By Mike Donahue

Moapa Valley Progress

For untold eons Moapa Valley and the surrounding desert were hidden beneath a vast swirling sea fed by rivers, streams and springs. A veritable soup of existence, the sea teamed with fish, lush vegetation and other aquatic life.

Over millennia the ocean of water gradually receded and disappeared leaving the arid rolling hills and harsh desert environment that can be seen today. But while the sea is no longer visible, many of its sources are still flowing and evident.

One such source can be seen at the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in the Warm Springs area of Moapa. In the refuge, thermal water from the White River Ground-water Flow System bubbles to the surface from primeval springs. The water creates a tiny desert wetland that is home to the Moapa Dace, an ancient species of tiny fish that may have lived in the warm sea thousands of years ago.

In an effort to protect the species, in 1979 the USFWS purchased the springs and the surrounding 116 acres. For the past 32 years the Service has been working to restore it to the desert oasis that USFWS experts believe it once was.

Starting last weekend and continuing to Memorial Day next year, the refuge will be open to the public every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, according to Amy LaVoie, refuge manager. From sunrise to sunset on weekends, visitors are encouraged to visit and experience firsthand how restoration efforts are turning back the clock for the Moapa dace.

LaVoie, other USFWS personnel and hundreds of volunteers over the years have created a desert oasis in which visitors can actually see through eye level windows into the underwater world of the dace and other aquatic species.

Interpretive signs have been placed throughout the area to enhance the visitor’s experience while at the refuge.

Two types of Mesquite trees, Arizona Ash, cottonwoods, salt bush and other native plant species have been restored along the stream that runs from the springs on the refuge to the Muddy River, the major source of water for the entire area.

LaVoie explained that three of the five major spring heads that create and feed the Muddy are located on refuge property and all restoration efforts are geared toward making the area as native as possible.

“We have several goals here,” she said. “They include restoring the Moapa dace habitat; removing non-native species; monitoring streams and other habitats; participating in local water resource management efforts, and the development of services and materials designed to enhance visitors’ experiences.”

Literature provided by the USFWS explains that channel restoration is improving the feeding and spawning habitat for the dace and other native species. Logs, boulders, soil and rocks are placed in the springs and streams to provide pools, riffles and runs.

“We created a ½ mile walking trail that leads up to a covered panoramic overlook where visitors can get an expansive view of the refuge, the Warm Springs valley and the distant mountains,” LaVoie said. The view is fantastic and actually gives an encapsulated perspective to the Moapa Valley Refuge and its place in the enormity of the desert.

Although the refuge is open to the public only on weekends, LaVoie said student and social groups, businesses, senior citizen centers and any other groups are encouraged to make arrangements for special visits during the week.

There are restroom facilities and a pavilion and group-use structure with a picnic area that is ideal for many types of meetings or even retreats, she said.

LaVoie gives special credit to resident volunteers Janet and Royal Arnold for the unspoiled condition of the refuge. The couple has volunteered for eight years to maintain and enhance various facilities around the west and has been at the Moapa Refuge for a year.

Janet is always eager and ready as a knowledgeable interpretive guide and Royal is constantly upgrading the facilities and wheelchair-accessible trail that meanders through the springs area.

LaVoie said that volunteers play an important role in the Moapa Refuge and she has scheduled a volunteer day Oct. 1 for individuals and groups who would like to come out and donate time and effort.

Those interested in participating in the volunteer day should contact LaVoie at the refuge office 702-515-5225.