Spring Protections and Developments
A functioning spring and associated mesic area acts as a sponge, absorbing and holding on to water and slowly releasing it throughout the dry season. Spring degradation reduces the area’s capacity to provide fresh water and riparian resources for wildlife. At small spring sites, it is often possible to regain the riparian system’s function using wildlife-friendly fencing. Fencing allows the riparian vegetation to recover, improving soil health and water quality, and regaining the spring’s capacity to act as a sponge. Protected springs and updated water developments also help land managers distribute livestock across the landscape, reducing concentrated use in critical areas.
Spring protections and developments improve valuable resources for sage-grouse as well as mule deer, pronghorn antelope and other species by improving the availability of water, cover, and diversity of forage.
In 2022, approximately one mile of pipe fencing was installed around California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Five Springs spring complex. The fence was constructed largely through a grass-roots effort of the Buffalo-Skedaddle Working Group. The Coordinator assisted with the logistics and transport of the material to the site, organized several workdays for the Working Group to help with the project, and worked with local inmate crews to finish the fence construction. Plans for low-tech process based riparian restoration within the fenced area is in the works for 2024, as well as fencing the lower part of the meadow with barbed wire fencing to protect and better manage another 108 acres that includes fragile riparian and wet meadow habitat.
The Bureau of Land Management has partnered with Nevada Department of Wildlife on many spring development projects. Several projects have been completed in recent years, including improvements at the following springs: Rocky Table, Burn, Tom, Spur, Byers, Parsnip, and Bathtub. Work as these springs often consists of installing a completely new development, replacing old infrastructure, or reworking parts an existing development design. Fencing is also commonly part of spring development projects.
