Project Details

This project addresses overall watershed health by improving water quality conditions, improving soil conditions, increasing floodplain functionality, increasing streambank stability, decreasing fire hazards, increasing native plant diversity and densities, and improving wildlife habitat. Indian Creek and Hart's Draw watersheds comprise a total of about 295,000 acres of private and public lands with elevation ranging from 3,413 m (11,200 ft) in the Abajo Mountains to 1,190 m (3,904 ft) at the confluence of Indian Creek and the Colorado River (see associated maps). Water is a precious resource in the arid west and decreased snowmelt runoff associated with climate change and drought threatens this precious resource. Thus, sustaining and recovering the water holding capacity (quantity and quality) and associated habitats of riparian and upland areas is critical. This is especially true for working ranches such as The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) Dugout Ranch where healthy riparian areas are equally vital to livestock production, healthy ecosystems and wildlife conservation. Currently, the uplands, streams and riparian areas on Dugout Ranch are not providing all the desired benefits that Dugout Ranch management is seeking. As such, Dugout Ranch is interested in enhancing the hydrologic and habitat connectivity between upland, ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial ecosystems throughout the Indian Creek watershed in order to adapt to and mitigate for projected climate change impacts, such as drought, catastrophic fire and extreme weather events. Ranch management is interested in: (1) increasing water holding capacity by increasing soil moisture and pooling within channels, ponds, and riparian areas to enhance habitat for fish species such as the Colorado River cutthroat trout and wildlife such as mule deer, elk, turkey, south western willow flycatcher, and livestock, (2) reducing the potential threat for catastrophic wildfires and drought by enhancing riparian areas by reconnecting stream channels and their floodplains and, (3) protecting and enhancing functionality of ranch infrastructure and ranch/public roads by reducing head cutting in pastures and reducing sediment flows onto pastures and road ways. UDWR, BLM, STILA  and USFS are also committed to enhancing instream and riparian habitat through restoration actions and converting pinyon/juniper stands to shrub/ grassland to reduce the potential threat for catastrophic wildfires and drought on their lands that make up the remainder of the Indian Creek and Hart's Draw watersheds.

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.

This project will be a long term, watershed wide, collaborative effort involving multiple partners and land management agencies (see partners section).  Because of the scope of the project, it is planned to be completed in multiple phases.  For the first phase of the project (Phase I) restoration work will be implemented on private land, TNC's Dugout Ranch, while supporting the BLM and Forest Service for funding in the NEPA process, specifically for archeological surveys and administrative support. In phase I, we will install beaver dam analogs (BDAs), post assisted log structures (PALS), and Zeedyk structures in the North Cottonwood Creek and Indian Creek watersheds, and monitor the ecological and geomorphic changes associated with these treatments. The nine objectives of this project are to: (1) increase channel-floodplain connectivity (lateral, vertical and longitudinal connectivity) at base to moderate flows, (2) increase temporary water storage and residence time (water quantity), (3) improve water quality, (4) conserve/increase quantity, diversity, and extent of native woody riparian vegetation, (5) decrease quantity and extent of invasive species such as tamarisk and Russian olive, (6) conserve/promote natural habitat-forming processes, such as lateral channel movement, channel evolution and inputs of large woody debris and other physical structures in the channel, (7) promote beaver activity in North Cottonwood and Indian Creeks to extent practical, (8) promote research and education of Indian Creek watershed riparian restoration projects to develop best practices for stream and riparian restoration in the Colorado Plateau region and (9) conduct archeological surveys on 11,200 acres of USFS lands as well as surveys on BLM lands. By reaching these objectives we hope to increase riverscape resilience to drought, fire and climate change and improve riparian and upland vegetation providing for livestock as well as wildlife such as wintering mule deer, turkeys, leopard frogs and garter snakes. We will also be able to inform the riparian restoration community about best practices on small headwater perennial/intermittent streams throughout the Colorado Plateau.

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 current prolonged drought has had severe negative consequences to the Indian Creek Watershed and specifically on the Dugout Ranch operations. In 2021 the ranch's irrigation reservoir went completely dry. This lack of irrigation water for crops and livestock has resulted in the need to haul water and purchase supplemental feed for the cattle and has detrimental impacts on wildlife that utilize the reservoir. Starting in 2019 the ranch has needed to haul water for cattle on their Forest Service allotments, an  unprecedented action. This drought and forecasted reductions in snowpack and increases in rainfall intensity due to climate change are the reasons why this proposed restoration project needs to take place as soon as possible. Drought and climate change impacts are also the main drivers for ranch managers to pursue stream and upland restoration actions that may influence the water quantity and water quality of the riparian areas and associated uplands of Indian Creek watershed. By approaching riparian restoration, ephemeral channel erosion control and upland restoration conjunctively, this project takes an integrated approach to watershed health and habitat improvement. This proposed project provides a substantial opportunity to improve our understanding of the effectiveness of low-tech process-based restoration (LTPBR) and ephemeral channel erosion control in desert systems and will help create best practices for restoration on the Colorado Plateau. This opportunity would be lost without implementing this project and its associated monitoring efforts. Understanding the effects of LTPBR structures in desert systems will also help guide future restoration efforts in Indian Creek and Hart's Draw watersheds and other nearby desert systems so loss of an opportunity to gain this understanding could make future restoration efforts less efficient and or less effective. Another important goal of this restoration project is to decrease the quantity and extent of invasive species such as tamarisk and Russian olive. Since Russian olive is in the early stages of invasion in Indian Creek watershed, now is the time for the most cost effective removal of these invasive trees. If we wait it will only get more expensive and difficult to control local seed sources within the valley bottoms of the watershed area. With the upland and ephemeral channel erosion control treatments of this project, any woody invasive materials removed from the watershed may become inputs to erosion control treatments and further guide sustainable natural resources use. Funding the archeological surveys on USFS and BLM lands is an important first step for upland vegetation treatments planned for later phases of the project and without such funding now this important work could be delayed.

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.

The proposed project is closely related to the following management plans: RIVERSCAPE CONSERVATION, RESTORATION AND MONITORING PLAN: DUGOUT RANCH, UTAH 2021 (forthcoming).The plan is intended to guide conservation, restoration and management of Dugout Ranch and Indian Creek watershed over the next 20-30 years and is developed as an adaptive management plan. The goals for Indian Creek watershed conservation and restoration plan are closely related to the objectives of the project. For more information refer to this attached restoration plan.  BEAVER MANAGEMENT PLAN (2017 revision). The goal of the plan is to maintain healthy, functional beaver populations in ecological balance with available habitat, human needs, and associated species. Beaver relocation efforts in Indian Creek watershed will follow the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) beaver management plan, a statewide strategy that, among other measures, encourages relocating nuisance beavers instead of killing them. The latest iteration of the plan uses the Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool (BRAT) (Macfarlane et al. 2017) to steer its relocation efforts. We ran the BRAT model for the Indian Creek watershed and the model outputs indicate that the restoration reaches can support dam-building beaver. UTAH STRATEGIC PLAN FOR MANAGING NOXIOUS WEEDS The purpose of this plan is to strengthen, support, and coordinate private, county, state, and federal weed management efforts in Utah (Whitesides 2004). The Strategic Plan is designed to promote the implementation of comprehensive, economical, and ecologically based integrated weed management programs. The plan highlights the known and extensive impacts on invasive plants including the costs to society. In addition, the plan highlights that the "best weed management practices utilize a well-organized and cooperative program" such as the one proposed herein, and addresses three key elements of the plan: B. Mapping and Monitoring, D. Control - Integrated Weed Management, and E. Restoration UTAH MULE DEER STATEWIDE MANAGEMENT PLAN (2019) This document provides overall guidance and direction for managing Utah's mule deer populations. Habitat Objective 2: Improve the quality and quantity of vegetation for mule deer on a minimum of 700,000 acres of crucial range by 2026. This project addresses Habitat Objective 2 by improving sagebrush steppe and aspen habitat. Continue to support and provide leadership for the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative, which emphasizes improving sagebrush-steppe, aspen, and riparian habitats throughout Utah. STATE OF UTAH RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN identifies the importance of the Watershed Restoration Initiative.  The plan describes how restoration efforts can improve ecosystems by improving native plant populations, preventing the spread of noxious weeds, reducing risk of catastrophic wildfires and improving upland and aquatic wildlife habitats. This project follows the state fire management plan. The state supports the Watershed Restoration Initiative to encourage reduced wildfire acreage and suppression costs, reduced soil loss from erosion, reduced sedimentation and storage loss in reservoirs, improved water quality and yield, improved wildlife populations, increased forage, reduced risk of additional federal listing of species under the Endangered Species Act, improved agricultural production, and resistance to invasive plant species. This project follows the state's wildlife plan: 1) Expand wildlife populations and conserve sensitive species by protecting and improving wildlife habitat. 2) Increase current populations or establish new populations of wildlife in all suitable habitats within the state as outlined in approved management plans. 3) Provide a diversity of high-quality hunting and viewing opportunities for wildlife species throughout the state. 4) Protect existing wildlife habitat and improve 500,000 acres of critical habitats and watersheds throughout the state by 2025. 5) Conserve sensitive species to prevent them from becoming listed as threatened or endangered. 6) Produce and maintain the desired vegetation for wildlife and domestic livestock forage on public and private lands. This project specifically addresses objective 4 by enhancing vegetation for wildlife and livestock. This project follows the state's fishery plan: 1) The state will seek to protect, conserve, and improve Utah's fish and aquatic wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend. 2) The State supports ensuring the persistence of the diversity of native fish and aquatic wildlife in Utah while at the same time providing excellent opportunities for anglers and other recreationists. This proposal follows the state's plan for T&E Species: 1) 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. 2) Identify and minimize the threats to sensitive or federally listed species to ensure healthy and robust populations of threatened, endangered, and sensitive species that exist in Utah. 3) Restore 75,000 acres of critical habitat for sensitive species each year through the Watershed Restoration Initiative and by partnering with other governmental and nongovernmental entities. This project improves habitat for Mexican Spotted owl. This project addresses the state's Water Quality and Hydrology plan: 1) 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. An important part of this project is the enhancement of the state's water resources. This project follows the state's wetlands plan: 1) The state supports the use of mechanical treatments, controlled burns, livestock grazing, and other tools to control invasive plants and other plant species that compromise wetland health, in accordance with best available practices. 2) The state will coordinate with groups responsible for protecting and managing wetlands, including public and private wildlife managers, regulatory agencies, and interested stakeholders. This project follows the state's riparian area: 1) Active management should be used to improve and enhance riparian resources to provide for appropriate physical, biological, and chemical function. 2) Prioritize and manage riparian areas to attain desired future conditions for riparian related resources (e.g. fishery habitat, water quality, wildlife and livestock forage, and soil stability). 3) Riparian areas and wetlands should be managed for the mutual and maximum benefit of wildlife, livestock and special status species. 4) The state supports the use of structural and non-structural improvements in unstable water courses to restore riparian areas properly functioning/desired future conditions. Floodplain and River Terrace: 1) Engage with federal land management agencies to support active management of healthy riparian areas on federal land. The state supports the removal of invasive species from riparian areas on public lands. This project addresses the state's Floodplain and River Terrace needs: 1) Restore floodplain connectivity for threatened and endangered species that rely on these locations in areas outside human habitation while preserving the health and safety of residents. 2) The state supports implementing active management and restoration projects on federal lands to restore sinuosity, vegetation, and floodplain function which mimic the natural hydrologic system in suitable areas. This project supports the state's Noxious Weeds plan: 1) Alongside treatment, the establishment of healthy ecosystems is the most effective way of preventing the spread of noxious weeds. 2) The state of Utah supports proactive management of noxious weeds. Effective management by federal, state, and private entities is vital to protect agriculture, rangelands, and private property. 3) The state supports the removal of noxious weeds from affected areas and rehabilitation of affected areas post treatment. Weed treatments and rehabilitation must occur on federal land as well, to prevent the spread of weeds from public to private and state land. Livestock and Grazing: 1) The state supports rapid removal of all invasive plant species and noxious weeds on both public and private lands. UTAH WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN (2015-2025). The plan also provides strong, clear guidance for improving habitats and strengthening wildlife populations. Beavers are identified in many places in the WAP including under the Objective "Inappropriate Fire Frequency and Intensity", for which a potential conservation action is to "Increase cover and extent of native riparian vegetation by restoring beavers on the landscape, where social and environmental factors permit (per Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool)." In addition, under the Objective "Channelization / Bank Alteration (direct, intentional)", a potential conservation action is to "Increase cover and extent of native riparian vegetation by restoring beavers on the landscape, where social and environmental factors permit (per Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool)." Beaver restoration is a key objective of this proposal. Threats to the following WAP species of greatest conservation need are being addressed by this project: Northern leopard frog, golden eagle, peregrine falcon, big free-tailed bat, spotted bat, Townsend's big-eared bat, and black-necked garter snake. Future phases of the project will also benefit mule deer, elk, band-tailed pigeon and ferruginous hawk. Threats to the following key habitats are also being addressed by this project: Desert grassland, Aquatic Scrub/Shrub, Aquatic Forested, Riverine, Emergent, and Open Water. MANTI-LA SAL FOREST LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN of 1986, as amended. Conduct appropriate studies to provide information necessary for an adequate review of the effect a proposed undertaking may have on cultural values. Protect ...cultural and paleontological resources on National Forest System (NFS) lands which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places the National Register of Historic Landmarks, or may be determined to be eligible for the national registers. 36 CFR 800.4, 36 CFR 296, & FSM 2360. Future phases of the project will address several management goals and objectives in the Forest Plan regarding wildlife habitat and riparian/watershed condition improvement,  and minimizing hazard from wildfire. UTAH'S WILD TURKEY MANAGEMENT PLAN. This plan presents management goals, objectives and strategies for the wild turkey in Utah. It identifies issues and concerns, and specifies strategies to overcome them. Suitable habitat includes three key ingredients: trees, forbs and grass. Trees provide food, daytime loafing and escape cover, and most important--nighttime roost sites. Grasses and forbs provide food for adults and are especially important to poults as an environment in which they can efficiently forage for insects. The Rio Grande turkey (Rio) is found in cottonwood river bottoms often associated with Gambel's oak and green leafy plants like Indian Creek watershed provides. High Priority Issues- H3-Insufficient winter habitat Concern A. Starvation during severe winter. Important considerations for winter habitats are food and roosting cover. Medium Priority Issues- M1-Insufficient access to hunting and viewing opportunities. M4 Low quality and quantity of breeding and summer habitat. Goal A Objective 2. Increase wild turkey habitat, quality and quantity, by 40,000 acres statewide. Strategy d. Conduct habitat improvement projects in limiting habitat. Maintain and improve wild turkey populations. One of the strategies identified to reach this objective is to do habitat projects. This project will help to achieve this objective. THE SOUTHWESTERN WILLOW FLYCATCHER RECOVERY PLAN identifies the removal of exotic plants as important for the recovery of this species. This project would reduce the amount of exotic plants such as Russian Olive and Tamarisk. BLM UTAH RIPARIAN POLICY states:" riparian areas are to be improved at every opportunity."  This project would improve the riparian area by reducing the non-native invasive plant species and increasing native plant species diversity and densities. There are two BLM management plans that cover the project area.  The upstream section of Indian Creek and associated watershed is covered by the 2020 BEARS EARS MONUMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN (MMP). The downstream section of Indian Creek and associated watershed and the Harts Draw Watershed are covered by the 2018 MOAB MASTER LEASING PLAN (MLP). Both the MMP and MLP identify goals and objectives, and list management actions, to protect and enhance riparian, wetland, soil and water resources. The Southeast Utah Riparian Partnership (SURP) prepared the COLORADO RIVER WOODY INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN in 2007. The main goal of the large group of partners is to support projects that control and/or remove tamarisk and Russian olive and to restore riparian lands in Southeast Utah.

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.

Tamarisk and Russian olive can form dense, fire-prone thickets that develop into monospecific stands. Thus, removing tamarisk and Russian olive, an objective of this proposed project, reduces hazardous fuel loads that will reduce the possibility for future fire events. Studies have shown that expanded wet riparian areas that beaver dams and BDAs create provides a buffer that slows the spread of fire (see associated image). This area has seen a dramatic increase in recreation in 2020 and 2021; the creation of BENM has brought more user groups into the area and increased camping is increasing the possible ignitions within the river corridors. 2020 overall was the highest recorded year for human started wildfires in the State of Utah which were frequently catastrophic to important ecosystems. Restoration work is more important now with increased recreation uses in North Cottonwood Creek and Indian Creek raising the potential for human caused fires, and with more frequent drought years making fuels drier for a longer portion of the year. Beavers are identified in many places in the WAP including under the Objective "Inappropriate Fire Frequency and Intensity", for which a potential conservation action is to "Increase cover and extent of native riparian vegetation by restoring beavers on the landscape, where social and environmental factors permit (per Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool). Two important objectives of this restoration project are to 1) increase cover and extent of native riparian vegetation and 2) to promote and enhance beaver dam building activities to serve as fire breaks and help reduce size and fire activity. Uplands of the watershed range from sagebrush and grassland flats to pinyon and juniper woodland transitioning to ponderosa and mixed conifer at the higher elevations and sheltered locations.  The sagebrush and grassland flats, having been influenced by grazing and fire exclusion, experienced moderate to high pinyon and Juniper encroachment.  As a result, many vegetation manipulation projects have taken place over the years within this area.  From the 1960's to 1980's on BLM administered lands pinyon and juniper "seeding" treatments were routinely conducted in the Monticello field office. From the 1980's to present many hazardous fuels/habitat restoration projects were also implemented in the watershed. As a result of this work the potential for catastrophic fire within each of these areas has been greatly reduced. Capacity for water storage and reduced erosion has increased due to the influx of native grass, sage and forbs post treatment. In some cases, fire may be able to return to the system for natural maintenance when conditions are appropriate. Fire occurrence was not reduced as a result of these actions, but severity and subsequent ecosystem degradation are. This proposal as being designed will set into motion actions which will ultimately restore the riparian corridors directly influenced by the aforementioned projects. With the USFS component of this project restoring the highest elevations of the watershed, this project would truly result in a holistic watershed restoration effort. Once completed these efforts will reduce the potential for catastrophic fire effects when fires occur in the greater watershed each season.

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.

CURRENT HYDROLOGIC CONDITIONS: the lower reaches of Indian Creek and most of Hart's Draw flow ephemerally or only after a precipitation event. There are several short spring-fed segments in Hart's Draw that flow perennially to intermittently. The middle reaches of Indian Creek, including the Dugout Ranch segment, sections of North Cottonwood Creek and sections of larger tributaries flow on an intermittent basis on average from Sept through June. The middle reaches also include reaches with perennial flow. Surface and subsurface flows support a wide riparian zone and both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitats. Sections of the stream channel are entrenched with limited overflow channels and reduced floodplain functionality. Within the upper reaches of Indian Creek and portions of North Cottonwood Creek have perennial stream flows. This project, over both the short and long term, addresses water quality and water quantity conditions.  WATER QUALITY/QUANTITY BENEFITS OF BDA'S: The proposed project will use BDAs and PALS to essentially provide the same function as beaver dams; in that the structures will impound water, capture/settle/stabilize stream supplied sediment, increase water levels and corresponding water table, improve water quality and quantity, and aid in establishment of riparian vegetation on banks and adjacent floodplains. USU's ETAL lab's research and extensive literature review indicates that dam building by beaver has been shown to influence stream hydrology and water quality in a number of important ways primarily by altering the amount, and timing of delivery of water and sediment (Naiman et al., 1988; Gurnell, 1998; Pollock et al., 2003). Ponding upstream of beaver dams slows water velocity encouraging deposition of fine sediment (Butler and Malanson, 1995; Pollock et al., 2007) in the pond itself and during high flows onto the adjacent floodplain. Beaver ponds can act as long-term sinks for both suspended and bedload sediment (Green and Westbrook, 2009). By increasing the water and sediment retention times within beaver ponds (or BDAs), many common excess nutrients and contaminants (e.g., bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorus and herbicides) can be removed from the water column. This occurs through deposition, microbial decomposition, chemical transformation and filtering. Additionally, some contaminants adhere to clay-sized particles which are more likely to be trapped and stored behind beaver dams and deposited on the floodplain. Increasing the amount of water in the stream and adjacent riparian zone also has the added benefit of attenuation of bacteria and nutrients through hyporheic exchange and plant uptake (Schade et al., 2005; Tonina and Buffington, 2009). BDAs and additional beaver dams could also improve water quality conditions by improving streambank stability and floodplain functionality to better withstand potential large flood events due to climate change, therefore reducing potential erosion and sediment loading. Natural hydrologic streambank storage processes could be improved during high runoff periods, recharging streambanks and point bars. Stored water could be released during periods of low stream flows, decreasing high stream temperatures during the summer months. An increase in the number of pools and overall water depths would also contribute to decreased stream temperatures and improved water quality conditions. These changes in stream hydrology will benefit northern leopard frog by creating slow water on the margin of the creek and potentially increasing spots for emergent or subsurface aquatic vegetation will create breeding habitat. Allen's big-eared bats, which have been detected in Indian Creek watershed, would benefit from the creation of larger, slow pools will provide drinking opportunities and coupled with enhanced vegetation will provide invertebrate prey. Black-necked garter snakes would benefit from increased prey base (frogs/tadpoles).
WATER QUALITY/QUANTITY BENEFITS OF ZEEDYK STRUCTURES Installation of Zeedyk style structures in the ephemeral drainages and upland areas, could increase surface and sub-surface water quantities by reducing overland flow and increasing infiltration rates, increasing surface and sub-surface storage times, increasing soil moisture and pooling within channels, ponds, and riparian areas and increasing channel-floodplain connectivity (lateral, vertical and longitudinal). This all contributes to more surface water and more sub-surface water stored on site and available to wildlife, livestock, vegetation and for late season flows. These structures could also reduce head cutting in the uplands, additionally reducing erosion and associated sediment loading and improving water quality conditions. 
WATER QUALITY/QUANTITY BENEFITS OF NON NATIVE VEGETATION REMOVAL Removing tamarisk and other invasive plants would improve floodplain connectivity and functionality and streambank stability which would reduce sediment loading to the stream.  High stream temperatures would be reduced by improved riparian conditions, improved bank storage, increased number of pools and increased pool depths, extended season of flow, which all contribute to improved water quality conditions. By reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires in the watershed, the potential for associated damage including reduced soil infiltration, increased erosion and loss of topsoil, long-term loss of soil productivity, and accelerated sediment loading to the system would be greatly reduced. This reduces the potential for degradation of water quality conditions. Improvement to riparian vegetation has the potential to enhance prey base for golden eagle and peregrine falcon (mammals for eagles and songbirds and mammals for peregrines). Phase 2 and 3 actions would continue to improve water quantities. Converting Pinyon/Juniper stands to shrub/ grasslands in the uplands and the upper portions of the watersheds in the long term will improve soil conditions, increase infiltration rates, increase soil moisture and decrease runoff rates therefore increasing available water throughout the watersheds in the long term.

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.

MODELING: We ran and analyzed the outputs of the following geospatial modeling tools: Riparian Condition Assessment Toolbox (RCAT), and Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool (BRAT) to assess the current riparian conditions of the Indian Creek watershed and the feasibility of doing beaver/BDA related restoration. These model outputs were used to help identify: 1) an impetus for restoration, 2) potential limiting factors, 3) risks to human infrastructure associated with restoration and 4) sites where restoration would have the greatest gains to habitat improvement. INSTALLATION OF INSTREAM STRUCTURES: For the instream structure component of this project we propose using a low-tech process-based restoration (LT-PBR) (https://ltpbr.restoration.usu.edu/manual) approach. Our restoration actions will include the installation of simple, hand-built, low-tech structures (BDAs and PALs) constructed of natural materials that mimic their natural counterparts (i.e. beaver dams and large woody debris (see BDA figure for design specification). This will slow water, capture sediment, and increase the channel complexity on which healthy aquatic and riparian-wetland ecosystems depend. BDA's should last until the pool behind the dam fills with sediment and is colonized by woody riparian vegetation (typically < 5 yr. depending on sediment sources and the flow regime). Maintenance of BDA structures is typically required annually unless beavers take over maintenance of structures. Maintenance usually consists of replacing posts and filling in holes in the dam crest with additional willow, pinion, or juniper or sediment and rocks. Post assisted log structures (PALS) are designed to mimic naturally occurring large woody debris in a stream and increase in-stream roughness and structural elements. PALS alter stream hydraulics (i.e., depth and velocity) and are placed within a stream to create a geomorphic response. In general, PALS rely on high flows in order to affect desired geomorphic changes. They also tend to use larger diameter materials, more characteristic of large woody debris commonly found naturally in a stream. PALs can be built with or without posts, they can be channel spanning, located in the middle of the channel, or be attached to a bank, similar to BDA construction. BDAs and PALS will be strategically placed to mimic the form and function of beaver dam complexes and large woody debris. Each structure will be designed with defined objectives for triggering and/or maintaining geomorphic and hydraulic processes leading to stream restoration. We will build 12-15 BDA and PAL structures along 1/2 km of upper North Cottonwood Creek on a TNC owned parcel referred to as the Gadlock Reach and 7-10 BDA and PAL structures along the reach of Indian Creek adjacent to the Dugout Ranch Headquarters. Based on lessons learned during previous efforts, we aim to achieve a density of between 20-40 structures per km. The exact number of structures will vary based on local conditions and logistic considerations. Because North Cottonwood and Indian creeks lack abundant woody material necessary for building a large number of structures we will source and transport juniper associated with juniper removal projects to the restoration sites. Juniper and pinion will be used as it has been successfully used to build BDAs along numerous stream restoration projects in Utah, Idaho, and Oregon. Instream structures will be designed to promote localized bank erosion, capture sediment, aggrade the channel and reconnect the floodplain.
INSTALLATION OF EPHEMERAL CHANNEL STRUCTURES: Our restoration actions will include the installation of simple, hand-built, low-tech structures (Zeedyk structures) constructed of natural materials such as rocks and brush to slow water, capture sediment, and support native vegetation. The design and installation of Zeedyk structures is a relatively simple, cost effective, and non-destructive restoration approach. Zeedyk structures are constructed using rocks, logs, and or other natural materials to stabilize erosion, aggrade ephemeral channels, return concentrated runoff flows to sheet flow, support vegetation, and protect infrastructure such as roads and pastures. Zeedyk structures will be built using a combination of on-site and in hauled materials. Maintenance of Zeedyk structures may be required periodically and consists of replacing or adding materials to repair any damages and or to expand the structure to account for sediment deposition. We propose to build 17 - 20  Zeedyk structures near the Dugout Ranch Headquarters in connection with the In-Stream structures described above. NONNATIVE VEGETATION REMOVAL: We will remove small patches of nonnative vegetation at key locations along Indian and North Cottonwood creeks. If Russian olive and tamarisk represent the only shrub/tree veg in those respective areas, we will remove in stages and not all at once because while it is true that the project has potential to benefit Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and Yellow-billed Cuckoo in the long term, complete removal of vegetation (even non-native) can be detrimental until native veg is established. Our Russian olive treatment will consist of cutting down all identified trees with a chainsaw and chemically treating the stumps with Glyphosate. After removal, Russian olive will be stacked and left to dry for the purpose of using it in restoration structures at a later time. Our tamarisk treatment will consist of mechanical removal of tamarisk at or below the soil surface with a track excavator using a grapple attachment. After removal tamarisk will be stacked and left to dry for the purpose of using it in restoration structures at a later time. Once the piles have been removed we will use various implements to plant native seed into the treatment area. The resulting removal of non-native vegetation will enhance Southwestern Willow Flycatcher habitat.
NATIVE VEGETATION PLANTING & RESEEDING: Broadcast reseeding of vegetation removal areas will occur. Cottonwoods and willows will also be planted along the river in key locations. RE-TREATMENT OF REMOVAL AREAS: In years following mechanical removal hand crews and small equipment will be utilized to conduct cut stump treatments (using Garlon4) in areas not accessible to the excavator and also foliar application of imazapyr (Arsenal) or similar herbicide to treat re-sprouts. Spraying will occur in the late summer or early fall when the herbicide will be most effective. This process of removal and reseeding requires multiple years to complete. BEAVER MANAGEMENT: We will work with UDWR wildlife biologists to see if a moratorium on beaver trapping in Indian Creek watershed would be an appropriate management action. We will conduct a field survey of beaver dams to estimate the occurrence of beaver colonies in the watershed and based on this information we will assess the possibilities of translocating beaver to the watershed. Included in this assessment will be classification of whether a stream is perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral. Typically, it requires perennial flow to support dam building by beaver. ARCHEOLOGICAL SURVEY: The Indian Creek and Hart's Draw watersheds contain some of the most rich locations in the state for native American archeological sites. As such it is a time consuming task to conduct archeological surveys in these areas. A contractor will conduct archeological surveys on 7142 acres of USFS lands, USFS personnel will survey 4300 acres and the BLM will be responsible for conducting archeological surveys on their lands.

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 will be used to determine whether our project objectives are being met and may inform alterations to the restoration actions if objectives are not being met. Monitoring will also yield information on the relative success of different restoration efforts, reasons for their success or failure, and the cumulative impacts of different restoration actions over the watershed scale. INSTREAM STRUCTURE EFFECTIVENESS MONITORING: We will use a a protocol developed by Utah State University's Ecogeomorphology and Topographic Analysis Lab (ETAL), one of the partners on the project, to monitor ecological and geomorphic change following installation of instream structures which includes ground-based structure-level observations and desktop analysis of drone imagery. Our field method will consist of censusing all restoration structures in the field by walking the streams and making observations on the condition, function, and influence (hydrological and geomorphic) for each instream structure. Specifically, we will collect: 1. Presence-absence -- Is it there? If present -- is it as designed -- for example, structures may have moved to the side of the channel, the material is still in place, but not engaged in the same way, but has the potential to engage with flows. 2. Structure condition - Is the structure blown out, breached, moved or buried (more than three-fourths of crest height sediment accumulation)? Is there additional accumulation of Large Woody Debris (LWD) on the structure? Has the structure been taken over by beavers? 3. Geomorphic response -- At each structure we will assess: Erosion and deposition. Distribution of geomorphic features at each structure: pool (scour or dam), cutbank, uniform bed aggradation or degradation; bar deposition (mid or point): range of substrates exposed -- patchiness or not? Evidence of overbank deposition/flow --at each structure. 4. Natural beaver dams and accumulations of LWD. If LWD accumulation occurred, did large wood accumulate on an existing structure, or elsewhere? 5. Total number of structures through time, both restoration and natural structures. 6. Condition of beaver dams -- intact, breached, or blown out -- and active or inactive. Our drone/desktop analysis will consist of the collection of full coverage images for each of the restoration sites at low and high flow discharge before and after restoration is implemented. With these sets of images, we will assess geomorphic and floodplain changes associated with changes in discharge as well as to track changes over time related to restoration actions. We will assess: valley bottom extent, changes to the surface water extent and channel width, changes to the number of high flow channels vs. low flow channels. We will also assess inundation extent and type mapping and compare their extents through time. We will assess the nature of flow overbank vs channelized flows. Assessing these changes in flow type through time enables us to track changes in lateral connectivity. All associated drone images, geo-tagged photos, videos, and monitoring reports will be uploaded to the UWRI website. EPHEMERAL CHANNEL STRUCTURE EFFECTIVENESS MONITORING: We will use repeat geotagged photography and visual assessment of structures to determine effectiveness. Specifically we will collect: 1. Presence/ absence of evidence of water flows at each structure. 2. Structure condition - Is the structure blown out, end cut, scoured, or buried? Is there deposition of sediments or organic detritus? Is maintenance, alteration, or additional structures needed? 3. Total number of structures through time. 4. Presence/ absence of vegetation recruitment on or around structure. Is the vegetation native? Repeat photography will provide a visual snapshot of site conditions before and after treatment. SAGELAND COLLABORATIVE will carry out stream and riparian habitat surveys prior to and one year following BDA installation, using the Rapid Stream-Riparian Assessment protocol (Stacey et al. 2013).  This protocol involves measurement of 25 qualitative and quantitative metrics covering water quality, hydrogeomorphology, fish/ aquatic habitat, riparian vegetation, and terrestrial wildlife habitat along a 1km segment of riparian corridor. In addition to the targeted geomorphic assessment described above, the RSRA protocol will provide information about how restoration activities affect fish and wildlife habitat. For water quality, we evaluate the presence and character of algal growth within the channel, and degree of channel shading. For hydrogeomorphology, the RSRA protocol metrics include floodplain connection and inundation frequency, vertical bank stability, hydraulic habitat diversity, riparian area soil integrity, and beaver activity. Fish/aquatic habitat metrics include presence/loss of perennial flow, riffle-pool distribution, underbank cover, cobble embeddedness, aquatic invertebrate diversity, large woody debris, and overbank cover. Riparian vegetation metrics evaluate plant community cover and structural diversity, shrub and tree demography, mammalian herbivory impacts, and non-native herbaceous and woody plant cover. Finally, the terrestrial wildlife habitat metrics evaluate riparian shrub and tree canopy cover and connectivity, and fluvial habitat diversity (terraces, oxbows, bars, wet marshes, etc). Taken together, these metrics describe wildlife habitat quality that is easily comparable to other streams surveyed across the CO plateau.

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.

The project lead organization is Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) and several partners will contribute to the project, including: 1. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and their Canyonlands Research Center (CRC), 2. Utah State University (USU), 3. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), 4. US Forest Service (USFS), 5. Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA), 6. Mule Deer Foundation Utah, 7. Sageland Collaborative, 8. Access Fund.  Each of the partners listed have been involved in the planning portion of this proposed project through attending planning meetings, follow up emails, Zoom/phone calls and working on the writing of the proposal. TNC and USU have been involved in the development of the Indian Creek restoration and monitoring plan. The CRC is a collaboration between TNC, USU, U.S. Forest Service, BLM, USGS, and NPS to study the interactive effects of land use and climate change and is dedicated to long term research. This project offers opportunities for TNC, through the CRC, to engage agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions in the research of riparian and upland restoration practices in desert environs, and help develop best practices for desert stream and watershed restoration. The CRC's facilities and location offer opportunities to educate practitioners through volunteer days, workshops, tours, and field days. USU personnel will continue to be involved in restoration design, planning and implementation and will lead monitoring efforts of channel and habitat changes and will help organize and lead the workshop. Sageland Collaborative is a Utah-based nonprofit with 25 years experience promoting science and evidence-based strategies for wildlife and wildland conservation. Sageland Collaborative will carry out surveys before and one year after LTPBR implementation in Indian Creek to assess changes in wildlife habitat quality specific to the Colorado Plateau. Phase I will include restoration implementation on TNC owned lands,  planning and archeological surveys, consultation, NEPA across jurisdictional boundaries on BLM and USFS lands. Upcoming phases of this project are planned on adjacent BLM, USFS, and SITLA lands. Personnel from the UDWR, BLM and USFS have helped to write this proposal. The recreation community has expressed interest in this project. Access Fund, Friends of Indian Creek, Friends of Cedar Mesa, and Rocky Mountain Field Institute all have active volunteer programs in Indian Creek and are interested in participating in work and volunteer days.

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.

The proposed project is the first phase of a multi-phased watershed habitat restoration effort where we will extend restoration activities to other portions of the Indian Creek and Hart's Draw watersheds to help ensure that habitat is improved throughout these watersheds. An objective of this project is to support existing beaver colonies and the establishment of beaver in additional locations. Beaver are anticipated to play a long term role in the maintenance and functions of these structures to provide watershed health benefits.  PHASE II of the project will include a continuation of phase 1 work on private lands of TNC's Dugout Ranch and may be expanded to include priority treatment areas identified by the USFS, SITLA, and BLM during phase 1. Specifically, work on BLM, SITLA,  and USFS lands will be aimed at improving overall watershed health by increasing native plant diversity, reducing hazardous fuels, improving upland and aquatic wildlife habitat conditions, increasing floodplain functionality, improving stream bank stability, improving soil productivity and reducing accelerated erosion.  This may involve construction of erosion control structures, construction of BDA structures, vegetation treatments (Tamarisk, Russian Olive, Pinyon-Juniper).. Monitoring and maintenance of phase I structures will be conducted along with expanded treatment areas on TNC's Dugout Ranch including additional ephemeral gullies and culvert outflows on the west side of Highway 211. Areas selected for Phase II treatment on Private lands may be adjusted to integrate with selected treatment areas on USFS, BLM, and/or SITLA lands to maximize connectivity and efficiency of work. PHASE III of the project will include a continuation of phase II work on private lands of TNC's Dugout Ranch and will be expanded to include priority treatment areas identified by the USFS, SITLA, and BLM during previous phases. Monitoring and maintenance of phase I and II structures will be conducted along with expanded treatment areas on TNC's Dugout Ranch including ephemeral gullies and culvert outflows on the east and west side of County Road 107. Areas selected for Phase III treatment on Private lands may be adjusted to integrate with selected treatment areas on USFS, BLM, and/or SITLA lands to maximize connectivity and efficiency of work. Future management of the Indian Creek Watershed will continue to support the goals of this project. BLM, SITLA,  and USFS plan to initiate restoration work on their lands within these watersheds over the next several years to improve watershed conditions including water quality, water quantity, wildlife habitats and soil productivity.  Management of this area will be addressed in the upcoming amended Bears Ears National Monument Management Plan. Monitoring and maintenance of treatment areas and structures will be included in the additional phases of this project.  Future management will include restoration work on private land and working closely with BLM, SITLA, and USFS to promote restoration practices in the BENM management plan.

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.

NATURAL RESOURCES: This project would provide more sustainable uses of natural resources due to improved watershed health. Both upland and aquatic wildlife habitats would be improved with increased forage for livestock and wildlife including mule deer, turkey and beaver, increased habitat diversity for native fish including Colorado River Cutthroat, increased soil health and productivity, decreased erosion and sedimentation, and more habitat connectivity for all wildlife species. LIVESTOCK: The proposed project has the potential to improve forage for domestic livestock. Removing tamarisk and Russian olive combined with erosion control treatments will facilitate the re-establishment of perennial grasses, native forbs, and shrubs that have much higher forage value than tamarisk. Targeted revegetation and broadcast seeding will accelerate the recolonization of native grasses in selected areas where native grasses are sparse in habitat adjacent to treatment sites. Creating a diverse vegetative community allows for diverse diets and at times can create better winter foraging conditions for livestock.  With the tamarisk cleared there is better access to the river for watering and can distribute livestock across the allotment and the riparian area more efficiently. Thick tamarisk and Russian olive stands will be targeted for removal so that access to the river will be enhanced. Cattle grazing in areas of restoration will be minimized by rotating animals through the area quickly or using fenced irrigated fields as ways to keep animals out of the restoration projects.

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.