[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
peter.unmack at ASU_Edu: NANFA-- Fall conservation trip reminder
--------- Begin forwarded message ----------
From: peter.unmack at ASU_Edu
To: nanfa <nanfa at aquaria_net>
Cc: killies <killies at mejac_palo-alto.ca.us>,rainbowfish
<rainbowfish at pcug_org.au>
Subject: NANFA-- Fall conservation trip reminder
Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 18:43:50 -0700 (MST)
Message-ID: <Pine.SOL.3.91.970826184144.16177a-100000 at general1_asu.edu>
G'day folks
Just a reminder that our conservation trip is coming up soon. Relevant
contact details are at the end. Hope to see you there.
Desert Springs Action Committee
Ash Meadows Work Party - OCT. 10-12, 1997:
The Desert Springs Action Committee in conjunction with the Bay Area
Killifish Association presents their latest conservation field day and
eco-tour to the Nevada desert.
During October 10-12 we will be undertaking conservation work at the
Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge under supervision of Fish and Wildlife
Service staff. Several graduate students, including Peter Unmack, will
be on hand to make this one of the best trips we have had to date.
Ash Meadows, Nevada is a very special place. It has a higher number of
endemic species for its given area than any other place in the United
States. This is primarily due to the presence of permanent freshwater
springs that allow life to flourish in the desert. Ash Meadows was also
the site of one of the longest environmental battles in North America,
(1967-1984). For a considerable time the area was threatened by
ranchers who diverted spring outflows and pumped excessive quantities
of ground water for irrigation, threatening the continued existence of
the springs. The next principal impact was a proposed desert city that
would have also required large quantities of ground water. As a
combined result of these impacts one fish species is extinct, and the
remainder are currently listed as Endangered species by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service. Today the area is a National Wildlife Refuge and
despite it's current protective status, problems still regularly occur,
i.e. exotic fish species are still introduced into springs threatening
native aquatic fauna.
Our primary objective is the removal of non-native organisms including
dambusia, mollies, largemouth bass, crayfish and bullfrogs. There will
be ample opportunity to see the native pupfishes and dace close up. We
may also have the chance to get a close view of the Devil's Hole pupfish
which usually remains behind locked gates. Please note however, no
native fish may be removed from the refuge as all are fully protected by
the Endangered Species Act.
We will likely be granted permission to camp at the refuge headquarters,
alternative accommodation is also available at the nearby Longstreet
Casino 1 800 508 9493. Ash Meadows is located a few miles north of the
CA-NV border on Hwy. 373 and is clearly marked with signpost. Some
cooking equipment will be made available and Jim Lawson will be doing an
outstanding effort as chef. Our stay out there will be similar to a pot
luck sharing items like chips, snacks, and fresh fruit. The main stay of
our foods will be provided by the Desert Springs Committee. A $20
stipend
towards the food is requested in advance and covers a two day menu with a
special BAR B QUE Friday night. Please inform us if you intend to go so
car pools can be organized if needed. Contact Jim Lawson, 802 Arlington
Way, Martinez CA 94553, 71740.3177 at compuserve_com, 510 335 9346 or Peter
Unmack peter.unmack at asu_edu for further information and required
registrations forms. The non-refundable stipend is due September 15,
1997.
###
/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ This is the discussion list of the North American Native Fishes
Association
/ nanfa at aquaria_net. To subscribe, unsubscribe, or get help, send the
word
/ subscribe, unsubscribe, or help in the body (not subject) of an email
to
/ nanfa-request at aquaria_net.
/ For more information about NANFA, visit our web page,
http://www.nanfa.org
--------- End forwarded message ----------