NER Aquatics UTV purchase
Project ID: 4031
Status: Cancelled
Fiscal Year: 2018
Submitted By: N/A
Project Manager: Bryan Engelbert
PM Agency: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
PM Office: Northeastern Region
Lead: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
WRI Region: Northeastern
Description:
Proposal to purchase Yamaha UTV for NER Aquatics staff to be used on aquatics sampling and habitat projects.
Location:
to be used throughout NER; may be used on special projects outside the region by DWR staff
Project Need
Need For Project:
NER Aquatics staff need to purchase a UTV to complete work plan actions in FY2018 and beyond. Staff currently uses one ranger for all project scouting, sampling, and especially habitat projects. Common areas we utilize this piece of equipment for scouting and sampling include 2-track roads to access streams in the Uinta Mountains, Sheep Creek Irrigation Canal on the North Slope (in advance of rotenone treatments), Timber Canyon, Avintaquin Creek drainage, Willow Creek (Strawberry), Strawberry River, West Fork Duchesne River, Bitter Creek drainage, and accessing and maintaining the Sheep Creek Lake feeder canal. In addition, this piece of equipment has been instrumental in many of our aquatics habitat activities, including accessing and implementing habitat projects on Sears Creek, Meadow Creek, Crouse Creek, and Lake Canyon. We've commonly used the ranger for hauling spawning gravel, large rock, and tree plantings/cuttings and have used it to access difficult areas with these materials on all above projects. This type of use has yielded excessive wear and tear on our current UTV, which was solely purchased with DWR aquatics funding; currently, we have over 2400 miles on our machine, of which I estimate 2/3 of use occurs with habitat projects. I also estimate that we use UTVs at least 80 days a year, which makes it beyond difficult to rent or borrow this piece of equipment. We have numerous habitat projects that we will continue working on for several years, with more possibilities always popping up. We are asking for a UTV, partially funded by habitat council, to be able to continue utilizing this type of valuable tool in our work. On many occasions, both machines will be taken on both fisheries scouting/assessment and habitat projects for access with appropriate manpower and hauling/towing capabilities. Additionally, other sections including law enforcement, conservation outreach, and wildlife have needed to borrow our UTV for outreach activities, law enforcement patrols, and wildlife roundups (bison, deer). We wish to continue fulfilling those requests. With this proposal, I am requesting a Yamaha make UTV; several mechanics have noted that the belt system is far superior to our current Polaris (we've been through several belts in only 3 years). The Yamaha has more hauling power, which would really come in handy for not stressing our machine out on a primary function of our equipment. The Yamaha also has a better built clutch, evident by our 'jumpy' machine. Last, we lack a reliable repair shop in Vernal to work on Polaris brand equipment. Our Yamaha shop is able to fix some of the issues with our machine but lacks expertise with many of the internal mechanics, and is not able to get most of the parts. Our Honda dealer does not work with the DWR. Thus, a Yamaha UTV is the ideal piece of equipment.
Objectives:
Purchase 2017 or 2018 Yamaha Viking 800 series, 3 seat UTV Add-ons/features needed include canopy cover, windshield, winch, power steering, appropriate off-road tires and rims
Project Location/Timing Justification (Why Here? Why Now?):
Without a UTV, our current machine will reach the end of its productive lifespan within 2-3 years. After this time period, this machine will become unreliable, meaning shorter trips, more costly breakdowns, stranded crews, safety issues, and down time where we cannot complete projects. Without a UTV, we will not be able to continue many of our field scouting activities, fisheries sampling activities, or aquatics habitat development, improvement or assessment activities. This will not only cause us to fall short of work plan activities, but cost the Division more money in loss of productivity and repair expenses. Current machine has numerous mechanical issues coming to light including driveshaft issues, bearing issues, clutch issues, and numerous noises that we cannot diagnose. While most issues have been minor, or I've been able to get around the issue (by borrowing another machine on occasion, driving 'limp', or rescheduling activity for a later time after repairs), use this fall made it transparent that we need another piece of equipment to share the load.
Relation To Management Plan:
Machine will commonly be used to fulfill obligations of the CONSERVATION STRATEGY FOR COLORADO RIVER CUTTHROAT TROUT, which details specific management actions and a plan for the species restoration. Equipment is needed for accessing remote areas to sample and restore CRCT.
Fire / Fuels:
N/A
Water Quality/Quantity:
N/A
Compliance:
N/A
Methods:
Purchase UTV for use on NER Aquatics sampling and habitat projects
Monitoring:
N/A
Partners:
Several partners have been on projects where we needed our machines for access (BLM, USFS), but otherwise no direct partner benefit.
Future Management:
UTV purchase is likely to allow us to operate without additional ATV's or UTV's for an additional 7-9 years, where we will likely need to surplus and replace our Polaris Ranger with a new piece of equipment, pending approval of this proposal
Sustainable Uses of Natural Resources:
We put at least 200 miles per year on our machine to survey for trespass cattle on WMA's. This monitoring and/or removal effort benefits the land and livestock from improper grazing.
Budget WRI/DWR Other Budget Total In-Kind Grand Total
$7,750.00 $7,750.00 $15,500.00 $0.00 $15,500.00
Item Description WRI Other In-Kind Year
Equipment Purchase Yamaha Viking UTV with power steering, rugged lug tires and rims, winch, windshield, passenger cover. 50/50 cost share between DWR Aquatics and habitat council $7750 from habitat council $7750 from DWR aquatics budget $7,750.00 $7,750.00 $0.00 2018
Funding WRI/DWR Other Funding Total In-Kind Grand Total
$7,750.00 $7,750.00 $15,500.00 $0.00 $15,500.00
Source Phase Description Amount Other In-Kind Year
Habitat Council Account 50/50 split cost share between habitat council account and DWR aquatics section $7,750.00 $7,750.00 $0.00 2018
Species
Species "N" Rank HIG/F Rank
American Beaver
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
American Bison N4 R2
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
American Pika N5
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Arctic Grayling R3
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Bighorn Sheep N4 R2
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Bluehead Sucker N4
Threat Impact
Channel Downcutting (indirect, unintentional) Low
Bluehead Sucker N4
Threat Impact
Data Gaps - Inadequate Understanding of Ecology and Life History NA
Bluehead Sucker N4
Threat Impact
Droughts Very High
Bluehead Sucker N4
Threat Impact
Improper Grazing – Livestock (current) Low
Bluehead Sucker N4
Threat Impact
Increasing Stream Temperatures Medium
Bluehead Sucker N4
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Brook Trout R4
Threat Impact
Rotenone Treatments for Fish Control High
Brook Trout R4
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Brown Trout R2
Threat Impact
Channelization / Bank Alteration (Direct, Intentional) Low
Brown Trout R2
Threat Impact
Disease – Alien Organisms Low
Brown Trout R2
Threat Impact
Improper Grazing – Livestock (current) High
Brown Trout R2
Threat Impact
Increasing stream temperatures High
Brown Trout R2
Threat Impact
Presence of Diversions Low
Brown Trout R2
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Channel Downcutting (indirect, unintentional) High
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Channelization / Bank Alteration (direct, intentional) Low
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Data Gaps - Uncertain Management / Conservation Unit NA
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Disease – Alien Organisms High
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Droughts High
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Fishing and Harvesting Aquatic Resources High
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Improper Grazing – Livestock (current) High
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Increasing Stream Temperatures High
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Invasive Wildlife Species - Non-native High
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Loss of Genetic Exchange / Inbreeding Low
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Small Isolated Populations Medium
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Storms and Flooding Medium
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Temperature Extremes High
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Unauthorized Species Introductions Medium
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout N2 R1
Threat Impact
Water Developments for Livestock Low
Domestic Livestock
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Elk R2
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Flannelmouth Sucker N3
Threat Impact
Channel Downcutting (indirect, unintentional) Low
Flannelmouth Sucker N3
Threat Impact
Channelization / Bank Alteration (direct, intentional) High
Flannelmouth Sucker N3
Threat Impact
Data Gaps - Inadequate Understanding of Ecology and Life History NA
Flannelmouth Sucker N3
Threat Impact
Droughts Very High
Flannelmouth Sucker N3
Threat Impact
Improper Grazing – Livestock (current) Low
Flannelmouth Sucker N3
Threat Impact
Increasing Stream Temperatures Medium
Flannelmouth Sucker N3
Threat Impact
Invasive Wildlife Species - Non-native Very High
Flannelmouth Sucker N3
Threat Impact
Presence of Diversions Very High
Flannelmouth Sucker N3
Threat Impact
Sediment Transport Imbalance Medium
Flannelmouth Sucker N3
Threat Impact
Storms and Flooding Medium
Flannelmouth Sucker N3
Threat Impact
Water Developments for Livestock Low
Flannelmouth Sucker N3
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Kokanee Salmon R3
Threat Impact
Disease – Alien Organisms Low
Kokanee Salmon R3
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Wild Turkey R1
Threat Impact
Droughts Medium
Wild Turkey R1
Threat Impact
Improper Grazing – Livestock (current) Low
Wild Turkey R1
Threat Impact
Storms and Flooding High
Wild Turkey R1
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Mountain Whitefish R1
Threat Impact
Disease – Alien Organisms Low
Mountain Whitefish R1
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Mule Deer R1
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Northern Leopard Frog N5
Threat Impact
Channel Downcutting (indirect, unintentional) Medium
Northern Leopard Frog N5
Threat Impact
Channelization / Bank Alteration (direct, intentional) Low
Northern Leopard Frog N5
Threat Impact
Disease – Alien Organisms Medium
Northern Leopard Frog N5
Threat Impact
Droughts High
Northern Leopard Frog N5
Threat Impact
Improper Grazing – Livestock (current) Low
Northern Leopard Frog N5
Threat Impact
Invasive Plant Species – Non-native Medium
Northern Leopard Frog N5
Threat Impact
Invasive Wildlife Species - Non-native High
Northern Leopard Frog N5
Threat Impact
Sediment Transport Imbalance Low
Northern Leopard Frog N5
Threat Impact
Soil Erosion / Loss Low
Northern Leopard Frog N5
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Rainbow Trout R5
Threat Impact
Disease – Alien Organisms High
Rainbow Trout R5
Threat Impact
Rotenone Treatments for Fish Control Low
Rainbow Trout R5
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Ring-necked Pheasant R3
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Tiger Trout R2
Threat Impact
Disease – Alien Organisms Low
Tiger Trout R2
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Golden Trout R3
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Habitats
Habitat
Aquatic-Forested
Threat Impact
Channel Downcutting (indirect, unintentional) High
Aquatic-Forested
Threat Impact
Channelization / Bank Alteration (direct, intentional) High
Aquatic-Forested
Threat Impact
Improper Grazing – Livestock (current) Medium
Aquatic-Forested
Threat Impact
Increasing Stream Temperatures Unknown
Aquatic-Forested
Threat Impact
Presence of Diversions Very High
Aquatic-Forested
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Aquatic-Scrub/Shrub
Threat Impact
Brush Eradication / Vegetation Treatments Medium
Aquatic-Scrub/Shrub
Threat Impact
Channel Downcutting (indirect, unintentional) High
Aquatic-Scrub/Shrub
Threat Impact
Channelization / Bank Alteration (direct, intentional) High
Aquatic-Scrub/Shrub
Threat Impact
Increasing stream temperatures Unknown
Aquatic-Scrub/Shrub
Threat Impact
Presence of Diversions Very High
Aquatic-Scrub/Shrub
Threat Impact
Sediment Transport Imbalance Medium
Aquatic-Scrub/Shrub
Threat Impact
Imperfect Understanding of Distribution or Range NA
Aquatic-Scrub/Shrub
Threat Impact
Not Listed NA
Project Comments
Comment 01/10/2017 Type: 1 Commenter: Miles Hanberg
Brian, please remove WRI from the title page list of funding sources. WRI does not fund equipment purchases. In general, Habitat Council does not fund many equipment purchases, especially ATV/UTV's, however, they may need ot review the project. Make sure you submit this as an enhancement item this year. I suppose you can leave HC as a funding source for now, but it will need to be sorted out through the enhancement process.
Comment 01/10/2017 Type: 1 Commenter: Alison Whittaker
I just went through all of these and made a few corrections. I am going to second what Miles said. Thanks.
Comment 01/13/2017 Type: 1 Commenter: Bryan Engelbert
Thanks Miles/Alison. Looks like Alison made the suggested changes to finance sources. I've reviewed all other facets of the document and am happy with it. I will follow through with an enhancement item request.
Completion
Start Date:
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FY Implemented:
Final Methods:
Project Narrative:
Future Management:
Map Features
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Project Map
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