Aspen restoration at this scale on Monroe Mountain will help improve and maintain population viability for a variety of wildlife species (elk, deer, raptors, neo-tropical migratory birds, small game, insects, etc Purpose and Need for Action (Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project). The purpose of this project is to restore aspen ecosystems on Monroe Mountain by achieving the desired conditions described in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). To help accomplish this purpose, the District has identified a need to (1) address the conifer encroachment that occurs due to the reduced occurrence of wildland fire primarily due to an increase in wildland fire suppression, and (2) address aspen overbrowsing by domestic and wild ungulates. These are two of the primary underlying causes for aspen decline on Monroe Mountain. Restoring aspen communities on Monroe Mountain would result in multiple benefits, which include but are not limited to: 1. Improving and increasing the amount of habitat for wildlife species dependent upon aspen ecosystems (i.e., mule deer, elk, and Northern goshawk); 2. Improving and increasing the amount of habitat and forage for domestic ungulates (i.e., cattle and sheep); 3. Improving native species diversity; 4. Reducing hazardous fuel accumulations; 5. Reducing the risk for large-scale, intense wildland fires. This results in lower risk to the safety of the public and firefighters. This also results in lower risk to sensitive wildlife species (i.e. Northern goshawk, Western Boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas), and Bonneville cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki utah)); and, 6. Increasing the probability that future naturally caused fires can be managed (if possible, not suppressed) and allowed to play the greatest feasible natural role in the aspen ecosystems on Monroe Mountain (USFS 2001).

Improve aspen stands by removing competing conifer and initiating aspen regeneration. Objectives will be met by using mechanical thinning treatments to remove conifers from seral and stable aspen stands while also retaining as much of the existing aspen as possible. To access the conifer, some incidental cutting of aspen may occur. Prescribed fire treatments will be implemented utilizing aerial and/or hand ignition techniques targeting spruce/fir, mixed conifer, and seral aspen with mosaic burn patterns and mixed burn severities as an objective. To maintain Fishlake Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) compliance, prescribed fire will occur when 60 percent of the area will be expected to burn leaving 40 percent of the area unburned. In response to aspen overbrowsing, aspen in the project area will be monitored. Browse thresholds have been established. Adaptive management response options have been developed. Short-term temporary adjustments in livestock/wildlife management may be needed to ensure new aspen regeneration successfully recruits (reaches greater than 6 feet height). Wildlife Benefit: The intent of this project is to create age class diversity in the aspen ecosystems on Monroe Mountain and create a more sustainable aspen landscape over time. Implementation of this project will increase habitat effectiveness for many wildlife species. This project will help introduce species diversity back into the Monroe Mountain area. A mosaic design is part of the implementation strategy to create a pattern of treated and un-treated acres that will create an increase of biodiversity. Habitat fragmentation should not be an issue for wildlife as care has been taken to have leave areas, old growth areas, and treatment areas in good juxtaposition across the landscape to promote species diversity. Species (elk and deer) that favor early serial communities and early serial vegetation species will benefit from this project. This project will provide increases in habitat effectiveness and benefit species such as ungulates. Mosaic patterns created by the project will distribute ungulate herbivory across the landscape minimizing overuse to current key areas and allow newly treated areas to have favorable responses to treatments.There will be some short-term (3-5 years) temporary impacts to plant and animal uses of these areas during the implementation phase of the project; however, the overall outcome will provide much needed plant species diversity across the landscape that will last well into the future. Small game and upland game will ultimately see an increased benefit over time as the project areas develop into a maturing forest. Mosaic patterns of a 60/40 take/leave pattern is designed into the project to provide a mosaic pattern of age class diversity and maintain goshawk foraging areas.

If left untreated a continued decline in aspen is expected. With a decline in aspen, ungulates will continue to be negatively impacted. As conifer continues to increase, and aspen decreases, the amount of usable forage for ungulates will decrease. As conifers continue to increase, the risk for large uncharacteristic/catastrophic wildfires will also continue to increase. This results in health and public safety issues. Habitat for sensitive species such as the Northern goshawk and Flammulated owl are currently at risk from catastrophic high severity wildfire. Implementation of this project reduces the risk of wildfires impacting these sensitive species. Design criteria are also included to help minimize short-term impacts to these species. The greatest threat/risk to the aspen ecosystems post treatment is the browse pressure from both wild and domestic ungulates. To aid attainment of at least 1,000 to 2,000 aspen saplings per acre and 400 to 600 aspen recruits per acre in areas where mechanical and/or prescribed fire treatments are to occur, browse thresholds and adaptive management response options have been developed and will be implemented. For more information about browse thresholds and response options, please see the attached Final Record of Decision.

I. This action responds to the goals and objectives outlined in the Fishlake Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP). The desired conditions described in the EIS and the purpose and need for this project are consistent with the Forest's goals, the objectives found in chapter IV of the LRMP, and the Utah Fire Amendment (USFS 2001). The proposed treatment units are within management areas 2B -- Rural and Roaded Natural Recreation; 4A -- Fish Habitat Improvement; 4B -- Habitat for Management Indicator Species; 5A -- Big Game Winter Range - Non-forested; 6B -- Intensive Livestock Management; 7B -- Wood-Fiber Production - Genetics; and 9F -- Improved Watershed. The relevant goals and objectives are listed below: 1. Ecosystems are restored and maintained, consistent with land uses and historic fire regimes, through wildland fire use and prescribed fire (Utah Fire Amendment, pg. A-40). 2. Manage forest cover types to provide variety in stand sizes shape, crown closure, edge contrast, age structure and interspersion (LRMP p. IV-99). 3. Prescribed fire is authorized forest-wide (Utah Fire Amendment, pg. A-41). 4. Use prescribed fire to reduce fuel buildup and meet resource objectives (LRMP p. IV-5). 5. Reduce hazardous fuels; the full range of reduction methods is authorized, consistent with forest and MA emphasis and direction (Utah Fire Amendment, pg. A-41). 6. Identify and improve habitat for sensitive, threatened, and endangered species including participation in recovery efforts for both plants and animals (LRMP IV-4). 7. Improve or maintain the quality of habitat on big game winter ranges (LRMP IV-4). 8. Maintain structural diversity of vegetation on management areas dominated by forested ecosystems (LRMP IV-11). 9. Manage aspen for retention where needed for wildlife, watershed, or esthetic purposes (LRMP IV-11). 10. Manage seral aspen stands for a diversity of age classes (LRMP IV-11). 11. Manage aspen to perpetuate the species and improve quality (LRMP IV-4). 12. Provide wood fiber while maintaining or improving other resource values LRMP IV-4). 13. Improve timber age class distribution and maintain species diversity (LRMP IV-4). 14. Manage tree stands using both commercial and noncommercial methods. Enhance visual quality, diversity, and insect and disease control (LRMP IV-62 and IV-84d). 15. Maintain and manage forested inclusions to provide a high level of forage production, wildlife habitat, and diversity (LRMP IV-112). 16. The area would have a mosaic of fully stocked stands that follow natural patterns and avoid straight lines and geometric shapes (LRMP IV-113). 17. Prevent and control insect infestation and disease (LRMP IV-5) 18. Move toward historic fire regimes in these vegetation types on Monroe Mountain. II. The decision is consistent with the Fishlake National Forest Fire Management Plan in restoring fire adapted ecosystems. III. This project is also consistent with the "Guidelines for Aspen Restoration on the National Forests in Utah" publication developed by the Utah Forest Restoration Working Group. IV. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Elk Management This project will help introduce species diversity back into the Monroe Mountain area. A mosaic design is part of the implementation strategy to create a pattern of treated and un-treated acres that will create an increase of biodiversity. Habitat fragmentation should not be an issue for wildlife as care has been taken to have leave areas, old growth areas, and treatment areas in good juxtaposition across the landscape to promote species diversity. Implementation of this project will benefit those species that favor early serial communities and early serial vegetation (elk). This project will provide increases in habitat effectiveness and benefit species such as ungulates. Mosaic patterns created by the project will distribute ungulate herbivory across the landscape minimizing overuse to current key areas and allow newly treated areas to have favorable responses to treatments. There will be some short-term (3-5 years) temporary impacts to plant and animal uses of these areas during the implementation phase of the project; however, the overall outcome will provide much needed plant species diversity across the landscape that will last well into the future. Increased vegetation through implementation of this project that will be created through primary succession methods will greatly benefit elk. V. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Mule Deer Management Plan This project will help introduce species diversity back into the Monroe Mountain area. A mosaic design is part of the implementation strategy to create a pattern of treated and un-treated acres that will create an increase of biodiversity. Habitat fragmentation should not be an issue for wildlife as care has been taken to have leave areas, old growth areas, and treatment areas in good juxtaposition across the landscape to promote species diversity. Implementation of this project will benefit those species that favor early serial communities and early serial vegetation (deer). This project will provide increases in habitat effectiveness and benefit species such as ungulates. Mosaic patterns created by the project will distribute ungulate herbivory across the landscape minimizing overuse to current key areas and allow newly treated areas to have favorable responses to treatments. There will be some short-term (3-5 years) temporary impacts to plant and animal uses of these areas during the implementation phase of the project; however, the overall outcome will provide much needed plant species diversity across the landscape that will last well into the future. Increased vegetation through implementation of this project that will be created through primary succession methods will greatly benefit mule deer. VI. The northern goshawk in Utah: habitat assessment and management recommendations. In Forest Plan direction for the Northern goshawk, forest vegetation structural stage classes are discussed and how they relate to preference by goshawk for nesting, post fledgling family areas, or rearing and teaching of young and foraging. Careful consideration has been given to Northern goshawk territories found within the project boundaries. Territories will be part of the mosaic pattern designed as "leave" areas for prescribed burn and mechanical treatments. Creating age class diversity through the implementation of this project will ensure future habitat as well as habitat for prey used by goshawk is maintained. VII. Grazing Allotment Plans for 10 different allotments with the overall project boundaries. The amount of forage available to livestock is expected to increase significantly as a result of this project. With the removal of conifer the amount of grasses and forbs in the aspen understory is also expected to increase significantly. With increased forage ungulate distribution is expected to improve. Many areas that are currently unproductive due to overgrowth will soon become desirable for future uses by ungulates. Browse pressure from both domestic livestock and wild ungulates is a concern with the implementation of this project. The District will ensure the resting of treatment areas, herding, and electric fences are incorporated into Annual Operating Instructions. These actions will help ensure that permittees are in the communication loop and will give them enough time to plan for the resources they need to continue their operations. Impacts to permittees will be minimized by the use of herding and temporary electric fences so that treatment areas and/or stable aspen stands can be rested while non-treatment areas can continue to be grazed. Continued livestock grazing in the non-treatment areas is subject to the Fishlake National Forest forage utilization standards and guidelines. Annual monitoring and enforcement of these standards and guidelines will continue. VIII. Utah Wild Turkey Management Plan Newly treated areas through fire or mechanical means will attract use by wild turkey which are abundant on Monroe Mountain. Insects and new growth will be readily available to support turkey populations. IX. UDWR Wildlife Action Plan This project is geared toward meeting the goals found within this plan for a variety of wildlife species from large to small. The entire proposed project area is found within a UWRI conservation focus area. X. The project is in line with the State's Wildlife Action Plan in that it directly benefits lentic water, lotic water, mountain riparian, and wet meadow habitats. It further directly benefits Bonneville cutthroat trout and boreal toad.

The Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project treatments would be implemented to effectively restore resilient, fire-adapted aspen ecosystems on a landscape-scale by moving the stands toward properly functioning condition in terms of composition (species diversity) and density (crown spacing and fuel loading). In addition the treatments would improve structural diversity, promote aspen regeneration and recruitment, reduce the hazardous fuel loading, and reduce the continuity of fuels across the Monroe Mountain landscape; thus mitigating the risks and damage associated with a high intensity, high severity, uncharacteristic/catastrophic wildfire and where appropriate, expand opportunities to manage fire for resource benefits and meet Fishlake Land and Resource Management Plan objectives. The risk for catastrophic wildfire would be reduced adding a layer of protection from such events to adjacent landowners, homes/structures and Forest Service owned improvements. High value areas include the Manning Meadows and Monroe Meadows communities that are approx. 2-4 miles to the north of the Phase1 planned implementation. Other high value areas include Maglebys, Bagley Ranch, and Foremans property all of which are also located north of the planned phase 1 implementation. The dominant southwest wind flow in conjunction with associated fire behavior and long distance spotting expected from the conifer fuel type pose significant wildland fire risk to these values. Cross-boundary hazardous fuels treatments in high priority areas are occurring in conjunction with the State of Utah Forestry, Fire, and State Lands to reduce the likelihood of adverse fire impacts to communities located on Monroe Mountain. Values at risk and resource concerns: * WUI involving Private Property with structures directly adjacent to the project area and scattered across the Monroe Mountain. * Priority wildlife habitat: Goshawks, Flammulated owls, and Boreal toad within and adjacent to project areas identified high crown fire potentials due to crown connectivity. * If untreated- continued decline in aspen. * If untreated- uncharacteristic high intensity/severity fire effects

Project treatments will result in short to moderate term impacts to water quality, but project design features will prevent long-term degradation. Project treatments will considerably lessen the risk of catastrophic large-scale high severity fires that could result in long-term watershed degradation. By maintaining watershed function, long-term water quality will be maintained or enhanced. By removing conifer it is anticipated that water quantity will be enhanced (seeps, springs, bogs--improved). Due to concerns for high value/sensitive aquatic species, aquatic monitoring is incorporated into the project design. This will document baseline conditions and help assess project effects and watershed recovery, ensuring aquatic species are maintained and enhancing the ability to plan future large-scale watershed restoration programs. As documented in the Final Record of Decision, this project is compliant with the Clean Water Act.

The National Environmental Policy Act requires Federal agencies to consider and disclose the effects of proposed actions that significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Final Record of Decision analyzes the alternatives and displays the effects in conformance with the Act (40 CFR 1500 to 1508 and FSH 1909.15). The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) documents the analysis of environmental effects associated with a suite of restoration treatments on approximately 47,274 acres of National Forest System (NFS) lands. The Final Record of Decision (ROD) documents issues presented from public and stakeholders, and local collaborative efforts; in conjunction with the analysis of five alternatives, including a no action alternative. It presents the decision along with rationale and alternatives considered in reaching the decision. Based on the Biological Assessments/Specialist Reports that were completed for this project, this decision is compliant with the legal requirements set forth under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1536 9c)). This decision will not adversely affect any Threatened, Endangered, Proposed or Candidate species or habitat that has been determined to be critical under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project Wildlife Specialist Report considered impacts to migratory birds to be in compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act requirements and executive order 13186 through the process and intent of the National Memorandum of Understanding and the Utah Strategy, developed between the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Wildlife Specialist Report determined that no adverse impacts to migratory birds' resources are expected as a result of implementing this project. Based on the Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project Wildlife Specialist Report, implementation of the action alternatives would impact perching and roosting habitat for bald and golden eagles in varying degrees but would not impact the two species adversely by modifying any one of the primarily habitat components necessary for persistence of the two species on the Fishlake National Forest. Several design features will be implemented as part of this project. In summary, based on the Wildlife Specialist Report, this project consistent with the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. As described in the Air Quality Specialist Report, in the short term there will be air quality impacts during implementation of this decision; however, National Ambient Air Quality Standards will not be exceeded. In the long term, there will be less fuel and a lower emission potential once an area has received a prescribed burn.The burn plans are reviewed and each ignition is approved through the Utah State Smoke Management Plan, as described in Utah Rule 307-204. This decision will meet the Utah State Smoke Management Plan requirements and therefore comply with the Clean Air Act. Based on the Hydrology/Soils Specialist Report, implementation of this decision is in compliance with the Clean Water Act. The Hydrology/Soils Specialist Report determined that implementation of the action alternatives and this decision is in compliance with Flood Plains and Executive Order 11988. The Hydrology/Soils Specialist Report determined that implementation of the action alternatives and this decision is in compliance with Wetlands and Executive Order 11990. The Forest Archaeologist determined that no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to cultural/heritage resources, as a result of implementing the action alternatives would be expected to occur. A letter from the Utah State Historic Preservation Office also concluded this project would have no effect on any known cultural resources eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Native American tribes were contacted and they expressed no concerns about this project. Based on this information, this project is in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. This decision is in compliance with Executive Order 12898 because based on public comments there is no indication that this project would adversely or disproportionately affect American Indians, other racial minorities, or low-income groups. Based on all the collaboration that has occurred for this project, this decision is in compliance with the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Act.

Treatment methods will include mechanical, hand thinning and piling of approx. 500 acres of conifer from seral and stable aspen stands, along with prescribed burn preparation and implementation on approx. 200 acres of seral and stable aspen stands. These mechanical, hand thinning/piling/ prescribed fire preparation treatment methods will be accomplished by force account utilizing 3 tracked bobcat skid steer loaders (2 bobcats owned by the Richfield Ranger District presently) with appropriate forestry attachments and contract services. Prescribed fire implementation will be accomplished utilizing both force account, and inter-agency resources. The mechanical thinning, hand thinning, piling and prescribed fire preparation will be completed the summer/fall of 2016. The prescribed fire will then be applied the following spring of 2017. During the summer/fall of 2016 a seasonal Forest Service Timber Crew will complete the layout, marking, and surveys of aspen, mixed conifer and spruce fir stands on approximately 1500 acres in preparation for a timber sale/ thinning contract to be awarded for the following summer of 2017. As a part of this project, the District is required to monitor boreal toads and associated aquatic habitat before, during, and after project implementation. Monitoring will be done to ensure project design features are implemented as designed, work as intended and are effective, and that site-specific findings of toad use areas, timing, etc. are incorporated into implementation actions. This monitoring will help ensure that boreal toad impacts are minimized. Monitoring will also include breeding site monitoring to document use and relative densities of populations. A seasonal employee will conduct the mandatory boreal toad monitoring starting with PIT tagging and associated surveys. This individual will work with volunteers and other Forest Service seasonals on aquatic stream monitoring.

Approximately 120 to 140 long-term aspen transects will be used to monitor status and trend of aspen following implementation. Monitoring would be in conjunction and coordinated with aspen monitoring/research currently being done on Monroe Mountain by Dr. Sam St. Clair from Brigham Young University. Monitoring will address aspen regeneration/recruitment and understory conditions. Approximately 60 of these transects have already been established and are currently being monitored. To compliment this monitoring, 11 exclosures will be built at various locations across Monroe Mountain; two of which have already been constructed. See Final Record of Decision for additional information about monitoring. As a part of this project, the District will monitor boreal toads before, during, and after project implementation. Monitoring will be done to ensure project design features are implemented as designed, work as intended and are effective, and that site-specific findings of toad use areas, timing, etc. are incorporated into implementation actions. This monitoring will help ensure that boreal toad impacts are minimized. Monitoring will also include breeding site monitoring to document use and relative densities of populations. The Aquatics Final Monitoring Plan in the Aquatic Specialist Report for Sensitive and MIS Aquatic Species for the Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project (Whelan 2015a) discusses the monitoring plan in detail. The monitoring plan includes project objectives of determining changes in toad use areas, chytrid fungus infection rates/changes, finding key concentration areas such as breeding sites and hibernacula that will be buffered/protected, determining boreal toad use of areas planned for treatment, comparing toad use of treated versus untreated habitat, and (to the extent possible) determining population size and survival data. Aquatic Invasive Species control measures and annual reporting requirements are included as part of the monitoring plan. In addition, the District will monitor fish populations, streamflow, water turbidity, basic water chemistry, and aquatic macroinvertebrates one time before treatments are implemented if they have not been monitored in the last five years. Fish populations, streamflow, water turbidity, basic water chemistry, and aquatic macroinvertebrates will also be monitored immediately following project implementation and one final time three to five years following project implementation. Lake water quality (basic water chemistry, nutrient levels, and secchi disk depths) will also be monitored from fish supporting lakes in the project area before project implementation in that watershed, during project implementation, and three to five years following project implementation. Monitoring will be conducted monthly during the summer season from approximately May/June through Sept/October. The District will repeat hydrological channel monitoring stations (cross-sections, longitudinal profiles, and photo points) that were established in or about 2001 on Manning Creek, Barney Creek, Dry Canyon, and Koosharem Creek. These stations will be resampled one time before treatments are implemented, immediately following project implementation, and a final time three to five years following project implementation. Throughout implementation of this project elk, deer, owls and goshawks will also continue to be monitored annually. Invasive and noxious weeds are not known to occur in the treatment areas; however, treatment areas will be monitored post-implementation. If noxious and/or invasive weeds are detected, the District will take the appropriate actions to control spread and eliminate the noxious and/or invasive weeds from the treatment areas.

The Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystem Restoration Project is a result of several years of planning and collaboration among interested parties, groups and organizations, and Federal, State and local government agencies. In January 2010, the Utah Forest Aspen Restoration Working Group (UFRWG) finalized the 2010 Guidelines for Aspen Restoration on the National Forests in Utah (UFRWG 2010). As part of this effort, the UFRWG submitted a call for project proposals that could effectively test the newly created guidelines. The Fishlake National Forest submitted the Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project to the UFRWG for their consideration. The proposal was accepted and in April 2011, the UFRWG created the Monroe Mountain Working Group (MMWG) to provide recommendations and feedback to the District as the project was being developed. Since its inception, the District has met with the MMWG almost monthly since May 2011. These meetings were open to the public to provide information, ask and answer questions and discuss the proposed action and alternatives. The MMWG consist of the following stakeholders: Utah Cattlemen's Association; Utah Woolgrowers Association; Utah State University Extension; Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife; Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; Trout Unlimited; Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR); Piute County Commission; Sevier County Commission; Utah Department of Agriculture and Food; Utah Farm Bureau; Rocky Mountain Research Station; Grand Canyon Trust; Western Aspen Alliance; and Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. Utah Department of Wildlife Resources was a cooperating agency for the Monroe Aspen EIS and Final Record of Decision.

Treatment sequencing is primarily based on the current distribution of wild browsers on Monroe Mountain. Mechanical and prescribed fire treatments will begin in the southerly portion of the project area where visually, current browse pressures on aspen appear to be less than the northerly and central portions of the project area. Following treatments in area 1, treatments in the northerly portion of the project will likely be conducted. Browse pressures in the north appear to be higher than what is occurring in the south, but less than the central portion of the project area. Following treatments in areas 1 and 2, treatments in the central portion of the project area will likely be initiated next. By generally sequencing the project in this order, browse pressure may be more directed away from newly treated areas; this is expected to increase the probability of regenerating aspen to reach 6 feet tall after treatment. Mechanical treatments will occur in areas adjacent to private lands, areas adjacent to Northern goshawk territories, and areas within/adjacent to boreal toad and Bonneville cutthroat trout habitat. These aspen, spruce/fir, and mixed conifer areas will be mechanically treated first within each sequence area (areas 1, 2, and 3). Implementing these mechanical treatments first will help reduce the risk of impacts from prescribed fire to private property, Northern goshawk, boreal toad, and Bonneville cutthroat trout. Aspen browse thresholds and adaptive management response options have been developed and will be implemented to help ensure new regenerating aspen successfully recruit (become 6 feet or taller). To assist this effort, extensive aspen monitoring by Dr. Sam St. Clair is being accomplished. Invasive and noxious weeds are not known to occur in the treatment areas; however, treatment areas will be monitored post-implementation. If noxious and/or invasive weeds are detected, the District will take the appropriate actions to control spread and eliminate the noxious and/or invasive weeds from the treatment areas. Implementation of this project will reduce the risk of catastrophic high severity wildland fire; thus reducing the risk to the public and firefighters. This also reduces the risk to private property. Health and public safety is improved. With this reduced risk, future management of naturally caused fires may be possible to allow fire to play greatest feasible natural role in the environment. As habitat is improved for ungulates (deer, elk, cattle, sheep) and additional forage becomes available, the Fishlake National Forest expects the flexibility and management of ungulates will improve; hopefully with less controversy. Maintaining healthy populations of wildlife while also responding to the needs of livestock permittees is expected to become easier.

Aspen ecosystems are rich in number and species of animals, especially in comparison to associated coniferous forest types. The high value of the aspen ecosystem type as a forage resource for livestock and as forage and cover for wildlife increases with the implementation of this project. Through both the mechanical thinning and prescribed fire treatments, conifer encroachment is addressed and aspen regeneration/recruitment is promoted. This in return moves aspen ecosystems on the Monroe Mountain on a trajectory toward accomplishing desired conditions thus improving aspen ecosystems. The amount of forage available to livestock is expected to increase significantly as a result of this project. With the removal of conifer the amount of usable grasses and forbs in the aspen understory is also expected to increase significantly. With increased forage ungulate distribution is expected to improve. Many areas that are currently unproductive due to overgrowth will soon become desirable for future uses by ungulates. Browse pressure from both domestic livestock and wild ungulates is a concern with the implementation of this project. The District will ensure the temporary resting of treatment areas, herding, and electric fences are incorporated into Annual Operating Instructions. These actions will help ensure that permittees are in the communication loop and will give them enough time to plan for the resources they need to continue their operations. Impacts to permittees will be minimized by the use of herding and temporary electric fences so that treatment areas and/or stable aspen stands can be rested while non-treatment areas can continue to be grazed. Continued livestock grazing in the non-treatment areas is subject to the Fishlake National Forest forage utilization standards and guidelines. Annual monitoring and enforcement of these standards and guidelines will continue. The Forest will be responsible for installing and maintaining the temporary electric fences. If browse thresholds are reached, a suite of adaptive management response options will be implemented; as described in the Final Record of Decision. The browse thresholds and response options are included in this project to ensure an adequate amount of aspen regeneration successfully recruits thus moving toward desired conditions that benefit domestic livestock.

06/13/2016

01/02/2018

2018

Treatment during phase 1 of this project included approx. 300 acres of prescribed fire treatment of mixed conifer/aspen where 60% of the area was burned and approx. 40% of the area was not burned. Prescribed fire was implemented utilizing both aerial PSD and hand ignition. The prescribed fire treatments were completed early June 2016 utilizing both Forest Service and BLM fire fighting engines. Aerial ignition was completed utilizing call when need forest service contract helicopters. Approx.900 acres of seral aspen stands were non commercially mechanically thinned of 95-100% of all conifer. This was completed by contract services that utilized a feller buncher and a skidder along with forest service owned skid steer loaders with forestry attachments. Cut conifer was consolidated into piles for future burning. This mechanical treatment was completed throughout the summers of 2016 and 2017. Timber crews surveyed and marked approx. 750 acres during the summer of 2016 that will be ready for a commercial timber sale/thinning within the next year.

The Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystem Restoration Project is a ~47,000 acre multiple phase project that will be implemented over the next 10+ years. This was the first phase of implementation on this project and phase 2 is currently being implemented. This phase of the project included a combination of mechanical treatments and prescribed fire. Timber crews began surveying and marking timber for future timber sales. Aspen, Range, and Boreal Toad monitoring occurred and will continue through project implementation. The primary activity under Phase 1 of the Monroe aquatics monitoring program was amphibian surveys. Conducted limited water quality sampling on 7 Monroe Mountain lakes or reservoirs -- Lower and Upper Box Creek reservoirs, Barney Lake, Manning Meadow Reservoir, Big Lake, Anabella Lake, and Deep Lake. Aquatics monitoring plans for 2018 have been updated and revised in consideration of some of the monitoring findings and developments from summer 2016 and 2017 and meetings with UDWR in March and October of 2017. (See full Aquatics Monitoring Summary in the attached documents section.)

Future management includes continued aspen and boreal toad monitoring pre, during and treatment throughout entire project implementation with an adaptive management approach to assure project success. Range will continue to coordinate with local permittees and complete required grazing monitoring, Timber crew inventoried areas will be processed for future commercial timber sale of 750 acres in the next year. Piled activity fuels from this phase implementation will be burned in 1-2 years as piles dry and cure out. Two follow-up meetings were held between the US Forest Service and UDWR personnel in fall 2017 to discuss habitat and management concerns noted during field sampling and boreal toad monitoring actions and results. These meetings helped develop 2018 monitoring plans, a plan to move forward with some experimental/temporary habitat protections, other potential boreal toad habitat improvements, and augmentation measures should boreal toad breeding be found in future project phases.