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Fall conservation trip announcement



G'day Fishheads

Please feel free to reproduce and send on.

Desert Springs Action Committee

Ash Meadows Work Party - NOV. 6-8, 1998:

The Desert Springs Action Committee in conjunction with the Bay Area Killifish
Association, Northern California Killifish Club, North American Native Fishes
Association, and others presents their latest conservation field trip to the
Nevada desert.

During November 6-8 we will be undertaking conservation work at the Ash
Meadows Wildlife Refuge under supervision of Fish and Wildlife Service staff. 

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 Peter
Unmack peter.unmack at asu_edu or Jim Lawson, 802 Arlington Way, Martinez CA
94553, jelawson at ix_netcom.com, 510 335 9346 for further information and
required registrations forms.  The non-refundable stipend is due October 9,
1998.