Project Details

Mountain Island Ranch is a ranching and farming property spanning the border of Utah and Colorado. The ranch is surrounded by a designated Wilderness Study Area and a National Monument as well as other public lands and serves as a haven for many wildlife species. Over the years the owners have demonstrated their desire to create farming and ranching practices that meld with conservation through easements with local land trust organizations. 
The Luster Farm is a property on the western edge of Mountain Island Ranch and has functioned as a 530-acre alfalfa hay farm to help support the ranches cattle operation.  Through an agreement with Intel Corporation and Trout Unlimited the Luster Farm is being transitioned into a wildlife agriculture interface by switching from water demanding alfalfa to more conservative cool season native grass mixed pasture.  The farm's goal is to support cattle grazing, use less water that can be contributed to the Colorado River system, increase wildlife use alongside the ranch operation, and restore as much surrounding land to its native state.
Luster Farm at Mountain Island Ranch is used by a wide variety of wildlife including nesting bald eagles, wild turkeys, elk, mule deer, a variety of song birds.  The Little Dolores River and the Colorado River are used by several native fish species of conservation and ESA value.  The list of fishes includes Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, razorback sucker, roundtail chub, and flannelmouth sucker.  It presumed that bluehead sucker and bonytail use the area although it isn't presently known.
Surrounding Luster Farm are many acres that were previously wetland.  Currently the landscape is more arid due to past farm operations.  Mountain Island Ranch aims to restore the wetlands.  It is currently overrun by Tamarisk and undesirable weed species that need to be replaced with native plant species more conducive to wildlife.  Near the wetland is an area that was recently excavated into an irrigation settling pond.  That will also be seeded and planted into a wetland area to promote wildlife use.
The Little Dolores River flows through Mountain Island Ranch to its confluence with the Colorado River at the Luster Farm.  Conifers have encroached on the banks of the Little Dolores through the entirety of the stream reach encompassed by the ranch.  Because of the denuding effects at the ground level of dense conifers erosive forces in the stream have caused downcutting of the stream bed.  We plan to hire conservation corp crews to cut conifers within the riparian area.  Conifer material will be used to enhance and aggrade the streambed with post assisted log structures and possible beaver dam analogs.

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.

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.

The Little Dolores River is experiencing downcutting due to lack of vegetation and encroachment by invasive woody vegetation that inhibits growth of grasses and sedges on the streambank and in the riparian area.  Without remediation degradation will continue.  Degrading streambed and banks contribute to exacerbated water quality problems in the Colorado River such as salt loading.  Furthermore, the lack of grasses and sedges and willows increase water temperature in the stream because of inappropriate amount of shading, or rather the lack of it.  There is also a lack of available vegetation for grazing wildlife and livestock.
The Luster Farm area was previously a vibrant wetland.  However, the encroachment of dense tamarisk stands has eliminated native vegetation and essentially dried out the wetland soils with higher than previous water consumption.  Wetlands are essential for the proper functioning condition of the stream and as a buffer for poor water quality from degrade streambanks and bed upstream.  
The combination of restoration of both the streambeds/banks and the wetland will provide habitat for bald eagles, wild turkeys, elk, mule deer, a variety of song birds and at the same time improve water quality for conservation and ESA fish species by cooling the water and reducing salt laden sediment loads.  Restoration work will also help with drying out of the Little Dolores streambed on drought years.

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.

State and County Resource Management Plans:
Grand County Resource Management Plan
Land Use
a. Grand County encourages federal and state land managers to implement the spirit and law of the coordination clauses of the current National Environmental Policy Act. In every situation, Grand County requests that all new development be required to coordinate with existing uses.

ii. Watershed Management (Public Lands Policy 2.) Public lands agencies are encouraged to adopt policies that enhance or restore watersheds for Moab, Spanish Valley, Castle Valley and Thompson Springs. The county supports classification of these aquifers to the highest quality standard. Grand County will follow all state and federal water protection laws and actively engage local, regional, and federal land management agencies in discussing risks to aquifers and aquifer recharge areas in Grand County.

vii. Land Restoration (Public Lands Policy 7.) Encourages public land-management agencies to restore damaged areas.

Wildfire Management (Public Lands Policy 19.) Continue to work with the State of Utah Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands to implement the Wildland Fire Plan and to reduce wildfire hazard of fire in the wildland-urban interface.

Forest Management
2. Support federal agencies in vegetative management treatments in forested cover types that provide for a full range of seral stages, by forested cover type, which achieve a mosaic of habitat conditions and diversity. Each seral stage should contain a strong representation of early seral tree species. Recruitment and sustainability of early seral tree species in the landscape is needed to maintain ecosystem resilience to disturbance.

3. Support the removal conifers as determined appropriate, and manage land to promote the establishment of aspen cover and attendant grass, brush and forbs.

Fire Management
1. i. Continue to work with the State of Utah Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands to implement the Wildland Fire Plan and to reduce wildfire hazard of fire in the wildland-urban interface.

Wildlife
1.	The County supports wildlife management that seeks an optimal balance between wildlife populations and human needs.
T&E Species
ii. 3.2 Vision: Ecology, Water, and Air: Wildlife and plant habitat, including for pollinators, is preserved and restored. Invasive weeds are reduced and native species thrive. Wildlife corridors connect natural areas throughout the county, creating ecosystem linkages and improving wildlife, and native plant vitality. Wetlands and riparian habitats are intact.
Water Quality and Hydrology
6.	Grand County supports maintaining in-stream flows to establish the proper functioning condition of streams and maintain their biological integrity.
Wetlands
1.	i. Goal 3 - Preserve wetlands and riparian habitats
Riparian Areas

1.ii. Goal 3 - Preserve and restore wetlands and riparian habitats
Floodplain and River Terrace
2.ii. Goal 3 - Preserve and restore wetlands and riparian habitats
Noxious Weeds
1.	Grand County calls on state and federal land management agencies to improve their management of noxious weeds on public lands.
2.iii. Goal 3 - Minimize impacts of development on scenic resources. 1. Strategy C - Consider amending the land use code to require the re-vegetation of disturbed areas and fallow agricultural land in developments prone to invasive plant species.
Livestock and Grazing
1. It is the policy of Grand County to encourage the BLM and the Forest Service to allow voluntary reductions in the number of livestock grazed in allotments and to allow voluntary non-use for conservation purposes.

State of Utah Resource Management Plan
Wildlife
*Conserve, improve, and restore 500,000 acres of mule deer habitat throughout the state with emphasis on crucial ranges.
*Protect existing wildlife habitat and improve 500,000 acres of critical habitats and watersheds throughout the state by 2025.
*Produce and maintain the desired vegetation for wildlife and domestic livestock forage on public and private lands.
Livestock and Grazing
*Improve vegetative health on public and private lands through range improvements, prescribed fire, vegetation treatments, and active management of invasive plants and noxious weeds. 
*Actively remove pinyon-juniper encroachment in other ecological sites due to its substantial consumption of water and its detrimental effect on sagebrush, other vegetation, and wildlife
*The state supports the active removal of pinyon juniper encroachment on other ecosystem, such as sagebrush, due to its consumption of water, detrimental effects on vegetation and available forage, and its negative effects on wildlife habitat.
Noxious Weeds
*Establish immediate revegetation or rehabilitation after treatment. The state of Utah supports prevention as one of the best methods of managing noxious weeds.
T&E Species
*Work with stakeholders and partners to continue to implement recommendations from the Utah Wildlife
Action Plan 2015--2025 to conserve sensitive species and their habitat.
*Restore 75,000 acres of critical habitat for sensitive species each year through the Watershed Restoration Initiative and by partnering with other government and nongovernmental entities.
Water Quality and Hydrology
*Cooperate in the protection, restoration, enhancement and management of water resources in the State of Utah to the extent of each agency's authority, expertise, and resources.

DOI Secretarial Order 3336 sets forth enhanced policies and strategies for preventing and suppressing rangeland fire and for restoring sagebrush landscapes impacted by fire across the West. These actions are essential for conserving habitat for the greater sage-grouse as well as other wildlife species and economic activity, such as ranching and recreation, associated with the sagebrush-steppe ecosystem in the Great Basin region. This effort will build upon the experience and success of addressing rangeland fire, and broader wildland fire prevention, suppression and restoration efforts to date, including the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, and ensure improved coordination with local, state, tribal, and regional efforts to address the threat of rangeland fire at a landscape-level.

Sec. 4 Policy. Protecting, conserving, and restoring the health of the sagebrush-steppe ecosystem and, in particular, greater sage-grouse habitat, while maintaining safe and efficient operations, is a critical fire management priority for the Department. Allocation of fire management resources and assets before, during, and after wildland fire incidents will reflect this priority, as will investments related to restoration activities.

We are meeting the objectives set for in Sec. 5 Developing an Enhanced Fire Prevention, Suppression, and Restoration Strategy of Secretarial Order 3336 by:
 a.) Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other Federal agencies, states, tribes, local stakeholders, and non-governmental organizations on fire management and habitat restoration activities, including: (i) Enhancing the capability and capacity of state, tribal, and local government, as well as non-governmental, fire management organizations, including rangeland fire protection associations and volunteer fire departments, through improved and expanded education and training; and (ii) Improving coordination among all partners involved in rangeland fire management to further improve safety and effectiveness. 
b.) Utilize risk-based, landscape-scale approaches to identify and facilitate investments in fuels treatments, fire suppression capabilities, and post-fire stabilization, rehabilitation, and restoration in the Great Basin. 
c.) Seek to reduce the likelihood, size, and severity of rangeland fires by addressing the spread of cheatgrass and other invasive, non-native species. 
d.) Advance the development and utilization of technologies for identifying areas of high ecological and habitat value in sagebrush-steppe ecosystems to enhance fire prevention and sage-grouse habitat protection efforts. 
e.) Apply science and research to improve the identification and protection of resistant and resilient sagebrush-steppe landscapes and the development of biocontrols and other tools for cheatgrass control to improve capability for long-term restoration of sagebrush-steppe ecosystems. 
f.) To the extent practicable, utilize locally-adapted seeds and native plant materials appropriate to the location, conditions, and management objectives for vegetation management and restoration activities, including strategic sourcing for acquiring, storing, and utilizing genetically appropriate seeds and other plant materials native to the sagebrush-steppe ecosystem. 
g.) Encourage efforts to expedite processes, streamline procedures, and promote innovations that can improve overall rangeland fire prevention, suppression and restoration efficiency and effectiveness. 
h.) Explore opportunities to pilot new strategies to reduce the threat of invasive, nonnative plant species and rangeland fire to sagebrush-steppe ecosystems and greater sage-grouse conservation, including enhanced use of veteran fire crews and youth conservation teams, and efforts to further public-private partnerships to expand capacity for improved fire management. 
i.) Establish protocols for monitoring the effectiveness of fuels management, post-fire, and long-term restoration treatments and a strategy for adaptive management to modify management practices or improve land treatments when necessary.

BLM Utah Greater Sage-Grouse Approved Resource Management Plan 2015 
A. The project is consistent with the SGARMP (2015) goals, objectives and Management Actions that were identified in the Special Status Species section as follows: Special Status Species Goal: Maintain and/or increase GRSG abundance and distribution by conserving, enhancing or restoring the sagebrush ecosystem upon which populations depend in collaboration with other conservation partners. Refer to the following Objectives and Management Actions in the SGRMPA (Objectives: SSS-3, SSS-4, SSS-5) and Management Actions (MA-SSS-4, MA-SSS-6, MA-SSS7). 
B. The project is also consistent with the SGARMP (2015) objectives and Management Actions that were identified in the Vegetation section as follows: Refer to the following Objectives and Management Actions in the SGRMPA (MA-VEG-1, MA-VEG-2, MA-VEG-4, MA-VEG-5, MA-VEG-6, MA-VEG-8, MA-VEG-9, MA-VEG-10, MA-VEG-12 and MA-VEG-14). 
C. The project is also consistent with the SGARMP (2015) Management Actions that were identified in the Fire and Fuels Management section as follows: Refer to the following Management Actions in the SGRMPA (MA-FIRE-1 and MA-FIRE-3) 
D. The project is also consistent with the SGARMP (2015) Management Actions that were identified in the Livestock Grazing/Range Management section as follows: Refer to the following Management Actions in the SGRMPA (MA-LG-3, MA-LG-4, MA-LG-5, MA-LG-12, MALG- 13, MA-LG-16 and MA-LG-17).

The Conservation Plan for Greater Sage-grouse in Utah was approved by the Governor in April 2013. The plan established incentive-based conservation programs for conservation of sage-grouse on private, local government, and School and Institutional Trust Lands, Administration lands and regulatory programs on other state and federally managed lands. The Conservation Plan also establishes sage-grouse management areas and implements specific management protocols in these areas.

The Utah Greater Sage-grouse Management Plan in 2009 identified threats and issues affecting sage-grouse management in Utah as well as goals, objectives, and strategies intended to guide UDWR, local working groups, and land managers efforts to protect, maintain, and improve sage-grouse populations and habitats and balance their management with other resource uses.

Utah Wildlife Action Plan 2015-2025: This project proposes to increase the amount and/or improve the condition of three of the thirteen key habitat types in the state: lowland sagebrush, aquatic scrub/shrub ("riparian"), and riverine ("lotic" or flowing water). Principal WAP-listed threats to these habitats, which this project has direct and immediate relevance for, include (and are followed by their relevant WAP objectives in quotation marks):

Inappropriate Fire Frequency and Intensity - "1) Fire is excluded from habitats in which potential burns now would be frequent, large, and destructive to soils and native vegetation; the habitats are being actively managed (treated) to reduce components or factors that promote risk of catastrophic fire, such as cheatgrass, excessive conifer encroachment, or unnaturally large stands of mature Gambel oak. 2) Fire is returned to habitats from which it had been unnaturally excluded; the fire regime (frequency and intensity) in these habitats generally approximates a natural, pre-settlement regime."

Invasive Plant Species - Non-native - "1) Locations/habitats that currently do not have non-native plant problems remain free from the introduction and spread of invasive non-native plants. 2) Invasive plant dominance/presence is reduced or eliminated in locations or habitats where such an outcome is realistic (ecologically and economically)."

Problematic Plant Species - Native Upland - (due to the statewide, all-habitats-and-species way in which priority threats were identified and then chosen for detailed write-ups, this threat was not considered a statewide, plan-wide priority. However, for certain specific species and habitats, it is a priority threat. This is the case for lowland sagebrush.)

Droughts - "1) Terrestrial SGCNs and key habitats persist on the landscape, despite increasing drought conditions. 2) Aquatic SGCNs and key habitats persist on the landscape, despite increasing drought conditions."

Channel Downcutting (indirect, unintentional) - "Scope and severity of channel downcutting are declining for impacted species and habitats."

Statewide Mule Deer Management Plan

Habitat Objective 2: Improve the quality and quantity of vegetation for mule deer on a minimum of 500,000 acres of crucial range by 2019.
d. Initiate broad scale vegetative treatment projects to improve mule deer habitat with emphasis on drought or fire damaged sagebrush winter ranges, ranges that have been taken over by invasive annual grass species, and ranges being diminished by encroachment of conifers into sagebrush or aspen habitats, ensuring that seed mixes contain sufficient forbs and browse species.

Utah Elk Statewide Management Plan

Population Management Goal: Maintain healthy elk populations throughout the state that are managed within habitat capabilities and in consideration of other land uses.
Population Objective 1: Seek opportunities to increase population objectives in individual elk unit management plans to attain a total statewide population objective of 80,000 elk, ensuring that any increases will be subject to an analysis of the impacts to habitat, landowners, livestock operators, and/or mule deer populations.
Habitat Management Goal: Conserve and improve elk habitat throughout the state.
Habitat Objective 1: Maintain elk habitat throughout the state by identifying and protecting existing crucial elk habitat and mitigating for losses due to human impacts.
Habitat Objective 2: Improve the quality and quantity of forage and cover on 250,000 acres of elk habitat with emphasis on calving habitat and upper elevation elk winter range by the end of this plan.
Recreation Management Goal: Provide a diversity of elk hunting and viewing opportunities throughout the state.
Recreation Objective 2: Increase opportunities for viewing of elk while educating the public concerning the needs of elk and the importance of habitat.

Utah Wild Turkey Management Plan
Goal A.  Maintain and Improve Wild Turkey Populations to Habitat or Social Carrying Capacity 
Objective1.Stabilize populations that are declining outside of natural population fluctuations;  especially through catastrophic events (i.e. following fires, severe winters, etc.). Strategy c: Conduct habitat projects to address limiting factors. Objective 2.Increase wild turkey habitat, quality and quantity, by 40,000 acres statewide by 2020. Strategy d: Conduct habitat improvement projects in limiting habitat(s).
Executive Order 13855 of December 21, 2018, specifically: Section 1. Policy, (b) Coordinating Federal, State, Tribal, and Local Assets. Wildfire prevention and suppression and post-wildfire restoration require a variety of assets and skills across landscapes. Federal, State, tribal, and local governments should coordinate the deployment of appropriate assets and skills to restore our landscapes and communities after damage caused by fires and to help reduce hazardous fuels through active forest management in order to protect communities, critical infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources. (c) Removing Hazardous Fuels, Increasing Active Management, and Supporting Rural Economies. Post-fire assessments show that reducing vegetation through hazardous fuel management and strategic forest health treatments is effective in reducing wildfire severity and loss. Actions must be taken across landscapes to prioritize treatments in order to enhance fuel reduction and forest-restoration projects that protect life and property, and to benefit rural economies through encouraging utilization of the by-products of forest restoration.  Sec. 6. Collaborative Partnerships. To reduce fuel loads, restore watersheds, and improve forest, rangeland, and other Federal land conditions, and to utilize available expertise and efficiently deploy resources, the Secretaries shall expand collaboration with States, tribes, communities, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.

Secretarial Order 3372: (2)(b) Coordinate and Collaborate with Land-Managing Partners and Stakeholders.  Managing wildfire is not unique to the Department.  The Department shares this responsibility with other Federal land-managing Agencies, States, Territories, Tribes, localities and stakeholder groups.  (c) Utilize active Land, Vegetation, and Wildfire Management Techniques that are supported by Best Practices and Best Available Science.

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.

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.

The area is dominated by pinyon pine and juniper (Phase 2 and Phase 3). There is noticeable soil erosion throughout the area due to the absence of perennial grasses, forbs and shrubs. The project is expected to improve herbaceous understory, which will reduce water runoff and decrease soil erosion while increasing infiltration. A recent publication by Roundy et al. 2014 (Pinyon juniper Reduction Increases Soil Water Availability of the Resource Growth Pool. Range Ecology and Management 67:495505) showed that phase 3 juniper removal can increase available moisture for more than 3 weeks in the spring. And removing juniper from phase 1 and 2 stands can increase water from 6-20 days respectively. Because juniper are prolific water users they readily out compete understory species which eventually die off. Results of the Great Basin Landscape Conservation Cooperative study in Nevada (Desatoya Mt.) found that by removing (lop and scatter) P/J (130 trees/acre) there is the potential to increase water recharge yields 4% on wet years. On wet years this will increase recharge but does not increase stream flow. Wet meadows and upland plants benefit by utilizing the increase soil moisture, providing for better resiliency during drought years. This provides for an increase in water quantity for herbaceous plants on sites where PJ is removed. Improvements to the Standards and Guidelines for Healthy Rangelands (Standard 1 and Standard 3) are expected through project implementation. It is expected that Standard 1 (Soils) will improve by allowing soils to exhibit permeability and infiltration rates that will sustain/improve site productivity throughout the area. This will be accomplished by making improvements to the Biotic Integrity of the community by converting areas that are dominated by PJ to a diverse component of perennial grasses, forbs and shrubs that is consistent with Ecological Site Description. Indicators will include sufficient cover and litter to protect the soil surface from excessive water and wind erosion, limiting surface flow and limiting soil moisture loss through evaporation, which will promote proper infiltration.
As a result of degrading land use and encroachment of conifers the Little Dolores watershed has experienced downcutting ranging from just a few feet to several feet.  It is suspected that the streambed has been degraded to bedrock in locations.  The result of downcutting erosion is large pulses of sediment being transported downstream. Reduction in erosion and trapping sediment to aggrade the streambed and reestablish a flood plain in the Little Dolores will effectively reduce the amount of both suspended and dissolved solids that reach the Colorado River.  Adding complexity to a stream through Beaver Dam Analogs and introduction of large woody debris has been shown to trap sediment and promote healthy sediment transport.  Aggrading the streambed through these activities will reduce the salt loading and Total Dissolved solids in the Colorado River.
Wetlands act as natural biological filters for substances that degrade water quality.  By removing dense stands of tamarisk and replacing wetland vegetation to a more natural state water quality issue created by irrigation practices will be mitigated.

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.

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.

Little Dolores:

*	Installation of Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs). BDAs will be installed on 14 miles of the Little Dolores, which runs westerly from Colorado into Utah. Activity phases will include site selection and prioritization, structure design, consultation and permitting, pre-construction, construction, and monitoring & maintenance. The Ranch plans to partner with Dr. Joseph Wheaton of Anabranch Solutions to assist in project site selection and prioritization, using the Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool (BRAT) to recommend the number of structures for installation.  BDAs will be constructed using posts spaced 0.5 meters apart that are pounded into the substrate using a hydraulic post pounder. Willows or other native material will be woven between the posts, and the structure will be filled with branches, cobble, and finer-grained materials. We anticipate that BDAs will be constructed in phases as a series of 3-BDA complexes every quarter mile or as guided by the BRAT tool, creating a habitat mosaic that will be altered over time and minimizing risk by reducing the importance of each individual dam. After sediment accumulates and aggradation occurs upstream of the BDAs, additional BDAs will be constructed upstream of the initial BDAs on the aggraded bed, serving to strengthen and reinforce the initial BDAs. BDAs will be repaired annually to maintain structural integrity. Expected outcomes include reduced stream velocity, increased sediment deposition, aggradation of incised channels, pool formation, colonization and expansion of emergent and riparian vegetation, increased habitat diversity, and eventual elevation of the water table. 
*	Reintroduction of beavers. Colorado Parks & Wildlife has introduced beavers on the ranch in the past. A long-term objective would be to reintroduce beavers into the installation areas to occupy the BDAs. Beavers have been shown to reduce the recovery time of incised streams, as well as lower the cost and increase the quality of maintenance over time. Beaver reintroduction would address one of the root causes of the loss of natural water storage in the Little Dolores system (removal of beavers).
*	Design and installation of Zeedyk structures. BDAs will be the preferred method of achieving the desired outcomes on the Mountain Island Ranch due to their low-cost and low-material design. However, in the locations where BDAs are less suitable, Zeedyk structures will be considered for installation on the Little Dolores and tributaries. Zeedyk structures such as One Rock Dams slow the flow of water, increase infiltration, capture sediment, and recruit vegetation. These structures dissipate energy and slow flows. Further, they raise elevation of riffles to restore capillary flow to root zones and eventually enhance riparian vegetation. This vegetation in turn allows for better infiltration of water into the system from overland flow or precipitation. Installation would begin in the upper Little Dolores and continue downstream. The Ranch anticipates partnering with Craig Sponholtz, a Santa Fe-based hydrologist, on site selection, prioritization and structure. Expected outcomes include retention of sediment, increased soil moisture, increased plant recovery, stabilization of riparian areas, increased water storage capacity, and restored flows in the Little Dolores. 
*	Removal of invasive plant species. Invasive Russian olives and tamarisk have colonized the Little Dolores system. In collaboration with Rivers Edge West (formerly the Tamarisk Coalition), the ranch began removal of these species in June 2018. Biological and mechanical removal of Russian olives and tamarisk will continue throughout the project timeframe. Conifer encroachment will be managed through mechanical removal of [pinyon pine and juniper in the riparian area. The expected outcome would be a decrease in density of undesired species. 
*	Planting of native species. A healthy cottonwood gallery and moderate willow community are present along the entire course of the river. Native plant species, such as willows, are anticipated to be planted along newly-formed pools. These shrubs would serve to complement the abundant cottonwood trees. Plantings of native herbaceous species are not anticipated since they are already plentiful throughout the system. Other native vegetation is anticipated to recolonize the area quickly upon reconnection of the flood plain.

Luster Farm:

*	Planting of native species around a new settling pond. A 2.5-acre settling pond has been created at Mountain Island Ranch's Luster Farm on the Colorado River in Utah as part of the revitalization of the farming operation. The pond provides a drinking water source for wildlife as well as habitat and food for wetland birds. However, the pond currently lacks vegetation and cover and is exposed to full sunlight. The pond will be planted with native plant species including wetland shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants. The ranch is working with Utah Open Lands on a native wetland plant species mix. This will increase cover for wildlife as well as shade that will help keep pond temperatures cooler for fish. 
*	Restoration of a 56-acre wetland area. Between two irrigation pivots on the farm lies a 56-acre area that historically functioned as a wetland during flood events. The area contains cottonwoods and shrubs that offer cover for wild turkeys, other species of upland game birds, elk, and mule deer. In recent years, the area has not been flooded, and invasive tamarisk has encroached upon the former wetland. This area will be restored to a wetland state. Tamarisk will be removed, and the area will be re-flooded in spring months to promote wetland plant growth. Wetland shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants will be seeded, working with Utah Open Lands to determine an appropriate native wetland plant species mix. Expected outcomes include increased cover, density, and composition of native wetland species in the restored area within 5 years after treatment.
*	Enhancement of wetland habitat in low-lying area of 167-acre pivot. A low-lying area of a 167-acre pivot at the Luster Farm will be planted with wetland species and not harvested in an area that holds water in association with seasonal flooding of the Colorado River. Utah Open Lands will advise on the native plant species mix. Currently, funding is only allocated for 14 acres. Funding from this grant would allow for additional acreage to be planted into the native wetland species mix. This new wetland area will provide strong cover for upland game birds, waterfowl, elk, and mule deer. 
*	Restoration of eroded river bank along the Colorado River. On the north side of the Luster Farm, the Colorado River has shifted over time and the bank has heavily eroded, decreasing the acreage of one of the irrigation pivots. The bank will be planted with native grass bulbs that will stabilize the bank and reduce further erosion. Expected outcomes include bank stabilization and colonization of native plant species.
*	Planting of cool-season grass mix on irrigable land. A mix of cool-season grasses and legumes will be planted on just over 500 acres of irrigable land. These crops use less water than alfalfa and provide good forage for wildlife. Hay will be raised off this land in the early part of the growing season, the land will be re-irrigated, and the remaining crop will be left standing for livestock and wildlife use in autumn and winter. This crop/grazing management strategy represents a key component for improving wildlife habitat in this arid ecosystem.
*	Restoration of a riparian bottom. In the 1950s, a 1.25-mile channel flowed through the Luster Farm from the north part of the farm south to the current point of diversion along the Colorado River. With the transition toward sprinkler irrigation, this channel and associated riparian system was abandoned. The long-term vision for the farm is to enable gravity flow of water from the river to the pond, restoring this 1.25 miles into a fully functioning riparian system. Activities would include undertaking the legal process to change the point of diversion, designing the channel system, excavating the channel, reconstructing the diversion, ensuring sediment is flushed through the system, designing movement of water into the settling pond where it would then be used by the new sprinkler system, and rehabilitating the riparian area along the channel. Expected outcomes include potential year-round flow of water through the new riparian system, increase in the water table in adjacent area, increase in riparian vegetation and cover, increase in use of the area by elk, mule deer, waterfowl, and upland game birds, reduced consumptive use of water from farmland replaced by the channel, and reduced operating costs of the farm.

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.

*	Metric 1: # structures installed. Ranch Advisory Partners will track the number of structures (BDAs or Zeedyk) installed for instream restoration and erosion control to increase mesic habitat and stream flows in the Little Dolores. The starting value is 0, and the target value is up to 170 structures.
*	Metric 2: Riparian restoration -- Acres restored. Ranch Advisory Partners will monitor the number of riparian acres and stream miles restored on both the Little Dolores and the Colorado River. On the Little Dolores, the starting value is 0, and the target value is 170 riparian acres over 14 miles of stream. On the Colorado River, the starting value is 0, and the target value is 18 acres of 1.5 miles of river. 
*	Metric 3: Land restoration -- Acres restored. Ranch Advisory Partners will monitor the number of non-riparian acres restored at the Luster Farm. The starting value is 0, and the target value is 70 acres.
*	Other metrics
o	Ranch Advisory Partners will monitor cover, density and composition of desired and undesired plant species in treatment sites along the Little Dolores and at the Luster Farm using a combination of photopoints and qualitative stream measurement methods. The stream monitoring methods evaluate streams against ten criteria: channel condition, access to the floodplain, bank stability, riparian zone, velocity depth regime, pool variability, riffle embeddedness, channel flow, barriers to fish movement, and livestock access to stream.
o	Ranch Advisory Partners will monitor water consumption for agricultural use with meters on irrigation infrastructure.
o	Ranch Advisory Partners will monitor the number of acres seeded to cool season grasses and legumes.

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.

Todd Graham, Ranch Advisory Partners
Todd manages the Mountain Island Ranch and has worked with the ranch since 2015. Todd has over twenty years' experience managing ranches for absentee owners and providing ranch management consulting services on roughly eight million acres of ranchlands across the West. His work focuses on improving the health of the land and improving wildlife habitat while implementing land-based enterprises that sustain themselves financially. 
Elizabeth Domenech, Ranch Advisory Partners
Elizabeth will serve as the primary point of contact on this project, guiding project implementation and partner coordination. Elizabeth graduated with a Master of Environmental Management degree from the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies and has over eight years of project management experience in the private and non-profit sectors. She has worked extensively with private landowners, federal and state agencies, non-profits, public & private corporations, and consultants.
Katie Meiklejohn, Ranch Advisory Partners
Katie will design the monitoring methods and collect monitoring data for the project. Katie runs the rangeland health monitoring arm of Ranch Advisory Partners. She has over 10 years' experience in landscape-scale conservation efforts and 6 years' experience working closely with ranchers to identify strategies that simultaneously enhance ecological health, financial success, and human well-being.
Jon Moore, Mountain Island Ranch 
Jon is the Ranch Foreman at the Mountain Island Ranch. He has extensive experience in all aspects of ranching operations including farming, haying, livestock operations, and equipment operation and maintenance. 
Diane & Sam Branham, Bieser Creek Cattle 
Bieser Creek Cattle (BCC) leases the Mountain Island Ranch for grazing. BCC is a USDA certified organic beef operation. They work closely with Ranch Advisory Partners and the BLM on grazing planning to maximize rangeland health performance. 
Jordan Nielson, Trout Unlimited
Jordan will assist with project implementation. Jordan has worked on stream restoration projects throughout Utah for the last 10 years and has experience using beaver dam analogs and Rosgen methodologies. His current focus is on projects that work to increase stream flows throughout the Colorado River Watershed in Utah.
Dr. Joseph Wheaton, Utah State University 
Joe is a principal and co-founder of Anabranch Solutions, an Associate Professor at Utah State University, and a fluvial geomorphologist with over eighteen years of experience in river restoration. Joe has helped pioneer the development of new stream restoration approaches including using beaver as a restoration agent, has built large-scale monitoring programs that leverage the latest technologies, and built analytical software apps and simulation models such as Geomorphic Change Detection Software and the MORPHED and BRAT simulation models.
Michael Auger, Utah Open Lands 
Mike is the Stewardship Director for Utah Open Lands, where he oversees the stewardship and monitoring of over 58,000 acres under permanent protection by Utah Open Lands. Mike is an accomplished botanist and ecologist.

Nicole Nielson, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Nicole is a restoration biologist for the UDWR and has completed many projects over her span in the Southeast Region.  She has achieved an expert level experience in completing upland and riparian restoration projects in Utah and will advise throughout this project.
Clint Wirick, USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife
Clint has been doing restoration projects in Utah for several years.  Clint will help advise on appropriate plant species mixes for riparian and wetland areas
Jamie Nogle, National Wild Turkey Federation
Jamie coordinates projects throughout Colorado, Utah and Nevada to improve habitat for wild turkeys. Jamie's expertise will be integral in ensuring all restoration activities, particularly at the Luster Farm wetland is in line with habitat requirements for wild turkey.

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.

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.

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.