Refuge Quick Facts

USFWS Photo

Sharon McKelvey , Refuge Manager

Ash Meadows NWR
HCR 70, Box 610Z
Amargosa Valley, NV 89020
Email Address: sharon_mckelvey@fws.gov
Refuge Phone: 775/372-5435
Fax: 775/372-5436

Quick Refuge Facts

• Established: June, 18 1984.
• Acres: 23,000 acres located in Nye County, NV.
• Location: The refuge is located approximately 30 miles west of Pahrump, Nevada. Travel to the Refuge from Pahrump on Bell Vista Road, turning north at the refuge sign. From Las Vegas, take Highway 95 North to Nevada Highway 160, go south past the town of Crystal, Nevada and follow signs to the refuge.
• The refuge was established to protect Federally listed endangered plant and animal species.
• The refuge provides habitat for at least 24 plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.
• Refuge habitat consists primarily of spring-fed wetlands and alkaline desert uplands.
• The refuge supports two refugia populations of Devils Hole pupfish. These were established in the event of a catastrophe occuring at Devils Hole.
• The refuge is in the habitat restoration stage and will remain so for many years.
• Primary public use at the refuge consists of wildlife observation, hunting in the fall, and picnicking.

Financial Impact of Refuge

• 3 - person staff.
• Over 50,000 visitors annually.
• Annual budget (Fiscal Year 2004) $270,742 (includes 1 time budget allocations).

Refuge Objectives

• Restore and eventually delist endangered plant and animal populations on the refuge.
• Restore wetland and desert upland habitats to what was found on the refuge over 100 years ago.
• Provide habitat for other migrating and resident wildlife.
• Provide wildlife oriented recreation.
• Provide interpretive and environmental education opportunities.

Management Tools

• Endangered species restoration/management.
• Wetland and desert upland habitat restoration.
• Marsh/spring restoration/management.
• Water level/water quality programs.
• Prescribed burning.
• Mechanical and chemical control of exotic and noxious plants.
• Law enforcement.
• Education/interpretation.
• Research program.
• Volunteer/student intern program.

Public Use Opportunities

• Hunting.
• Wildlife observation.
• Environmental education.
• Photography.