partnerships Archives - Virgin River Program

The Remarkable Recovery of the Virgin River Chub

By Virgin River Program | December 1, 2023

Desert Denizen Beautiful and elusive, the Virgin River Chub is the top native predator in the Virgin River. It is a fast, streamlined fish with a sloped forehead, humped back, and thin, rounded tail. Chub can grow to a length of 18 inches and live more than 10 years in the wild. Collaborative Conservation Unfortunately,…

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

By Virgin River Program | November 8, 2023

A person holding a small fish in their hands.

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…

The Endangered Species Act: Celebrating 50 Years of Success in Wildlife Conservation

By Virgin River Program | July 25, 2023

A bald eagle perched on top of a wooden post.

[Originally posted by the U.S. Department of the Interior] This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), providing the opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the work ahead for protecting our nation’s endangered species and their habitats. The Act has saved hundreds of species from extinction and continues to…