4_a__-_AMNWR__Project_Nomination__Crystal_Springs_Outflow__Edited.pdf

Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act Capital Improvements

Round 19

United States Department of the Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Crystal Spring Outflow Restoration

Project Nomination Document

A. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Executive Summary:

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR or ‘Refuge’), part of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex, is requesting funds to restore its largest spring system, Crystal Spring.

Like most springs at AMNWR, Crystal Spring and its drainage were modified and developed for agricultural uses. Remaining irrigation infrastructure is aging rapidly, creating a need for remedial action and an opportunity to restore natural habitats for the benefit of rare fish, wildlife, and plants.

This project includes a comprehensive restoration of the Crystal Spring system to restore ecological function and incorporates visitor access and interpretation enhancements to increase opportunities for outdoor education and recreation.

Background:

AMNWR was established in 1984 to preserve the Mojave Desert’s largest remaining oasis and “conserve and recover listed endangered, proposed endangered, and candidate plant and animal species found in the area”. Approximately 50 seeps and springs generate 17,000 acre-feet of water per year, providing habitat for at least 26 plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world including 13 species listed as threatened or endangered. AMNWR is a true biodiversity hotspot, supporting the second highest density of endemic species in North America.

The availability of water in an otherwise arid region can be tied to a complex land use history at AMNWR including groundwater pumping, peat mining, irrigation water diversion for agriculture, livestock grazing, and recreational uses such as fishing and swimming. These uses and related modifications transformed many springs to differ from the conditions under which unique flora and fauna evolved. Given this history, the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex Comprehensive Conservation Plan, completed in 2009, identifies restoration of impacted spring systems as among the Refuge’s highest priorities.

The Refuge has made considerable progress in restoring its unique spring ecosystems, completing at least 16 comprehensive spring and outflow channel restoration projects. Two additional spring restorations at Cold Spring and Tubbs Spring are in progress. Crystal Spring, the largest spring on the Refuge both by discharge and area of inundation, is the next logical restoration target and the focus of the current proposal. An early restoration project in 1996 targeted the initial outflow reach of Crystal Spring. The current proposal builds on this success by restoring the remaining outflow system of Crystal Spring to the West of the previously restored upper reach.

Discharge from Crystal Spring supports a diverse array of habitat types including wet meadows, emergent marshes, alkali flats, and riparian areas. These habitats historically harbored eight species that are now listed as threatened or endangered, two more species that are now thought to be extinct, and many other rare endemic species (Table 2). Significant populations of the endangered Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes) and Amargosa niterwort (Nitrophila mohavensis) currently inhabit the project area and would benefit from the restoration and expansion of available habitats. Other species such as the endangered Ash Meadows speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis) that have been extirpated from the project area stand to benefit from reintroduction.

Like much of the Refuge, Crystal Spring and its associated outflow system were altered for agriculture and other uses starting in the late 1880’s. Beginning in the 1950’s and continuing into the 1970’s, the discharge from Crystal Spring was diverted into a series of ditches to irrigate agricultural fields. Also during this period, Crystal Reservoir was constructed to store irrigation water and provide recreational opportunities such as swimming and fishing. Two other natural marshes were altered to increase water storage capacity, creating Horseshoe and Lower Crystal Reservoirs. Collectively, these changes moved the ecosystem away from the unique conditions that gave rise to AMNWR unique biodiversity. Instead, invasive species such as predatory sport fish and invasive plants such as tamarisk (Tamarix spp) have thrived in the modified habitats, creating ongoing management and control challenges.

In many cases, the infrastructure elements associated with these land use conversions are nearing the end of their lifespan, creating ongoing maintenance and safety challenges while providing a clear opportunity for ecosystem restoration. The earthen dam of Crystal Reservoir has been deteriorating for years, resulting in a 2014 order from the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources to lower the water level in order to prevent dam failure. Horseshoe and Lower Crystal Reservoirs have also experienced erosion of earthen berms in recent years. The concrete irrigation ditches throughout the system continue to deteriorate as well, creating leaks that cause road flooding and routes for non-native predatory fishes such as largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) to invade the habitats of endangered fishes. While land use changes had a clear purpose for improving agriculture, they are incompatible with the purpose of AMNWR.

The Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex Comprehensive Conservation Plan of 2009 identifies several specific restoration projects for the Crystal Spring system needed to meet conservation goals. Some of these projects have already been completed, helping inform the current proposal. The following plans and analyses were completed in 2012 to provide the foundation for a comprehensive restoration project:

• Ash Meadows Biophysical Assessment and Restoration plan for the Upper Carson Slough and Crystal Spring Management Units

• Crystal Reservoir Rehabilitation Plan and Construction Sequence

• Fugitive Dust Hazard Analysis, Crystal Reservoir

• Upper Carson Slough and Crystal Management Unit Final Revegetation Plan

The current project proposal leverages these planning investments and initial restoration successes to complete restoration of the Crystal Spring system. Restoration components include:

1) Returning the flow of Crystal Spring to natural outflow channels downstream of the previously restored upper reach.

2) Reclaiming historic irrigation infrastructure including Crystal Reservoir, irrigation ditches, and dikes to restore natural hydrology and eliminate a major source of invasive fish and plants.

3) Constructing new infrastructure to improve management of water and invasive fishes.

4) Incorporating visitor access and interpretation enhancements to increase opportunities for outdoor education and recreation.

By restoring natural system hydrology and native vegetation while facilitating the management of invasive species, the project will recreate a sustainable ecosystem that supports many rare and endemic species. Another major benefit of these investments will be reduced operations and maintenance obligations related to aging infrastructure and invasive species control.

Visitor access and interpretive upgrades including road improvements, a new trail, and overlooks will increase opportunities for recreation, cultural and ecological education, and exploration of nature. The cultural heritage of indigenous peoples, in particular the Newe (Western Shoshone) and Nuwu (Southern Paiute) for whom AMNWR is an ancestral homeland, will be promoted during all phases of project design and implementation, with dedicated funds to facilitate tribal consultation and collaboration.

Lastly, the project incorporates elements to increase the rigor of restoration designs and enable adaptive management of habitats for threatened and endangered species. These elements include:

1) modeling and monitoring of system hydrology to inform restoration design alternatives and understand downstream effects, 2) monitoring and adaptive management of Amargosa niterwort and other rare plants that may be impacted by hydrological changes, 3) monitoring and adaptive management of nonnative fishes using genetic monitoring tools (i.e., eDNA) to improve the efficacy of control strategies.

1. Describe relationship to prior approved phases or related SNPLMA projects and anticipated future phases:

A comprehensive strategy for restoration of the Upper Carson Slough and Crystal Management Unit was developed under SNPLMA project PW01, including several component reports and plans.

A related SNPLMA project FW41 is being implemented to restore Cold Springs and create a backcountry trail system within Upper Carson Slough.

2. Acknowledgement of stand-alone project and no guarantee of funding for future phases:

The current proposal has been designed as a stand-alone project, the deliverables of which do not require additional funding for completion.

Table 1. Project timeframe and deliverables schedule.

Deliverable Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

(1) Contract, agreement, and budget management X X X X X

(2) Project management X X X X X

(3) Planning and conceptual design

X X

(4) Environmental compliance (NEPA, Section 106, ESA)

X X

(5) Permits X

(6) Hydrological analysis and monitoring

X X X X X

(7) Rare plant analysis and monitoring

X X X X

(8) Invasive fish monitoring X X X X

(9) Engineering and construction of naturalized channel, reclamation of abandoned irrigation ditches and berms

X X X

(10) Decommissioning of Crystal Reservoir, restoration of Horseshoe and Lower Crystal Marshes

X X

(11) Construction of road and trail improvements

X X

(12) Final Documentation and Closeout

X

B. SNPLMA STRATEGIC PLAN VALUES

Capital Improvements (CIP) projects have two goals identified in the Strategic Plan:

• Goal 1: Sustain the quality of the outdoor environment by conserving, preserving, and restoring natural and cultural resources.

• Goal 2: Improve the quality of life for all publics in urban and rural communities by enhancing recreational opportunities that connect people with the outdoor environment.

Nominated projects should meet these goals by focusing on the three SNPLMA core values, connectivity, sustainability, and community. Every nomination must explain how the three values are promoted by the project.

• Sustainability:

The unique biodiversity of AMNWR is being impacted by two primary threats – habitat alteration and invasive species. By removing unnecessary irrigation infrastructure and recreating natural spring outflows and wetlands, the project will restore the habitat conditions that gave rise to and sustain the unique assemblage of endemic species.

The project also positions the Refuge for sustained success in the control of invasive plants and fish. With decommissioning of Crystal Reservoir, the project will eliminate a primary source of tamarisk and predator fishes (largemouth bass and green sunfish).

Control of tamarisk, bass, and sunfish currently take a great deal of effort, oftentimes with mixed results. The project also puts in place improved infrastructure and monitoring tools to facilitate control of invasive fish. Infrastructure including new water control structures and fish barriers will enable treatment of ongoing or new fish invasions as needed. Development of new genetic monitoring tools will allow for early detection and control of nonnative fish introductions, before they can become established.

The operations and maintenance burden of aging and deteriorating infrastructure will also be greatly reduced by the project, helping improve the sustainability of Refuge operations. While the irrigation infrastructure that was built to support agriculture is no longer needed, deterioration has created safety concerns, road flooding hazards, as well as ongoing habitat management challenges. Eliminating these responsibilities will spare staff time and funding for other priorities.

Table 2. Special status and rare endemic species that will benefit from the Crystal Spring Outflow Restoration Project area.

Species Status Ash Meadows speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis) Endangered, extirpated Amargosa niterwort (Nitrophila mohavensis) Endangered Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes) Endangered Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) Endangered Yuma Ridgways (clapper) rail (Rallus obsoletus yumanensis) Endangered Ash Meadows gumplant (Grindelia fraxinipratensis) Threatened Ash Meadows ivesia (Ivesia kingii var. eremica) Threatened Spring-loving centaury (Centaurium namophilum) Threatened Crystal Spring springsnail (Pyrgulopsis crystalis) Rare endemic Sportingoods tryonia springsnail (Tryonia angulate) Rare endemic Ash Meadows blazingstar (Mentzelia leucophylla), Rare endemic Ash Meadows lady’s tresses (Spiranthes infernalis) Rare endemic Ash Meadows sunray (Enceliopsis nudicaulis var. corrugate) Rare endemic Alkali mariposa lily (Calochortus striatus) Rare endemic

• Connectivity:

The project will reconnect aquatic habitats in the Crystal Spring outflow system that have been fragmented and isolated during conversion of the area to support agriculture. At present, populations of the endangered Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish in the upper Crystal Spring outflow are isolated from those downstream by a series of irrigation ditches, diversions, and semi-permanent fish barriers. The project will address these impediments to fish movement by eliminating unnecessary infrastructure, recreating natural spring outflow stream channels, and installing removable fish barriers that can be used when needed, but removed to allow fish passage following eradication of nonnative fishes.

The project will also restore occasional surface water connections with adjacent Bradford Springs and Kings Spring outflow systems, enabling occasional exchange of genetic variation among populations of Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish and Ash Meadows speckled dace, as would have occurred historically. Such metapopulation dynamics can be important in sustaining biodiversity over time, particularly when local populations experience dramatic declines or extirpation following catastrophic disturbances.

• Community:

AMNWR is within the ancestral homelands of Newe (Western Shoshone) and Nuwu (Southern Paiute). The project incorporates new opportunities to partner with Newe and Nuwu tribal members. Restoring hydrology, habitats, and native species will restore a significant cultural site for present and future generations of Newe and Nuwu people.

Interpretation of the importance of the Crystal Spring area to the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples will be incorporated along the new trail system and at overlook locations. Tribal consultation and engagement is supported by line-item funding to ensure strong collaboration from the beginning of the project through design and implementation.

Several rural communities adjacent to the Refuge will also benefit from the project including Amargosa Valley, Beatty, Crystal, and Pahrump, Nevada as well as Shoshone and Tecopa, California. The project incorporates gravel road upgrades and a new trail to improve access to nature. Interpretive enhancements such as two new overlooks will provide unique educational opportunities, helping connect our neighbors with the Refuge’s cultural heritage and ecology.

C. PURPOSE STATEMENT

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting SNPLMA Round 19 funds to restore and enhance the Crystal Spring outflow system within AMNWR in Nye County, Nevada. The Crystal Spring outflow system has been impacted by prior land conversions for agriculture and this project would reclaim unnecessary irrigation infrastructure and recreate habitats that support a unique assemblage of threatened, endangered, and rare fish, plants, and wildlife, thereby restoring this unique environment and creating new opportunities for interpretation and education to connect visitors with nature.

D. PROJECT DELIVERABLES

1. Primary Deliverables:

• Adaptive management framework

i. Hydrological analysis and monitoring

ii. Endangered plant (Amargosa niterwort) propagation and monitoring

iii. Genetic monitoring of primary non-native and native fishes

• West Crystal Spring outflow restoration

i. Reconstruction of naturalized spring outflow channels (one mile minimum). Final channel design and routing will be informed by hydrological analysis.

ii. Revegetation and weed control along outflow channels

iii. Construction of up to seven fish barriers with removable panels at strategic locations to control the spread of nonnative species.

iv. Salvage of native fish from artificial ditches and impoundments

v. Removal of nonnative green sunfish from the project area and upstream reaches

• Reclamation of irrigation infrastructure

i. Reclamation of approximately five miles of irrigation ditch and berm. Reclamation priorities to be informed by additional hydrological analysis.

ii. Decommissioning of Crystal Reservoir and associated spur roads and parking areas

iii. Revegetation and weed control within current Crystal Reservoir footprint and adjacent developed areas

iv. Restoration of Horseshoe and Lower Crystal Reservoirs/Marshes to recreate historic wetland form and function

• Visitor access improvements and interpretive enhancements

i. New trail through restored outflow reaches, connecting existing Crystal Spring boardwalk with Horseshoe and Lower Crystal Marshes

ii. Two new overlooks with interpretive signage

iii. New parking lot adjacent to restoration area and downstream marshes

iv. Improvement up to 1.4 miles of gravel access road (Crystal Loop Road)

2. Anticipated Deliverables:

• Three new water control structures at key channel branches, if required by final design alternative to enable adaptive habitat management

• Four bottomless culverts at road crossings, as necessary to provide fish passage

• Increases in populations of Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish and the Ash Meadows speckled dace due to increased habitat.

• Increased visitation by local community members and tourists due enhancements in outdoor recreation opportunities.

3. Standard Deliverables:

• Permitting still needed:

i. NEPA documentation

ii. Section 7/Biological Opinion compliance documentation

iii. Nevada Division of Environmental Protection Temporary Working in Waterways

iv. Nevada State Engineer Application for Decommission, Breach, or Removal of a Dam

v. Nevada Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan

vi. Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404 permits

vii. Nevada State Historic Preservation Office documentation

viii. National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 compliance documentation

• Requests for proposals for components of the restoration including design and construction of spring outflow channels, Crystal Reservoir decommissioning, and visitor access and interpretive enhancements

• Contracts or agreements for technical assistance with hydrological and botanical analysis

• SMART quarterly status updates

• SMART annual and final accomplishment reports

• Preparation of the SNPLMA close out package

E. PROJECT LOCATION

Latitude and Longitude:

36.419729, -116.336032

Congressional District(s):

F. PROJECT TIMEFRAME

5 years

G. LEVEL OF PROJECT READINESS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Is this a shovel-ready project: ☐ Yes -or- ☒ No

Is NEPA completed? ☐ Yes -or- ☒ No

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at AMNWR is prepared to initiate implementation of the nominated project upon notification of funds availability. Staff will complete the required Section 7 ESA consultations and NHPA Section 106 compliance. NEPA compliance (Environmental Assessment), planning, and design will be contracted upon notification of funds availability. Technical assistance with hydrologic and botanical analysis will be completed by contractors and cooperating agency staff. The construction components of Crystal Spring outflow restoration, Crystal Reservoir decommissioning, and the visitor access and interpretation improvements will be completed by contractors. Revegetation of disturbed areas will be completed by contractors, cooperators, and refuge staff.

H. FUTURE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

It is the intention of the project to restore system hydrology and native vegetation to create self-sustaining natural habitats for native fishes and plants. Following reconstruction, spring outflow channels will require a period of routine vegetation monitoring, invasive plant control, and native plant watering. As vegetation succession stabilizes the reconstructed channels, these needs should rapidly decline. It is expected that a period of 3-5 years will be sufficient to stabilize the newly constructed channels with native vegetation. Future monitoring and control of invasive plants within the project area will be undertaken as a routine function of Refuge staff.

Similarly, following decommissioning of Crystal Reservoir and reclamation of irrigation infrastructure such as ditches and dikes, annual weed surveys and treatments will be needed until native vegetation becomes established. It is estimated that it will take one crew of 3-5 three weeks each year for the first five years following reservoir decommissioning and infrastructure reclamation to survey sites and treat weeds. This level of effort will be less than currently required to control the spread of tamarisk from the site.

In addition to reducing the operations and maintenance burden related to invasive plant management, the project will eliminate the need to address safety and management concerns resulting from the failing earthen dam at Crystal Reservoir and deteriorating concrete ditches.

Repair of Crystal Reservoir to meet current dam safety requirements would be expensive and create an ongoing operation and maintenance burden. Concrete irrigation ditches throughout the Crystal Spring outflow system are also nearing the end of their useful lifespan. As these ditches fail in places, they create routes for invasion of the upper Crystal Spring system by green sunfish and potentially other nonnative species. Control of green sunfish in the upper Crystal Spring system requires ongoing investments of time and funding, oftentimes with mixed results. By eliminating a primary source of these nonnative fish (Crystal Reservoir and associated irrigation ditches) rather than attempting to control ongoing invasions, the project will greatly reduce the Refuge’s nonnative fish control burden and ultimately enable eradication of green sunfish.

New water control structures and fish barriers will require routine maintenance to preserve their functionality. It is estimated that this will require one day per month for one individual. In a larger sense, these new structures will improve the Refuge’s ability to control aquatic species invasions more efficiently and effectively. In combination with the use of new eDNA surveillance tools, the ability to isolate new fish invasions (using barriers) and desiccate stream reaches (water control structures) should greatly enhance the efficiency and efficacy of the Refuge’s nonnative fish control efforts, enabling eradication of invasive species before they can become established.

Road and visitor access improvements will require ongoing maintenance, though these needs will be reduced from current levels. Currently, the Crystal Loop Road routinely floods from irrigation ditch seepage, requiring water control measures to divert flows and repairs to address ruts and other flood-related damages. At present, the refuge spends approximately $10,000 - $15,000 per year (including salary, fuel, and materials) to maintain this small section of road.

The proposed project would reduce refuge costs to less than $1,000 per year for maintenance of this roadway.

These evaluations were made through consultation with agency staff and contractors.

I. PROJECT BUDGET

Complete the project budget using the provided MS Excel template and upload as a separate document to the Submissions tab in the nomination portal. Do not embed the project budget in this document.

Partnership and/or Contributed Funds

The NDOW will contribute in-kind labor worth $34,597 during the planning, design, and implementation phases of the project. Volunteer labor worth $57,080 will be contributed by FWS volunteers during all phases of the project.

J. KEY CONTACTS

Authorized Officer: Kevin DesRoberts, Project Leader, Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex Email: kevin_desroberts@fws.gov Phone Number: 702-515-5451

Project Manager: Michael Bower, Refuge Manager, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Email: michael_bower@fws.gov Phone Number: 775-372-5435 x121

Budget Officer: Leanne Abel, Administrative Officer, Desert National Wildlife Complex Email: leanne_abel@fws.gov Phone Number: 702-515-5463

K. RANKING CRITERIA

The Ranking Criteria are used to evaluate the nomination against the goals for the CIP category.

Nominating entities are not to include either the total point value or the point values by criteria in their responses. Nominations will be reviewed and scored by the CIP subgroup.

1. SUSTAINABILITY & MODERNIZATION: The project supports conservation, preservation, restoration, or modernization of natural, cultural, or historic resources (which includes infrastructure) to ensure availability of those resources for future generations. The project will remain relevant and continue to provide benefit to a recreation user over the anticipated life of the project. Explain what the anticipated design life of the project is and identify what and how the natural resources will be sustained.

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.

Answer: Yes, the project will restore a natural ecosystem and the many ecological and social benefits associated with intact natural areas. AMNWR harbors the second highest density of endemic species in North America, thanks largely to its unique hydrogeological features (i.e., springs) in otherwise dry and desolate desert valley habitat.

Primary threats to these species include habitat alteration and invasive species. The project will directly address these two main threats by restoring self-sustaining habitat conditions and eliminating primary sources of invasive plants and fish.

Habitat quality in Crystal Spring outflow system is strongly affected by deteriorating irrigation infrastructure. This infrastructure, including Crystal Reservoir and associated irrigation ditches, requires increasing amounts of time and funding to maintain and repair.

These efforts are needed to address safety hazards and limit the spread of invasive species that have taken over the artificial habitats. By reclaiming this infrastructure and restoring the natural function of habitats, the project will recreate naturally self-sustaining habitats while reducing the amount of time and funding required for infrastructure maintenance, improving the sustainability of the refuge’s operations.

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.

Answer: Yes, improved roads will enhance the visitor experience by providing more reliable access to a portion of the refuge that is often closed due to poor road conditions.

The project will restore natural processes within the project area. The restored spring channel will mimic the historic flow path which will create more hydrated soils, beneficial to native and rare plants, as well as create additional habitat for the endangered Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish and the Ash Meadows speckled dace.

Reclamation of irrigation infrastructure throughout the project area will eliminate many impairments that interfere with the natural processes that create and sustain unique spring outflow channels and associated habitats at AMNWR. Decommissioning of Crystal Reservoir will restore the natural surface water hydrology of the system. Reclaiming concrete irrigation ditches and replacing them with naturalized outflow channels and wetlands will dramatically improve habitat quality for many riparian, wetland, and aquatic species.

The main access road to the area, Crystal Loop Road, will be improved as a component of the project, reducing the environmental impact of frequent road damage caused by flooding.

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.

Answer: Yes. AMNWR is within the ancestral homelands of Newe (Western Shoshone) and Nuwu (Southern Paiute). Restoring the hydrology, habitats, and native species will restore a significant cultural site for present and future generations of Newe and Nuwu people. Interpretation of the importance of these natural areas to the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples of the area will be incorporated along the new trail system and at overlook locations.

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.

Answer: Yes, this project includes several visitor access and interpretive enhancements including upgraded access roads, a new trail, and new overlook areas to interpret the restoration project and help educate visitors about the unique hydrogeology and biota found at AMNWR. The new overlook will incorporate interpretive signage that documents the succession of vegetation and habitats following restoration of the spring outflow system.

2. CONNECTIVITY: The project provides recreational opportunities that link population centers, recreation facilities, and the user to the outdoors and natural landscapes. It encourages people to meaningfully connect with their natural environment, thus helping them appreciate and care for the environment. The project will also connect the user to the history and/or cultural of the site and engages the user in appreciation of the site/area.

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, wayfinding, restrooms, day or overnight camping).

Answer: Yes, the project will provide new access to endangered fish and wetland viewing locations including a new trail and overlooks. Interpretive signage along the trail and at overlooks will help convey the purpose of the restoration project and help educate visitors about the unique hydrogeology and biota found at AMNWR. Primary interpretive themes will include the cultural significance of AMNWR to indigenous people as well as the succession of vegetation and habitats following restoration of the spring outflow system.

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 wayfinding, 4-wheel access roads to passenger vehicle accessible roads, parking).

Answer: Yes, the project will improve visitor access by modernizing roads and connecting existing trails to new areas for further exploration by visitors. The project will provide improved hunting quality and access. Improved roads will enable more reliable access to this portion of the refuge that is currently often closed due to road flooding.

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.

Answer: Yes, the project will provide youth from local schools new and enhanced opportunities for recreation and educational experiences on public lands close to their local community. It will also provide new opportunities for families in the rural communities of Amargosa Valley and Pahrump to support conservation and understand natural resources at the refuge and surrounding public lands. A new trail and interpretive overlooks will connect to an existing boardwalk trail along upper Crystal Spring to expand opportunities for nature exploration.

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., kiosks, information signage, educational programs).

Answer: Yes, new interpretive features along a new trail and overlook areas will be constructed to help educate visitors about the area’s unique cultural and ecological significance. The overlook will incorporate signage that interprets the succession of vegetation and habitats following restoration of the spring outflow system, connecting the importance of ecological integrity with the cultural significance of the area to indigenous peoples.

3. COMMUNITY: The project provides or improves outdoor recreation opportunities to improve the quality of life, especially for underserved communities. It conserves or restores the functionality, resiliency, and integrity of biological communities. The project encourages partnerships, which in turn builds community. (Encourages and engages the public in the conservation and protection of the surrounding natural environment through use of volunteer/stewardship resources)

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.

Answer: Yes, the project will enrich the visitor experience at AMNWR by providing new and expanded outdoor recreational opportunities including a new trail and interpretive overlooks and improved hunting access. This will support local tourism and improve the public’s connection with natural, cultural, and recreational resources on public lands.

B. Project has identified committed non-SNPLMA sources of funding or in-kind contribution for the planning, design, and development of the project.

Answer: Yes, collaborating agencies have committed support to assist in design and implementation of the Crystal Spring outflow restoration project (see letters of support).

AMNWR is fortunate to have many long-standing collaborators and partners in both state and federal agencies. The National Park Service has partnered with AMNWR in the management of endangered fishes and the larger groundwater aquifer since creation of the Refuge in the mid-1980’s. The Nevada Department of Wildlife is a primary collaborator for fish and wildlife management at AMNWR, including ongoing efforts to monitor native fishes and control invasive species. The Bureau of Land Management collaborates with AMNWR across a breadth of issues ranging from road right-of-way management, to groundwater monitoring, to collaborative fish, wildlife, and rare plant management. Collectively, we expect our agency partners to support this project by contributing 3,000 person-hours over its five-year duration. In addition, AMNWR has many dedicated volunteers, many of which are certified heavy equipment operators and skilled education professionals. We anticipate volunteers will contribute to informing project design and interpretive components and will contribute 2,000 hours of time to the implementation of this projects.

C. Project provides agency or unit support/administrative infrastructure in underserved areas to improve management of and conservation stewardship, educational programming, and access to public lands.

Answer: Yes, the project will provide infrastructure for conservation stewardship in the rural Amargosa Valley located in Nye County, NV. It will provide new opportunities for the families in the rural communities of Amargosa Valley, Crystal, and Pahrump to support conservation and understand natural resources at the refuge and surrounding public lands, while also improving hunting opportunities and access for a community with limited access to quality hunting.

4. OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE: The agency has clearly demonstrated that the anticipated operation and maintenance (O&M) costs for the project and resources necessary to operate the project are within existing appropriations or demonstrated how they will secure the necessary O&M funds. (Agency has detailed the estimated annual O&M cost and estimated use or permit fees to be collected.)

A. The agency has demonstrated that current appropriations are sufficient for the O&M of the project or is available for new projects or that O&M costs will be reduced after reconstruction and will be offset by non-appropriated funds (e.g., fee collection or concession revenue.

Answer: Yes, current appropriations are sufficient for the operations and management of the project. Operational requirements for the restoration of Crystal Spring outflow primarily occur during construction and creation processes. Requirements to maintain the Crystal Spring outflow system will be minimal and will decrease with time as the habitat is restored and native vegetation stabilizes the site to inhibit soil erosion and weed invasions. Trails and interpretive features will be designed to limit long-term maintenance to the maximum extent practical.

B. Volunteers or partners will contribute to the O&M of the project and agency funds for O&M will be reduced overall.

Answer: Yes, AMNWR is lucky to have the support of many dedicated volunteers. As an example, just two of these volunteers have contributed over 16,000 person-hours in the last ten years. These dedicated long-term volunteers are joined by new resident volunteers each year, many of whom are retired couples that spend up to four months assisting with a variety of projects, including the operation and maintenance of restoration projects. It is estimated that AMNWR volunteers will contribute 2,000 person-hours in the future operation and maintenance of restored habitats and visitor access enhancements.

Additional support for the project will be provided by agency and nonprofit partners including the National Park Service, Nevada Department of Wildlife, and The Nature Conservancy. See enclosed letters of support that describe strong collaborations and partnerships that will help ensure project success. It is estimated that the NPS and NDOW will contribute an additional 1,000 person-hours to maintain the restored habitats in the future.

C. Project provides agency or unit support/administrative infrastructure in underserved areas to improve management of and conservation stewardship, educational programming, and access to public.

Answer: Yes, the project will provide infrastructure for conservation stewardship in the rural Amargosa Valley located in Nye County, NV. It will provide new opportunities for the families in the rural communities of Amargosa Valley, Crystal, and Pahrump to support conservation and understand natural resources at the refuge and surrounding public lands, while also improving hunting opportunities and access for a community with limited access to quality hunting.

D. Project would improve energy efficiency and/or independence.

Answer: Yes, the project will improve efficiency for roadway maintenance. Deterioration of the existing concrete channels has led to numerous leaks, causing unexpected damage to roadways. At present, the refuge spends approximately $10,000 - $15,000 per year (including salary, fuel, and materials) to maintain this small section of road, and the proposed project would reduce refuge costs to less than $1,000 per year for maintenance of this roadway. Once this project is completed maintenance will, in comparison be minimal, reducing operational costs and/or freeing up resources in the form of funding and staff time to dedicate to other projects and needs.

5. LIFECYCLE REPLACEMENT/RECONSTRUCTION AND DEFERRED

MAINTENANCE: Any existing project or facility that has met or exceeded its useful life, design life, or life cycle that requires major restoration or reconstruction to restore the historic fabric of the facility or meet standard new Federal accessibility guidelines. (Does not include reconstruction, changes, or new amenities for previously approved SNPLMA capital improvement projects. Excludes projects that were identified as phased construction, each phase must be a stand-alone project, fully operational and serve the intended purpose upon completion.)

A. The project remains relevant, but has exceeded its useful design life, does not meet current federal accessibility standards, or deferred maintenance costs exceed the cost of replacement or reconstruction.

Answer: Yes, the crumbling existing concrete canals are 30-50 years old and have been a burden on maintenance of Crystal Loop Road. The current structures have long since exceeded their life cycle and need to be removed to reduce maintenance. Crystal Reservoir is also in need of substantial repairs to mitigate safety and environmental concerns.

B. Current use has exceeded the original planned visitation/use and impacts have created a need to replace or reconstruct the facility earlier than originally planned and increased deferred maintenance costs exceed the cost of replacement or reconstruction.

The project proposal shows the current annual maintenance costs and the anticipated savings after construction or reconstruction is complete

Answer: Yes, project will reduce deferred maintenance costs significantly by eliminating unnecessary irrigation infrastructure and associated environmental challenges such as invasive species control. At present, the refuge spends approximately $10,000 - $15,000 per year (including salary, fuel, and materials) to address flooding of Crystal Loop Road caused by leaking irrigation ditches. Crystal Reservoir is also in need of major repairs to mitigate safety and environmental concerns.

L. ORDERS AND PRIORITIES

Respond to the Executive Orders, Secretarial Orders, Department of the Interior Priorities, and USDA Forest Service Priorities as they apply to the purpose of the nomination.

1. Executive Orders (EO):

• EO No. 13855: Promoting Active Management of America’s Forests, Range Lands to Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk

Answer: No, the project does not address this EO.

• EO No. 14004: Ensuring the Future is Made in All of America by All of America’s

Workers

Answer: Yes, we will follow all current policy and guidance on contracting to fulfill this executive order. We will strive to hiring local and procuring American made products and materials where available.

2. Secretarial Orders

• SO No. 3347: Conservation Stewardship and Outdoor Recreation.

Answer: Yes, this project’s goal is conservation stewardship by restoring stream and wetland habitats for rare, threatened, and endangered fish and plant species. Further, this project will provide more opportunities for outdoor recreation by improving hunt access and creating a new trail segment and interpretive overlooks.

• SO No. 3356: Hunting, Fishing, Recreational Shooting, and Wildlife Conservation

Opportunities and Coordination with States, Tribes and Territories.

Answer: Yes, this project will improve hunting opportunities and involve coordination with the Nevada Department of Wildlife for management of small game and migratory birds.

• SO No. 3362: Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big-Game Winter Range and

Migration Corridors.

Answer: Yes, while this project focuses on habitat restoration to benefit rare or endangered fish and endemic plants the habitat improvements will also benefit big game, including desert bighorn sheep, who use Refuge springs for water in the extremely hot summer months.

• SO No. 3366: Increasing Recreational Opportunities on Lands and Waters

Managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior

Answer: Yes, this project will restore wildlife habitat and improve opportunities for wildlife viewing and hunting.

• SO No. 3370: Conservation Stewardship and Increasing Public Access to Urban

National Wildlife Refuges.

Answer: No, the project does not address this SO.

• SO No. 3372: Reducing Wildfire Risks on Department of the Interior Land

Through Active Management.

Answer: Yes, by restoring the Crystal Spring outflow habitat to a more natural state and ecological function risk of destructive wildfire will be reduced.

• SO No. 3373: Evaluating Public Access in Bureau of land Management Public

Land Disposal and Exchanges (focus is on Sec. 4.b.(3) Potential increased public recreational access to existing public lands resulting from the proposed land acquired through an exchange (acquisition).

• SO No. 3374: Implementation of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act.

• SO No. 3376: Increasing Recreational Opportunities through the use of Electric Bikes.

3. Department of the Interior Priorities:

• Identifying steps to accelerate responsible development of renewable energy on public lands and waters. We are investing in climate research and environmental innovation to incentivize the rapid deployment of clean energy solutions, while reviewing existing programs to restore balance on America’s public lands and waters to benefit current and future generations.

Answer: No, the project does not address this DOI priority.

• Strengthening the government-to-government relationship with sovereign Tribal nations. We understand that tribal sovereignty and self-governance, as well as honoring the federal trust responsibility to Tribal Nations, must be the cornerstones of federal Indian policy.

Answer: Yes. Newe and Nuwuvi tribal members will be engaged with project planning and implementation processes.

• Making investments to support the Administration’s goal of creating millions of family-supporting and union jobs. This includes establishing a new Climate Conservation Corps Initiative to put a new generation of Americans to work conserving and restoring public lands and waters, increasing reforestation, increasing carbon sequestration in the agricultural sector, protecting biodiversity, improving access to recreation, and addressing the changing climate.

Answer: Yes, the restoration design and construction undertaken for this project will employ many contractors.

• Working to conserve at least 30% each of our lands and waters by the year 2030.

We will work to protect biodiversity, slow extinction rates, and help leverage natural climate solutions by conserving 30% of America’s lands and waters by 2030. This relies on support for local, state, private, and tribally led conservation and restoration efforts that are underway across America.

Answer: Yes, restoring the functionality of ecosystems will result in meaningful contributions to the conservation of biodiversity, particularly given the high concentration of endemic species, many of which are listed as threatened or endangered.

• Centering equity and environmental justice. The impacts of the multiple crises in the United States are not evenly distributed in our society. Communities of color, low-income families, and rural and indigenous communities have long suffered disproportionate and cumulative harm from air pollution, water pollution, and toxic sites. At every step of the way, Interior will engage diverse stakeholders across the country, as well as conduct formal consultation with Tribes in recognition of the U.S.

government’s trust responsibilities.

Answer: Yes, the ecological restoration and visitor enhancements will disproportionately benefit neighboring rural communities including Amargosa Valley and Crystal, Nevada.

4. Forest Service Priorities:

• Controlling the COVID-19 pandemic

Answer: Not applicable.

• Providing economic relief

• Tackling climate change

• Advancing racial equity

• Improving our workforce and work environment