NERC-LV-539-26                                            NERC-LV-539-26
         SPRINGS ON THE NEVADA TEST SITE  AND THEIR  USE  BY WILDLIFE
           Monitoring Systems Research  and Development  Division
              Environmental  Monitoring  and Support Laboratory
                   U.S.  ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                           Las Vegas, NV  89114
                                April 1976
                  This study performed under a Memorandum
                     of Understanding No.  AT(26-l)-539
                                   for the
            U.S. ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

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This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by  the  United
States Government.  Neither the United States nor the United States
Energy Research and Development Administration, nor any of their
employees, nor any of their contractors, subcontractors, or  their
employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any
legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness
or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process
disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately-owned
rights.
        AVAILABLE FROM THE NATIONAL TECHNICAL  INFORMATION SERVICE
                        U.S.  DEPARTMENT  OF COMMERCE
                          SPRINGFIELD, VA   22161

               PRICE:   PAPER COPY   $5.45   MICROFICHE   $2.25

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NERC-LV-539-26                                              NERC-LV-539-26
          SPRINGS ON THE NEVADA TEST SITE AND THEIR USE BY WILDLIFE
                                     by
                                K.  R.  Giles
            Monitoring Systems  Research  and  Development Division
               Environmental  Monitoring  and  Support  Laboratory
                    U.S.  ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                            Las Vegas, NV  89114
                                 April, 1976
                   This study performed under a Memorandum
                      of Understanding No.  AT(26-l)-539
                                   for the
             U.S.  ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

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Effective June 29, 1975, the National Environmental Research Center-
Las Vegas (NERC-LV) was designated the Environmental Monitoring and
Support Laboratory-Las Vegas (EMSL-LV).  This Laboratory is one of
three Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratories of the
Office of Monitoring and Technical Support in the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development.
                                 ii

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                                  ABSTRACT

     During August 1972, natural springs located on the  Nevada  Test  Site were
surveyed to determine the use by wildlife and the effort required  for improv-
ing flow.  Each spring is described and its use by wildlife noted.   Methods  of
improving spring flow are suggested.  It is believed that minimal  effort at
most of the springs would result in a significant improvement of waterflow
with resulting benefits to wildlife.

     The intention of the recommendations in this report is to  encourage
development of the Nevada Test Site springs and to maintain the wildlife now
at the Site.  There is no recommendation to bring in or  support wildlife
outside the Nevada Test Site area.
                                      iii

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                                  CONTENTS
                                                                      Page

Abstract                                                               in
List of Figure and Photos                                                v
Introduction                                                             1
Springs on the Nevada Test Site
  Cane Spring                                                            3
  Tippipah Spring                                                        4
  Topopah Spring                                                         5
  Green Spring                                                           6
  White Rock Spring                                                      7
  Captain Jack Spring                                                    8
  Oak Spring                                                             9
  Tub Spring                                                            11
Sumnary                                                                 13
References                                                              14

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                        LIST OF FIGURE AND PHOTOS
Number                                                              Page
  1   Location  of Springs                                                2
  A  Cane Spring—Entrance to tunnel excavated to improve waterflow      3
  B  Cane Spring—Spring at entrance of tunnel (see arrow)  flows
     downhill  into  pond  (see bottom arrow)                              4
  C  Tippipah  Spring—Entrance to tunnel going into spring               5
  D  Topopah Spring—View of spring showing path of waterflow
     through pipe (see arrow)                                           6
  E  Green Spring—Close-up view showing water and vegetation            7
  F  White Rock  Spring—View of springs (see top arrows) and
     water tank  below (see bottom arrow)                                8
  G  Captain Jack Spring—Water tank at spring                          9
  H  Oak Spring—Small entrance into spring                            10
  I   Oak Spring—Rusted out tanks and pipe near spring                 10
  J   Tub Spring—Entrance to tunnel at spring                          11
  K  Tub Spring—3-inch pipe and tank near spring                      12

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                                INTRODUCTION

     The Nevada Test Site encompasses approximately 1,350 square miles  of
desert area, ranging from the high flat plateaus to dry lake  beds.   This
entire area is subject to high winds, sudden temperature changes, and erratic
precipitation.  The annual mean precipitation is uncertain at any specific
location because it depends to a large extent on the elevation.   (Quiring
1968)  An overall annual mean is 9 inches of rain and snow.

     During August 1972, a survey was conducted by the Farm and Animal  Inves-
tigation Branch, Monitoring Systems Research and Development  Division,  to
locate, identify, and describe the known springs within the boundaries  of the
Nevada Test Site (see figure 1).  Periodic examination of these springs over
the past several years and review of published material concerning  their use
and flow volume indicate a general reduction in flow volume in these springs.

     The purposes of this study were to determine the use by  wildlife of each
spring during the hot, dry time of the year, and to determine the manpower
and materials required to improve or reclaim these springs for the  continual
support of wildlife.

     Although additional springs and other sources of water may exist on the
Nevada Test Site, (U.S. Geological Survey 1971) this survey is concerned only
with those springs which have a past record of use by wildlife.

     No extensive tunneling, digging, or major land-removal projects are
planned at the spring sites.  The intention is to improve the immediate area
at each site.

     More comprehensive information on the historical development of the
Nevada Test Site springs, the use by wildlife, and the hydrology  of the area
is available in other publications.  (U.S. Geological Survey  1971;  Hayward
et al., 1963; Jorgensen and Hayward 1965; Worman 1969)

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    _ OAK SPRING
-— —   » —

     12|1S
                                                               TUB SPRING
                                          WHITE ROCK
                                                             EXPERIMENTAL FARM
                                                 I
                                               CAPTAIN
                                                 JACK
                                                SPRING
                       NTS BEEF HERD
                       GRAZING AREA
                                                             GREEN SPRING OR
                                                             RETTMANN SPRING

                                                                       7!
                                         •
                                       T1PPIPAH
                                      • SPRING
                    TOPOPAH SPRING

                                 T
                BUFFER  ZONE
                 Nuclear Rocket Development

                          Station
                                                      CANE SPRING
                           O  5OOO   1OOOO
Figure 1.   Location  of Springs.

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CANE SPRING

Location:  East slope of the Skull  Mountain, Area  27j  Long.  116°06' W.,
           Lat. 36°48' N., T. 13 S.,  R.  52  E.,  Sec.  26.

     Three old, unoccupied buildings  and a  large willow  tree mark  the location
of Cane Spring.  Water is accessible  from a circular dugout  in  the hillside
and from a deep tunnel excavated to improve waterflow.   Trenches from these
sources lead down to a pond overgrown with  cattails, aquatic grasses, and other
vegetation (see Photos A and B).  Although  the  spring  provides  a year-round
flow, during the spring and summer months little water is  available for wild-
life because of vegetation utilization and  surface evaporation.

     In order to assure an adequate year-round  supply  of water, a  small earthen
or concrete dam should be constructed across the entrance  of the tunnel.  A
PHOTO A.  Cane Spring—Entrance to tunnel excavated to improve waterflow

                                        3

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 PHOTO B.   Cane Spring—Spring at entrance of tunnel (see top arrow) flows down-
           hill into pond  (see bottom arrow).

 plastic pipe could be run from the dam to a small catchment basin that would
 allow the  overflow of surplus water to preserve the vegetation growth.  Ap-
 proximately 2 man-days would be required to accomplish restoration.  Periodic
 surveys show that the spring is presently utilized by feral horses, coyotes,
 bobcats, deer, rabbits, and numerous species of birds. (Hayward et al, 1963;
 Jorgensen  and Hayward 1965)

 TIPPIPAH SPRING

 Location:  Northeast of the Shoshone Mountain, Area 16; Long. 116012' W.,
           Lat. 37°03' N., T. 10 S., R. 51 E., Sec. 26.

     The remains of two stone buildings and other ranch structures are evidence
 of a once  abundant supply of water from this spring.  At the present time,
 there is a small pool 8 to 12 inches in depth at the end of a tunnel reaching
 about 30 feet into the hillside (see Photo C).  Rock and dirt falling from the
 unsupported roof are gradually filling the entrance to this tunnel and may
 eventually seal off the spring.

     Construction of a small concrete or earthen dam at the tunnel entrance,
with an interconnecting pipe to a concrete trough or pond below the tunnel,
would improve and conserve the water supply and provide water to deer and other
 large animals which have been observed in the area.  A considerable amount of
 debris and earth would have to be removed from the entrance as well as from the
floor of the tunnel.  This would require a backhoe or some other type of power
equipment.  Approximately 2 to 4 man-days would be required to develop this
spring.

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     At present, only coyotes, chukar, rabbits, birds,  and smaller animals
can enter the tunnel. (Hayward et al., 1963, Jorgensen  and Hayward 1965)
                                                          ,

PHOTO C.  Tippipah Spring--Entrance to tunnel  going into spring
TOPOPAH SPRING

Location:  Southwest of the foot of the Shoshone Mountain, Area 29;
           Long. 116°16' W., Lat. 36°56' N., T. 12 S.,  R.  51  E., Sec.  5.

     This spring is completely covered with dirt and rock which have  fallen
from the roof of the tunnel.  It is estimated that a large amount of  earth
would have to be removed, requiring 2 to 4 man-days.  A new pipe and  catchment
basin would also have to be installed to replace the existing equipment (see
Photo D).  Numerous observations of deer, chukar, rabbits, and other  wildlife
in the area indicate it would be beneficial to develop this water source.
(Hayward et al., 1963; Jorgensen and Hayward 1965)

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PHOTO D.  Topopah Spring—View of spring showing path of waterflow through
          pipe (see arrow)
GREEN SPRING

Location:  Area 7; Long. n6°00'  W., Lat.  37°05'  N.,  T.  9 S.,  R.  53 E.

     Green Spring is also known locally as Reitmann  Spring,  although neither
of these names has been officially adopted by the U.S.  Geological  Survey.

     This spring is an open pool  containing about 6  gallons  of water year-
round (see Photo E).  This spring is limited in size  and scope because  of
natural  formation and no artificial  structures will  improve  the site.   At the
present time, there is no justification for changes.   Continued maintenance,
such as  periodic removal of trash and debris, is  recommended.

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     Coyotes, rabbits, and birds have been observed at this spring and on
rare occasions deer tracks have been seen.
                                                                             •
*-ir' -  '    *J . '•* .' ^* *

\7>:.S"\'- .  "   .>
    .•'„.
PHOTO E.  Green Spring—Close-up view showing water and vegetation.
WHITE ROCK SPRING
Location:  East of the Rainier Mesa, Area 12; Long. 116 08'  W., 37 12' N.,
           T. 9 S., R. 52 E., Sec. 4.

     This spring consists of two tunnels dug into the rock on either side of a
narrow canyon (see Photo F).  Both tunnels have a small concrete dam across the
entrance and provide a fairly abundant year-round  water supply which is piped
to a stock tank between the tunnels.

     The plastic pipe running from the tunnels is broken and in need of repair
or replacement.  Also, both tunnels should be cleaned of cans and other debris.
About 1 man-day would be required to repair and clean this spring.  Wildlife
observed in the vicinity includes deer, coyotes, bobcats, rabbits, chukar,
doves, and numerous other small animals and birds.  (Hayward et al., 1963;
Jorgensen and Hayward 1965)
                                         7

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PHOTO F.  White Rock Spring—View of spring (see top arrows) and water tank
          below (see bottom arrow)


CAPTAIN JACK SPRING
Location:  Southwest of Area 12 Campsite near the conjunction of Areas 2,  12
           and 17; Long. 116°10' W., Lat. 37Q10' N., T.  9 W., R. 52 E., Sec.
19.
     This spring is currently in excellent condition.   The spring apparently
is being well maintained by Nevada Test Site personnel  as shown by the recent
emplacement of a plastic pipe and a small  metal  tank which improve the spring
site because the water is therefore more accessible to  wildlife (see Photo G).
Installation of several steel posts or other reinforcement would prevent the
displacement of the pipe by horses and/or deer.   This would require one-half
man-day.  For permanency, a concrete trough might also  be constructed to
replace the metal drum.

     Wildlife observed in the area includes feral horses, deer, rabbits, and
birds.  (Hayward et al, 1963; Jorgensen and Hayward 1965)
                                       8

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PHOTO G.  Captain Jack Spring—Water tank at spring
OAK SPRING
Location:
Area 15; Long. 116°04'  W.,  Lat.  37°15'  N.,  T.  8  S.,  R.  53  E.,
Sec 20.
     This spring was apparently developed to provide water  for mining opera-
tions.  There is evidence of a pipeline running  to  living quarters  and a
corral about a mile south of the spring.   Because the  present opening at the
spring is small (about 1^ feet wide),  water is unavailable  to any animal
larger than a coyote.  The opening to  the spring is filled  in with  dirt and
overgrown with brush (see Photo H). The existing pipe and  tank  systems are
badly rusted and plugged with dirt (see Photo I).   In  order to improve this
spring, dirt and brush would have to be removed  from the entrance and a new
pipe and tank system installed.  It is estimated that  this  would take a
maximum of 4 man-days.

     Wildlife observed in the area consists of deer, coyotes, bobcats, and
numerous species of birds.  (Hayward et al., 1963;  Jorgensen and Hayward 1965)
                                       9

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 PHOTO H.  Oak Spring—Small entrance into spring
PHOTO I.   Oak Spring—Rusted out tanks and pipe near spring
                                     10

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TUB SPRING
Location:  Area 15, Long. 116°02' W., Lat. 37°14' N., T. 8 S., R. 52 E.,
           Sec. 13.

     Apparently this spring was developed during the  operation of a mine
located one mile southwest of the spring.  It was also probably used by
ranchers grazing cattle and horses in the area prior to the establishment
of the Nevada Test Site.

     The spring consists of a tunnel dug about 30 feet into the hillside
which contains 2 to 3 feet of water year-round (see Photo J).  The water is
pooled within the tunnel by a small earthen dam at the entrance.  Water is
delivered from the dam via a 3-inch pipe to two small tanks located approxi-
mately 100 feet below the spring (see Photo K).
PHOTO J.  Tub Spring—Entrance to tunnel at spring
                                      11

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•   .. I'^'
PHOTO K.  Tub Spring~3-inch pipe and tank near spring

     Because the pipe is apparently partially plugged with dirt, very little
water reaches the tanks, and during the summer months the small amount in the
tanks evaporates quickly.  To reclaim this water source, it will be necessary
to clean out the present pipe or replace it with a new pipe.  The existing
tanks are adequate for the present time.  About 2 man-days would be required
to accomplish this work.

     Animals observed at this spring include deer, rabbits, coyotes, bobcats,
chukar, doves, and numerous small animals and birds.  (Hayward et al., 1963;
Jorgensen and Hayward 1965)
                                       12

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                                   SUMMARY

     A considerable number of wild animals and birds inhabit the Nevada Test
Site, either as full-time residents or for shorter periods as migrants.
Although new open water sources have been developed in support of construction
work and Test Site operations, it is desirable to maintain the existing
springs for continuing use by wildlife.  All of these springs are in secluded
locations which afford the wildlife opportunity for watering with minimum
disturbance from people or operations.

     This report does not cover all the springs on the Nevada Test Site, but
deals with the most readily accessible and widely known springs.  An attempt
will be made at a later date to locate additional springs believed to exist
in remote areas of the Nevada Test Site.

     It is estimated that to stimulate or reactivate waterflow from the
natural springs and to produce a more consistent waterflow, a minimal expendi-
ture of .labor and materials would be required.  Generally, each of the springs
could be upgraded to produce a year-round water supply by removing the debris
and earth from the springs, constructing an earthen or concrete reservoir and
installing long-lasting pipe connections to new tanks, concrete troughs, or
ponds that are protected from encroaching vegetation and seepage loss.
                                       13

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                                 REFERENCES

Hayward, C. L., M. L. Killpack, and G. L. Richards,  "Birds of the Nevada
     Test Site."  Brigham Young University.  Sci. Bull., Bid!. Ser. 3(l):l-27.
     1963                                    	

Jorgensen, C. D., and C. L. Hayward.  "Mammals of the Nevada Test Site."
     Brigham Young University.  Sci. Bull., Biol. Ser. 6(3):1-81.  1965

Quiring, R. F.  ClimatologicaVData Nevada Test Site and Nuclear Rocket
     Development Station.  ERLTM-ARL-7.U.S. Department of Commerce,
     Environmental Science Services Administration Research Laboratories.
     August 1968

U.S. Geological Survey.   Wells and Springs in California and Nevada Within
     100 Miles of the Point 37"15'  N., 116"25' H., on the Nevada Test Site.
     USGS-474-85.U.S.  Department of the Interior, Denver, Colorado.1971

Worman, F. C. V.  Archeological Investigations at the U.S. Atomic Energy
     Commission's Nevada Test Site and Nuclear Rocket Development Station.
     LA-4125.Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory of the University of
     California, Los Alamos, New Mexico.  August 1969
                                     14

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                              DISTRIBUTION

 1 - 20  Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory-Las Vegas
     21  Man!on E. Gates, Manager, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
     22  Charles E. Williams, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
     23  Bennie G. DiBona, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
     24  David G. Jackson, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
     25  Arthur J. Whitman, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
     26  Elwood M. Douthett, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
27 - 28  Ernest D. Campbell, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
29 - 30  Paul B. Dunaway, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
31 - 32  Mary G. White, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
     33  Roger Ray, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
     34  Robert W. Taft, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
     35  Leon Silverstrom, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
     36  John 0. Cummings, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
     37  Bruce W. Church, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
38 - 39  Technical Library, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
     40  Chief, NOB/DNA, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
     41  Martin B. Biles, DOS, ERDA, Washington, DC
     42  Tommy F. McCraw, DOS, ERDA, Washington, DC
43 - 44  Major General Joseph K. Bratton, Asst. Gen. Mgr., DMA, ERDA,
         Washington, DC
     45  Gordon F. Facer, DMA, ERDA, Washington, DC
     46  James L. Liverman, Director, DBER, ERDA, Washington, DC
     47  Robert L. Watters, DBER, ERDA, Washington, DC
     48  John S. Kirby-Smith, DBER, ERDA, Washington, DC
     49  L. Joe Deal, DOS, ERDA, Washington, DC
     50  Robert W. Wood, DBER, ERDA, Washington, DC
     51  Rudolf J. Engelmann, DBER, ERDA, Washington, DC
     52  Harold F. Mueller, ARL, NOAA, Las Vegas, NV
     53  Gilbert J. Ferber, ARL, NOAA, Silver Spring, MD

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     54  Wilson K. Talley, Assistant Administrator for Research and
         Development, EPA, Washington, DC
     55  William D. Rowe, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Radiation
         Programs, EPA, Washington, DC
     56  William A. Mills, Dir., Div. of Criteria and Standards, ORP,
         EPA, Washington, DC
57 - 58  Floyd L.  Gal pin, Dir.,  Field Operations Div., ORP,  EPA,
         Washington, DC
     59  E. David Harvard, Dir., Div., Technology Assessment, ORP,
         EPA, Washington, DC
     60  Albert C. Printz, Jr.,  Director, Office of Technical  Analysis,
         Washington, DC
     61  Library,  EPA, Washington,  DC
     62  Richard L. Blanchard, Chief, Radiochemistry and Nuclear Engineering,
         EPA, EMSL-Cincinnati, OH
     63  Peter Halpin, Chief, APTIC,  EPA, Research Triangle  Park, NC
     64  Paul DeFalco, Jr., Regional  Admin.,  Region IX, EPA,
         San Francisco, CA
     65  James K.  Channel!, Regional  Radiation Representative,
         Region IX, EPA, San Francisco, CA
     66  Charles R. Porter, Dir., Eastern Environmental Radiation
         Facility, EPA, Montgomery, AL
     67  K. M. Oswald, Mgr., Health and Safety,  ILL, Mercury, NV
     68  Bernard W. Shore, ILL,  Livermore, CA
     69  James E.  Carothers, ILL, Livermore,  CA
     70  Howard W. Tewes, LLL, Livermore, CA
     71   Lawrence  S.  Germain, LLL,  Livermore, CA
     72  Paul L. Phelps, LLL, Livermore,  CA
     73  Mortimer  L.  Mendelsohn, LLL, Livermore, CA
     74  J.  C.  Hopkins,  LASL, Los Alamos, NM
     75  George E. Tucker, Sandia Laboratories,  Albuquerque, NM
     76  Harry S.  Jordan, LASL,  Los Alamos, NM
     77  Arden E.  Bicker, REECo, Mercury, NV
     78  Savino W.  Cavender, REECo, Mercury,  NV
     79  Carter D.  Broyles,  Sandia  Laboratories, Albuquerque,  NM
     80  Melvin L.  Merritt,  Sandia  Laboratories, Albuquerque,  NM
     81   Richard S.  Davidson, Battelle Memorial  Institute, Columbus, OH

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      82  Steven V.  Kaye,  Oak Ridge National  Lab.,  Oak  Ridge, TN
      83  Leo K. Bustad,  College of Veterinary  Medicine,  Washington,
          State University,  Pullman, WA
      84  Leonard A.  Sagan,  Palo Alto Medical Clinic, Palo Alto,  CA
      85  Vincent Schultz, Washington State  University, Pullman,  WA
      86  Arthur Wallace,  University of California, Los Angeles,  CA
      87  Wesley E.  Niles, University of Nevada,  Las Vegas,  NV
      88  Robert C.  Pendleton, University of Utah,  Salt Lake, UT
      89  William S.  Twenhofel, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO
      90  Paul R. Fenske,  Desert Research Institute, University of
          Nevada, Reno, NV
      91  Lloyd P. Smith,  President, Desert  Research Institute,
          University  of Nevada, Reno, NV
92 - 118  Technical  Information Center, ERDA, Oak Ridge, TN
          (for public availability)
     119  Verle R. Bohman, University of Nevada,  Reno,  NV
     120  Manager,  Desert National  Wildlife  Range,  U.S. Fish and
          Wildlife Service,  Las Vegas, NV
     121  Supervisor, Region III, Nevada Fish and Game  Department,
          Las Vegas,  NV
     122  Paul Lyons, Nevada Wildlife Research, Division of  Archives,
          Capitol Building Annex, Carson City,  NV

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