The diverse ecosystems of the Virgin River that flow through the picturesque landscapes of southwest Utah are not without challenges. Yet, the Virgin River Program addresses those hurdles through collaborative efforts with state, federal and local agencies.
This waterway's headwaters launch from the Dixie National Forest at roughly 8,000 feet. The Virgin River then flows southwest through sweeping red rocks, Zion National Park, meandering through the arid regions of the Mojave Desert in Nevada to merge at Lake Mead, a tributary to the Colorado River.
The river provides drinking water, irrigation and outdoor recreation to one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation. State and federal programs comprise the Virgin River Program, created in 2002 as a recovery and natural resource management program.
Melinda Bennion, project leader with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Washington County Field Office, emailed St. George News about one goal to avoid potential conflicts between water development and wildlife conservation.
"The Virgin River Program simplifies regulatory processes for water users and landowners while ensuring that future generations can enjoy Utah's natural heritage," Bennion said. "The economic and intrinsic value of the Virgin River has attracted a steady stream of people, from the first Indigenous inhabitants and early pioneers to the current-day community. People are drawn to the spectacular scenery and abundant resources of the Virgin River."
One of the biggest hurdles Washington County faces is limited water, as one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. Elaine York of The Nature Conservancy told St. George News that the area is also stressed due to five million annual tourists visiting Zion National Park and other popular sites.
"Yet, there is a limit to the amount of available water for people, plants, and wildlife," York said. "We work with many partners, including the Virgin River Program and the Washington County Water Conservancy District, to find solutions that work for people and the outstanding natural world in Southwest Utah."
The Nature Conservancy is one of the groups collaborating with the Virgin River Project by providing funding, purchasing key properties on the Virgin River and removing nonnative invasive plants in the riparian corridor. York said all of these projects have benefited wildlife and people.
The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit dedicated to conserving the lands and waters upon which all life depends. York said the organization makes science-based, collaborative decisions. The organization's Utah projects are listed on their website.
Despite flowing through an arid region, the Virgin River is home to an abundance of plants, animals and humans. Bennion said this exceptional environment supports hundreds of wildlife species, including:
- Southwestern willow flycatcher, endangered
- Woundfin, endangered
- Virgin River chub, endangered
- Virgin spinedace and flannelmouth sucker, conservation agreement
- Desert sucker, species of greatest conservation need (WAP 2015)
- Speckled dace, not protected
Steve Meismer, the local coordinator for the Virgin River Program, told St. George News his department works with diverse entities to conserve natural resources, primarily water, since wildlife and residents depend on it.
"We're trying to find ways that we can have enough water for people, as well as for the species in the environment," Meismer said. "We're trying to recover the native fishes of the Virgin River. And we've also picked up the southwestern Willow Flycatcher, which is an endangered bird."
An example of an undertaking last year was repairing the Virgin River Gorge fish barrier, to prevent the invasive red shiner minnows that uneducated anglers often discard into rivers while fishing. Yet, Meismer said those fish swam into the Virgin River and caused problems for other endangered fish.
The program uses a chemical to poison the river and kill non-native fish; Meismer said the native fish are removed before the treatment. He added that despite challenges, the program has successfully kept red shiners out of Utah since 2013, avoiding potential habitat designations that could have impacted local communities.
Bennion said the Virgin River Program began to ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act for the Washington County Water Conservancy District, Washington County and associated communities.
Other invasive species threatening the Virgin River Basin ecosystem include smallmouth bass and fathead minnow, which can thrive in the region's warm, productive waters.
"Unchecked populations devastate native fish species, including the endangered soundfin and Virgin River chub," Bennion said. "Illegally introduced aquatic species can also negatively alter water quality, irrigation systems, and water delivery infrastructure."
The Don't Ditch a Fish campaign is one way the Virgin River Program provides community outreach. It's message is to discourage the release of nonnative fish into local waterbodies.
Bennion added that informational signs are posted along the banks of ponds and reservoirs throughout the Virgin River Basin. The program also cooperates with local bass clubs to support tournaments and inform anglers about smallmouth bass fishing regulations.
Meismer noted that the program leans toward its stewardship role.
"I look at it as a stewardship role for us as people. We're responsible for the environment that we came into, and part of that is dealing with some of these native fish," Meismer said. "But the other challenge that endangerment brings to it is that it has regulations that get transferred to communities, cities, towns, and counties, which can really cause some issues with how a city might want to build a bridge."
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources monitor and remove smallmouth bass at Quail Creek Reservoir, which the Virgin River feeds into, Hurricane, Utah, date not specified.
The Virgin River Program also works closely with civic leaders in Washington County, Meismer said his organization coordinates with the city and Fish and Wildlife Service officials to ensure rules are followed and projects can be completed.
Meismer humorously referred to himself as an "environmental marriage counselor," due to meditation at times between different entities with conflicting goals.
Bennion said the program contributes to the well-being of nearby residents in various ways, including efforts to accommodate the recreational and consumptive needs required by the growing human population in the basin.
"Activities initiated through the Virgin River program are beneficial for wildlife as well as the community," Bennion said. "For example, over the past 23 years, program partners have enhanced and protected flood plain and wildlife habitat; assisted with watershed and flood plain planning throughout the basin; enhanced water development abilities to sustain human needs; enhanced native fish populations by providing water releases, controlling nonnative fish, and stocking and monitoring populations; and provided local outreach programs for schools and communities."
The Virgin River Program is a partnership between local, state, federal and private entities, including:
- Utah Department of Natural Resources
- Washington County Water Conservancy District
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- The Nature Conservancy
- Bureau of Land Management
- U.S. Forest Service
- Dixie Soil & Water Conservation District
- Shivwits Band of Paiutes
- National Park Service
- Utah Farm Bureau Federation
The Nature Conservancy has two preserves in Washington County open to the public, the Sheep Bridge Nature Preserve in Virgin and the White Dome Nature Preserve in St. George on the southern end of River Road. York said the White Dome property is a habitat for the rare dwarf bear poppy, which is found in few Washington County locations and nowhere else known. She said the plants bloom every April and can be viewed along the White Dome hiking trails.
York added that the Nature Conservancy is involved in the removal of non-native plants along the Virgin River, along with partners Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Zion National Park and others. She said the removal of non-native plants, such as tamarisk trees, improves wildlife habitats and limits wildfire risks in areas of the Virgin River near urban dwellings.
More projects are planned for the near future.
