The Palo Verde Ecological Reserve (PVER) encompasses more than 1,300 acres. This property (formerly known as the Travis Ranch) has been made available to the LCR MSCP for habitat restoration activities by California Department of Fish and Game.

The eastern boundary of the property (more than 4 miles) is adjacent to the Colorado River, and the western boundary is adjacent to active agricultural fields. The PVER has an extensive infrastructure consisting of miles of lined irrigation ditches, roads, and a pump. Currently, the acreage is leased to a contract farmer and is planted with crops of alfalfa and wheat. Each year a portion of the active crop acreage will be taken out of production to develop the next phase of native habitat. The intent is to create as much riparian habitat as practical. Generally, all phases at PVER are targeted for southwestern willow flycatcher, yellow-billed cuckoo, and other covered species.

The restoration includes a mosaic of habitats that contain areas of riparian species (including mesquite) and ground covers or open areas. Ground cover is an effective method of controlling non-native species and provides another layer of vegetation for habitat. Ground covers are planted with transplants or by seed; costs vary with the methods of planting used. Mesquite trees are generally planted by a tree planter or auger. Typically, mesquite costs are based on a 1-gallon planted tree.

A fact sheet for this Conservation Area can be found here. Technical Reports for this Conservation Area can be found here.

Updated December 20, 2012

The Palo Verde Ecological Reserve (formerly known at Travis Ranch) is located in California and within the Palo Verde Irrigation District between river miles 129-133.  The  property, owned by California Department of Fish and Game, is being converted from active agricultural ground to cottonwood-willow, honey mesquite, and lands managed for waterfowl and upland game birds.

For specific information on the Conservation Area, please contact Terry Murphy, Restoration Group Manager, at (702) 293-8140 or via email at tmurphy@usbr.gov.

Click on the map below to see the Palo Verde Ecological Reserve using the interactive GIS map.

Each Conservation Area targets certain LCR MSCP covered and evaluation species habitats. Below, on the left, is a list of the LCR MSCP species in which habitat will be targeted for creation for in this particular conservation area. To the right is a list of LCR MSCP species that, through monitoring, have been found utilizing the conservation area.

Riparian Management

Acreage Map

This map shows the acreage for this area. You can click on the map for a larger view.

This gallery includes photos of this conservation area. If you require larger photos, please contact our webmaster Michelle Reilly at mreilly@usbr.gov.