The west slope of the Oquirrh mountains in Tooele county is crucial winter range for Mule deer. Historic Wyoming big sagebrush communities in this area are being encroached by juniper and pinyon trees. If left untreated, these juniper and pinyon trees will eventually out compete sagebrush and the preferred perennial grasses and forbs in the understory. These trees also provide hazardous fuels in the event of a wildfire.

1. Thin juniper trees to a value less than 5% cover. 2. Retain larger trees for thermal cover and shade for wildlife and livestock.

Without treatment, juniper in this area will increase in size and eventually will out-compete sagebrush and the preferred perennial grasses and forbs found on the project area. An increase in juniper cover to a value of more than 15%-20% will also increase erosion and provide hazardous fuels for wildfire. If the trees are allowed to increase in size and density for another 5 to 10 years, another, more expensive method (bullhog or anchor chain) will be required to remove the juniper from this site.

The proposed treatments lies within Central Region UPCD Sage Steppe focus areas. The project area occurs within the sagebrush steppe type which is one of the key habitats identified in the WAP. This area supports mule deer (S4) and sage grouse (S3). Numerous other species of concern also inhabit the area including neotropical birds and raptors. The proposed project will address some of the habitat goals outlined in the deer and elk management plans: 1. UTAH DIVISION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES STATEWIDE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR MULE DEER Habitat Goal: Conserve and improve mule deer habitat throughout the state with emphasis on critical mule deer ranges. Habitat Objective 1. Maintain mule deer habitat throughout the state by protecting existing critical habitats and mitigating for losses due to human impacts. 2. Utah Elk Statewide Management Plan: 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. Strategies: Initiate broad scale vegetative treatment projects to improve elk habitat with emphasis on calving habitat and winter ranges. 3. The proposed project will address some of the habitat management strategies outlined in the deer management plan for herd unit 18 Oquirrh - Stansbury including: continue to restore and improve sagebrush steppe habitats critical to deer according to DWR’s Habitat Initiative; cooperate with federal land management agencies and private landowners in carrying out habitat improvements such as reseedings, controlled burns, water developments etc. on public and private lands; and maintain and/or enhance forage production through direct range improvements throughout the unit to achieve population management objectives. 4. The proposed project will address the following goals and objectives of the Division of Wildlife Resources most recent strategic management plan: Resource Goal: expand wildlife populations and conserve sensitive species by protecting and improving wildlife habitat. Objective 1: protect existing wildlife habitat and improve 500,000 acres of critical habitats and watersheds throughout the state by 2011. Objective 2: Increase fish and game populations to meet management plan objectives and expand quality fishing and hunting opportunities. 5. This project will also address some of the threats identified in the West Desert Greater Sage Grouse Local Conservation Plan (2007): Threat: Pinon/juniper encrochment Strategy: Reduce Pinyon/juniper stands from sage-grouse use areas. Action: Remove pinyon/juniper trees from priority areas where action is warranted 6. The Utah Smoke Management Plan (1999, 2006 revision). By using cutting juniper trees this project will accomplish Goal #5, Use of alternative methods to burning for disposing of or reducing the amount of wildland fuels on lands in the State (p3). 7. This project will help meet some of the objectives of the State of Utah Hazard Mitigation Plan (March 2011) 1) Protection of natural resources and the environment, when considering mitigation measures and 2) Minimize the risk of wildfire (p12). http://publicsafety.utah.gov/emergencymanagement/documents/IntroductionMarch2011.pdf

2 PMArchaeology, Lop and scatter treatment. No ground disturbance activities planned, Dec 15 2011 / 6 NEPA, Not required, Dec 15 2011

Hand crews will be hired to cut (lop & scatter) young juniper and pinyon trees in the project area. Trees greater than 6 inches in diameter at waist height will be retained.

Photo points, vegetation and wildlife data will be collected by regional personnel. A standard photo point will be established. Point and line intercept data will be collected to determine cover of trees, grasses, forbs, and shrubs. A pellet group transect will be established to determine deer and elk use of the area.

The property is not currently grazed but may be used for spring cattle grazing in the future. Grazing in the future will actually benefit shrub growth on the property which is critical for Mule deer winter forage. There is little possibility of future development on this property due to location and lack of water.

07/01/2012

11/20/2012

2013

Hand crews were hired to cut (lop & scatter) young juniper and pinyon trees in the project area totaling 321 acres. Trees greater than 6 inches in diameter at waist height were left uncut.

Project started in mid November. There was 6 inches of snow of the site at that time. This made access and work more difficult.

The property is grazed by livestock on occasion. Fencing is poor condition or missing on the north side of the property.