in 2019, DFHP is proud to support eight on-the-ground habitat restoration projects in Texas, Idaho, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and California.  These projects support important restoration and conservation work for desert fish and associated habitats and will address a wide range of conservation issues.  We look forward to seeing the results of these efforts!

Rillito Pecos Pupfish Refugia, TX

The flow from the spring at Rillito has slowly declined over the past few years and is under threat from oil and gas exploration.  This project will secure an in situ refugia for the imperiled Pecos Pupfish, which is in danger of extirpation from Texas, by activating and refurbishing an existing well at Rillito Spring.  This will provide supplemental water to the spring and ponds that serve as a refuge for this imperiled desert fish.  

Tincup Creek Stream Restoration, Phase 3, ID

This large-scale, multi-phased project will improve ecosystem function and habitat for native Cutthroat trout and Northern Leatherside Chub by restoring channel and floodplain function on 4 miles of degraded stream and will stabilize 57 eroding bends or 9500' of vertical bank.  This will result in a healthier floodplain and riparian area, increased habitat diversity and complexity providing more rearing and cover habitat for different fish, increased fish population densities, and decreased sediment loads.

Deep Creek Starveout Diversion Fish Passage, OR

The goal of this project is to provide volitional passage to Warner Sucker, Warner Lakes Redband Trout, and other native species in Deep Creek.  Replacing the Starveout Diversion with both water users and fish in mind will reopen three miles of stream habitat improving connectivity in the watershed and providing additional holding, rearing, and spawning habitat.  This project is part of a larger watershed-wide effort with the ultimate goal being the recovery of the Warner Sucker.

East Divide Creek Fish Passage Project, CO

East Divide Creek contains a resident population of native Bluehead Sucker and Speckled Dace.  This project aims to modify a concrete water diversion structure that is a barrier to fish passage under all but extremely high flows.  An engineered rock ramp will allow Bluehead Sucker to access over 5 miles of preferred habitat, increasing the effective range size and improve fish population size, health, and resiliency all while maintaining water conveyance to the private water rights holder.

Habitat Remediation and Restoration in Ash Creek, AZ

This project aims to eradicate Green Sunfish, a non-native species, from Ash Creek.  Once complete, this project will provide 1.6 miles of non-native free habitat to Roundtail Chub, Sonoran Sucker, Desert Sucker, and Speckled Dace.  These native species will have full use of the stream and its macro-habitats that may have otherwise been occupied by an aggressive piscivore, ideally resulting in population increases of all four species.

Riparian Restoration for Shush Ken Fen and Bluewater Headwaters, NM

Currently, an area with a unique wetland feature (a histosol fen) and perennial stream section is being overused and damaged from livestock and other grazers.  Fencing will be installed to protect the fen and key springs that feed the Bluewater headwaters and three water catchments will be installed to serve as an alternative water source for cattle and wildlife.  Protection of the riparian area and stream will help maintain water and viable habitat in these areas for Rio Grande Sucker and Rio Grande Chub, two species that have been proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act.

Shoshone Spring Stream Flow and Brook Reconstruction, CA

Currently, Shoshone Spring is overgrown with cattails which are blocking the outflow into the Shoshone Wetlands.  By eradicating cattails and relocating and reconstructing the outflow channel, this project will increase the habitat available for the Shoshone Pupfish, thus expanding the current range.

Tularosa Water System, NM

This multi-phased project aims to protect the riparian area and streambanks of the Tularosa River through exclosure fencing.  This fencing will reduce the impact of livestock and unauthorized motorized traffic.  Additionally, a water well will be drilled to provide non-potable water to wildlife and livestock which will limit the need for livestock to enter the Tularosa River.  This will improve habitat quality in the river for several native species, including Loach Minnow, Sonora Sucker, Desert Sucker, Longfin Dace, and Speckled Dace. 

The Desert Fish Habitat Partnership is thrilled to be able to assist all of these projects and their partners in these endeavors!