San Juan River Restoration 3.0 - Utah
Region: Southeastern
ID: 4871

Project Status: Completed

Project Details

NOTE: San Juan 3.0 was funded in fy2020 however funds were not utilized.  The BLM cooperative agreement with the Canyon Country Youth Corps was expiring which was not known at the time of proposal submission.  This cooperative agreement was intended to serve as in-kind BLM match for the next several iterations of the project.  However, these funds needed to be spent prior to Nov. 2019, zeroing out the primary in-kind fund source for this and future projects.  $103,599 of cooperative agreement match funds were spent in conjunction with San Juan 2.0 WRI dollars to complete more work under San Juan 2.0 than was anticipated leaving San Juan 3.0 funds unspent.  The need exists to implement San Juan 3.0 and instead of carrying over the project, we are resubmitting it as "proposed" to allow collaboration with FFSL.

The removal of Russian olive outlined in this proposal is needed to mitigate the loss of seasonally inundated side channel and floodplain habitats, help restore fluvial processes necessary to maintain these habitats, improve wildlife habitat and native diversity by restoring native riparian plant communities, improving water yield and quality,  reduce the risk of wildfire, and improve opportunities for sustainable use by improving recreational access.

The introduction of Russian olives (Eleagnus angustifolia) to western North America, combined with altered flow regimes caused by extensive damming and diversion of rivers during the 20th Century, resulted in synergistic interactions that radically altered aquatic and riparian ecosystems on the Colorado Plateau. Dams and diversions have altered flow regimes and reduced or eliminated periods of inundation of floodplain habitats, which favored establishment of Russian olives over native willows and cottonwoods, which thrive in periodically flooded riparian areas. Russian olives then displaced native vegetation and altered ecosystem processes through high levels of nitrogen fixation, high inputs of organic debris (roughly 25 times higher than ecologically similar native vegetation), and input of decay-resistant leaf litter that interferes with aquatic nutrient cycling  (Katz and Shafroth 2003. Wetlands 23:763-777; Mineau et al. 2012. Ecology 93:1501-1508). These changes impacted aquatic and riparian ecosystems in ways that favored the establishment and spread of a host of other invasive species, ranging from tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) to common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The cascade of ecosystem changes that establishment of Russian olives sets in motion has been referred to as "invasive species meltdown."  The resultant impacts are perhaps most severe in side channel and backwater habitats of rivers, which tend to fill with sediment and organic debris over time when encroached upon by dense stands of invasive vegetation. Russian olives are especially problematic due to their extremely high input of organic debris and their ability to form dense monocultures and closed canopies.  Thus, the reduction of Russian olive and subsequent restoration of native riparian vegetation improves watershed health, enhances biological diversity, and increases water yield (i.e. less evapotranspiration) and water quality (i.e. dramatically reduced nitrogen inputs).

The portion of the San Juan River that flows through the Four Corners and Lower San Juan subbasins (HUC 14080201 & 14080205, respectively) serves as critical habitat for remnant populations of three endangered species of fish (Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, and razorback sucker) and supports populations of three sensitive species of fish (roundtail chub, bluehead sucker, and flannelmouth sucker). Side channel habitat is especially important as spawning and nursery habitat for these fishes. The side channel habitat in the project area is fringed by native willows (Salix spp.) and is inundated during periods of high flow, but is being rapidly encroached upon by Russian olives. Continued encroachment by Russian olives threatens to eliminate this habitat to the detriment of native fishes and amphibians. In addition, eventual replacement of the remaining native willows by Russian olive monocultures threatens to eliminate habitat important to several species of breeding birds, including the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) and the threatened western distinct population of yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus).  The reduction of Russian olive again improves watershed health, enhances biological diversity, and facilitates the recovery of endangered and sensitive fishes while facilitating fluvial processes to naturally maintain these habitats in the future.

Russian olive is a significant barrier to accessing dispersed campsites and its thorns provide significant risk of personal injury and puncturing inflatable watercraft.  The removal of invasive species and restoration of native riparian vegetation improves access and the recreational experience of rafters and campers.  Opportunities for sustainable uses are therefore improved.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Canyon Country Fire Zone (CYFZ) conducted an in depth landscape level burn probability analysis based on LandFire data sets and calibrated using a command line version of FlamMap called RANDIG. This fire modeling system was developed by Mark Finney at the Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) and Allen Ager with the Western Wildland Threat Assessment Center.  The CYFZ burn probability uses higher resolution based on 30 meter pixels and was calibrated at 90th percentile indices set to match conditions of recent large fires in the fire zone. The higher resolution and local calibration of this analysis helps delineate burn probability on long and narrow features, like the San Juan River, by decreasing the number of mixed pixels.  The burn probability analysis shows that there is a significant threat of wildfire along the San Juan River corridor in the riparian zone. The wildfire threat has been exacerbated by the tamarisk beetle which has killed large stands of tamarisk during the past ten years.  Removal of Russian olive reduces fuel loading and fire severity within a high use recreation corridor.

This year with FFSL we are adding 112 treatment acres of WUI lands outside the town of Bluff. Bluff has seen 8 fires within town limits in the last 10 years and the riverside vegetation is by far the largest threat to the town's structures and residents. One of the fires in the last 10 years was ignited in the tamarisk and partially burned the kokopelli lodge. Part of the dynamic is that along with the tamarisk beetle, we are seeing that a lack of use of a historical canal through the floodplain south of Bluff is killing the tamarisk. Thick, dry, standing dead tamarisk along with live Russian olive and other exotics are threatening the town and it is a good time to reduce the fire risk and restore the floodplain to appropriate native vegetation.

Provide evidence about the nature of the problem and the need to address it. Identify the significance of the problem using a variety of data sources. For example, if a habitat restoration project is being proposed to benefit greater sage-grouse, describe the existing plant community characteristics that limit habitat value for greater sage-grouse and identify the changes needed for habitat improvement.

The primary objectives of the proposed project on BLM lands are to kill Russian olive, tamarisk, and herbaceous weeds, up to 100 acres (per NEPA), in order to:

Objective 1.	Improve habitat for endangered and sensitive fish and native amphibians by restoring and preventing the further loss of seasonally inundated side channel habitats and backwaters at the Gold Mine Site.

Objective 2.	Restore and preserve fluvial processes that are necessary to maintain and enhance critical side channel/backwater fish habitat at the Gold Mine Site.  Reducing invasive species (e.g. Russian olive) that increase roughness and sedimentation will help hydrologic processes under current flow regimes to scour and maintain side channel habitats.

Objective 3.  	Improve water yield and quality by reducing Russian olive evapotranspiration and inputs of high-nitrogen litter into the system at all project sites.

Objective 4.	Restore native plant communities at all project sites by reducing invasive species cover, improving passive restoration potential, and through active revegetation where necessary.

Objective 5.	Improve wildlife habitat for Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Yellow Billed Cuckoo, and wild turkey at all project sites, through the restoration of native riparian plant communities, increasing plant diversity, and restoration of adjacent side channel and backwater habitats.

Objective 6.	Reduce wildfire probability and increase public safety, at all project sites, by reducing fuel loading in high-use recreation areas.

Objective 7.     Improve the recreational experience and opportunities for sustainable uses, at all project sites, by improving dispersed camping access and reducing the risk of injury to inflatable watercraft and recreational boaters from overhanging thorny Russian olive.

The primary objective on private lands is to:

Objective 1. Reduce the fire threat to the town and reduce fire intensity in case of ignition. Improve fire response capabilities by masticating large paths through tamarisk.

Objective 2. Restore native vegetation and improve habitat for native birds by reducing exotic invasive cover and actively revegetating.

Objective 3.  Improve recreation opportunities for town residents, who commonly access the river through these private lands.

Provide an overall goal for the project and then provide clear, specific and measurable objectives (outcomes) to be accomplished by the proposed actions. If possible, tie to one or more of the public benefits UWRI is providing.

Invasive plants are spreading rapidly across North America, including in the Monticello Field Office.  These invasive species alter ecological and fluvial processes, negatively influence rangeland and riparian health, threaten critical fish and bird habitat, increase the fuel loading and risk of fire, cause economic losses, and displace native plant communities.  Ecological damage from uncontrolled invasive plant infestations can be permanent; thereby leaving public lands unable to return to desired or natural conditions without control efforts.  Noxious weeds are currently spreading at a rate of more than 4,600 acres per day on federal lands in the United States (Belliston, et. al., 2010).

The greatest impact of invasive plants in the Monticello Field Office (MFO) is typically along the San Juan River corridor.  Common invasive plants in riparian areas include Russian olive, tamarisk, a variety of invasive thistles, Russian knapweed, Whitetop, Ravennagrass, and Camelthorn.  There are an estimated 35,000 BLM acres infested with invasive plants, with the majority being based on Russian Olive and Tamarisk infestation of riparian areas, adjacent terraces, and non-riparian ephemeral drainages (Final EIS, 2008).

Russian Olives and Tamarisks are invasive in wet-saline environments and certain riparian zones, and have the ability to displace native plant species (USDA, 2002).  Introduction of Tamarisks in the early to mid 1900's was followed by channel narrowing along many western rivers, such as the San Juan River (Vincent, et. al., 2009).  Populations of Camelthorn are found along the San Juan River corridor, and are the only known infestation of this invasive species in Utah.  Thus, Camelthorn is prioritized for treatment to prevent further infestations (Final EIS, 2008).

The proliferation of woody invasives, if left unchecked, threatens to:

1.      Hasten the permanent loss of critical side channel habitats utilized by endangered and sensitive fish.  These channels are heavily invaded and historical imagery shows significant narrowing and loss of many of these habitats.  Many side channels have crossed, are currently crossing, or a will soon cross the threshold. 
2.      Alter fluvial and nutrient cycling processes in a way that favors non-native species. Many sites have crossed this threshold but areas like the Gold Mine Site are at a critical point and can be restored.
3.      Further degrade native vegetation communities.
4.      Degrade wildlife habitat.
5.      Increase fuel loading and risk of wildfire.
6.      Degrade the recreational experience.

There are few if any threats associated with implementation of this project. The only conceivable potential impact is loss of winter forage and nesting habitat for birds that may feed on Russian olive fruit or nest within stands of woody invasives, but there will be no shortage of Russian olives or tamarisk in riparian habitats surrounding the project area.

LOCATION: Justify the proposed location of this project over other areas, include publicly scrutinized planning/recovery documents that list this area as a priority, remote sensing modeling that show this area is a good candidate for restoration, wildlife migration information and other data that help justify this project's location.

TIMING: Justify why this project should be implemented at this time. For example, Is the project area at risk of crossing an ecological or other threshold wherein future restoration would become more difficult, cost prohibitive, or even impossible.

(1) Monticello Resource Management Plan (RMP). The proposed action is in conformance with the MFO Resource Management Plan approved in November, 2008.  The RMP responds to issues regarding noxious weeds and invasive species by utilizing BLM's integrated pest management strategies (combined use of mechanical, cultural, chemical, manual, biological, and preventative measures) (Final EIS, 2008).

The goals and objectives outlined in the RMP include control of invasive and non-native weed species, and prevent the introduction of new invasive species through the implementation of a comprehensive weed program, including coordination with partners; prevention and early detection; education; inventory and monitoring; and principles of integrated weed management (Final EIS, 2008).

(2) BLM National Policy Guidance on Special Status Species Management (Manual 6840). Provides direction for the conservation of special status animal and plant species as well as for their habitats.  Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Razorback Sucker, Colorado Pikeminnow, Flannelmouth Sucker, Bluehead Sucker, and Roundtail Chub are special status species that will benefit from this project.

(3) The National Fire Plan.  Designed to manage the potential impacts of wildland fire to communities and ecosystems and to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildland fire.  The NFP focuses on strategies for improving fire preparedness, restoring and rehabilitating burned areas, reducing hazardous fuels, assisting communities, and identifying research needs.

(4) BLM National Policy Guidance on Wildlife and Fisheries Management.  This manual provides direction to restore, maintain and improve wildlife habitat conditions on public lands through the implementation of activity plans.

(5) The US Fish and Wildlife Service recovery plans for the Colorado pikeminnow (1990), Humpback chub (1990), and razorback sucker (1998) all emphasize restoration of bottomland, backwater, and floodplain habitats to serve as fish nursery areas as a means of increasing juvenile recruitment in populations of these endangered species.

(6) The recovery plain for the southwestern willow flycatcher (US Fish and Wildlife Service 2002) calls for habitat restoration efforts that "protect, reestablish, mimic, and/or mitigate for the loss of natural processes that establish, maintain, and recycle riparian ecosystems relevant to the flycatcher." Russian olives are a significant impediment to these natural processes and tend to displace the dense stands of willows and ecologically similar riparian shrubs that willow flycatchers depend on for breeding purposes.

(7) The Range-wide Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Roundtail Chub Gila robusta, Bluehead Sucker Catostomus discobolus, and Flannelmouth Sucker Catostomus latipinnes (UDWR Publication 06-18) includes an objective of enhancing and maintaining habitat for each of the three species. Restore altered channel and habitat features to conditions suitable for the three species.

(8) The project addresses goals and objectives of the BLM Utah Riparian Policy, what states that "riparian areas are to be improved at every opportunity."

(9) The Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) for the State of Utah identifies lowland riparian habitat as being highest priority for conservation and restoration.

(10) San Juan County Weeds Plan seeks to treat 200 acres along the San Juan River.

(11) Wildlife Action Plan 2015
A) Big Free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) - The species often roosts and forms maternity colonies in massive sandstone cliffs near bodies of open water in a variety of habitats. It is presumed that big free-tailed bats migrate out of Utah for the winter.

B) Bluehead Sucker (Catostomus discobolus) - Managed under a Utah and Range-wide Conservation Agreement and Strategy intended to take voluntary actions to address threats and reduce the need to list the species.

C) Colorado Pikeminnow (Ptchochelius lucius) -- Federally listed and managed under the Upper Colorado River and San Juan River Recovery Programs.

D) Flannelmouth Sucker (Catostomus latipinnis) - Large, long-lived, migratory fish. * Managed under a Utah153 and Range-wide154 Conservation Agreement and Strategy intended to take voluntary actions to address threats and reduce the need to list the species.

E) Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) - Habitat restoration in wetlands and along riparian corridors.

F) Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) - Federally listed as endangered in 1991.  Managed under the Upper Colorado River Recovery Program.

G) Roundtail Chub (Gila robusta) - Managed under a Utah and Range-wide Conservation Agreement and Strategy intended to take voluntary actions to address threats and reduce the need to list the species.

H) Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax trailii extimus) - Populations declining due to altered water regimes, invasive plants, improper riparian grazing, development and nest parasitism. Manage and restore lowland riparian for suitable habitat.

I) Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) -- Prefers thick riparian vegetation communities with dense overstory of mature trees. Distribution and habitat use in the state are poorly understood. Most frequently found along the Green River near Vernal, near the town of Green River, and one portion of the San Juan River.

List management plans where this project will address an objective or strategy in the plan. Describe how the project area overlaps the objective or strategy in the plan and the relevance of the project to the successful implementation of those plans. It is best to provide this information in a list format with the description immediately following the plan objective or strategy.

The town of Bluff sits adjacent to the historic floodplain of the San Juan River a large portion of which is now thick dead and dying tamarisk. Where there are cottonwoods Russian olive has filled in underneath creating ladder fuels into the cottonwood canopy adjacent to homes and businesses. A now defunct canal across the floodplain seasonally fills with water and has grown thick live Russian olive and tamarisk which are also adjacent to homes and businesses. In the last ten years there was a fire that started in the tamarisk and spread to the nearby motel that had tourists staying there. The San Juan Emergency Manager has expressed concern with the tamarisk in Bluff as have the Bluff Fire Chief. Plans to continue removal is being written into Bluff's CWPP currently. As Bluff continues to grow and see higher tourist visitation it will be important that fire prevention and mitigation is constantly being evaluated to protect the resources and people in Bluff.

The San Juan River is a popular recreation area.  Approximately 12,000 boaters, run, camp, and explore within the corridor each season.  The proliferation of non-native above ground biomass and the subsequent accumulation of organic debris that tends to accompany the establishment of tamarisk and Russian olives, increases the likelihood of severe wildfires in floodplains. Litter from Russian olives is unusually resistant to decomposition, leading to accumulation of fuels in areas dominated by Russian olives.

Semi-primitive camp sites are dispersed throughout the corridor placing recreationists directly within overgrown, continuous and often dead/dying stands of tamarisk and Russian olive.  When these stands burn, fire behavior is of high intensity and is fast moving.  Fires of this type have been observed to cross rivers resulting in a fairly large impact area placing the public at considerable risk.

Native vegetation intermixed with the invasive species are also consumed during these events.  The aggressive nature of the invasive and noxious species residing in the area results in secondary invasion of undesirable plants in the disturbed areas post fire.  Native vegetation will be protected and enhanced due to decreased competition, reduced fuel loading, and a diminished chance of destructive fire.  The Gold Mine/Tiger Wall Unit builds off of previous fuels work done by the BLM and further protects the highway 191 bridge and the Sand Island campground.

This project addresses these threats by eradicating Russian olive and tamarisk in targeted areas and reducing the fuel loading within dispersed campsites or adjacent to them.  These treatments will facilitate the spread of native vegetation and help preserve fluvial processes that maintain seasonally inundated areas and higher soil moisture levels.

If applicable, detail how the proposed project will significantly reduce the risk of fuel loading and/or continuity of hazardous fuels including the use of fire-wise species in re-seeding operations. Describe the value of any features being protected by reducing the risk of fire. Values may include; communities at risk, permanent infrastructure, municipal watersheds, campgrounds, critical wildlife habitat, etc. Include the size of the area where fuels are being reduced and the distance from the feature(s) at risk.

Russian olives have displaced native vegetation and altered ecosystem processes through high levels of nitrogen fixation, high inputs of organic debris (roughly 25 times higher than ecologically similar native vegetation), and input of decay-resistant leaf litter that interferes with aquatic nutrient cycling  (Katz and Shafroth 2003. Wetlands 23:763-777; Mineau et al. 2012. Ecology 93:1501-1508). Russian olives tend to degrade water quality by increasing the input of nitrogen and carbon in aquatic ecosystems. The elevated nitrogen levels favor processes that alter productivity and reduce dissolved oxygen levels in aquatic ecosystems. In addition, the high input of decay-resistant litter from Russian olives tends to cause accumulation of organic material and sediment that can restrict the flow of water or divert it to other areas. A major objective of this project is to improve the quantity and quality of water by decreasing evapotranspiration of woody invasive plants, maintaining side channel function, and by reducing inputs of nitrogen laden debris into the system.

The San Juan River and adjacent tributaries are 303d listed waters with metal and dissolved oxygen concerns.  Reductions in Russian olive and associated litter decomposition will help mitigate dissolved oxygen issues.  It is unclear if Russian olive uptakes heavy metals and whether removal will reduce heavy metals in the river.

Describe how the project has the potential to improve water quality and/or increase water quantity, both over the short and long term. Address run-off, erosion, soil infiltration, and flooding, if applicable.

NEPA, Section 7 Consultation, and Archaeological clearances are completed for this project including work at the Gold Mine Site (county and youth corps) and the San Juan River Mexican Hat to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (youth corps).  A Determination of NEPA Adequacy (DNA) was completed and is tiered to the Programmatic Environmental Assessment Integrated Invasive Plant management Plan for the Monticello Field Office, DOI-BLM-UT-Y020-2013-006-EA. Implementation will occur outside of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and Yellow-Billed cuckoo nesting season (May 1- Aug 31).

(1)  Programmatic Environmental Assessment Integrated Invasive Plant management Plan for the Monticello Field Office, DOI-BLM-UT-Y020-2013-006-EA.
This programmatic EA was tiered to Vegetation Treatments Using Herbicides on Bureau of Land Management Lands in 17 Western States -- Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) (USDI, 2007).  The EA provided analysis for 100 acres of mechanical treatment and 4000 acres of herbicide treatments within riparian areas located within the MFO.  BLM is implementing projects within these restrictions currently.  Work will continue on this scale until further NEPA analysis can be completed to expand and enhance project capabilities.
  
(2)  Utah Noxious Weed Act, Rule R68-9.  April 2012
The Utah Noxious Weed Act, in conjunction with San Juan County ordinances, state that it is the duty of every property owner to control and prevent the spread of noxious weeds on any land in their possession, or under their control, and shall serve as a warning that if they fail to comply with this notice, enforced weed control measures may be imposed at the direction of county authorities (Rule R68-9, 2012).

(3)  Endangered Species Act (ESA), 1973, as amended.

(4)  Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1927), as amended. Seasonal bird restrictions will be followed.

(5)  Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 1958
Section 7 consultation was accomplished as part of the required NEPA process.  All activities will be conducted outside of nesting and breeding seasons unless site specific surveys determine that work can proceed without impact to protected species.  Project implementation will be phased and designed in such a way that critical habitat will not be detrimentally impacted.

(6)  Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), 1966, as amended
Site specific cultural inventory will be conducted if deemed necessary by Agency archaeologists.  Treatment units will be designed to accommodate these values.  Tribal consultation was conducted as part of the NEPA process prior to project implementation.  NOTE: Our archaeologist is reviewing the polygons for any potential conflicts but expects little conflict or mitigation.  Arch sites have a low probability of occurrence within current or historic floodplains due to the nature of flood scour/deposition.

(7)   Monticello Pesticide Use Proposal (PUP) No. 2013-UTY020-01-P
The Monticello PUP provides guidance for herbicide application within the field office.  All guidance, restrictions, and best management practices will be followed.

(8)  The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), as amended (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) is the basic authority for BLM activities.
FLPMA establishes the principle that public lands be retained in Federal ownership and provides for the management, protection, development, and enhancement of the public lands under the principles of multiple use, sustained development, and sustained yield.

Description of efforts, both completed and planned, to bring the proposed action into compliance with any and all cultural resource, NEPA, ESA, etc. requirements. If compliance is not required enter "not applicable" and explain why not it is not required.

1) San Juan River Gold Mine Site (46 Acres) - SEE IMAGES/DOCS for more detailed Statement of Work.

This project area is divided into six separate units totaling 46 acres and is located approximately 0.5 miles downstream of the San Juan River Highway 191 river bridge east of Bluff and across from the Tiger Wall on river right.  The site can be accessed by driving around and past the Bluff airport south of Highway 163. The site contains three seasonally inundated side channel habitats one of which runs approximately 840 meters.

The work will be completed in phases.  The first phase is to kill Russian olive using a frill cut/herbicide treatment.  Once the root systems are dead many of the trees will be removed using a whole-tree extraction method and subsequent burning.  However, the whole-tree extraction method cannot be implemented until the root systems are completely dead.  Any living roots left within the top three inches of the soil surface will resprout vigorously.
 
Frill cutting was completed by the Canyon Country Youth Corps (CCYC) on 7 acres in the spring of 2018 (see Unit 1 on map).  Many trees were killed while some were top-killed but re-sprouted from the root crown.  The re-sprouts were retreated in the fall of 2018 using a combination basal bark/foliar spray in order to kill the root systems.

In the fall of 2019, the previously treated acreage in Unit 1 was re-assessed and resprouts were addressed through additional frill cutting using a Triclopyr application as necessary to attempt to kill the root systems of these plants.  The CCYC and Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) completed another 6 acres of new frill cutting in Unit 2, along and adjacent to the long side channel working towards the upstream end.  Work in Unit 3 will be the focus of this proposal (See Map).

2) San Juan River Mexican Hat to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (21 Acres). SEE IMAGES/DOCS for more detailed Statement of Work.

This project area is divided into 33 separate non-contiguous units totaling 21 acres and is located on river right approximately 1.4 miles downstream of the Mexican Hat Boat Ramp past the San Juan Inn and river bridge.  The site can be accessed by acquiring a lower San Juan River permit and launching rafts at the Mexican Hat Boat Ramp and floating down to the sites.

Under San Juan 2.0, a cut-stump and herbicide treatment was completed on Unit 1, 2, and part of 3 in 2018 (see map, 2.1 acres) and treatment of the remaining 19 acres was finished in the Fall of 2019.  The primary goal of the previous San Juan 2.0 project was the near complete eradiation of Russian olive on river right in this section by utilizing a cut-stump/lop-scatter (smaller trees) and a frill cut (for larger trees) treatment in order to protect native plant communities, promote native plant restoration, and slow the proliferation of Russian olive. Russian olive is scattered in small and isolated patches as compared to upriver.

The focus of San Juan 3.0 will be on removing tamarisk within this reach. Work will begin sequentially by treating any Russian olive resprouts in these units with a basal bark/foliar technique.  Once any re-sprouting is addressed, the priority is to implement new cut-stump/frill cutting activities progressing in sequential order downstream until all units have been treated.

3) Bluff Private Lands (112 Acres) -- SEE PDF MAP ATTACHED AS WRI4871_BluffPrivateLandsMethods

Strip Mastication and Seeding (Purple Polygons)

78 Acres will be masticated in strips oriented east west and mechanically seeded with a UTV and pull behind cone seeder. Much of the area designated for strip mastication was previously subirrigated by a canal that runs through the floodplain. This allowed the tamarisk to grow, but now that the tamarisk beetle is present and the canal hasn't been run for at least 8 years most of the tamarisk is completely dead. The family that controls the water rights through the canal has no plans to use it in the future and so we are likely to continue to see decline of any remaining tamarisk on the site. Therefore we will not be applying herbicide after mastication. Even on neighboring BLM sites where herbicide was not sprayed after mastication the tamarisk has not grown enough to be interfering with the natives on site. We will be masticating in strips to allow for fire breaks and access into the tamarisk in case of fire. We are also doing this to allow for the best chance of native plant establishment in this area under the shade of the tamarisk that we leave.

Full Mastication of Tamarisk (Red Polygons)

20 acres of tamarisk will be fully masticated and mechanically seeded with a UTV and pull behind cone seeder. This will expand on mastication performed over 5 years ago next to existing buildings. We want to expand the cleared area to give Bluff the best chance of surviving a fire coming off the riverside. Some of the masticated areas will be completely new treatment areas that haven't had any treatment adjacent to them. For the reasons stated in the last paragraph we will not be spraying herbicide for this treatment area unless deemed absolutely necessary.

Russian Olive Clearing Under Cottonwoods (Turquoise Polygons)

14 Acres of Russian olive will be hand cut with Garlon herbicide application and material will be chipped and spread to reduce exotic annuals after disturbance. For the polygon closest to the town it consists of mostly medium sized Russian olive and removal will primarily be to protect the buildings closest to the floodplain. For the polygon on the river it is thick large Russian olive underneath cottonwoods and our goal is to reduce ladder fuels to protect the cottonwoods. We plan to expand clearings created around cottonwoods on the river side in future iterations of this project.

Hand Thinning of Tamarisk (Green Polygon)

1.6 acres of tamarisk adjacent to the Kokopelli lodge will be thinned, chipped, and sprayed with Garlon. This stand of tamarisk partially burned a few years back and burned part of the Kokopelli lodge while the lodge was full. We want to reduce the fire intensity in case of future fire and establish natives within the stand. In future iterations of this project we want to completely remove the tamarisk in this area. We are not using machinery in here because there are old cars, sheds, and metal mixed in the tamarisk stand. 
All treatment areas on private lands will be mapped for knapweed, camelthorn, and Ravenna after treatments.

Describe the actions, activities, tasks to be implemented as part of the proposed project; how these activities will be carried out, equipment to be used, when, and by whom.

Monitoring data and reports will be uploaded to the WRI database as completed and/or available through the BLM.

1)	Gold Mine Site (46 Acres)
Monitoring riparian condition and treatment effectiveness will be completed by using photopoints.  his simple but effective strategy will show pre- and post-treatment riparian conditions, easily assess treatment effectiveness, and guide future management.  Use of side channel habitat by fish and amphibians (fish/amphibian surveys) will be conducted at the project site to assess the effectiveness of the treatments and to guide future riparian habitat management efforts.  To the extent possible, given the inherent challenges of sampling in large Russian olive monocultures, monitoring surveys will be conducted prior to the treatments, shortly after the treatments, and on an annual basis for several years after the treatments. In addition, photo points will be established to document long-term vegetative, side channel development, and floodplain trends.

2)	San Juan River Mexican Hat to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (21 Acres)
Monitoring riparian condition and treatment effectiveness will be completed by using photopoints.  Russian olive in this section occurs in much smaller and isolated patches than upstream.  This simple but effective strategy will show pre- and post-treatment riparian conditions, easily assess treatment effectiveness, and guide future management.

3) Bluff Private Lands (112 acres) Knapweed extent in addition to Ravenna and Camelthorn will be mapped in the treatment area to better understand the extent of exotic invasives and to come up with a long term management plan on the property. Photopoints will be established prior to removal efforts.

Describe plans to monitor for project success and achievement of stated objectives. Include details on type of monitoring (vegetation, wildlife, etc.), schedule, assignments and how the results of these monitoring efforts will be reported and/or uploaded to this project page. If needed, upload detailed plans in the "attachments" section.

(1) Bureau of Indian Affairs (Navajo fuels crew) Reserve Treaty Rights Trust Lands (RTRL)
In previous iterations of this project, BLM has partnered with BIA to provide funding and project work for seasonal workers.  The RTRL project treated units identified along the San Juan River.   This work is directly tied in to this project lineage and is one piece of the puzzle to accomplish the goals and objectives of this undertaking.

(2) Canyon Country Youth Corps - We have partnered with Canyon Country Youth Corps to implement the work from Mexican Hat to the park boundary and at the Gold Mine site.  Work at both locations was completed in 2018. This work was funded through a cooperative agreement with BLM using BLM funds.

(3) Utah Forestry Fire and State Lands -- This is the first year of the San Juan River Restoration project that FFSL will be involved, bringing in additional private lands to work on. FFSL will continue to look upstream at more private lands to restore as this project continues.

(4) Utah Division of Wildlife Resources -- UDWR has provided BLM with a contract mechanism to achieve work on the ground.  This partnership has worked very well in the past and will likely be utilized for some portions of this project.  There are also several State of Utah sections that intersect the corridor.  These may be considered for treatment as well to enhance overall project success.

(5) San Juan River Restoration Partnership
There have been initial discussions about setting up a San Juan River Restoration Partnership involving BLM, Youth Corps, Southwest Conservation Corps/Ancestral Lands, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, BIA, Navajo Nation, and others.  Mapping the polygons that define the suite of potential treatment units was suggested prior to the formation of the group.  BLM has recently accomplished this and plans to host a meeting in the summer of 2019 to discuss ways to collaborate further.

(6) San Juan County 
San Juan County is under a weed spraying agreement to treat approximately 200 acres a year within the river corridor.  I have been working with Monte Perkins, San Juan County Weed Supervisor, to develop work at San Juan Hill and Sand Island Ranger Station.

(7) Bluff Volunteer Fire Department
The Bluff Fire Department has helped to facilitate private landowner contact in order to get permission to do work on private lands. We hope to work with the fire department as we begin implementation for assistance and guidance.

List any and all partners (agencies, organizations, NGO's, private landowners) that support the proposal and/or have been contacted and included in the planning and design of the proposed project. Describe efforts to gather input and include these agencies, landowners, permitees, sportsman groups, researchers, etc. that may be interested/affected by the proposed project. Partners do not have to provide funding or in-kind services to a project to be listed.

1) San Juan Partnership and Collaboration.
One future goal central to this project is to continue to work towards building a San Juan partnership.  Many potential collaborators have been contacted this season and momentum is building.  While not fully realized for this proposal the collaboration is likely to grow during the summer and be incorporated next round of proposals.  Completed the action items in this proposal continues to showcase the need for and potential of this work and helps to build momentum.

2) Gold Mine Site (46 Acres)
This site requires a multi-phase approach to side channel and riparian restoration.  The current phase seeks to kill Russian olive using a frill cut treatment.  The goal is to kill both the above ground and below ground (roots) biomass without cutting down the trees.  In the future, once these trees are dead, the trees in and adjacent to the side-channels will be removed using whole-tree extraction.  Removing the entire tree from crown to root systems, allows high water flows to scour and maintain these side channel habitats effectively restoring the natural hydrologic processes.  Active and passive restoration potential will be evaluated once the trees are extracted and the site opened up.

3)	San Juan River Mexican Hat to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (21 Acres)
Future management will involve continued downstream progression in Russian olive removal.

4) Bluff Private Land (112 Acres) one private landowner that owns most of the riverside private property in Bluff has been incredibly active in the last few decades clearing tamarisk and maintaining native vegetation on his land. We hope to continue future phases of work with this landowner as well as offer guidance and assistance as future phases of work come to a close.

Detail future methods or techniques (including administrative actions) that will be implemented to help in accomplishing the stated objectives and to insure the long term success/stability of the proposed project. This may include: post-treatment grazing rest and/or management plans/changes, wildlife herd/species management plan changes, ranch plans, conservation easements or other permanent protection plans, resource management plans, forest plans, etc.

1) Grazing 
Long-term impacts would be beneficial to the grazing permittee with treated areas providing enhanced forage production and improved vegetative diversity post treatment. This would be accomplished by removal of Tamarisk and Russian Olive trees that allows for increased growth of herbaceous plants (i.e. forage), providing a more reliable forage base, and promoting distribution of livestock by increasing access points to water.

2) Recreation 
Russian olive is a significant barrier to accessing dispersed campsites and its thorns provide significant risk of personal injury and puncturing inflatable watercraft.  The removal of invasive species and restoration of native riparian vegetation improves access and the recreational experience of rafters and campers. In the town of Bluff the private land that we are working on is the only easy consistent access to the river. Opportunities for sustainable uses are therefore improved.

3) Fire/Fuels
Completion of the proposed treatments would reduce fuel loads, and continuity of heavy fuels would decrease the potential for high-intensity and large-scale wildfire in closed-canopy Tamarisk and Olive stands.  A severe wildland fire event could negatively affect livestock grazing throughout the allotments by reducing the amount of forage, and because it may require an emergency closure of the burn area to livestock grazing. Thereby, the project would reduce these risks and effects.

Potential for the proposed action to improve quality or quantity of sustainable uses such as grazing, timber harvest, biomass utilization, recreation, etc. Grazing improvements may include actions to improve forage availability and/or distribution of livestock.