B--Characterize Thermal Regime of Warm Springs and the Muddy River to Integrate Results into GIS

The US Fish and Wildlife Service intends to award a contract to the Desert Research Institute to monitor and analyze water temperatures at two key data collection stations located at opposite ends of the study area, focusing on the Warm Springs and Muddy River systems. This project involves characterizing the thermal regime by specifying the installation and operation of multiple temperature data loggers, integrating the collected temperature data into a Geographic Information System (GIS). Additionally, the work includes measuring the effective shade provided by riparian vegetation and assessing how varying shade levels influence water temperature dynamics in the spring channels. These data will be integrated into a refined temperature model to simulate annual water temperature variations, culminating in a technical memorandum. The deliverables from this contract will also include a detailed report that combines thermal data with Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) and other ecological findings to evaluate how flow variations impact the habitat of the Moapa Dace, a native species. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has opened a seven-day window for any interested parties to respond to the notice; if no responses are received within this period, the contract will proceed with the Desert Research Institute as the awardee. This project supports the ongoing efforts to understand and manage aquatic habitats through advanced data collection, modeling, and ecological analysis.