Wildlife water sources are in short supply on the Stansbury mountains for Big horn sheep, Mule deer and elk. Wildfires have damaged existing guzzers at Salt Mountain and Burnt springs and more water sources are needed to allow better distribution of big game on the mountain. The damaged guzzler tanks at Salt mountain and Burnt springs have been replaced with 1,800 gallon Boss tanks but are in need of additional water collection aprons to fill the tanks. One new Boss tank guzzler with apron will be built in the Timpie valley area on the north east end of the Stansbury mountains.

Provide perennial water for wildlife

Livestock using the water.

This project lies within the sagebrush-steppe type which is one of the key habitats identified in the WAP. This area is crucial winter and spring range for mule deer (Tier III). The area also supports a recently transplanted population of bighorn sheep. Numerous other species of concern (Tier III) also inhabit the area including neotropical birds and raptors. The proposed project will address some of the limiting factors and habitat management strategies outlined in the deer management plan for herd unit 18 (Oquirrh/Stansbury) including: Work toward long-term habitat protection, preservation and improvement through the use of agreements with federal and local agencies and the use of Conservation Easements on private lands; 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. 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……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. Constituency Goal: Achieve broad-based support for Division programs and budgets by demonstrating the value of wildlife to all citizens of Utah. Objective 2: improve communication with wildlife organizations, public officials, private landowners, and government agencies to obtain support for Division programs.

2 PMArchaeology, An Arch survey will be needed only at the new guzzler site at Timpie valley. , Mar 11 2015 / 6 NEPA, NA, Mar 11 2015

- Install 16 x 32 foot metal aprons at the Salt Mountain and Burnt Springs Boss tank guzzlers. These guzzlers have already had new boss tanks installed last year. The new aprons will help collect enough water to fill the tank. Fencing will be needed at Burnt spring. A 40' X 40' post and rail fence will be constructed around the guzzler if possible. A barbwire fence at minimum will be built to keep livestock from using the water. - Install a new Boss tank guzzler, metal apron and fencing on SITLA land in Timpie Valley.

Guzzlers will be inspected periodically to insure they operating correctly

These guzzlers areas are used by domestic livestock, BIg horn sheep, Mule deer and elk. Other wildlife will also be able to use these water sources.

02/02/2015

06/30/2015

2015

Installed 2 new Boss tank guzzlers with 16' X 32' metal aprons and perimeter fencing in the Timpie valley area on the north end of the Stansbury mountains (Timpie valley north and Timpie valley south). Also added 16' X 32" metal aprons on two Boss tank guzzlers on the west side of the Stansbury mountains (Salt mountain and Burnt springs). Added perimeter fencing to the Burnt springs guzzler and repaired the perimeter fence at Salt mountain.

The Salt mountain and Burnt springs guzzlers were burned in the Big Pole fire of 2009. The BLM replaced the 2 guzzlers with 1,800 gallon Boss tanks. However they did not have aprons so they did not collect enough water to keep them full all summer. The Cargill salt company provided money through a grant to purchase materials for this project. Cargill employees also built the 2 Timpie valley guzzlers. Mule Deer Foundation and Dedicated hunters provided the labor to build the other two aprons and fencing. The guzzlers collected some early July rain and had water available throughout the summer. Both Timpie valley guzzlers are being heavily used by deer and some big horn sheep.

The Timpie Valley guzzlers were placed on lands administered by SITLA. The area is grazed with cows during the spring. The Salt mountain and Burnt spring guzzlers are on BLM lands and are grazed as part of their allotments. No gate was installed on the fencing around the Salt mountain guzzler due to wild horses in the area.