Completion Form

2023

Road improvements:
Intensive road improvements were performed by the DWR heavy equipment crew on the first 0.25 mile of the Mineral Point Road. The road location was adjustable to improve drainage and passability. Approximately 65 tons of road base were added to the road surface. A large culvert was installed adjacent to the main parking area. This culvert eliminated a large puddle that existed in the road for much of the spring and fall.

We also performed approximately 4 miles of light road work on the Mineral Point Road farther into the WMA. We removed large rocks, filled in holes, and installed water bars at key locations. We reclaimed several unauthorized spur roads by recontouring the road surface and placing physical barriers such as boulders. When necessary, reclaimed areas were also reseeded with native plants.

Parking lot improvements:
The main parking area at the intersection of the Mineral Point and Ant Flat Roads received significant improvements. Prior to construction, the 0.33 acre parking area had a significant slope and many large rocks (see before photo). A large amount of material was excavated and relocated to flatten and expand the parking surface. Additionally, ~35 tons of road base were added to the parking area. Heavy gate posts were installed so a seasonal closure on the property could be enforced.

Signs: 
We installed over 40 signs throughout the WMA. A large WMA sign was placed near the parking area on Ant Flat. Habitat restoration and road closed signs were installed on spur roads to restrict vehicle traffic to main roads.  Two grouse identification description signs were installed on the WMA, describing the identification differences among Greater sage grouse (not hunted on the WMA), Sharp-tailed grouse (requires a sharp tailed permit), Dusky grouse, and Ruffed grouse.

Fences: 
We surveyed the condition and location of fences on the property. We purchased several hundred t-posts, drill pipe posts, rolls of wire, dancers, and gates to construct new fences on the property. The fence materials were not installed this fiscal year because of the long winter and wet spring weather conditions. We plan to install these materials in FY24 and FY25.

Spring Restoration: 
Due to wet weather, many springs have increased flow so we did not do any spring restoration work this fiscal year. However, we are mapping and studying water flow at existing springs to determine the need for spring restoration and water development in the future.

Habitat Monitoring:
We installed 10 trail cameras on a grid system evenly spaced throughout the WMA. These cameras will help us monitor wildlife species composition and distribution, habitat condition, and recreational use on the WMA.

Daniel Olson

08/23/2023 15:35:25