Completion Form

2024

The project was a continuation of WRI 3718 and 5300 on the Lower San Rafael River. Phase 3 was to create additional BDAs and PALS and to conduct maintenance on ones built during phase 2. There were 50 structures built at Woodside and Hwy 24. Only 35 structures were built at Moonshine Wash due to a lack of materials. Juniper was collect offsite from BLM land as weaving material at Moonshine Wash (San Rafael River) and Woodside (Price River). Willow was primarily used at Hwy 24 for weaving material. Large rock material was delivered to each site to create boulder clusters.
A youth Corp was also hired to cut and apply herbicide to tamarisk in areas on the lower San Rafael WMA. 
Lastly containerized shrubs were purchased and planted on the lower San Rafael WMA as well.

WHOLE TREE REMOVAL WOODY INVASIVES PRIVATE LANDS:

The original plan working with partners was to move upstream onto private land and complete woody invasive removal.  The funding was requested and after USFWS Partners biologist along with several other partners, it was determined woody invasives along the private were not the problem and wasn't really responsibly fiscal to spend our funding this way given the ecological outcomes desired.  We shifted gears and started planning a BDA project to add what has been done in-stream on the BLM onto the private lands.  The landowner agreed, signed an Agreement with USFWS Partners Program, and a stream alteration permit was obtained.  Unfortunately after this we were not able to carry the money over and will have to reapply through WRI for FY 2024.

BDAs and PALs were built in March of 2023 during the start of spring flows. The long wet winter made it difficult to get to sites and to get to source material for weaving the structures. The contractor was able to get all three sites done before March 31st , which was the deadline to not interfere with spawning of native fish. A large crew was employed to complete work before the deadline. Their efforts were challenged with spring flows increasing rapidly and cold temperatures. Rock structures will be added to the stream bed in October 2023. Rocks could not be added during BDA construction for safety reason, and not from April 1st-Sep 30th as it is critical time for spawning and rearing of native fish species in both systems. 
The tamarisk work was completed in the fall ( October 10th to October 28th) by a youth corps. The planting of containerized stock including four-wing salt bush, sumac, and New Mexico Privet were planted in the spring (march 4th) by a scout troop for an eagle project. The area these shrubs were planted became inundated with water with the spring flows. Upon inspection on August 17th there was still a lot of water in the area, cattails had grown in areas where we had never had them before and most of the shrubs were dead.

More BDA's were built in March of 2024. Flows were lower and easier for the contractor to work. We will monitor those additions in the fall of 2024.

TJ Cook

10/03/2024 08:17:40