Efficient Water Management for People and Wildlife (Virgin River) project (Hurricane, UT) was funded by the Natural Conservation Resource Service’s (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program. The project will modernize the City of Hurricane’s water delivery system and provide some in-stream benefits to increase flows for the river as well as supporting at-risk and other river-dependent species.
"TNC brings nature’s voice to the table when decisions are being made. Our goal is to ensure there’s enough water in the right place at the right time so fish can survive, even thrive."
When there is more water in the Virgin River, survival odds increase for fish as well as the huge range of unique and rare plants and animals depending on this river. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and partners came together to collaborate on a 17-mile river stretch of the Virgin River just below the town of Hurricane, Utah.
To help achieve the goals of modernizing water delivery and improving river health, TNC worked with many diverse partners to apply for and receive RCPP funding to modernize Hurricane’s water delivery system. This RCPP project will fund irrigation infrastructure improvements that modernize water management and reduce system losses, benefit local water users, and dedicate the water savings to improve flows and reduce temperatures in the Virgin River. Another project funded by this RCPP award will support a nearby project in Washington City that will increase flow by piping a return-flow canal.
The projects will begin construction in 2024-2025. The RCPP award was funded by NRCS for $4.28 million and includes match provided by partners.
