Utah Participation in the Virgin River Resource Management and Recovery Program. The Virgin River chub, woundfin, flannelmouth sucker, and Virgin spinedace are endangered or sensitive fish species that once thrived in the Virgin River system. Habitat modification and the introduction of nonnative fish changed the river environment and put these fish at risk. Established in 2001, the Virgin River Resource Management and Recovery Program is a partnership of public and private organizations working to recover these endangered species while allowing continued and future water development. The Southwestern willow flycatcher was recently added to the program's goals as the program takes an ecosystem approach to conservation and recovery that includes tamarisk removal and reintroduction of native riparian species. The overall goals of the Program are to enhance, protect, conserve, and recover native species and to enhance the ability to provide adequate water supplies to meet human needs. Partners are committed to the conservation and recovery of the target species and support program efforts with in-kind services and funding.

The factors that lead to the current status of the Virgin River species are numerous and complex. The Program has implemented a multi-faceted approach in an effort to manage the threats posed by these factors which results in many projects being conducted simultaneously in a given year. The Program has five Program Elements that each project falls under: 1) provide and protect instream flows; 2) protect and enhance aquatic and riparian and 100-year floodplain habitat; 3) maintain genetically appropriate brood stocks; 4) determine ecological factors limiting abundance of native fish species; 5) monitor habitat conditions and populations of native fish and avian species; and 6) improve education and communication on resource issues. It is through coordinated implementation of activities within these broad categories that Program members strive to achieve recovery. Monitoring for fish population and actions occur based on specific project objectives, however the main monitoring activities include: Full pass monitoring from La Verkin Hot Springs to Stateline fish barrier (twice annually) Recovery Team Sampling: Conducted in 10 locations from Utah to Nevada (twice annually) Population Response Stations: Monthly (10 periods, Nov/Dec and Jan/Feb combined) Flycatcher sampling includes nest establishment, success, fledgling counts, brown-headed cowbird control and vegetation monitoring around nest sites. Regular nonnative fish sampling is conducted throughout the basin

Currently portions of our area of influence are near ecological thresholds due to drought and water temperatures that are affecting species. We have to date been able to manage instream flows to help counter both flow and temperature issues and have some potential other plans to deal with water quality in the future. Other areas are currently in good shape and efforts to maintain those areas are considerably more cost effective than addressing future losses to species and condition. Working cooperatively with partners on both those species that are at threshold levels those that are in better conditions will ultimately lead to more successful outcomes than being forced to list species and habitat. Positive cooperative efforts is the goal of the Virgin River Program and has been successful to date.

The Virgin River Program functions to meet its goals while complying with numerous state, federal and local management plans including but not limited to: - Virgin River Fishes Recovery plan (USFWS) - Virgin Spinedace Conservation Agreement and Strategy (UDWR) - Virgin River Watershed Plan (WCWCD) - Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Recovery Plan (USFWS) - BLM St. George RMP (BLM) - City of St. George Erosion Hazard and floodplain ordinances (St. George) - City of Washington Erosion Hazard and floodplain ordinances (Washington ) - Zion National Park General Management Plan (NPS)

For many years the Virgin River Program has worked with many state and local entities to manage the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) that is represented by the riparian forest adjacent to the Virgin River and its tributaries. By removing portions of nonnative species such as tamarisk and replacing them with native species, not only is the fire threat reduced, but we are moving the environment back to a more natural state.

Working with the Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD) the Virgin River Program has been able to address short term quantity and quality problems in the Virgin River and based on other agreements, more long term issues as well. However with the ongoing impacts of climate change and drought, more will need to be done. Without the cooperation of the WCWCD as well as other partners within the Virgin River Program the maintenance of the native and endangered species of the Virgin River would not be possible. The cooperation is the only means to have the possibility of achieving recovery and preventing other species from being listed.

The Program is a coalition of agencies and organizations that came together initially in 2001 to conserve and recover sensitive and endangered Virgin River basin fish and provide for future water development for agricultural, hydroelectric and municipal uses. The effort involves federal, state, local and private organization and agencies in Utah. The Program complies with all applicable laws, including the federal Endangered Species Act, state water laws, river laws and interstate water compacts.

The factors that lead to the current status of the Virgin River species are numerous and complex. The Program has implemented a multi-faceted approach in an effort to manage the threats posed by these factors which results in many projects being conducted simultaneously in a given year.

Monitoring for fish population and actions occur based on specific project objectives, however the main monitoring activities include: Full pass monitoring from La Verkin Hot Springs to Stateline fish barrier (twice annually) Recovery Team Sampling: Conducted in 10 locations from Utah to Nevada (twice annually) Population Response Stations: Monthly (10 periods, Nov/Dec and Jan/Feb combined) Flycatcher sampling includes nest establishment, success, fledgling counts, brown-headed cowbird control and vegetation monitoring around nest sites. Regular nonnative fish sampling is conducted throughout the basin

Program partners include: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Washington County Water Conservancy District Utah Department of Natural Resources U.S. Bureau of Land Management U.S. National Park Service The Nature Conservancy Private Landowners U.S. Forest Service Dixie Conservation District Washington County Farm Bureau Additional cooperators include: City of St. George City of Santa Clara La Verkin City, City of Hurricane Springdale Town Washington City Washington County Washington County Flood Control Authority Shivwits Band of the Paiutes

Management of these species, particularly those currently listed as endangered will need to continue for a number of years. Knowledge is being gained and actions taken through adaptive management are showing to be successful. The ability to keep additional species off of the federal endangered species list is positive and beneficial to the local communities. Currently the communities are positively engaged in helping to reduce impacts to the environment and work cooperatively with the Virgin River Program.

The presence and ability of the Virgin River Program to be effective in meeting its goals allows for the sustainable use of natural resources. By working cooperatively with partners and other entities, sustainable use of water is maintained, recreation can occur either in the river or in reservoirs filled by its water as well as allowing hiking, biking and other recreational activities within the area.

07/01/2024

06/30/2025

2025

All work was completed as originally planned, in addition, 550 woundfin were captured and transferred to SNARRC for augmentation of broodstock for genetics and population maintenance.

The actions of the Virgin River Program were again successful in working toward the protection of the native species found in the Virgin River basin. Species affected include federally endangered species Woundfin, Virgin River Chub, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Conservation Agreement species - Flannelmouth Sucker and Virgin Spinedace, species of special concern - Desert Sucker and the Speckled Dace. Efforts include population monitoring, riparian restroation, education and outreach,

The Virgin River Program will continue to operate so long as partners are willing and species protected are in need. Future changes may have to be made as funding and environmental challenges occur.