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Wash History
2000
Las Vegas Wash Comprehensive Adaptive Management Plan completed; implementation underway
The Las Vegas Wash Comprehenisive Adaptive Management Plan was completed in 2000. This plan outlines 44 action items that are needed to restore and enhance the Wash. Work that is currently being conducted in the Wash is dedicated to accomplishing goals set forth in these action items. During the year 2000, construction was completed on four erosion control structures located throughout the Wash. Pabco Road, the Historic Lateral, Demonstration and Firestation Weir were all finished by the year's end, serving to help stabilize the Las Vegas Wash. In addition, several monitoring programs were put in to place in order to analyze the effects of stabilization on water quality and wildlife habitat. Planting plans for each erosion control structure were created to serve as a guide for the enhancement of wetlands habitat throughout the Wash environment.
2001-2002
Implementation activities continue
In 2001, the reptile survey started. Ongoing water quality monitoring in wash and tributaries. In 2002, the fish survey was started. Monson and Visitors Center Weirs were completed. Mable Hoggard educational outreach continued with the 5th grade classes. Community involvement outreach is also ongoing. Along with continuation of water quality monitoring in the Las Vegas Wash and tributaries.
2003
Implementation activities continue
A variety of activities have been implemented in the Wash since the development of the Las Vegas Wash Comprehensive Adaptive Management Plan. Now there are more than 42 acres of land that have been revegetated, eight grade control structures have been built (Monson, Visitors Center, Bostick, Demonstration, Firestation, Historic Lateral, and Pabco Weirs), or designed (Rainbow Gardens Weir), and 0.8 miles of bank stabilization has been put in place. For more information on the most current activities please visit program highlights for channel stabilization, water quality monitoring, biological resources, archaeological resources, and revegetation, just to name a few. Please visit these sites to explore what is being done in the Wash currently.
2004
Ongoing implementation activities
Activities on the Wash continue, with a total of nine grade control structures completed. Our most recent completed grade control structure is the second major concrete erosion control structure (Rainbow Gardens weir). There is one grade control structure in the final stages of construction (Calico Ridge weir), and three structures in the design process (Demostration Replacement, Powerline, and Upper Diversions weir). Around 57 acres of land have been revegetated, and now there are nearly 4 miles of bank stabilization implemented.
Bat and amphibian surveys also were started. There have been two species of amphibians revealed and 17 bat species found. The fish, reptile, and bird surveys were completed. These are the first completed surveys in 30 years. Archaeology sites were also inventoried and cataloged.
Outreach continues in multiple ways. The educational outreach continues with Mable Hoggards 5th grade classes. We are also continuing to have community outreach events such as Green-up planting events.
In the final days of 2004, the beginning of a major storm increased Wash waters to peak at 16,700 cfs. These flows nearly reached the 50-year flood event. The high flows also redirected flood waters which impacted monitoring stations, erosion control structures, and revegetation sites.