Project Details

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.

Build floating fishing trail on the north side of the reservoir(Phase 1):
Inspired by the success of the Cedar Springs Marina Floating trail, this will provide increased opportunities for anglers and wildlife enthusiasts to utilize the north side of the reservoir safely. Currently there is an unmanaged pioneer trail on the north side of the lake which has seen an increase in traffic as people access the north section of the reservoir. If built, this floating trail is expected to facilitate a substantial amount of angling and wildlife viewing.

Improve Parking Lot with trees planted next to the parking lot(Phase 1):
With the recent installation of the pivot sprinkler system on the southern field on the WMA, an opportunity to plant trees that will benefit by the pivot system has come about. Planting these trees will provide habitat for the wildlife in the area.

Food plots in the southern field(Phase 1):
In the areas adjacent to the watered portion of the southern field, we propose planting some dryland species to provide additional forage for wildlife in the area.

Maintain northern field(Phase 1):
The northern field of the WMA has been maintained to provide forage for wildlife. This aspect of the project would fund the planting of this field.

Zeedyk Structure installation by contractors and Cottonwood and willow pole plantings below the dam(Phase 2):
At the outlet of the dam, we propose installing Zeedyk structures to raise the water table and provide an easily accessible example of a project focused on these structures. By pairing the Zeedyk structure installations with pole plantings, we expect to see a more active riparian area with mature woody vegetation over time. Previous efforts to plant cottonwoods below the dam were unsuccessful we expect because they were planted from 5 gallon stock. We propose plantings using poles that will make contact with the water table and more likely succeed.

ADA access improvements (Phase 2):
To better allow ADA access, the current footbridge that crosses the dam overflow will be replaced with an bridge that will allow wheelchair access. The current trail that leads to the dock will be paved, and 2 ADA parking spots will also be paved in the current parking lot.

Build shaded picnic tables in 3 different areas(Phase 3):
As this reservoir develops into a community fishery, we have recognized an increase in families and groups that utilize the area. By providing areas for these groups to congregate, we anticipate a more responsible use of the area.

Kayak access slide(Phase 3): 
The local angling community uses kayaks a fair amount on this reservoir to fish. By providing a kayak slide to transport kayaks from the parking lot to the current put in, we anticipate an increased amount of use by kayaking anglers.

Tamarisk removal around the reservoir(Phase 3):
There is a significant amount of tamarisk that has established on the southern side of the reservoir. Much of the tamarisk is mature and will require a dedicated crew to remove them. Because there are already cottonwoods and other native vegetation in the area, we expect revegetation with desirable species to happen over time.

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.

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.

2025 Utah Wildlife Action Plan: 
  Lakes and Reservoirs
  Priority threats include: Invasive Plant Species
  Strategies for management include: Continue the use of methods for reducing the spread    and dominance of invasive weeds and aquatic vegetation, including EDRR programs.

Riparian
  Priority threats include: Invasive Plant Species -- Non-native (High)
  Strategies for management include: Identify riparian habitat impacted by land use practices and continue to support funding for low-tech, process-based restoration (e.g., BDAs, one-rock dams).
  Continue to support funding for weed treatment in riparian habitat, including Russian
olive and tamarisk eradication.
  Priority needs include:
    Prioritize areas for systematic removal of non-native riparian vegetation (e.g., tamarisk,
non-native willows, Russian olive) and replace with native riparian vegetation.

Mule Deer
The South Slope Deer Herd Unit Management Plan (2020) contains the following habitat
management objectives:
  Protect, maintain, and/or improve deer habitat through direct range improvements to
support and maintain herd population management objectives.

Uintah County Resource Management Plan 2017
8.4.1: Support the Maintenance, enhancement, and expansion of sport fishing opportunities.
8.4.3 Enhance public access to fishing opportunities
8.4.5 Support economic development associated with fishing, including private businesses and facilities
17.4.1 Reduce or eliminate noxious weed infestations and minimize the establishment of new weed species across
jurisdictional boundaries using adaptive management and integrated weed management approaches.
17.4.4 Manage noxious weeds to enhance wildlife habitat and farmland
17.4.10 Employ a variety of (integrated) weed management techniques including prevention, biological controls,
chemical controls, and mechanical controls.
17.4.11 Work with all landowners and managers to ensure a well-funded and coordinated effort in prevention as well
as an attack against already established weeds.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.