News Release

9-22-2019 Approved Management Plan for Developed Water Sources

Date: August 22, 2019

The National Park Service has selected the preferred alternative of the Management Plan of Developed Water Sources (Plan), which will maintain essential wildlife water developments in wilderness and install new water developments outside of wilderness to improve regional habitat connectivity.

The number of water developments for desert bighorn sheep will increase from six to eleven during a multi-year transition period. Based on the results of water use analysis, some of these water developments could be consolidated.

Key points include:
• The NPS will work collaboratively with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) and stakeholders to ensure all decisions regarding water developments are consistent, to the extent possible, with the CDFW Bighorn Sheep Management Plan.
• Selected water developments for birds and small game outside of wilderness will be evaluated and maintained according to their ecological importance.
• Developed springs will be evaluated and maintained based on feasibility and importance. The selected alternative utilizes water developments for supporting native wildlife and habitat connectivity while protecting wilderness values. Relocating water developments for bighorn sheep to areas with easier access will facilitate their maintenance.