Maintenance and habitat projects will restrict public access to road and water in the Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge beginning June 2.

Crystal Loop Road and three bodies of water in Ash Meadows will be closed to the public until Aug. 31 to reduce traffic and safety hazards while the refuge performs maintenance on water control structures an removes aquatic invasive species.

Water levels at Crystal Reservoir, Horseshoe Marsh and Lower Crystal Marsh are currently being drawn down.

The overflow siphon at Crystal Reservoir is inoperable and lowered water levels are required before it can be repaired or replaced as necessary.

"A dry reservoir will also allow us to check a dam for needed repairs and provide us an opportunity to remove aquatic exotic invasive species," said Christina Nalen, visitor services manager at Ash Meadows NWR.

During the summer, evaporation and transpiration rates are the highest, thus decreasing the necessary draw down and closure time.

Specifically, the siphon provides an added measure for lowering water levels in the dam during flood events and to prevent overtopping.

Additionally, the overflow siphon is a critical component of the reservoir as it allows management to control water levels for the benefit of plants, wildlife and people.

Since establishment in 1984, the refuge has made a significant effort to prevent the spread of the aquatic invasive species into Crystal Spring and its stream, which supplies water to Crystal Reservoir and the two marshes.

However, recently aquatic invasive species have repeatedly breached the barriers, making their way into Crystal Spring and its outflow where they consume Ash Meadows pupfish, a protected native fish species.

Nevada Department of Wildlife will work with the refuge to remove the invasive species.

For more information about the projects, call 775-372-5435.