Visit Us
Due to its small size, fragile habitats, and on-going restoration work, the wildlife refuge is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Labor Day weekend through Memorial Day weekend. December 2024: The refuge is now open for the season.
Location and Contact Information
About Us
The Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established on September 10, 1979, to secure habitat for the endangered Moapa dace, a small fish endemic to the headwaters of the Muddy River system. Dace populations were in peril due to habitat destruction and modification.
Tours
To schedule a group tour of the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge, contact Visitor Services at 775-725-3417 or request a tour via email to lauren_haugen@fws.gov
What We Do
Every national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge was created for a special purpose. Some were created to protect migratory birds, others to protect threatened or endangered species or unique habitats, while others fulfill another special purpose. Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect the Moapa Dace, a small endemic fish. All activities allowed on the refuge must be evaluated to make sure each activity will not conflict with the reason the refuge was founded.
Our Organization
Our Species
The unique geology of the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge makes it an important location for native wildlife. There are five major thermal springs in Moapa valley, three of which are located within refuge boundaries. The warm springs habitat supports many unique species. Moapa dace, White River springfish, Moapa pebblesnail, and Moapa riffle beetles are all endemic to Moapa Valley, which means they are found here and nowhere else in the world.
