Completion Form

2023

The activities performed fell into three major areas: 1) primary treatment, 2) retreatment, and 3) monitoring.

Primary treatment -- Two seasonal GSEP field staff, sometimes with the assistance of a contract crew from the Utah Conservation Corps, conducted primary treatment of tamarisk using the cut stump methos and application of Vastlan (triclopyr) using a handheld sprayer. A 50% reduction in cover was used to reduce cover of healthy, beetle-resistant tamarisk while allowing for travel of beetles throughout the river corridor and canopy gaps for native species regeneration. Woody debris generated was deposited into the stream to enhance habitat complexity for native fish species.

Retreatment -- Two seasonal GSEP field staff, sometimes with the assistance of a contract crew from the Utah Conservation Corps, conducted retreatment of Russian olive in riparian areas that had previously been treated about 3-5 years prior. Treatment consisted of the frill cut method, wherein slashes in the bark are made low on the stump and chemical herbicide (glyphosate) is applied with a handheld sprayer.

Monitoring -- Vegetation surveys will be conducted (see Future Management, below) according to ERWP's "Rapid Monitoring" protocol, wherein approximately one-third of the watershed is assessed annually. Permanent plots were established at the inception of the project, each consisting of a 100m longitudinal transect within the riparian area. Along each transect are randomly set 1 x 1 m plots where crews estimate percent cover of native woody, non-native woody, and herbaceous plant species. Other data collected include indications of impacts from pests, wildlife, and recreation. Permanent photo points are also taken in exact locations for comparison of the monitoring point in subsequent years.

To address the ongoing threat of invasive species, the Escalante River watershed restoration project grew to become the largest riparian restoration project ever conducted on BLM lands. To date, the Escalante River Watershed Partnership (ERWP) has conducted initial woody invasive removal on 7,569 acres on federal, state, and private lands. This area includes increasingly valuable recreational lands, including Dixie National Forest, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, at a time they are experiencing an unprecedented increase in visitation.

Non-native trees, such as Russian olive and tamarisk, compete with native vegetation, narrow stream channels, and degrade wildlife habitat. Woody invasive species can alter compositional and functional components of natural systems including food webs, nutrient cycling, fire regimes, and wildlife habitat. The trees constrain the river channel, change flooding dynamics, and alter water temperature and chemistry. Infested areas also provide poor quality habitat for most neotropical migrant species, including threatened and endangered species such as the Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax trailii extimus) and the western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis).

Additionally, woody invasives negatively affect native fish species. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) continues to evaluate native and non-native fish distribution in the Escalante River and tributaries with a focus on three native species of concern: flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker and roundtail chub. The UDWR works with the ERWP to reduce woody invasive species to improve habitat for these fish.

Through this proposal, the ERWP seeks to restore riparian corridors on public and private land with robust retreatment action for woody invasive species. 1,454 acres of previously treated areas were treated for Russian olive re-sprouts and new growth, and 17 acres of primary tamarisk treatment on public land will be conducted. Twenty six (26) monitoring points were inventoried in September 2022.

Project Goal:
Reduce Russian olive and tamarisk in the watershed to minimal levels through various control methods, thereby allowing native plants and animals to thrive and natural (historical) riparian process to function, such that riparian areas become more naturally functioning, sustainable and resilient to change.

Sarah Bauman

11/08/2022 10:15:19