Completion Form

2024

As per the project proposal, once a archeological review was completed the seed was applied aerially by Hammond Helicopter 1/7/2023.  At the time access to properties was available but soon after heavy snow closed access preventing the mastication to start till the spring of 2023.  England Construction started mastication April of 2023 till June of 2023, when they paused operations because of fire risk.  They resumed mastication October of 2023 and continue mastication till April of 2024.  Their progress was slowed due to access during the winter months, as warned by the project manager. Tebuthiuron  was applied at 3lbs/acre in an effort to reduce oak in previously masticated areas. Tebuthiuron  was aerially applied on 10/14/2023 by Hammond Helicopter.  Rabbit Brush was mowed by Horizon Environmental Services October 17-19 and then resumed November 14-15 2023.  The areas were mowed with a bat winged mower and sprayed with a UTV with a spray rig using Tordon.  A portion of the project was just culturally cleared because of issues with the NRCS funding.  This portion is being treated as part of Zion Migration Habitat Improvement 5 in 2024.

Archeological review was completed in December of 2022. All the sites were avoided by the partners.  Once cultural resources were approved, seed obtained through the GBRC.  The seed was applied aerial by Hammond Helicopter 1/7/2023.  Seed At the time access to properties was available but soon after heavy snow closed access preventing the mastication to start till the spring of 2023.  England Construction started mastication April of 2023 till June of 2023, when they paused operations because of fire risk.  They resumed mastication October of 2023 and continue mastication till April of 2024.  Their progress was slowed due to access during the winter months, as warned by the project manager. Tebuthiuron  was applied at 3lbs/acre in an effort to reduce oak in previously masticated areas. Tebuthiuron  was aerially applied on 10/14/2023 by Hammond Helicopter.  Rabbit Brush was mowed by Horizon Environmental Services October 17-19 and then resumed November 14-15 2023.  The areas were mowed with a bat winged mower and sprayed with a UTV with a spray rig.

All seeded areas are currently be being rested for a minimum of two growing seasons as per NRCS contract.  Once the have been rested and all parties agree that the treatment is established the livestock producer/landowner will be allowed to graze properties again.  A grazing plan has been provided and will help the producer better utilize the forage.  Wildlife especially mule deer is a major driver for the landowner and the partners involved in this project.  The increase forbs and vigor of the browse will benefit mule deer during their migration and partition phase of their life history's.  We hope that future collaring efforts will help use better understand the use and outcomes of mule deer on this unit.  We will continue to work with BLM and other neighboring land owners to reduce fire hazards, fuel loads, and improve watersheds to better outcomes for Utahns.

Landowner signed a 10-year agreement with USFWS Partners Program. Under this agreement habitat restored is to be left in place and periodic visits and communications with the biologist will take place.

Stan Gurley

08/29/2024 06:24:22