Porter Springs Wash and Cold Springs | Arizona Wildlife Conservation Strategy

On the north side of the Gila River, two endemic springsnail species, the Bylas springsnail and Gila tryonia, co-exist at multiple springs on the BLM-managed Porter Wash and Cold Springs sites. Springs and seeps on neighboring private property may have additional populations of these tiny freshwater snails. Other SGCN, such as cave myotis and western yellow-billed cuckoo, also rely on these delicate spring habitats. Existing four-strand wire fencing is inadequate to protect these sensitive habitats and snail populations long-term from trespass livestock.

Conservation Goals

Implement conservation actions in the BLM Statewide Springsnail Strategic Conservation Plan (a CCA) to maintain and improve the status and distribution of these snails and reduce threats to their populations and habitat.

Map

Primary Threats

1. Agriculture

1.3: Livestock farming and ranching

8. Invasive and Other Problematic Species

8.1: Invasive non-native species

Potential Conservation Actions

1. Land and Water Protection

1.2: Resource and habitat protection

Install pipe rail fencing at Porter Wash and Cold Springs sites to provide more effective long-term protection from trespass livestock.

2. Land and Water Management

2.1: Site/area management

Implement projects focused on improving the quality of altered systems creating suitable habitat and/or habitat features for wildlife.

2.2: Invasive/problematic species control

Monitor aquatic and terrestrial non-native species and their impacts to the aquatic ecosystem and develop appropriate management actions to eliminate or control such species.
Improve management of trespass livestock to reduce adverse impacts to resources.

7. External Capacity Building

7.2: Alliance and partnership development

Actively seek opportunities to partner with Arizona agricultural producers and private landowners on a variety of habitat enhancements that benefit both livestock and wildlife.