Encroachment of phase I and II juniper is beginning to reduce plant diversity in the understory of this sagebrush steppe ecosystem.

To lop and scatter 100% PJ within treatment polygons and reseed sagebrush steppe to restore grasses and forbes.

The threat is the reduction of understory vegetation by encroachment of juniper stand and increase of weedy species.

Project lies w/i WRI Focus Area Utah WAP to improve sagebrush steppe habitats. 1.The pinyon-juniper and big sagebrush areas lie within the sagebrush steppe type which is one of the key habitats identified in the WAP. 2.The proposed projects will address some of the habitat management strategies outlined in the deer and elk management plans for herd unit 16 (Central Mountains, Manti) including: Continue to improve and restore sagebrush steppe habitats critical to deer according to DWRs Habitat Initiative. Maintain habitat quantity and quality at a level adequate to support the stated population objectives while at the same time not resulting in an overall downward trend in range condition and watershed quality. Work cooperatively with land management agencies and private landowners to plan and implement improvement projects for the purpose of enhancing wildlife habitat and range resources in general. 3.The project also helps fulfill the state mule deer management plan section IV Habitat Goal: Conserve and improve mule deer habitat throughout the state with emphasis on crucial ranges. 4.San Pitch River Watershed Water Quality Management Plan6.1.2 Project Goals The overall project goals are to: reduce nonpoint source loading in the middle San Pitch River watershed by decreasing the amount of pollutants entering the watershed from irrigated lands and stream channel erosion to reduce TDS loading; improve upland and pastureland management practices to reduce sediment runoff 5.The proposed projects 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. Objective 3: conserve sensitive species to prevent them from becoming listed as threatened or endangered. 6.The project is also in accordance with the Habitat Management Plan for Wildlife Management Areas (WMA’s) In South Sanpete County and Willow Creek in North Sevier County Improve Browse Communities In order for these WMA’s to reach their potential as critical big game winter range, browse communities need to be enhanced and improved. The Division will employ a variety of methods to achieve this including prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, reseeding and seedling transplants, and mechanical treatments. Priority areas will include sagebrush-steppe and mountain browse communities. 7.The project will help fulfill the Sanpete County Resource management plan by helping ensure healthy wildlife populations. 8.State of Utah Hazard Mitigation Plan (March 2011) this plan accomplishes statewide goals including 1) Protection of natural resources and the environment, when considering mitigation measures and 2) Minimize the risk of wildfire (p12) 9.The Utah Smoke Management Plan (1999, 2006 revision). By using mechanical mastication this plan 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).

2 PMArchaeology, NRCS Surveyed and approved project., Nov 17 2014 / 6 NEPA, NRCS has the CPA-52 completed, Oct 29 2014

Lop and scatter phase I and II juniper and one way chain harrow to seed grasses, forbs, and shrubs to improve sagebrush and greasewood understory

Photo Point and Pellet Count

Deferred grazing for two growing seasons and rotational grazing plan to manage the vegetation

11/11/2014

11/21/2014

2015

Two-way Chain Harrowed about 60 acres with seed mix broadcast in between passes with the chain harrow. Landowner agreed to pay for a wildlife friendly seed mix and the DWR provided the chain harrow. Landowner paid the GBRC for the seed mix.

This project did not rank high enough for funding but the landowner wanted to utilize the chain harrow (recommended by both NRCS and DWR). The intension of the landowner was to chain harrow fence to fence 83 acres of sagebrush ecosystem. We told the landowner that we were not interested in removing all the sagebrush. A compromise was agreed upon, if the landowner would design the treatment to leave 20% of the sagebrush remaining and use a wildlife friendly seed mix instead of a cow chow mix (mainly Crested and pubescent wheatgrasses) we would allow them to use the chain harrow and provide the seed mix.

Allow two growing seasons for seeding to establish and then landowner is signed up for grazing management with the NRCS.