7797

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7797
• Author: Collins, K.
• Title: Conceptual Management Plan for Razorback Sucker Habitat Enhancement in Flooded Bottomlands Scott M. Matheson Wetland Preserve Moab, Utah.
• USFW Year: 1994.
• Copyright Material: NO

Conclusion: Based on historical records, the current
river flow regime is not adequate for razorback sucker
to access habitat in the Preserve.
(b) Wetland Hydrologic System
Water sources for the Preserve wetlands are independent
of the Colorado River after Colorado River flows drop
in mid to late summer (Cooper 1994). Water from
springs, irrigation return flows, and ground water
discharge maintain water levels throughout the year,
even during summer months with high evaporation and
evapotranspiration rates.
The Preserve is located within a watershed recharged by
snowpacks on the west side of La Sal Mountains. The La
Sal Mountains are located southeast of the Preserve and
rise to 12,000 feet. The watershed is approximately
.... miles by .... miles and includes the Mill Creek
drainage.
Water from the La Sal Mountain watershed includes Ranch
House Spring, ground water discharge and Mill Creek
irrigation return flows. Ranch House Spring flows from
the Windgate Formation and is located 1/3 mile east of
the east central boundary of the Preserve. The water
is diverted to fishing ponds and irrigated fields near
Ferrell Gas. This spring provides perennial flows to
the Preserve. Water is contributed from Mill Creek in
the form of irrigation return flows. These flows occur
seasonally from April to September. The Preserve is an
area of ground water discharge which contributes water
to the wetlands. The amount of discharge is unknown,
but varies year to year according to mountain
snowpacks.
Another ground water source is located near Ferrell
Gas. This is thought to be a spring originating below
the valley floor within the Paradox Formation. Very
high concentrations of sodium chloride found by Cooper
(1994) in this area indicated its existence. The exact
location and origin of the source has not been
determined.
In 1995, additional water, up to 2,292 acre feet, will
be available for the wetlands from water rights owned
by the UDWR. Future water contributions by the Ranch
House Spring and the Mill Creek irrigation return flows
are unknown. The spring may be diverted for other uses
such as culinary water. Irrigated agricultural land on
the north side of the Preserve are gradually being
converted to residential use.
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