Comments

Admin

Alison Whittaker

Aug 27, 2024, 5:51:14 PM

This is just a reminder that completion reports are due August 31st. I have entered the expenses in the Through WRI/DWR column on the finance page. Please do not make any changes to numbers in the Through WRI/DWR column. Any "Through Other" or "In-kind" expenses will need to be entered by the PM or contributors. Update your map features (if applicable) and fill out the completion form. Be sure to click on the finalize button on the completion report when you have your completion report ready to be reviewed by WRI Admin. Don't forget to upload any pictures of the project you have of before, during and after completion. If you have any questions about this don't hesitate to contact me. Thanks.

Alison Whittaker

Sep 5, 2024, 3:40:12 PM

The completion report for this project has not been finalized but I am assuming it was ready for review. There are a few things I need to have you fix/update. It looks like there is a copy paste error in the methods section on the size of stem for both the L&S and the Mastication. The character you used didn't translate so I am not sure if it was greater than or less than. The other thing I noticed was that your map features don't match your report. Your map features are showing about 200 more acres of lop and scatter than what you report. Your map features also show that the entire mastication area was seeded but your report says that only 640 acres was seeded. Please update your map features and edit your report and then click the Finalize button on the completion form so Daniel or I know it is ready for a second look. Thanks.

Alison Whittaker

Sep 16, 2024, 6:42:04 PM

Thanks for updating your map features and the info in the completion report. I am just seeing one thing that is not making sense. It is the start and end date. You have it starting in April and being completed in May of 2024. Is that correct? It doesn't quite match with the information in the report.

Alison Whittaker

Sep 24, 2024, 6:47:31 PM

Thanks for making those corrections/additions. I have moved this project to completed.

Scott Chamberlain

Jan 19, 2023, 10:56:32 AM

Is there aspen with in the treatment areas of the Lower Bowns project?

Jan 24, 2023, 8:22:50 AM

Currently the treatment area contains mainly pinyon and juniper interspersed with mountain shrub vegetation. There are a few stringers of aspen outside of the treatment area that won't be impacted from this mechanical treatment.

Lindsay Martindale

Jan 24, 2023, 10:53:42 AM

Since this is late Phase 1 encroachment with no seeding required, lop and scatter is often the preferred treatment. Minimal ground disturbance provides less opportunity for invasives such as cheatgrass to invade. Have you seen cheatgrass in the project area or adjacent areas?

Jim Lamb

Jan 31, 2023, 11:52:20 AM

We have not observed cheatgrass in or around the treatment areas.

Feb 7, 2023, 2:34:58 PM

I have recently updated the maps and project details with some changes to the treatment areas. The northern portion of the project by Carcass Creek is a Lop and Scatter Treatment (approximately 1,430 acres). This lop and scatter treatment was based multiple factors such as limited access and topography that will allow hand crews to access more of the project area. The southern portion of the project near Lower Bowns Reservoir is a mechanical treatment on approximately 1,064 acres. The majority of the southern portion is in at least a phase II pinyon and juniper stage. A mechanical treatment will help us achieve our desired outcomes near values at risk such as campgrounds, access roads and trails.

Scott Chamberlain

Jan 24, 2023, 4:29:30 PM

Do you have any photos that could be added?

Judi Brawer

Feb 3, 2023, 3:05:18 PM

How much of the project area is in Phase I? Could these areas be treated using lop and scatter versus mechanical treatment? That would have a lesser impact and likely be cheaper. Is there a reason why Ponderosa/forested habitat is not included in the habitat section? It's a bit confusing that in the project details it says that one of the needs for this project is for aspen, and that aspen restoration will be one of the benefits. But, in response to Scott's question you replied that there are no aspen in the project area. I'd also like to see photos of the project area please.

Feb 7, 2023, 2:52:12 PM

Those are great questions Judi. As I mentioned above in response to Lindsay's question, I have recently updated the maps and project details with some changes to the treatment areas. The northern portion of the project by Carcass Creek is a Lop and Scatter Treatment (approximately 1,430 acres). I originally had ponderosa pine and aspen habitat types in the discussion however, after further review of the amount of aspen and ponderosa was very little and mainly within the valley bottoms and stream channels that were not being highly impacted by the proposed treatments. The project areas are along the lower fringes of the north and east slopes of the Boulder mainly within pinyon/juniper and mountain shrub/sagebrush habitats. I have made the appropriate changes to the project detail section, sorry for the confusion. I will also get some photo's added soon.

Danny Summers

Feb 6, 2023, 6:10:24 PM

Looking at the project area from the satellite imagery it seems that this PJ is more like phase 2 or even phase 3. Much of the Lower Bowns area openings were from chainings in the 1970s. WRI project #125 retreated some of these openings. We have some monitoring sites in these old chainings, which were seeded back then. Has there been an assessment to determine seeding isn't necessary? https://dwrapps.utah.gov/rangetrend/rtstart Sites 25C-1 and 25C-2

Feb 15, 2023, 1:35:24 PM

We agree, the areas proposed for treatment near Lower Bowns Reservoir is in at least phase II. We will propose approximately 640 acres of these areas that are on the south end of Lower Bowns in the Oak Creek allotment for aerial seeding. These areas would benifit the most from a seeding within the proposed area. Additionally, this pasture can have adequent rest following seeding.