Charting New Waters: The Virgin Spinedace’s Path to Recovery

The Virgin Spinedace (Lepidomeda mollispinis) is a unique minnow species found exclusively in the Virgin River’s upper streams across Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Despite not being closely related to trout, the Virgin Spinedace shares a similar streamlined shape and lifestyle. These silvery fish, typically 3-5 inches long, are most at home in the deeper pools…

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How old is that fish?

Comparing age and growth in fish can tell us a lot about the health of Utah fisheries [Originally posted by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources] By Chris PenneNorthern Region Aquatic Manager Have you ever wondered how long it took to grow that big fish you just caught? You’re not alone. Fishery biologists are very interested…

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Ask a herpetologist

Learn more about interacting with Utah’s native reptiles and amphibians in the wild! By Megen Kepas, UDWR Native Herpetology Coordinator [Originally posted by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources] Spring in Utah brings with it the emergence of wildlife. In particular, reptiles and amphibians begin to come out of their winter shelters and disperse onto the…

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Color Country Natural Resource Camp

For nearly 30 years, the Color Country Natural Resource Camp (CCNRC) has introduced high school students to natural resource career fields and a variety of recreation activities. The Virgin River Program provides financial support to help make the camp possible. This camp is located in beautiful southwestern Utah with a fantastic staff of natural resource professionals…

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Endangered Species Mitigation Fund allocates $4.4 million to fund 42 wildlife conservation projects in 2023

[Originally posted by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources] SALT LAKE CITY — A total of $4.4 million was allocated to dozens of wildlife-related projects at the recent annual Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Endangered Species Mitigation Fund meeting on May 3. The Endangered Species Mitigation Fund was created in 1997 to direct funds toward…

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6 easy ways you can help wildlife, in honor of Earth Day

[Originally posted by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources] Utah is home to many wildlife species and spectacular landscapes. Saturday, April 22 is Earth Day, making it a great time to reflect on the ways we can help restore and preserve nature, including fish and wildlife and their habitats. Here are five simple steps you…

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Found a baby bird on the ground? Here’s what to do.

[Originally posted by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources] It’s a beautiful spring day so you decide to go for a nice walk around your neighborhood. You are strolling along the sidewalk when suddenly you hear loud chirping near your feet. You look over and see a baby bird lying on the ground near a…

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Virgin River Native Fish at the St. George Children’s Museum

With the opening of the St. George Children’s Museum (86 S. Main St. George), there is another location to see the native fish of the Virgin River basin.  The Museum has a 125 gallon aquarium with the native fish species present. Come check them out. https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2013/11/21/jt-determination-delivers-st-george-childrens-museum-opens/

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