SPRING-FED HABITATS THREATENED

To our detriment, springs in the Intermountain Region have been largely neglected as important cultural, scientific, and economic resources. According to DRI’s Don Sada, Nevada springs are under siege. The elements of nature and an array of human activities are inflicting an onslaught of forces against these “jewels of the desert.” Riparian habitat—areas along the banks of bodies of water—at many western U.S. springs has been reduced by diversion, burning, vegetation control, and overgrazing. As a result, suitable riparian habitat for native species has been degraded or eliminated, making it easier for invasive species to displace native species.

Even though many springs have been damaged severely, they are still viewed as desert oases for humans and wildlife. Sada states that springs have been overused and abused since the first settlers arrived in Nevada and chopped down trees for firewood and building materials, overrunning delicate and sensitive ecosystems. Even today, campers saw branches for campfires or tent supports. Vehicles are driven carelessly over fragile vegetation, creating ruts and disturbing the ground surface thus jeopardizing the survival of endemic species. Cattle, wild horses, and burros eat existing vegetation and trample new growth. Nonnative, invasive weed species, capable of spreading rapidly, take over many springs. Unfortunately, these nonnative species often cannot be consumed by native wildlife.

Industrial development, agriculture, and urban spread require water—a demand that is sometimes met by diverting water away from springs. These activities inadvertently diminish or cut off flows to spring-fed habitats, bringing about degradation and often total destruction. Because the damage has been so pervasive, it is difficult for scientists to know what the face of a “pristine” spring looks like.

Research spanning the past 50 years reveals the critical roles that springs and seeps in arid zones have played in giving rise to nurturing habitats for a wide diversity of endemic aquatic and terrestrial life. This body of evidence demonstrates that springs are a view into the geological, geochemical, and biological indicators of current and past hydrology, climate, and ecology for particular areas. From this research, Sada and collegues also draw information about the persistence of aquifers and long-term availability of water.

Even with 50 years of research, little information has been compiled that precisely shows the value of spring-fed riparian habitats to western North American birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. However, extensive investigation of riparian habitats along streams and rivers clearly indicates that springs are vital contributors to important habitats, supplying food, shelter, and protection for wildlife.