For Immediate Release:
May 25, 2011
Contact: Dan Balduini, Email: daniel_balduini@fws.gov, Phone: (702) 515-5480
Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge Closing for Summer
LAS VEGAS – This weekend will be the public’s last chance to visit the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) until September. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) closes the wildlife refuge after the Memorial Day weekend each year in advance of rising summer temperatures.
The Moapa Valley NWR will be open on Saturday and Sunday, May 28 & 29, 2011, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Those who have not been to the wildlife refuge within the last year will see numerous improvements such as informative exhibits and a new half-mile walking trail that overlooks the Warm Springs area. The stream profile viewing area showcasing the endangered Moapa dace has been enhanced since its debut in March 2009, when the refuge was first opened to the public.
The refuge is typically open weekends from Labor Day until Memorial Day with staffing provided by citizen volunteers. The Service plans to reopen the refuge next Labor Day weekend. Those interested in volunteering to staff the refuge next fall are asked to contact Harry Konwin via email at harry_konwin@fws.gov, or by phone at (702) 515-5494.
The 116-acre Moapa Valley NWR is located in Clark County approximately 60 miles north of Las Vegas on Warm Springs Road, about eight miles southwest of Interstate 15 and State Route 168 (Moapa/Glendale exit). The refuge was established in 1979 to secure habitat for and protect the endangered Moapa dace. In addition to spring and channel restoration efforts, re-vegetation with native plants, removing non-native species, and enhancing stream flows have benefited the Moapa dace and the Moapa White River springfish, as well as other endemic (native) species at the refuge.
For more information, visit www.fws.gov/desertcomplex/moapavalley on the Internet or contact Refuge Manager Amy LaVoie via email at amy_lavoie@fws.gov, or by phone at (702) 515-5225.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
- FWS -
