Pelican Lake is experiencing sedimentation issues and has been for some time now. Engineering estimates show as much as 900,000 cubic yards of materials have been deposited into the inlet area creating a massive area of sediment deposit. Sedimentation at this rate, if not addressed, could leave us with a a bulrush filled wet meadow instead of a lake. This issues could obviously be detrimental to a fishery and also irrigation storage water for surrounding ranches and farms. If we don't find a way to slow and remove the sediment before it enters the lake we risk not having a fishery in the future. It should also be noted that in FY 2017 & 2018 both DEQ and Habitat Council provided funding to address permitting needs, complete engineering & design and easement acquirement for the above mentioned project phases. Total investment in this projects success to date is $132,000.00 between both parties. This project is seeking funding to begin construction for either the sediment catch basin or the canal stabilization and restoration. Both projects are key to successful sediment reduction and either one of them could be considered for completion in FY2019.

1) Obtain funding to construct sediment catchment basin and all structures on the canal associated with this part of the project in FY 2019 1a)Hire contractor and/or utilize UDWR HE crew to construct sediment catch basin and concrete structures to divert water from canal into the basin then back to canal. 1b)Bring this structure online and functional by June of 2019 to begin sediment reduction. 2) Obtain funding to conduct restoration work on the 1.5 miles of canal directly above Pelican Lake which is contributing major sediment loads into the lake in FY 2020 3) Obtain funding to complete the biolfilter/wetland complex at the mouth of Pelican Lake to catch and slow remaining sediment from the canal system in FY2021 4) Construct as many of these projects as possible in FY 2019- FY 2021 utilizing funds from multiple agency and funding sources. 5) Continue to apply for PL83-566, RCPP and Non-point source funding in conjunction with WRI funds for this projects completion.

1)Pelican as a viable fishery depends on this projects success. The risk of entirely loosing this valuable warm water fishery exists if we don't address these issues in the near future. Pelican Lake use to be a world-class bluegill fishery growing 2 pound bluegill and producing high quality largemouth bass. Current water clarity conditions and aquatic macrophyte loss due to sediment and carp invasions are severely impacting these species. 2)Besides the fishery itself, UDWR and Ouray Park Irrigation company are loosing the ability to store water and maintain the needed C-pool in Pelican Lake. Agriculture is a major industry which surrounds Pelican Lake and heavily relies on stored water to irrigate crops.

Directly related to the Pelican Lake Management Plan Goal #1 Improve water quality at Pelican Lake, Objective #2 Reduce sediment deposition into Pelican Lake. Also applicable to the Pelican lake watershed plan (draft 2017) funded by DEQ

UDWR is working with private land owners and the BLM to identify areas of fuels reduction in and around Pelican Lake to positively impact fish and wildlife habitat while reducing the fuel load of dead and decaying bulrush which surrounds the outside perimeter of the lake. We are working to reduce fuels by controlled burn on a rotational basis. This sediment reduction project is tied into the entire Pelican Lake Restoration project in which fuels reduction is being addressed.

This project is aimed to improve water quality and help regain or maintain C-Pool levels at Pelican Lake No water rights acquisitions or adjustments need to be made by UDWR for completion of this project.

No federal involvement required for sediment catch basin construction. Canal work falls under maintenance exemption under 404 permitting. Wetland complex and biofilter creation will be working with BOR as BLM deferred to BOR for conducting this work. Anticipated start date on Phase III is FY 2021 Wetland Delineation and ARCH are complete with Irrigation company as easement owners and private landowner MOU's in the works. T&E species surveys (Utes Ladies Tresses) conducted by BOR in 2016 with no suitable habitat in project area.

1)Obtain funding to construct the above mentioned sediment reductions structures. 2)Work with DFCM to hire contractors to complete construction of one, two or all three phases of the project and/or utilize UDWR heavy equipment crew to complete construction of project phases.

1)Operation and maintenance schedules/assignments between UDWR, Private land owners and Irrigation Company will need to be developed with engineering firm to ensure sediment is removed as needed and structures properly function. 2) UDWR would like to develop a longer term monitoring plan for determining sediment load reductions within Pelican Lake. We will need to work with engineering firm and irrigation company to develop monitoring plans (photo points, samples etc) 3)UDWR will also continue to conduct pre-sediment reduction and post- sediment reduction monitoring for both largemouth bass and bluegill.

Ouray Park Irrigation Company, Private Landowners directly around Pelican Lake and DEQ have all been identified as partners....but we could still use more assistance. Both of the above mentioned partners have been actively participating in planning and design talks and are engaged in helping UDWR find solutions to this sedimentation problem.

In conjunction with Pelican Lake Fisheries Management Plan, we will work with Ouray Park Irrigation company and private land owners to assist with long term maintence of the above mentioned structures as deemed necessary. It will take a few water cycles and rain events to know exactly how maintence will look (especially for the sediment catch basin). UDWR will also develop cooperative agreements with needed entities to ensure long term management of the structures as needed.

Large cattle ranches utilize the lands bordering the canal system in which phase II of this project addresses. As we work to stabilize and reduce sediment loads along the 1.5 miles of canal system we can design and construct cattle watering areas which benefit ranchers while keep banks stable and away from erosion. Private lands and a BLM grazing allotments exist along the project area and near the inlet of Pelican Lake. Creation of the biofilter and wetland complex will also include watering areas for cattle.