The purpose of this technical reference is to provide information on the characteristics of springs in the Western U.S. and to identify techniques for managing spring habitats that will allow use, maintain biological integrity, and rehabilitate or restore degraded habitats. Spring management goals are outlined and methods for prioritizing management actions are discussed.
In addition, this guidance is intended to facilitate implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) pertaining to the U.S. Department of the Interior's Species at Risk Program for springsnail conservation. This MOU was prepared to facilitate cooperation and participation among The Nature Conservancy, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Smithsonian Institution, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, to conserve springsnails and their habitats on Federal and TNC lands. The MOU was formally signed by representatives from these agencies during 1998.
The information presented focuses on habitats managed by BLM in the Western United States, excluding Alaska. It is intended to assist biologists, range conservationists, and other natural resource specialists in the development of conservation or land use plans. It does not, however, make specific water development recommendations. When water developments are constructed, the guidance in this document should be integrated with the recommendations in BLM Handbook H-1741-2, Water Developments (USDI 1990).