Glossary Page 1 

Adaptive Management: The rigorous 

application of management, research, and 

monitoring to gain information and 

experience necessary to assess and modify 

management activities. A process that uses 

feedback from refuge research and 

monitoring and evaluation of management 

actions to support or modify objectives and 

strategies at all planning levels. 

Alternative: 1) A reasonable way to fix the 

identified problem or satisfy the stated 

need (40 CFR 1500.2). 2) Alternatives are 

different means of accomplishing refuge 

purposes and goals and contributing to the 

System mission (Draft Service Manual 602 

FW 1.5). 

Biological Control: The use of organisms 

or viruses to control weeds or other pests. 

Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

(CCP): A document that describes the 

desired future conditions of the refuge; and 

provides long-range guidance and 

management direction for the refuge 

manager to accomplish the purposes of the 

refuge, contribute to the mission of the 

System, and to meet other relevant 

mandates (Draft Service Manual 602 FW 

1.5). 

Concern: See definition of “Issue.” 

Cover Type: The present vegetation of an 

area. 

Cultural Resources: The remains of sites, 

structures, or objects used by people in the 

past. 

Cultural Resource Inventory: A 

professionally conducted study designed to 

locate and evaluate evidence of cultural 

resources present within a defined 

geographic area. Inventories may involve 

various levels, including background 

literature search, comprehensive field 

examination to identify all exposed 

physical manifestations of cultural 

resources, or sample inventory to project 

site distribution and density over a larger 

area. Evaluation of identified cultural 

resources to determine eligibility for the 

National Register follows the criteria 

found in .36 CFR 60.4 (Service Manual 614 

FW 1.7). 

Ecological Integrity: An ecosystem has 

integrity when it is deemed characteristic 

for its natural region, including the 

composition and abundance of native 

species and biological communities, rates of 

change and supporting processes. In plain 

language, ecosystems have integrity when 

they retain their native components and 

complexity (plants, animals and other 

organisms) and processes (such as growth, 

reproduction, energy flow, and nutrient 

cycling) to maintain the ecosystem's 

capacity for self-organization through time. 

Ecosystem: A dynamic and interrelating 

complex of plant and animal communities 

and their associated nonliving 

environment. 

Ecosystem Management: Management of 

natural resources using system-wide 

concepts to ensure that all plants and 

animals in ecosystems are maintained at 

Glossary 
Glossary Page 2 

viable levels in native habitats and basic 

ecosystem processes are perpetuated 

indefinitely. 

Endangered Species (Federal): A plant 

or animal species listed under the 

Endangered Species Act that is in danger 

of extinction throughout all or a significant 

portion of its range. 

Endangered Species (State): A plant or 

animal species in danger of becoming 

extinct or extirpated in an individual State 

within the near future if factors 

contributing to its decline continue. 

Populations of these species are at 

critically low levels or their habitats have 

been degraded or depleted to a significant 

degree. 

Environmental Assessment (EA): A 

concise public document, prepared in 

compliance with the National 

Environmental Policy Act, that briefly 

discusses the purpose and need for an 

action, alternatives to such action, and 

provides sufficient evidence and analysis of 

impacts to determine whether to prepare 

an Environmental Impact Statement or 

Finding of No Significant Impact (40 CFR 

1508.9). 

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): 

A detailed written statement required by 

section 102(2)(C) of the National 

Environmental Policy Act, analyzing the 

environmental impacts of a proposed 

action, adverse effects of the project that 

cannot be avoided, alternative courses of 

action, short-term uses of the environment 

versus the maintenance and enhancement 

of long-term productivity, and any 

irreversible and irretrievable commitment 

of resources (40 CFR 1508.1 I). 

Evapotranspiration: The combined water 

loss from a biotic community or ecosystem 

into the atmosphere caused by evaporation 

of water from the soil plus the 

transpiration of plants. 

Fauna: All the vertebrate and 

invertebrate animals of an area. 

Federal Trust Resources: A trust is 

something managed by one entity for 

another who hold the ownership. The FWS 

holds in trust many natural resources for 

the people of the United States of America 

as a result of Federal Acts and treaties. 

Examples are species listed under the 

Endangered Species Act, migratory birds 

protected by international treaties, and 

native plant or wildlife species found on a 

national wildlife refuge. 

Federal Trust Species: All species where 

the Federal government has primary 

jurisdiction including federally endangered 

or threatened species, migratory birds, 

anadromous fish, and certain marine 

mammals. 

Finding of No Significant Impact 

(FONSI): A document prepared in 

compliance with the National 

Environmental Policy Act, supported by an 

Environmental Assessment, that briefly 

presents why a Federal action will have no 

significant effect on the human 

environment and for which an 

Environmental Impact Statement, 

therefore, will not be prepared (40 CFR 

1508.13). 

Flora: All the plant species of an area. 

Forb: A broad-leaved, herbaceous plant; 

for example, a columbine. 

Goal: Descriptive, open-ended, and often 

broad statements of desired future 

conditions that conveys a purpose but does 

not define measurable units (Draft Service 

Manual 620 FW 1.5). 
Glossary Page 3 

Geographic Information System (GIS): A 

computer system capable of storing and 

manipulating spatial data. 

Habitat: Suite of existing environmental 

condition required by an organism for 

survival and reproductions. The place 

where an organism typically lives. 

Habitat Type: See Vegetation Type. 

Indicator Species: A species of plant or 

animal that is assumed to be sensitive to 

habitat changes and represents the needs 

of a larger group of species. Also referred 

to as a key species. 

Integrated Pest Management: Methods of 

managing undesirable species (such as 

weeds) including: education, prevention, 

physical or mechanical methods of control, 

biological control, responsible chemical use, 

and cultural methods. 

Issue: Any unsettled matter that requires 

a management decision; e.g., a Service 

initiative, opportunity, resource 

management problem, a threat to the 

resources of the unit, conflict in uses, 

public concern, or the presence of an 

undesirable resource condition (Draft 

Service Manual 602 FW 1.5). 

Management Alternative: See 

Alternative. 

Migration: The seasonal movement from 

one area to another and back. 

Mission Statement: Succinct statement of 

a unit’s purpose and reason for being. 

Monitoring: The process of collecting 

information to track changes of selected 

parameters over time. 

National Environmental Policy Act of 

1969 (NEPA): Requires all agencies, 

including the Service, to examine the 

environmental impacts of their actions, 

incorporate environmental information, 

and use public participation in the planning 

and implementation of all actions. Federal 

agencies must integrate NEPA with other 

planning requirements, and prepare 

appropriate NEPA documents to facilitate 

better environmental decision making 

(from 40 CFR 1500). 

National Wildlife Refuge: A designated 

area of land, water, or an interest in land or 

water within the Refuge System. 

National Wildlife Refuge System: 

Various categories of areas administered 

by the Secretary of the Interior for the 

conservation of fish and wildlife, including 

species threatened with extinction, all 

lands, waters, and interests therein 

administered by the Secretary as wildlife 

refuges, areas for the protections and 

conservation of fish and wildlife that are 

threatened with extinction, wildlife ranges, 

games ranges, wildlife management areas, 

or waterfowl production areas. 

Native Species: Species that normally live 

and thrive in a particular ecosystem. 

Natural: Pertains to the ecosystem 

components (biological, physical, chemical) 

and processes (geological, hydrological and 

biological) present on the refuge prior to 

the influence of western man. 

Neotropical Migratory Bird: A bird 

species that breeds north of the 

U.S./Mexican border and winters primarily 

south of this border. 

Notice of Intent (NOI): In the case of a 

Federal action, such as analyzed in this 

documentation, an NOI is a notice that an 

environmental impact statement will be 

prepared and considered (40 CFR 1508.22). 

Published in the Federal Register. 
Glossary Page 4 

Notice of Availability: An NOA is a notice 

that documentation is available to the 

public on a Federal action, in this case, the 

Comprehensive Conservation Plan. 

Published in the Federal Register. 

Noxious Weed: A plant species designated 

by Federal or State law as generally 

possessing one or more of the following 

characteristics: aggressive or difficult to 

manage; parasitic; a carrier or host of 

serious insect or disease; or nonnative, 

new, or not common to the United States, 

according to the Federal Noxious Weed 

Act (PL 93-639), a noxious weed is one that 

causes disease or had adverse effects on 

man or his environment and, therefore, is 

detrimental to the agriculture and 

commerce of the Untied States and to the 

public health. 

Objective: An objective is a concise target 

statement of what will be achieved, how 

much will be achieved, when and where it 

will be achieved, and who is responsible for 

the work. Objectives are derived from 

goals and provide the basis for determining 

management strategies. Objectives should 

be attainable and time-specific and should 

be stated quantitatively to the extent 

possible. If objectives cannot be stated 

quantitatively, they may be stated 

qualitatively (Draft Service Manual 602 

FW 1.5). 

Passerine: Perching songbird; includes 

over half of all birds. For example - 

sparrows, finches, warblers. 

Planning Area: A planning area may 

include lands outside existing planning unit 

boundaries that are being studied for 

inclusion in the System and/or partnership 

planning efforts. It may also include 

watersheds or ecosystems that affect the 

planning area. 

Planning Team: A planning team prepared 

the Comprehensive Conservation Plan. 

Planning teams are interdisciplinary in 

membership and function. Teams generally 

consist of a planning team leader; refuge 

manager and staff; biologists; staff 

specialists or other representatives of 

Service programs, ecosystems or regional 

offices; and other governmental agencies as 

appropriate. 

Planning Unit: A single refuge, an 

ecologically / administratively related 

complex of refuges, or distinct unit of a 

refuge. 

Plant Association: A classification of plant 

communities based on the similarity in 

dominants of all layers of vascular species 

in a climax community. 

Plant Community: An assemblage of plant 

species unique in its composition; occurs in 

particular locations under particular 

influences; a reflection or integration of the 

environmental influences on the site -- such 

as soil, temperature, elevation, solar 

radiation, slope, aspect, and rainfall; 

denotes a general kind of climax plant 

community, i.e., ponderosa pine or 

bunchgrass. 

Preferred Alternative: This is the 

alternative determined (by the decision 

maker) to best achieve the Refuge purpose, 

vision, and goals; contributes to the Refuge 

System mission, addresses the significant 

issues; and is consistent with principles of 

sound fish and wildlife management. 

Prescribed Fire: The skillful application of 

fire to natural fuels under conditions of 

weather, fuel moisture, soil moisture, etc., 

that allow confinement of the fire to a 

predetermined area and produces the 

intensity of heat and rate of spread to 

accomplish planned benefits to one or more 
Glossary Page 5 

objectives of forest management, wildlife 

management, or hazard reduction. 

Public: Individuals, organizations, and 

groups; officials of Federal, State, and local 

government agencies; Indian tribes; and 

foreign nations. It may include anyone 

outside the core planning team. It includes 

those who may or may not have indicated 

an interest in Service issues and those who 

do or do not realize that Service decisions 

may affect them. 

Public Involvement: A process that offers 

affected and interested individuals and 

organizations an opportunity to become 

informed about, and to express their 

opinions on, Service actions and policies. In 

the process, these views are studied 

thoroughly and thoughtful consideration of 

public views is given in shaping decisions 

for refuge management. 

Purpose(s) of the Refuge: The purpose of 

a refuge is specified in or derived from the 

law, proclamation, executive order, 

agreement, public land order, donation 

document, or administrative memorandum 

establishing, authorization, or expanding a 

refuge, refuge unit, or refuge subunit. 

Refuge Operating Needs System 

(RONS): The Refuge Operating Needs 

System is a national database that contains 

the unfunded operational needs of each 

refuge. Projects included are those 

required to implement approved plans, and 

meet goals, objectives, and legal mandates. 

Refuge Use: Any activity on a refuge, 

except administrative or law enforcement 

activity carried out by or under the 

direction of an authorized Service 

employee. 

Refuge Goal: See Goal. 

Refuge Purposes: The purposes specified 

in or derived from the law, proclamation, 

executive order, agreement, public land 

order, donation document, or 

administrative memorandum establishing, 

authorizing, or expanding a refuge, a 

refuge unit, or refuge subunit (Draft 

Service Manual 602 FW 1.5). 

Special Status Species: Plants or animals 

that have been identified through either 

Federal law, State law, or agency policy, as 

requiring special protection of monitoring. 

Examples include federally listed 

endangered, threatened, proposed, or 

candidate species; state listed endangered, 

threatened, candidate, or monitor species; 

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service species of 

management concern and species identified 

by the Partners in Flight program as being 

of extreme or moderately high 

conservation concern. 

Species of Management Concern: Those 

plant and animal species, while not failing 

under the definition of special status 

species, that are of management interest 

by virtue of being Federal trust species 

such as migratory birds, important game 

species including white-tailed deer, 

furbearers such as American marten, 

important prey species including redbacked vole, or significant keystone species 

such as beaver. 

Step-down Management Plans: Stepdown management plans provide the 

details necessary to implement 

management strategies identified in the 

comprehensive conservation plan (Draft 

Service Manual 602 FW 1.5). 

Sound Professional Judgment: A finding, 

determination, or decision that is 

consistent with principles of sound fish and 

wildlife management and administration, 

available science and resources, and 

adherence to the requirements of the 

Refuge Administration Act and other 

applicable laws. 
Glossary Page 6 

Strategy: A specific action, tool, or 

technique or combination of actions, tools, 

and techniques used to meet unit 

objectives (Draft Service Manual 602 FW 

1.5). 

Succession: Process of change and 

development in community components - 

soil, micro-organisms, animal and plant life 

and microenvironment. 

Threatened Species (Federal): Species 

listed under the Endangered Species Act 

that are likely to become endangered 

within the foreseeable future throughout 

all or a significant portion of their range. 

Threatened Species (State): A plant or 

animal species likely to become endangered 

in an individual State within the near 

future if factors contributing to population 

decline or habitat degradation or loss 

continue. 

Trust Species: Species for which the U.S. 

Fish & Wildlife Service has primary 

responsibility including most federally 

listed threatened and endangered species, 

anadromous fish once they enter inland 

U.S. waterways, and migratory birds. Also 

see “Federal Trust Species.” 

Vegetation Type, Habitat Type, Forest 

Cover Type: A land classification system 

based upon the concept of distinct plant 

associations. 

Vision Statement: A concise statement of 

the desired future condition of the planning 

unit, based primarily upon the System 

mission, specific refuge purposes, and 

other relevant mandates (Draft Service 

Manual 602 FW 1.5). 

Wilderness Study Areas: Lands and 

waters identified through inventory as 

meeting the definition of wilderness and 

undergoing evaluation for recommendation 

for inclusion in the Wilderness System. A 

study area must meet the following 

criteria: (1) generally appears to have been 

affected primarily by the forces of nature, 

with the imprint of man’s work 

substantially unnoticeable; (2) has 

outstanding opportunities for solitude or a 

primitive and unconfined type of 

recreation; (3) has at least 5,000 contiguous 

roadless acres or is sufficient in size as to 

make practicable its preservation and use 

in an unimpaired condition (Draft Service 

Manual 61 0 FW 1.5). 

Wilderness: See Designated Wilderness 

Area. 

Wildfire: A free-burning fire requiring a 

suppression response; all fire other than 

prescribed fire that occurs on wildlands 

(Service Manual 621 FW 1.7). 

Wildland Fire: Every wildland fire is 

either a wildfire or a prescribed fire 

(Service Manual 621 FW 1.3). 

Wildlife-dependent Recreation: A use of 

a refuge involving hunting, fishing, wildlife 

observation and photography, or 

environmental education and 

interpretation. The National Wildlife 

Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 

specifies that these are the six priority 

general public uses of the System. 
A-1 

Antiquities Act (1906): Authorizes the 

scientific investigation of antiquities on 

Federal land and provides penalties for 

unauthorized removal of objects taken or 

collected without a permit. 

Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918): 

Designates the protection of migratory 

birds as a Federal responsibility. This Act 

enables the setting of seasons, and other 

regulations including the closing of areas, 

Federal or non-Federal, to the hunting of 

migratory birds. 

Migratory Bird Conservation Act (1929):

Establishes procedures for acquisition by 

purchase, rental, or gifts of areas approved 

by the Migratory Bird Conservation 

Commission. 

Migratory Bird Hunting and 

Conservation Stamp Act (1934):

Authorized the opening of part of a refuge 

to waterfowl hunting. 

Fish and Wildlife Act (1956): Established 

a comprehensive national fish and wildlife 

policy and broadened the authority for 

acquisition and development of refuges. 

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act 

(1958): Allows the U.S. Fish & Wildlife 

Service to enter into agreements with 

private landowners for wildlife 

management purposes. 

Refuge Recreation Act (1962): Allows the 

use of refuges for recreation when such 

uses are compatible with the refuge’s 

primary purposes and when sufficient 

funds are available to manage the uses. 

Land and Water Conservation Fund Act 

(1965): Uses the receipts from the sale of 

surplus Federal land, outer continental 

shelf oil and gas sales, and other sources 

for land acquisition under several 

authorities. 

National Wildlife Refuge System 

Administration Act of 1966 as amended 

by the National Wildlife Refuge System 

Improvement Act of 1997, 16 U.S.C. 

668dd-668ee. (Refuge Administration 

Act): Defines the National Wildlife Refuge 

System and authorizes the Secretary to 

permit any use of a refuge provided such 

use is compatible with the major purposes 

for which the refuge was established. The 

Refuge Improvement Act clearly defines a 

unifying mission for the Refuge System; 

establishes the legitimacy and 

appropriateness of the six priority public 

uses (hunting, fishing, wildlife observation 

and photography, or environmental 

education and interpretation); establishes a 

formal process for determining 

compatibility; established the 

responsibilities of the Secretary of Interior 

for managing and protecting the System; 

and requires a Comprehensive 

Conservation Plan for each refuge by the 

year 2012. This Act amended portions of 

the Refuge Recreation Act and National 

Wildlife Refuge System Administration 

Act of 1966. 

Appendix A. Key Legislation and Policies 
A-2 

National Historic Preservation Act (1966) 

as amended: Establishes as policy that the 

Federal Government is to provide 

leadership in the preservation of the 

nation's prehistoric and historic resources. 

Architectural Barriers Act (1968): 

Requires federally owned, leased, or 

funded buildings and facilities to be 

accessible to persons with disabilities. 

National Environmental Policy Act 

(1969): Requires the disclosure of the 

environmental impacts of any major 

Federal action significantly affecting the 

quality of the human environment. 

Endangered Species Act (1973): Requires 

all Federal agencies to carry out programs 

for the conservation of endangered and 

threatened species. 

Rehabilitation Act (1973): Requires 

programmatic accessibility in addition to 

physical accessibility for all facilities and 

programs funded by the Federal 

government to ensure that anybody can 

participate in any program. 

Archaeological and Historic 

Preservation Act (1974): Directs the 

preservation of historic and archaeological 

data in Federal construction projects. 

Clean Water Act (1977): Requires 

consultation with the Corps of Engineers 

(404 permits) for major wetland 

modifications. 

Executive Order 11988 (1977): Each 

Federal agency shall provide leadership 

and take action to reduce the risk of flood 

loss and minimize the impact of floods on 

human safety, and preserve the natural 

and beneficial values served by the 

floodplains. 

American Indian Religious Freedom Act 

(1978): Directs agencies to consult with 

native traditional religious leaders to 

determine appropriate policy changes 

necessary to protect and preserve Native 

American religious cultural rights and 

practices. 

Archaeological Resources Protection Act 

(1979) as amended: Protects materials of 

archaeological interest from unauthorized 

removal or destruction and requires 

Federal managers to develop plans and 

schedules to locate archaeological 

resources. 

Emergency Wetlands Resources Act 

(1986): The purpose of the Act is “To 

promote the conservation of migratory 

waterfowl and to offset or prevent the 

serious loss of wetlands by the acquisition 

of wetlands and other essential habitat, 

and for other purposes.” 

Federal Noxious Weed Act (1990): 

Requires the use of integrated 

management systems to control or contain 

undesirable plant species, and an 

interdisciplinary approach with the 

cooperation of other Federal and State 

agencies. 

Native American Graves Protection and 

Repatriation Act (1990): Requires 

Federal agencies and museums to 

inventory, determine ownership of, and 

repatriate cultural items under their 

control or possession. 

Americans With Disabilities Act (1992): 

Prohibits discrimination in public 

accommodations and services. 

Executive Order 12996 Management and 

General Public Use of the National 

Wildlife Refuge System (1996): Defines 

the mission, purpose, and priority public 

uses of the National Wildlife Refuge 

System. It also presents four principles to 

guide management of the System. 
A-3 

Executive Order 13007 Indian Sacred 

Sites (1996): Directs Federal land 

management agencies to accommodate 

access to and ceremonial use of Indian 

sacred sites by Indian religious 

practitioners, avoid adversely affecting the 

physical integrity of such sacred sites, and 

where appropriate, maintain the 

confidentiality of sacred sites. 

Volunteer and Partnership 

Enhancement Act of 1998: To amend the 

Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to promote 

volunteer programs and community 

partnerships for the benefit of national 

wildlife refuges, and for other purposes. 

October 5, 1998 

Director's Order 148 - Coordination with 

State Fish and Wildlife Agency 

Representatives on Management of the 

National Wildlife Refuge System 

(December 23, 2003): This Director's 

Order outlines procedures we will follow 

for ongoing and effective cooperation with 

States when developing policy and 

managing the National Wildlife Refuge 

System. It was developed in cooperation 

with a team of State representatives from 

Alaska, Arizona, Montana, New York, and 

South Carolina under the auspices of 

Intergovernmental Personnel Agreements. 

It builds upon the direction in the National 

Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act 

and the Interior Policy on State-Federal 

Relationships (43 CFR 24). 
B-1 

Station Name: 

Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge 

Date Established: 

Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge was 

approved for acquisition on June 18, 1958, 

by the Migratory Bird Conservation 

Committee. 

Establishing and Acquisition 

Authorities: 

Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge - 

Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929, 

Public Land Order 1942 dated August 12, 

1959; Public Land Order 2563 dated 

December 22, 1961. 

Purpose for which Established: 

Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge was 

established under the Migratory Bird 

Conservation Act “. . . for use as inviolate 

sanctuaries, or for any other management 

purpose, for migratory birds.” (16 U.S.C. 

715D) 

Mission of the National Wildlife Refuge 

System: 

To administer a national network of lands 

and waters for the conservation, 

management, and where appropriate, 

restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant 

resources and their habitats within the 

United States for the benefit of present 

and future generations of Americans. 

Description of Proposed Uses: 

Wildlife-dependent recreation, including 

hunting, wildlife observation and 

photography, environmental education and 

interpretation 

Waterfowl hunting is allowed during the 

fall. All hunters are required to register at 

the visitor contact station prior to entering 

and upon exiting the Refuge for the 

purpose of hunting. A blind site for hunter 

with mobility impairments is maintained 

for use by reservation only and is available 

for reservation on Saturdays, Sundays, and 

Wednesdays during the waterfowl hunting 

season. Hunter parking areas are provided. 

Wildlife observation and photography are 

facilitated by an auto-tour route. The 

universally accessible waterfowl hunting 

site is made available for photographers 

outside of the waterfowl hunting season. 

Visitors are permitted to hike or use boats 

without gas motors (electric motors are 

authorized) in areas open to the public. 

The Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge 

normally sponsors two public use events 

each year. One event is in conjunction with 

International Migratory Bird day and 

usually involves opportunities for the 

public to learn basic birding skills, how to 

attract migratory songbirds around the 

home, and opportunities to go birding on 

the Refuge with Utah experts. Attendance 

is normally around 50 visitors. 

A second event normally scheduled is the 

Refuge Open House. Held since 1991 on 

the third Saturday in September, this 

Appendix B. Compatibility Determinations 
B-2 

event highlights our fall waterfowl 

migration and is also a day when various 

Partners display exhibits regarding their 

work on the Refuge and in Utah. Visitation 

for the event is normally between 50 to 100 

visitors. 

Other opportunities for environmental 

education and interpretation occur when 

Boy or Girl Scout groups, church youth 

groups, and various other organizations 

such as Elderhostel, Sons of the Pioneers, 

etc., visit the Refuge. Sometimes these 

visits are scheduled well in advance 

although they are frequently 

accommodated on short notice. School 

groups visiting the Refuge, due to the 

extreme travel distances involved, are an 

uncommon occurrence. However, when 

they do visit, a tour and talk as well as 

structured environmental education to 

meet goals identified by accompanying 

instructors are part of our effort. Camping 

is allowed by the issuance of a special use 

permit for groups engaged in pre-arranged 

environmental education programs and for 

organizations involved in Refuge service 

projects. 

Justification: 

Based on the biological impacts described 

in the CCP and Environmental 

Assessment, the five public uses described 

here will have minimal, if any, adverse 

impacts on the wildlife-oriented purposes 

for which the Refuge was established or 

the purpose of the National Wildlife 

Refuge System. 

At the same time, these five public uses 

help carry out the National Wildlife Refuge 

System Improvement Act mandate to 

“ensure that opportunities are provided 

within the System for compatible wildlifedependent recreational uses.” 

Additionally, a secondary goal of the 

National Wildlife Refuge System is to 

provide opportunities for the public to 

develop an understanding and appreciation 

for wildlife. The five uses described here 

are identified as priority public uses in the 

National Wildlife Refuge System 

Improvement Act of 1997 and will help 

meet that goal on the Fish Springs 

National Wildlife Refuge with minimal 

conflicts with the wildlife conservation 

mission of the Refuge System. 

Determination: 

Wildlife-dependent recreation, including 

hunting, wildlife observation and 

photography, and environmental education 

and interpretation are compatible with the 

following stipulations. 

Stipulations Necessary to Ensure 

Compatibility: 

Q Continue seasonal closures of some 

Refuge units during the spring 

breeding season and fall hunting 

season. 

Q Monitor use, regulate access, and 

maintain necessary facilities to 

prevent habitat degradation and 

wildlife disturbance in high public 

use areas. 

Q Monitor levels of use and effects on 

wildlife. 

Q Monitor participants to ensure 

activities are conducted in 

compliance with Refuge regulations. 

Description of Proposed Use: 

Research 

The Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge 

receives periodic requests to conduct 

scientific research. Priority would be given 

to studies that support Refuge purposes, 

goals, and objectives. This would include, 

for example, studies that contribute to the 

enhancement, protection, use, 

preservation, and management of native 
B-3 

Refuge wildlife populations and their 

habitats, and would include cultural 

resources. Research applicants must 

submit a proposal that would outline: 1) 

objectives of the study; 2) justification for 

the study; 3) detailed methodology and 

schedule; 4) potential impact on Refuge 

wildlife and/or habitat, including 

disturbance (short- and long-term), injury, 

or mortality; 5) personnel required; 6) costs 

to the Refuge; and 7) end products (i.e., 

reports, publications). Research proposal 

would be reviewed by Refuge staff and 

others, as appropriate. Evaluation criteria 

will include, but not be limited to, the 

following: 

1) Research that will contribute to 

priority management activities will 

have highest priority. 

2) Research projects that can be done 

off the Refuge are less likely to be 

approved without compelling reason. 

3) Research that causes disturbance or 

is intrusive will be closely 

scrutinized. Level and type of 

disturbance will be carefully 

weighed when evaluating a request. 

4) If staffing or logistics make it 

impossible for the Refuge to monitor 

researcher activity, this may be 

reason to deny the request. 

5) The length of the project will be 

considered and agreed upon before 

approval. 

 

Availability of Resources: 

Resources to accommodate current levels 

of research are minimally adequate. If 

additional staff positions currently 

approved but not filled, shown in RONS 

projects listed in Appendix B, were filled, 

they would provide sufficient staff time 

needed to accommodate the increased 

research and monitoring efforts and 

associated administration, facility 

maintenance, and law enforcement needs. 

Anticipated Impacts on Service Lands, 

Water, and Interests: 

Minimal impact to Refuge wildlife and 

habitats will be expected with research 

studies. Some level of disturbance is 

expected with all research activities since 

most researchers will be entering areas 

that are normally closed to the public and 

may be collecting samples or handling 

wildlife. Special Use Permit conditions will 

include special conditions to ensure that 

impacts to wildlife and habitats are kept to 

a minimum. 

Determination: 

Use is compatible with the following 

stipulations. 

Stipulations Necessary to Ensure 

Compatibility: 

Q All approved researchers must be 

issued Special Use Permits by the 

Refuge Manager. 

Q Researchers must comply with all 

Refuge regulations unless 

authorized otherwise under 

conditions of their Special Use 

Permit. 

Q All data collected by the researcher 

also become property of the Refuge. 

Copies of any reports, summaries, 

and data regarding the research 

must be submitted to the Refuge. 

Q Researchers are responsible for 

coordinating with various agencies 

to gain specific permits to complete 

their projects. Authorized projects 

will be in compliance with all local, 

State, and Federal laws. 

Q Refuge Manager may 

suspend/modify 

conditions/terminate on-Refuge 

C-1 

 

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 

Q Jay Banta, Refuge Manger, Fish Springs NWR 

Q James Graham, Refuge Operations Specialist, Fish Springs NWR 

Q Toni Griffin, Planning Team Leader, Region 6 Office 

Q Bridget McCann, Vice-Planning Team Leader, Region 6 Office 

Q Sean Fields, GIS Specialist, Region 6 Office 

Q Barbara Shupe, Vice-Writer/Editor, Region 6 Office 

ERO Resources Corporation 

Q Richard Trenholme, Environmental Scientist 

Q Ron Beane, Wildlife Biologist 

Q Lance Carpenter, Wildlife Biologist 

Q Martha Clark, Editor and Document Production 

 

Appendix C. Planning Team
D-1 

 

Appendix D. Environmental Compliance 
D-2 

 
D-3 

 
E-1 

 

Appendix E. Section 7 Biological Evaluation
E-2 
E-3 
E-4 
E-5 

 
F-1 

Federal Officials 

Q Senator Robert Bennett, 

Washington, D.C. and Salt Lake 

City, UT 

Q Rep. Rob Bishop, Washington, D.C. 

and Ogden, UT 

Q Senator Orrin G. Hatch, 

Washington, D.C. and Salt Lake 

City, UT 

Federal Agencies 

Q BLM, Salt Lake City, UT; Fillmore, 

UT 

Q Dugway Proving Ground, Dugway, 

UT 

Q Great Basin National Park, Baker, 

NV 

Q Hill AFB (00-ALC/EM), UT 

Q National Long Distance Trails 

Office, Salt Lake City, UT 

Q US EPA, Denver, CO 

Q USFWS, Albuquerque, NM; 

Anchorage, AK; Arapaho NWR, CO; 

Arlington, VA; Arrowwood NWR, 

ND; Atlanta, GA; Bear River MBR, 

UT; Denver, CO; Fort Snelling, MN; 

Hadley, MA; Juneau, AK; Air 

Quality Branch, Lakewood, CO; Des 

Lacs NWR, ND; Ecological Services 

Field Office, West Valley City, UT; 

J.Clark Salyer NWR, ND; Lost Trail 

NWR, MT; Medicine Lake NWR, 

MT; Ouray NWR, UT; Portland, OR; 

Sacramento, CA; Sherwood, OR; 

Sand Lake NWR, SD; Seedskadee 

NWR, WY; Shepherdstown, WV; 

Upper Souris NWR, ND 

Q USGS, BRD, Rick Schroeder, Fort 

Collins, CO 

State Officials 

Q Governor Mike Leavitt, Salt Lake 

City, UT 

Q Rep. Eli H. Anderson, Tremonton, 

UT 

Q Senator Leonard M. Blackham, 

Monono, UT 

Q Rep. James R. Gowans, Tooele, UT 

Q Rep. Darin G. Peterson, Nephi, UT 

Q Rep. Michael R. Styler, Delta, UT 

State Agencies/Tribes 

Q Central Utah Water Conservancy 

District, Orem, UT 

Q Confederate Tribes of Goshute 

Reservation, Ibapah, UT 

Q Forestry, Fire and State Lands 

Division, Salt Lake City, UT 

Q Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, 

Washington, D.C. 

Q Intermountain West Joint Venture, 

West Valley City, UT 

Q State Historical Society, Salt Lake 

City, UT 

Q Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 

Springville, UT 

Q Utah Museum of Natural History, 

Salt Lake City, UT 

Q Utah Natural Heritage Program, 

UT 

Appendix F. Mailing List
F-2 

City/County/Local Governments 

Q Juab County Commission, Nephi, 

UT 

Organizations 

Q Animal Protection Institute, 

Sacramento, CA 

Q Audubon Society, Washington, D.C. 

Q Defenders of Wildlife, Washington, 

D.C. 

Q Duck Unlimited, Porterville, UT 

Q Fund for Animals, Silver Spring, 

MD 

Q Great Salt Lake Audubon Society, 

Holladay, UT 

Q KRA Corporation, Bethesda, MD 

Q Lincoln Highway Association, 

Tooele, UT 

Q National Trappers Association, New 

Martinsville, WV 

Q National Wildlife Refuge 

Association, Colorado Springs, CO 

Q Pony Express Trail Association, 

Sacramento, CA 

Q Salt Lake Birders, Salt Lake City, 

UT 

Q Sierra Club, Salt Lake City, UT 

Q Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, 

Salt Lake City, UT 

Q The Nature Conservancy, Moab, 

UT; Boulder, CO 

Q Utah County Birders, Elk Ridge, 

UT 

Q Utah Historic Trails Consortium, 

Salt Lake City, UT 

Q Utah Native Plant Society, Salt 

Lake City, UT 

Q Utah Wildlife Federation, Salt Lake 

City, UT 

Q The Wilderness Society, 

Washington, D.C. 

Q Wildlife Management Institute, Fort 

Collins, CO; Washington, D.C., 

Pratt, KS 

Libraries 

Q Delta City Library, Delta, UT 

Q Tooele City Public Library, Tooele, 

UT 

Q Post Library, Dugway, UT 

Schools/Universities 

Q Brigham Young University, Salt 

Lake City, UT

Q Southern Utah University

Q Forest, Range, and Wildlife 

Sciences, USU, Logan, UT

Q Southern Utah University 

Q Northwestern University, Paul 

Friesema, Evanston, IL 

Individuals 

Q Kathy Baer 

Q Glenn Elison 

Q Joe Engler 

Q Kim Forrest 

Q Brent Giezentanner 

Q Erich Gilbert 

Q Jim Good 

Q Jim Graham 

Q Lynn Greenwalt 

Q Peter Hovingh 

Q Patricia Hunter 

Q David Jabusch 

Q Selene Jacobs 

Q Dr. John Kadlec 

Q Rolf Kraft 

Q Steve Martin 

Q Bridget McCann 

Q Tom Neuman 

Q Ron Perry 

Q Clyde Pritchett 

Q Terry Sadler 

Q Jim Savery 

Q Mark Stackhouse 

Q Amy Sullivan 

Q David Zippin 
G-1

Birds 

Loons

Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica 

Common Loon Gavia immer 

Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii 

Grebes

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps 

Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus 

Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis 

Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis 

Clark’s Grebe Aechmophorus clarkii 

Pelicans

American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos 

Cormorants

Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus 

Bitterns, Herons, and Egrets

American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus 

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias 

Great Egret Ardea alba 

Snowy Egret Egretta thula 

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 

Green Heron Butorides virescens 

Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 

Ibises and Spoonbills

White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi 

Storks

Wood Stork Mycteria americana 

New World Vultures

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura 

Swans, Geese, and Ducks

Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons 

Snow Goose Chen caerulescens 

Ross’ Goose Chen rossii 

Canada Goose Branta canadensis 

Brant Branta bernicla

Trumpeter Swan Cygnus buccinator 

Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus

Wood Duck Aix sponsa 

Gadwall Anas strepera 

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 

American Wigeon Anas americana 

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 

Blue-winged Teal Anas discors 

Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera 

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 

Northern Pintail Anas acuta 

Green-winged Teal Anas crecca 

Canvasback Aythya valisineria 

Redhead Aythya americana 

Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris 

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis 

White-winged Scoter Melanitta fusca 

Black Scoter Melanitta nigra 

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis 

Bufflehead Bucephala albeola 

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula 

Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus 

Common Merganser Mergus merganser 

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator 

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis 

Osprey, Kites, Hawks, and Eagles

Osprey Pandion haliaetus 

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus 

Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus 

Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus 

Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii 

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis 

Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus 

Swainson’s Hawk Buteo swainsoni 

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis 

Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis 

Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus 

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 

Falcons and Caracaras

American Kestrel Falco sparverius 

Merlin Falco columbarius 

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 

Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanus 

Gallinaceous Birds 

Chukar, Introduced Alectoris chukar 

Ring-necked Pheasant, Introduced Phasianus colchicus 

Appendix G. Species List for 

Fish Springs NWR 
G-2

Rails

Virginia Rail Rallus limicola 

Sora Porzana carolina 

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 

American Coot Fulica americana 

Cranes 

Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis 

Plovers 

Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola 

American Golden-Plover Pluvialis dominica 

Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus 

Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus 

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus 

Mountain Plover Charadrius montanus 

Stilts and Avocets

Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus 

American Avocet Recurvirostra americana 

Sandpipers and Phalaropes 

Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca 

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes 

Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria 

Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus 

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia 

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 

Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus 

Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa 

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 

Red Knot Calidris canutus 

Sanderling Calidris alba 

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla 

Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri 

Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla 

Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii 

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos 

White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis 

Dunlin Calidris alpina 

Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus 

Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus 

Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus 

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 

Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor 

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus 

Skuas, Jaegers, Gulls, and Terns

Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus 

Long-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus

Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan 

Bonaparte’s Gull Larus philadelphia 

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis 

California Gull Larus californicus 

Herring Gull Larus argentatus 

Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla 

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia 

Forster’s Tern Sterna forsteri 

Least Tern Sterna antillarum 

Black Tern Chlidonias niger

Pigeons and Doves

Rock Dove, Introduced Columba livia 

White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica 

Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura 

Cuckoos and Anis

Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus 

Barn Owls 

Barn Owl Tyto alba 

Typical Owls

Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus 

Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus 

Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia 

Long-eared Owl Asio otus 

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus 

Nightjars

Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor 

Common Poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii 

Swifts 

White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis 

Hummingbirds 

Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri 

Calliope Hummingbird Stellula calliope 

Broad-tailed Hummingbird Selasphorus platycercus 

Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus 

Kingfishers 

Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon 

Woodpeckers 

Lewis’ Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis 

Williamson’s Sapsucker Sphyrapicus thyroideus 

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius 

Red-naped Sapsucker Sphyrapicus nuchalis 

Red-breasted Sapsucker Sphyrapicus ruber 

Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens 

Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus 

Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus 

Tyrant Flycatchers

Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi 

Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus 

Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii 

Hammond’s Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii 

Gray Flycatcher Empidonax wrightii 

Dusky Flycatcher Empidonax oberholseri 

Cordilleran Flycatcher Empidonax occidentalis 

Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe 

Say’s Phoebe Sayornis saya 

Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus 

Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens 

Cassin’s Kingbird Tyrannus vociferans 
G-3

Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis 

Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus 

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus 

Shrikes

Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus 

Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor 

Vireos

Gray Vireo Vireo vicinior 

Plumbeous Vireo Vireo plumbeus 

Cassin’s Vireo Vireo cassinii 

Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus 

Crows, Jays, and Magpies

Gray Jay Perisoreus canadensis 

Steller’s Jay Cyanocitta stelleri 

Western Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma californica 

Pinyon Jay Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus 

Clark’s Nutcracker Nucifraga columbiana 

Black-billed Magpie Pica hudsonia 

American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos 

Common Raven Corvus corax 

Larks

Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris 

Swallows

Purple Martin Progne subis 

Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor 

Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina 

Northern Rough-winged 

 Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis 

Bank Swallow Riparia riparia 

Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota 

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 

Titmice and Chickadees

Mountain Chickadee Poecile gambeli

Juniper Titmouse Baeolophus ridgwayi

Bushtit

Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus 

Nuthatches 

Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis 

Creepers

Brown Creeper Certhia americana 

Wrens

Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus 

Canyon Wren Catherpes mexicanus 

House Wren Troglodytes aedon 

Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 

Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris 

Kinglets

Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula 

Old World Warblers

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea 

Thrushes

Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana 

Mountain Bluebird Sialia currucoides 

Townsend’s Solitaire Myadestes townsendi 

Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus 

Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus 

American Robin Turdus migratorius 

Varied Thrush Ixoreus naevius 

Mimic Thrushes

Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis 

Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos 

Sage Thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus 

Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum 

Starlings

European Starling Sturnus vulgaris 

Wagtails and Pipits

American (Water) Pipit Anthus rubescens 

Waxwings

Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus 

Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum 

Silky-flycatchers

Phainopepla Phainopepla nitens 

Wood Warblers

Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata 

Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla 

Virginia’s Warbler Vermivora virginiae 

Lucy’s Warbler Vermivora luciae 

Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia 

Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia 

Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens 

Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata 

Black-throated Gray Warbler Dendroica nigrescens 

Townsend’s Warbler Dendroica townsendi 

Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum 

Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata 

Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia 

American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla 

Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea 

Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus 

Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis 

MacGillivray’s Warbler Oporornis tolmiei 

Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas 

Wilson’s Warbler Wilsonia pusilla 

Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens 
G-4

Tanagers 

Summer Tanager Piranga rubra 

Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana 

Sparrows and Towhees 

Green-tailed Towhee Pipilo chlorurus 

Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus 

American Tree Sparrow Spizella arborea 

Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina 

Brewer’s Sparrow Spizella breweri 

Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla 

Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus 

Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus 

Black-throated Sparrow Amphispiza bilineata 

Sage Sparrow Amphispiza belli 

Lark Bunting Calamospiza melanocorys 

Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis 

Fox Sparrow Passerelia iliaca 

Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia 

Lincoln’s Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii 

White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis 

Harris’ Sparrow Zonotrichia querula 

White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys 

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis 

McCown’s Longspur Calcarius mccownii 

Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus 

Chestnut-collared Longspur Calcarius ornatus 

Cardinals, Grosbeaks, and Allies

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus 

Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus 

Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea 

Lazuli Bunting Passerina amoena 

Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea 

Blackbirds and Orioles 

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus 

Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus 

Western Meadowlark Surnella neglecta 

Yellow-headed 

 Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus 

Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus 

Brewer’s Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus 

Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula 

Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus 

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater 

Bullock’s Oriole Icterus bullockii 

Finches

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch Leucosticte tephrocotis 

Cassin’s Finch Carpodacus cassinii 

House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus 

Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra 

Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus 

Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria 

American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis 

Evening Grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus 

Old World Sparrows

House Sparrow, Introduced Passer domesticus

Mammals 

Vagrant Shrew Sorex vagrans

California Myotis Myotis californicus

Western Small-footed Myotis Myotis ciliolabrum 

Long-eared Myotis Myotis evotis

Fringed Myotis Myotis thysanodes

Long-legged Myotis Myotis volans

Yuma Myotis Myotis yumanensis

Silver-haired Bat Lasionycteris noctivagans

Western Pipistrelle Pipistrellus hesperus

Townsend’s Big-eared Bat Plecotus townsendii

Pallid Bat Antrozous pallidus

Brazilian Free-tailed Bat Tadarida brasiliensis

Pygmy Rabbit Brachylagus idahoensis

Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii

Black-tailed Jackrabbit Lepus californicus

Least Chipmunk Tamias minimus

White-tailed Antelope 

 Ground Squirrel Ammospermophilus leucurus

Townsend’s 

 Ground Squirrel Spermophilus tridecemlineatus

Botta’s Pocket Gopher Thomomys bottae

Little Pocket Mouse Perognathus longimembris

Great Basin Pocket Mouse Perognathus parvus

Long-tailed Pocket Mouse Chaetodipus formosus

Dark Kangaroo Mouse Microdipodops megacephalus

Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys microps

Ord’s Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys ordii

Western Harvest Mouse Reithrodontomys megalotis

Canyon Mouse Peromyscus crinitus

Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus

Pinon Mouse Peromyscus truei

Northern Grasshopper Mouse Onychomys leucogaster

Desert Woodrat Neotoma lepida 

House Mouse Mus musculus

Montane Vole Microtus montanus

Common Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus

Coyote Canis latrans

Kit Fox Vulpes macrotis

Red Fox Canis rufus

Ringtail Bassariscus astutus

Long-tailed Weasel Mustela frenata

American Badger Taxidea taxus

Western Spotted Skunk Spilogale gracilis

Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis

Bobcat Lynx rufus

Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus

Pronghorn Antelope Antilocapra americana 
G-5

Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles 

Fish 

Mosquito Fish, Introduced Gambusia affinis

Speckled Dace Rhinichthys osculus

Utah Chub Gila atraria

Least Chub, Reintroduced Lotichthys phlegethontis

 

Amphibians 

Leopard Frog , Introduced Rana pipiens 

Bullfrog, Introduced Rana catesbeiana

 

Reptiles 

Common Collared Lizard Crotaphytus collaris

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard Crotaphytus wislizehi

Desert Horned Lizard Phrynosoma platyrhinos

Great Basin Sagebrush Lizard Sceloporus graciosus

Great Basin Fence Lizard Sceloporus occidentalis

Side-blotched Lizard Uta stansburiana

Great Basin Whiptail Lizard Chemidophorus tigris

Striped Whipsnake Masticophis taeniatus

Western Long-nosed Snake Rhinocheilus lecontei

Wandering Garter Snake Thamnophis elegans vagrans

Great Basin Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis lotusus

Great Basin Gopher 

 Snake Pituophis melanoleucus deserticola
G-6 

Fish Springs NWR Plant List 

Updated 8/1/98 

Erich Gilbert

The list includes all plants identified by E. G. Bolen in 1960 and several anonymous additions 

to that list since that time. Scientific names were updated based on: 1) Welsh et al. 1987. A 

Utah Flora. Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs No. 9, Brigham Young University. and 2) 

Cronquist et al. 1977. Intermountain Flora - Vascular Plants of the Intermountain West, 

USA, Vol. 6. Columbia University Press. New York. Several archaic scientific names were 

not referenced in Welsh et al. or Cronquist et al. These names are preceded by an asterisk (*). 

Note: Since the last full update in 1998, a few minor changes have been made as new 

information became known to Refuge staff, such as changes in species names and new plants 

identified. 

Family Species Common Name

1. Characeae Chara sp. Muskgrass 

Juniperus osteosperma (Torr.) 

Little

2. Cupressaceae Utah juniper 

Juniperus chinensis, var. 

Pfitzeriana 

Pfitzer juniper 

3. Ephedraceae Ephedra nevadensis S. Wats. Mormon tea 

4. Taxaceae Taxus baccata English yew 

5. Typhaceae Typha domingensis Pers. Narrowleaf cattail 

Typha latifolia L. Broadleaf cattail 

6. Najadaceae Najas marina L. Spiny najad 

Ruppia maritima L. Wigeongrass 

7. Juncaginaceae Triglochin maritima L. Seaside arrowgrass 

Agropyron elongatus Host Tall wheatgrass 

Agrostis alba L. Red top 

Blepharidachne kingii (S. 

Wats.) Hack. 

Blepharidachne 

Bromus tectorum L. Cheatgrass 

Distichlis stricta (Torr.) Rydb. Desert saltgrass 

Elymus triticoides Buckl. Beardless wildrye 

Hilaria jamesii (Torr.) Benth. Galleta 

Hordeum jubatum L. Foxtail barley 

Muhlenbergia asperifolia (Nees 

and Mey.) Parodi

Scratchgrass 

Orizopsis hymenoides (Roem. 

and Schult.) Ricker

Indian ricegrass 

8. Gramineae 

Phragmites australis Trin. Common reed 
G-7 

Family Species Common Name

Polygon monspeliensis (L.) 

Desf.

Rabbitfoot grass 

Sitanion hystrix (Nutt.) J. G. 

Smith

Squirreltail 

Spartina gracilis Trin. Alkali cordgrass 

Sporobolus airoides (Torr.) 

Torr.

Alkali sacaton 

Sporobolus cryptandrus (Torr.) 

Gray

Sand dropseed 

Eleocharis rostellata Torr. Spike rush 

Scirpus acutus Muhl. Hardstem bulrush 

Scirpus americanus Per. Olney’s threesquare bulrush 

Scirpus nevadensis S. Wats. Nevada bulrush 

Scirpus pungens Vahl Common threesquare 

9. Cyperaceae 

Scirpus paludosus A. Nels. Alkali bulrush 

10. Juncaceae Juncus arcticus Willd., var. 

montanus Engelm.

Wire rush, Baltic rush 

11. Liliaceae Allium nevadense S. Wats. Wild onion 

Smilacina stellata (L.) Desf. False Solomon’s seal 

Populus alba L. White popular 

Populus fremontii Wats. Fremont cottonwood 

12. Salicaceae 

Salix lutea Nutt. Yellow willow 

13. Ulmaceae Ulmus pumila L. Siberian elm 

14. Portulaceae Portulaca oleracea Purslane 

Erigonum ovalifolium Nutt. Cushion buckwheat 

*Erigonum demersum 

Erigonum cernuum Nutt. Nodding buckwheat 

15. Polygonaceae 

Erigonum deflexum Torr. in 

Ives var. nevadense 

Skeletonweed buckwheat 

Allenrolfea occidentalis (S. 

Wats.) Kuntze

Pickle weed 

Atriplex canascens Fourwing saltbrush 

Atriplex confertifolia (Torr. and 

Frem.) S. Wats.

Shadscale 

Atriplex patula L., var. hastata 

A. Gray

Spearscale 

Bassia hyssopifolia (Pall.) 

Kuntze

Bassia 

16. Chenopodiaceae 

Chenopodium hybridum L. Mapleleaf goosefoot 
G-8 

Family Species Common Name

Halogeton glomeratus (Bieb.)

Mey.

Halogeton 

Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrader Summer cypress 

Kochia vestita (S. Wats.) Rydb. Green molly 

Nitrophila occidentalis (Nutt.) 

S. Wats.

Nitrophila 

Salicornia pacifica Standl., var. 

utahensis 

(Tidest.) Munz Samphire 

Salsola iberica Sennen and Pau Russian thistle 

Sarcobatus vermiculatus 

(Hook.) Torr.

Greasewood 

Suaeda intermedia S. Wats. Seepweed 

Suaeda occidentalis S. Wats. Seepweed 

17. Ceratophyllaceae Ceratophyllum demersum L. Coontail 

Delphinium andersonii A. Gray Delphinium 

Ranunculus cymbalaria Pursh., 

var. saximontanus Fern.

Buttercup 

18. Ranunculaceae 

Ranunculus juniperinus M. E. 

Jones

Buttercup 

Cardaria draba Whitetop 

Coringia orientalis (L.) Dum. Hare’s ear 

Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) 

Britt.

Tansy-mustard 

Descurainia sophis (L.) Webb Tansy-mustard 

Lepidium dictyotum Gray Peppergrass 

Lepidium latifolium L. Tall whitetop 

Lepidium perfoliatum L. Clasping peppergrass 

Malcolmia africana (L.) R. Br. Malcolmia 

19. Cruciferae 

Physaria chambersii Rollins Double bladder-pod 

Rosa woodsii Lindl. Woods rose 

*Rosa rugosa Musk rose 

20. Rosaceae 

Purshia mexicana (D. Don)

Welsh

Mexican cliffrose 

Astragalus utahensis T. and G. Lady slipper 

Gleditsia tricanthos (L.) Honey locust 

Melilotus albus Desr. ex Lam. White sweet-clover 

Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pallas Yellow sweet-clover 

21. Leguminosae 

Mendicago sativa (L.) Alfalfa 

22. Malvaceae Sphaeralcea coccinea (Pursh.)

Rydb.

Globe mallow 
G-9 

Family Species Common Name

Malva neglecta Wallr. Mallow, cheeseweed 

23. Tamaricaceae Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. Salt cedar 

24. Cactaceae Opuntia rhodantha Schum. Prickly pear 

25. Onagraceae Oenothera caespitosa Nutt., var. 

marginata (Nutt.) Munz.

Evening primrose 

Aprium graveolens L., var. 

dulce DC.

Celery 

Berula erecta (Huds.) Cov. Water parsnip 

Cymopterus longipes S. Wats. Cymopterus 

26. Umbelliferae 

Lomatium grayi C. and R. Desert parsley 

27. Primulaceae Glaux maritima L. Saltwort 

28. Gentianaceae Centaurium exaltatum 

(Griseb.) Wight ex Piper

Centaury 

29. Apocynaceae Apocynum sibiricum Jacq. Dogbane 

30. Asclepiadaceae Asclepias incarnata L. Swamp milkweed 

Asclepsis speciosa Torr. Milkweed 

31. Convolvulaceae Convolvulus arvensis L. Bindweed 

Cressa truxillensis H.B.K. Cressa 

Gilia inconspicua (J.E. Sm.) 

Sweet

32. Polemoniaceae Gilia 

Phlox longifolia Nutt. Longleaf phlox 

33. Solanaceae Lycium andersonii Gray Anderson wolfberry 

34. Orobanchaceae Orobanche multiflora Nutt. Broomrape 

Castilleja chromosa A. Nels. Common paint brush 

Castilleja exilis A. Nels. Annual paint brush 

Cordylanthus maritimus Nutt. 

ex Benth.

Cordylanthus 

35. Scrophulariaceae 

Penstemon dolius Jones ex. 

Pennell

Jones penstemon 

36. Lentibulariaceae Utricularia vulgaris L. Common bladderwort 

*Aplopappus racemosus (Nutt.) 

Torr.

Aplopappus 

Aster pauciflorus Nutt. Alkali aster 

Centaurea virgata Lam., var.

squarrosa 

Squarrose knapweed 

Chaenactis douglasii H. and A. Douglas dustymaiden 

Chrysothamnus nauseosus 

(Pall.) Britt.

Rubber rabbitbrush 

37. Compositae 

Chrysothamnus albidus (Jones) 

Greene

Alkali rabbitbrush 
G-10 

Family Species Common Name

Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. Canada thistle 

*Cirsium drummondii T. and G. Thistle 

Crepis runcinata (James) T. and 

G.

Meadow hawksbeard 

Enceliopsis nudicaulis (Gray) 

A. Nels.

Nakedstem 

Erigeron pumilus Nutt. Vernal daisy 

Grindellia squarrosa (Pursh) 

Dunal

Curly gumweed 

Haplopappus nanus (Nutt.) 

D.C. Eaton

Low goldenbush 

Helianthus annuus L. Common sunflower 

Helianthus nuttallii T. and G. Nuttall sunflower 

Hymenopappus filifolius Hook., 

var. eripodus (A. Nels)

Hyalineherb 

Iva axillaris L. Poverty weed 

*Lygodesmia exigua A. Gray Lygodesmia 

Malacothrix sonchoides (Nutt.)

T. and G.

Malacothrix 

Psathyrotes annua (Nutt.) Gray Mealy rosettes 

*Senecio uintahensis (A. Nels.) 

Greenm.

Senecio 

Sonchus asper (L.) Hill Spiny sow-thistle 

Stephanomeria tenuifolia 

(Torr.) Hall 

Slender wirelettuce 

Tetradymia glabrata Littleleaf horsebrush 

Tetradymia spinosa H. and A. Thorny horsebrush 

Townsendia florifer (Hook.) 

Gray

Townsendia 

38. Elaeagnaceae Elaeagnus angustifolia L. Russian olive 

39. Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton pectinatus L. Sago pondweed 

40. Moraceae Morus alba L. White mulberry 

41. Amaranthaceae Amaranthus hybridus L. Pigweed 

42. Loasaceae Mentzelia laevicaulis (Dougl.) 

T. and G.

Blazing star 

43. Zygophyllaceae Tribulus terrestris (L.) Puncture vine, goathead 

44. Caprifoliaceae Lonicera tartarica L. Tartarian honeysuckle 

45. Geraniaceae Erodium circutarium (L.) 

L’Her.

Storksbill 

46. Polygalaceae Polygala acanthroglada Gray Thorny milkwort 

 
H-1 

Priority Projects in Refuge Operations Needs System (RONS) Database 

Rank Related to 

CCP Goals* Project Description One-time Costs 

Recurrin

g Costs 

Total First 

Year Costs FTE 

1 H, EI, VS, P Enhance Refuge Biological Capability 

(Wildlife Biologist) 

$65,000 $74,000 $139,000 1.0 

2 H, EI, VS, P Construct Refuge Residence (for 

biologist) 

$196,000 $11,000 $235,000 

3 H, EI, VS, CR Enhance Facility Maintenance and 

Construction Capability (Maintenance 

Worker) 

$33,000 $24,000 $57,000 0.5 

4 H, EI Conduct Essential Biotic Data 

Gathering 

$282,000 $4,000 $286,000 

5 H, EI, VS Enhance Provision of Wildlife 

Oriented Visitor Services (Biological 

Technician) 

$65,000 $53,000 $118,000 1.0 

6 H, EI Invasive Plant Control and 

Monitoring 

$144,000 $3,000 $147,000 

7 Modify Residence $55,000 $2,000 $57,000 

8 H, EI, VS, CR Enhance Refuge Shop Security and 

Capability 

$167,000 $3,000 $170,000 

9 EI, VS, CR Enhance Wildlife and Cultural 

Resource Protection (Refuge Officer) 

$65,000 $59,000 $124,000 1.0 

10 H, EI, CR, P Enhance Refuge GPS/GIS/Computer 

Graphic Capability 

$29,000 $5,000 $34,000 

11 H, EI Vegetative Establishment of 

Hardstem Bulrush and Fremont 

Cottonwood 

$25,000 $25,000 

12 EI Sensitive Aquatic Species 

Reintroductions (Least Chub) 

$20,000 $20,000 

13 EI, VS Facility Monitoring and Resource 

Recovery Enhancements 

$28,000 $5,000 $33,000 

14 CR Cultural Resources Survey $99,000 $1,000 $100,000 

15 H, EI Water Flow Measuring and 

Impoundment Level Gauging 

Improvements 

$22,000 $2,000 $24,000 

 Totals $1,295,000 $246,000 $1,569,000 3.5 

* H = Habitat, EI = Ecological Integrity, VS = Visitor Services, CR = Cultural Resources, P = Partnerships 

Appendix H. Refuge Operating Needs System
I-1 

Priority Projects in the Maintenance Management System (MMS) Database 

Rank Related to CCP Goals* Project Description Estimated Costs 

1 N/A - personnel housing Replace Dilapidated Quarters $250,000 

2 N/A - vehicle 

maintenance 

Rehabilitate Refuge Shop $126,000 

3 H, VS, EI, CR Spread Gravel on Public Use Roads $30,000 

4 H Replace Old Worn-out Muskeg Tractor $257,000 

5 H, VS Rehabilitate Bridge #12 $25,000 

6 VS Rehabilitate Visitor Contact Station $35,000 

7 H, VS Replace Old Worn-out Dump Truck $99,000 

8 H, EI, VS Replace 1994 Ford Pickup $29,000 

9 H, EI, VS Replace Aging Farm Tractor $79,000 

10 H, EI, VS Replace Worn-out ATV $7,000 

 Total $937,000 

* H = Habitat, EI = Ecological Integrity, VS = Visitor Services, CR = Cultural Resources, P = 

Partnerships 

 

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