Noxious weeds are present in sage grouse nesting/brood rearing habitat within the Strawberry SGMA and along the Strawberry River Restoration project. Efforts to reduce/stop this spread have been occurring, with mixed results. Recently, the USFS has approved the use of Milestone on their lands and we would like to take advantage of the more effective chemical to continue the effort of weed removal.

Eliminate weeds in sage grouse habitat within the Strawberry SGMA and in the Strawberry River Restoration projects.

Noxious weeds create a monoculture within the sagebrush community. Sage grouse need different sage brush stand structures during different stages in life. Noxious weeds replace grasses, forbs, and other plant species that are vital for sage grouse. Treatments are necessary to increase beneficial plant species in the treatment areas for nesting/brood-rearing.

2003 Land and Resource Management Plan for the Uinta NF. Sub-goal 2-17. Activities and vegetation management minimize or eliminate the occurrence of non-native pests (including noxious weeds) and epidemic episodes of native pests. Utah Conservation Plan for Greater Sage grouse. Goal: Protect, maintain, improve and enhance sage grouse populations and habitats within the established SGMAs. Rehabilitation Plan for Strawberry Valley Streams 1988 UDWR publication. Identifies the need to rehabilitate valley streams to: 1 increase natural reproduction and 2 enhance water quality. Environmental Assessment of plans to restore Strawberry Valley fishery 1988. UDWR publication. Management Plan identifies the need to produce 10 million cutthroat and kokanee fry from valley tributaries. Strawberry reservoir TMDL study 2005. Utah Division of Water Quality publication. Identifies Strawberry River as the having the greatest potential for P loading reductions to Strawberry Reservoir. Strawberry River Watershed Plan 2012. Utah Division of Water Quality publication. Calls for P reductions from Strawberry River to Strawberry Reservoir. Strawberry Watershed Restoration Report 2004. USFS publication. Management Plan calls for: 1. bank stabilization, 2. decreased water temperature, 3. increased woody vegetation, and 4. increase fish spawning habitat, on the Strawberry River. Strawberry Watershed Action Plan 2004. USFS publication. Identifies the following for Strawberry River Segment 2A, 2B (SRR Phase IV). This segment needs work to: 1. raise the water table; 2. stabilize stream banks through use of heavy equipment, 3. instream structures, and 4. willow/carex planting. Fish passage is a concern and the segment would be managed as "beaver free" (beaver fencing, relocation etc...). Range-wide Conservation Agreement for Bonneville cuthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki utah) UDWR Publication Number 00-19, December 2000. Boreal Toad (bufo boreas boreas) Conservation Plan 2005. UDWR publication. Identifies

The current fuels condition affected by weed spread in these areas are at a point where they can be controlled and knocked back. If weeds are allowed to spread, they will change the dynamics of the fire regime, creating an increase in fire behavior as well as spreading weeds. Limiting the ability for a properly functioning sage ecosystem and reducing the ability for nesting/brood-rearing should a fire occur.

Weeds out-compete native grasses, sedges and forbs. Preventing them from buffering streams from upland soil erosion events. Healthy, weed free riparian areas protect streams.

All legal permitting will be obtained, though none is expected as this is a maintenance issue.

With the varying level of weed infestations in the area, Milestone will be sprayed with the appropriate application method (broadcast, spot, aerial, etc.).

The Project area will be monitored for 3 years post project to evaluate effectiveness. Re-treatment will be undertaken, if needed.

Wasatch County is involved with the application of the herbicide. USFS identifies areas were the herbicide is needed, coordinates with the other partners, and applies the herbicide. UDWR helps with project planning and contract project.

Sage brush treatments (mowing/harrowing) will be conducted where applicable. Weed treatments will continue as needed. Grazing will still be allowed where it is currently in place. No other current management activities will change.

Yes. Removal of weeds promotes forage for livestock.

07/02/2018

08/01/2019

2020

The USFS weed crew was used to locate and spray weeds in Horse Creek, Trout Creek, and in the Strawberry River Restoration Project. Spot spray (using backpack spray and ATV equipment) was the method used mostly, but some broadcast spray and grubbing was also completed.

This project was created after discussions with multiple partners about improving nesting/brood-rearing habitat for sage grouse in the Strawberry Valley. Many areas have been invaded by noxious weeds, choking out preferred grasses, forbs, and shrubs. To prevent further spread of weeds while doing sage brush treatments, we decided to pre-treat these areas before future projects are proposed. The USFS did not invoice DWR for this work until August 2019 (FY20). All work was completed in FY19.

The USFS will continue to monitor the area for weeds and weed treatments will continue, as needed. To improve sage grouse nesting and brood-rearing habitats, these areas will be accessed and treatments will be proposed where appropriate. Grazing will still be allowed where it is currently in place.