Old Hatchery | Arizona Wildlife Conservation Strategy

This COA was developed within the footprint of the historic Pinetop hatchery to assist with recovery actions for SGCN species such as Chiricahua and northern leopard frogs, narrow-headed gartersnake, Three Forks springsnails, and many native fish species. The COA consists of two small lined ponds for holding fish and a constructed wetland with a recirculating stream and associated pond. Eight raceways are also available in the old hatchery building. Water is currently supplied by a well. The wetland refugia is enclosed by a solid sheet metal fence to prevent movements of invasive/problematic snakes, amphibians, and crayfish. The entire COA is surrounded by a 10-foot high field fence to exclude deer, elk, and humans.

Conservation Goals

Provide refugia with near ideal conditions to propagate and release various SGCN species, including Chiricahua leopard frog, narrow-headed gartersnake, and Three Forks springsnail.

Map

Primary Threats

3. Climate Change and Severe Weather

3.1: Habitat shifting and alteration

3.3: Temperature extremes

8. Invasive and Other Problematic Species

8.1: Invasive non-native species

8.2: Problematic native species

Potential Conservation Actions

2. Land and Water Management

2.2: Invasive/problematic species control

Improve exclusion efforts to invasive native and non-native species from degrading the wetland and refugia species.

3. Species Management

3.1: Management of specific species of concern

Conduct research targeting species and habitat types likely to be vulnerable to climate change impacts.
Collect specimens or samples for taxonomic analysis, genetics, research, and/or disease testing.

3.2: Species recovery

Test novel husbandry techniques, new technology, and/or life history research on native aquatic wildlife to improve survival, growth, production, health, condition, transportation, release and post-release performance of captive progeny.

3.3: Species reintroduction