Completion Form

2022

These funds were used to hire two seasonals, rent seasonal vehicles to access properties, tractor and equipment rentals, seed and irrigation supplies, herbicides, protective equipment, and miscellaneous tools. WMA work included weed control, farming, fence maintenance and new fence construction, and pond and irrigation maintenance. Work was also done by seasonals to check and maintain guzzlers throughout the region and maintain the Sego trailhead drinker.

The budget breakdown is as follows (values have been rounded): The intent was to hire three seasonals, but we only two were hired based on availability. Of the $28,000 budgeted, $13,500 was spent on seasonal time. John Deere changed invoicing, so billing for FY 22 lease was charged when the tractor was returned in the fall, but was billed up front for FY23 in April. Both FY leases were charged to FY22 for a total $9,550.  A mini-excavator also had to be rented for a week for $1,200. The Oman lease is an annual charge of $8,000.  The use of seasonal vehicles cost $4,700. Farm supplies were $1,200. Feed and seed was $2,300. Herbicide cost $1,500. Fencing materials were $500. Irrigation supplies were $350. Maintenance on WMA equipment, including a broken windshield on the Bobcat, a fender replacement on the tractor rental, and other miscellaneous repairs was $5,200. Small tools and equipment for maintenance on the WMA's including fencing, irrigation tools etc was $300. Cell phone enabled cameras for monitoring inappropriate use on the WMA's was $500 for annual subscription. Seasonal uniform and training was $500.

Gordon Creek Wildlife Management Area- planting and irrigating crops for winter wildlife feed and upland game opportunity continues to occur. In September, a forage blend was planted including Austrian field peas and rye grain. Also, triticale, 3 types of wheat, native sunflower, bee plant and coyote tobacco. Beavers continue to dam off the Gordon Creek headgate structure requiring nearly daily removal of material to keep it functioning.  Repair/ upgrade is needed to the pipe and water measuring device for the Gordon Creek diversion. Bob Wright diversion needs a water measuring device or equivalent installed to function properly as lack of flow continues to be a hot topic for downstream users. Options are being looked into. The telephone bench fire (approximately 10 acres) was reseeded using remaining seed from  a project on Grimes Wash. Monsoon moisture resulted in a good vegetative response.

Matheson Wetland- a water study continues to identify water movement and the brine layer on the WMA.  The DWR and TNC are working together to find long-term water solutions including the city's effluent discharge.  The pump at the north ponds in burned out and needs to be replaced. Heavy bacteria and mineral loads exist in the pipe upon further inspection with a camera. The TNC held a board retreat in the Moab area and looked at work done on the Matheson for razorback sucker. The TNC is contracting some maintenance work on the Preserve. Grand County weed is interested in doing more work on the property. Youth corps were on the property this year addressing non-native trees, particularly Russian olive.  Weed control has become a priority on the property as knapweed, and white-top continue to spread. The TNC brought down their marsh master to clean out the central pond, the channel, and reduce some of the mature cocklebur. The water meter was repaired and new walk-overs were installed. Paths were mowed to maintain access to the central pond.

Cold Springs WMA- heavy winds in the spring took signs down and these have been re-installed.  The gates have been tampered with and were able to be removed off the hinges, but the gates have been fixed, at least temporarily. Piles from past project work still exist on the property and will be addressed through a separate WRI proposal. The conservation easement was monitored with FFSL.  An 11-acre fire burned on the property in August 2021.

Lower Fish Creek- pile burning and weed control occurred on the property and is planned for future treatment.

San Rafael properties- the habitat section has worked closely with the Law Enforcement section and SLO to start addressing trespass livestock issues. Conversations have occurred with the adjacent permittee. Many pasture fences were repaired, maintained, or constructed and issues have been reduced on the Lower San Rafael. Updates to culverts, ditches, irrigation, and fencing occurred on the Hatt's Ranch portion as part of the existing lease. The bridge replacement was completed. On the Upper San Rafael, cattleguards were installed to reduce gates being left open on the property and reduce unwanted use on the WMA.  The main pipe at the spring is broken and requires significant repair/ replacement of the wellhead. This repair could result in possible loss of the well so other less invasive options are being explored. A trench was dug from the spring head to the pond to allow the water to access the pond.

Nash Wash was planted but trespass livestock and limited water have not resulted in much forage. With the continued drought, more trespass livestock were counted this winter than any previous. Mainly because what little feed and water there is, are being sought after by the adjacent permittee's livestock. We are planning on moving to a more Fall type rotation to try and improve yield. Noxious weeds were also sprayed by the seasonals as well as some general maintenance to the WMA.

Sego Trailhead- a committee has been formed to address issues at the Sego Trailhead. Water delivery continues to occur to provide a source of water for our constituents using the Book Cliffs roadless area.

Makeda Hanson

08/29/2022 10:50:11