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

found in the area containing isolated salt springs where the ,
Paradox formation is near the surface. The Paradox
Formation is located stratigraphically below the Windgate t
Formation.
A sodium chloride plume is found extending from east to west '
across the northern portion of the Preserve. The highest
concentrations occur near Ferrell Gas where apparently
nearly pure sodium chloride brine is being discharged to the
alluvial valley floor. This source may be natural or '
related to the gas storage operations of Ferrell Gas.
Natural gas is stored in salt caverns below the Preserve.
Salt water is extracted during operations and stored in '
above ground ponds. The source of the sodium chloride is
either the presence of a natural spring, leakage from the
water storage ponds, as a result of storage operations, or a
combination of both. '
Vegetation changes from non-salt tolerant species to salt
tolerant species in the area of the plume are visible in

historic aerial photographs dating from 1950. This could be '
the result of increased salinity from gas storage operations
started in the early 1960s or from the reduced frequency of

flooding by the Colorado River also during the same time '
period. Flood waters may have functioned to flush salt from
the Preserve. The presence of extremely high concentrations
of sodium chloride in the northern portion of the Preserve '
precludes the use of this area for razorback sucker habitat.
Maintenance of water flows in the southern wetlands is
recommended to contain the plume in the northern portion of

the Preserve. '
Further investigations of water quality are needed which

should include: identifying the source of sodium chloride ,
and winter water quality in the wetlands, particularly DO
levels

Conclusion: Wetland waters may be suitable for young
razorback suckers. The northern half of the Preserve where
the salt plume occurs is unsuitable for razorback sucker

habitat. '
4. Wetland Management
Current management of wetlands within the Preserve is being t
conducted experimentally to better understand the dynamics
of the wetland system. Beavers have been allowed to block '
the southern outlet structure. This structure consists of a
36 inch culvert with a headgate. It is the only water
control structure on the Preserve. '
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