Connectivity Factor A: Provides new, upgraded or modernized access and/or amenities or infrastructure to previously under-developed areas and/or new opportunities to enjoy/appreciate public lands (e.g., trails, kiosks with location maps and site information, roads, parking, way-finding, restrooms, day or overnight camping).

Yes, the project meets this criteria by:

1) Not only does this nomination tie PNWR water conservation practices together, the project also connects the entire refuge with water conservation practices that our Partners Program has been implementing on private property to the north. The Pahranagat Valley is a largely agricultural community, thus water conservation is a priority one focus area. By having improved infrastructure to better facilitate water conveyance, the refuge can better continue to restore the wetland systems on the refuge

P a g e | 29 that has decayed over years of inefficient water management capabilities. Modernized and improved infrastructure will ensure the integrity of the aquatic communities in North Marsh, Upper Lake, WHIN Marsh, Middle Marsh, and Lower Lake for years and future generations to enjoy.

Factor B: Improves access to previously-developed recreation areas and sites on public lands and/or rehabilitates, upgrades or modernizes site amenities (e.g., improves access to trails, area or site information and way-finding, 4-wheel access roads to passenger vehicles accessible roads, parking.)

Yes, the project meets this criteria by:

1) Improved infrastructure of the Upper Lake and enhanced water delivery systems to the pipeline inlet will connect all water conservation practices on PNWR. Having better water management allows the refuge to more effectively manage the wetland habitats that PNWR is known for in southern Nevada. Improved wetland habitats traditionally increase biodiversity which is a large draw for the pubic. The refuge has experienced increased public use from birding groups, hunting and fishing, wildlife photography, and hiking as a result of improved infrastructure. The nomination infrastructure improvements, the impacted habitats will continue to provide that draw to the refuge, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities for the next 50 years.

2) The ascetics of open water habitat and riparian areas of the Refuge is a major draw for visitors to PNWR. As part of the Upper Lake Dam rehabilitation project, a major bike trail will be improved. These improvements will continue to allow the refuge to support biking recreation, and with the recent addition to include electric bikes on the Upper Lake Trail, the nomination will provide visitors with a new and improved tail to utilize.

Factor C: Provides new or additional recreation opportunities by connecting two or more existing facilities and increased access to primitive or developed outdoor recreation and educational opportunities to meet increased user demand, improves the recreation experience by constructing new facilities or expanded amenities that will connect to existing recreation facilities.

Yes, the project meets this criteria by:

1) The outdoor recreation around the Upper Lake includes a diversity of activities. The Upper Lake area provides biking/hiking trails with interpretive panels, campgrounds, day use locations, fishing, wildlife viewing, wildlife photography locations, and areas for environmental education. These sites are designed to connect nature with the public visitors. Average annual visitation is 60,000 visitors, and Upper Lake supports over 80% of the public use that the refuge receives. With the diversity of outdoor recreational opportunities, PNWR receives visitors of all ages, genders, and ethnicities coming to explore the natural world. The proposed improvement and modernization up will bring the Upper Lake Dam up to 21 century standards, and ensure the diversity of recreational opportunities will persist well into the future.

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Factor D: Contains an outreach and education component to improve public awareness and engage the public in the conservation and protection of the surrounding natural environment through the use of resource interpretation (e.g., information signage, kiosks, educational programs).

Yes, the project meets this criteria by:

1) Water conservation is one of the top priorities of the Pahranagat Valley and in southern Nevada. Water availability is key to cultural and environmental survival. With continued management for habitat integrity, this same landscape that brought people here thousands of years ago, will continue to be on the map. With the nomination AOI incorporating the west side of Black Canyon Archeological District, intensive cultural resource surveys will be conducted as part of this project nomination. Culture sites in Black Canyon date back 2,500-3,000 years ago. The existing and new sites will be identified for preservation for the public to continue to enjoy. This project nomination improvements ensuring that future generations of Nevadans can enjoy the rare beauty of PNWR and partake in outdoor recreation. Having continued managed public land will provide a place for visitors to connect with the natural world around them.

Criteria 3: Community Factor A: Outdoor recreation projects that provide economic benefits to local communities and social benefit to the recreationist and are responsive to changing demographics. The project has agreements or partnerships in place for the planning, design, implementation, and management of the project.

Yes, the project meets this criteria by:

1) PNWR is currently involved in the local community resource concerns outlined by the Lincoln County Conservation District (LCCD). As part of the involvement with LCCD, water quantity and water quality was identified as a concern, along with habitat for wildlife species. To help address resource concerns outlined by LCCD, the refuge has been focused on improving water conservation measures, and focused on habitat-based goals and objectives to provide quality habitats that fits refuge purpose to provide habitat for migratory birds, especially waterfowl.

2) PNWR has a large draw of migratory birds to the refuge. A large portion of winter visitation is from hunters, which uses the local town of Alamo’s facilities, such as motels, restaurants, gas stations, etc.