Habitats covered by the Agreement. Topminnow and pupfish have historically occupied a variety of habitat types (Xxxxxxx and Xxxxx 1997). In general, suitable habitat consists of relatively shallow (<1m in depth), slow moving water along stream or river margins, ponds, cienegas, and springs (USFWS 1993, Xxxxxxx 1999). Both species are associated with aquatic or streamside vegetation, algal mats, and organic debris; they are also adapted to environmental extremes (water salinity and temperature, flooding, etc.) (USFWS 1993, Xxxxxxx 1999). This Agreement covers habitats occurring on non-federal land within the historic ranges of topminnow and pupfish in Arizona including, but not limited to: • Retention basins; • Water treatment facilities; • Groundwater recharge basins; • Natural or artificial wetlands; • Springs, marshes, or streams; • Natural or manmade ponds, lakes, or other catchments; and • Golf course ponds or other manmade water features. Although the historic range of topminnow and pupfish is considered to be below 5200 feet in elevation (USFWS 1993, Minckley 1999), we will evaluate and (if appropriate) use potential sites that exist above that elevation on a case-by-case basis. If fish have the potential to naturally spread to adjacent landowners’ properties, the sites will not be used. This will eliminate potential conflicts with adjacent landowners that do not wish to participate in this voluntary Agreement. However, if adjacent landowners are willing to participate, these habitats will be used. In certain cases, coordination and compliance with federal land management agencies may also be necessary if fish have the potential to naturally disperse from habitats covered under this Agreement onto federal lands. The landowners who participate in this Agreement may include, but are not limited to: • Private citizens • Non-governmental organizations; • State, county, and local vector control agencies; • State, city, or county land and water management divisions; • State, county, and municipal parks; • Private corporations; and • The Arizona Game and Fish Commission (as signatory to this Agreement, the Department will enroll aquatic sites on Wildlife Areas or other Arizona Game and Fish Commission properties on a case-by-case basis under separate Certificates of Inclusion).
