Dines Tank Dates

June 22- July 2

July 24- August 2

August 22-30

Come join Grand Canyon Wildlands Council in an effort to remove non-native crayfish from several sensitive riparian areas on the Mogollon Rim. These waterways contain some of the highest biodiversity present in the Southwest. One major threat to these crucial areas is introduced crayfish. Although there are no crayfish native to Arizona or the Colorado River basin, it is now virtually impossible to find a creek, stream, or river that isn’t overwhelmed by this small crustacean. Species such as the northern crayfish (Orconectes virilis) are detrimental to many native fish and amphibian species, as well as other species including reptiles, insects, plants, and sport fish.

On the Mogollon Rim crayfish are playing a role in the continuing decline of the Little Colorado River spinedace, a threatened fish. Dines Tank is a natural pool located in the East Clear Creek watershed of the Mogollon Rim in the Coconino National Forest and is the most consistently occupied natural habitat of the threatened spinedace. The spinedace population at Dines Tank is particularly important because of its consistency; it is used by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Arizona Game and Fish Department as a source to reestablish populations elsewhere.

In 2008, with the help of our dedicated volunteers, we removed over 14,000 crayfish from Dines Tank! This year we are returning with two objectives: 1) To continue to improve the spinedace habitat by removing invasive crayfish; and 2) To minimize the negative effects of recreation on Dines Tank by removing unauthorized roads, removing invasive plant species, and reseeding the areas. We have three trips planned- come and stay for the day or the whole trip, and help us achieve these important goals!

What to bring:                                     

It is a good idea to bring hiking boots or shoes and sandals to get wet, a backpack, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses and a sunhat. If you plan on camping bring your tent (optional), sleeping bag, pad, personal toiletries and a flashlight or headlamp. We will provide a kitchen and all meals (including crayfish!), a portable toilet, and all the equipment you need to remove the crayfish. Temperatures can change from warm days to very cool nights, so come prepared for anything! We will bring drinking water to fill water bottles, but come prepared with at least 2 liters of water. Other items to consider include a camera, binoculars, cards, games, books, etc.

How to get there:

From Flagstaff, take Lake Mary Road (Forest Highway 3) south approximately 45 miles to the junction with State Highway 87 at Clints Well. Turn right (west) on 87 and go approximately 1/4 mile. You will see a restaurant, a small grocery store and gas station on the right hand side of the road. We will meet in the parking lot and then travel to Dines Tank together from there.

From Phoenix, take Hwy. 87 north toward Payson. In Payson, continue north on State Highway 87 to Clint’s Well (approximately 34 miles). You will see a restaurant, a small grocery store and gas station on the left hand side of the road. We will meet in the parking lot and then travel to Dines Tank together from there. If you pass the junction with Forest Highway 3, you’ve gone too far.