Virgin River Basin Natural Resource Conservation Assessment

Client: Multiple

Summary: ENTRIX was retained to conduct the Virgin River Basin Resource Conservation Assessment (VRBRCA). It was prepared to assess the resource conservation needs in the Virgin River Basin. The resulting species conservation-based technical effort provides information for use as a cooperation strategic planning tool. The assessment analyzed more than 100 imperiled species in the Virgin River Basin. Information gained from this effort will be incorporated into the Virgin River Habitat Conservation and Recovery Program (VRHCRP) process.

Along with Clark County, state and federal resource management agencies worked in partnership to shape and develop the document and ultimate process. These resource management agencies included the USFWS, BLM, NPS, NDOW, and Nevada Department of Forestry (NDF). The VRCMA was developed in a stepwise manner by building upon information organized into major components of the assessment:

• Existing Conditions – This describes the ecological and human aspects of the area within the VRBRCA Boundary. It also identifies the 108 special status species that will be addressed through the remainder of the document.
• Existing Information and Data Gaps –This describes available information and data gaps regarding life history, habitat, distribution, threats, and protection levels of 108 special status species addressed in this assessment.
• Conservation Objectives – Ten conservation objectives (four general, six specific to human effects) were developed to guide the development of the conservation actions associated with the VRBRCA Boundary.
• An effects analysis by habitat type was included, which was used to determine the conservation objectives.
• Conservation Actions – This identifies the methodology and analysis used to identify and provide a preliminary ranking of conservation actions for the 108 special status species. Initial conservation actions were identified, but they were further refined by input from resource managers and the County.
• Habitat diversity indices were calculated and presented for use in identifying locations within the VRBRCA Boundary in most need of protection.
• Conservation Management Assessment – Based upon input from resource management agencies’ ranking of the conservation actions. Reporting, monitoring methodology, and measures of success are also identified here.
• Implementation Schedule – This identifies the timeline for implementation and updates of this VRBRCA. Adaptive management approaches to implementation were also developed.
In addition to these components, the following was provided:
• SWReGap Land Cover Type descriptions for the project area
• GIS datasets and data screening summaries
• Summary of effects on special status species

Two databases were developed in association with this resource conservation assessment: a web-based, GIS geo-database and a conservation actions database. The purpose of the geo-database is to allow for the collection and storage of data related to the Virgin River area, including both the area within the VRBRCA Boundary and that area addressed by the VRHCRP. The purpose of the conservation actions database is to track the identification, prioritization, and implementation of conservation actions within the VRCMA Boundary.