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Muddy River

The headwaters of the Muddy River
originate from more than two dozen
springs at the Warm Springs Natural Area.

The upper Muddy River provides habitat for a unique array of rare species. Conservation of the Muddy River species is a high priority for local, state and federal agencies.

The mainstem of the river, tributaries and springs in the Moapa area have two federally endangered fish, the Moapa dace (Moapa coriacea) and Virgin River chub (Gila seminuda). In addition, there are other sensitive species in the area, including three fish, two snails and two insect species.

Protecting the Muddy River

In an effort to address the needs of the species, federal and state agencies, environmental organizations and local stakeholders are working together to implement conservation and recovery actions.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) is an active participant in the Muddy River Recovery Implementation Program. The program is a coordinated, multi-agency effort to protect the species and habitat of the Muddy River, while ensuring the responsible management of water resources in the Muddy River and Coyote Spring Valley.

Covered Species List

The following is a list of species covered under the Muddy River Recovery Implementation Program:

• Moapa dace (Moapa coriacea)
• Virgin River chub, Muddy River population (Gila seminuda)
• Moapa White River springfish (Crenichthys baileyi moapae)
• Moapa speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus moapae)
• Moapa pebblesnail (Pyrgulopsis avernalis)
• Grated tryonia (Tryonia clathrata)
• Moapa Warm Springs riffle beetle (Stenelmis moapa)
• Moapa Valley pyrg (Pyrgulopis carinifera)
• Moapa naucorid (Limnocoris moapensis)
• Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus)
• Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis)
• Yuma Clapper rail (Rallus longirostris yumanensis)

Executive Committee

The Muddy River Recovery Implementation Program Executive Committee includes SNWA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Moapa Valley Water District, Moapa Band of Paiutes and Coyote Springs Investment LLC. The Nevada Department of Wildlife is an ad hoc member of the Executive Committee.

Program Goals

The program promotes recovery and conservation of aquatic species in the Muddy River ecosystem, provides mitigation and minimization of potential effects associated with the development and use of water supplies and other activities that may effect the aquatic ecosystem.

Endangered Species Act

Development of the Muddy River Recovery Implementation Program was identified through the environmental compliance process with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for SNWA's efforts in the Muddy River. The purpose of the program is to provide Endangered Species Act compliance for water resource management in the Coyote Spring Valley as well as the Warm Springs and Muddy River areas. The program also helps protect listed and sensitive species and their habitats. The program geographic area extends from the upper Muddy River to Lake Mead.