There is a need for this project, so managers can have the ability to manage the wetland habitat. Silt deposition is an annual event, but in 2011 many channels experienced extreme siltation. These affected channels don't have the capacity to move much water currently. Because of the inability to move water, wetlands downstream are suffering and Phragmites is dominating the area. In addition to gaining the ability to manage the water, there will also be a huge benefit to nesting waterfowl and pheasants in this area. Currently, There aren't many available nesting sites adjacent to these channels.

The objectives of this project will be to clean the channels of silt. By cleaning the channels, managers will have the ability to manage the wetlands efficiently. The silt will be stacked along established dikes, so that wetlands aren't inadvertantly filled. The silt will then be leveled, disked and planted.

One threat that exists is that managers will continue to be unable to manage the water appropriately and the wetlands will become further degraded. Risks during the project include getting the machine stuck.

This project is related to the purpose of Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area as stated in the habitat management plan:To preserve, restore, and enhance both aquatic and terrestrial habitat for wildlife; increase wildlife populations to meet wildlife management objectives; conserve, protect, and recover sensitive wildlife species and their habitats; protect cultural resources; and provide for recreational opportunities that are compatible with the purpose of upland and wetland ecosystems. In relation to the WAP, Objective #1 for Sediment Transport Imbalance Opportunities are found and taken,to modify or remove reservoir infrastructure, or modify outflow management, to simulate or return natural sediment transport. This project meets this objective by removing sediment that has accumulated over the years and restores the channels to a more natural flow. Also in relation to WAP is Objective #2 for Droughts Aquatic SGCNs and key habitats persist on the landscape, despite increasing drought conditions. Drought conditions over the past several years has made it imperative that the WMA's have properly functioning water control structures and delivery channels to maximize water deliveries in order to maintain key wetland habitats. Actions that this project will address include; 2.3.6 Restore aquatic habitat complexity Also in relation to the WAP are: Invasive plant (Phragmites) dominance/presence is reduced or eliminated in locations or habitats where such an outcome is realistic (ecologically and economically).2.2.2 Survey and inventory established and new populations of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.3 Eradicate established populations of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.4 Contain established populations of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.9 Avoid establishment of new invasive/problematic species through education, planning, management, and/or regulation.

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The water quality won't be impacted, but the water quantity that can be moved in the channels will increase.

The archaeologist will be consulted for this project. However, the areas have already been disturbed in the past.

A 324 EL or 326 FL long reach hoe will be leased from whatever company has the state contract at the time of the project. This hoe will need to be leased for one month. One of the two waterfowl maintenance crew operators will operate the machine. Silt will be cleaned out of the channels and stacked on adjacent dikes or uplands. Once the silt is dried after a few months, one of the waterfowl maintenance crew operators will take a dozer and level the areas. After the areas are leveled WMA personnel will take the tractor and disk the areas and prepare them for seeding. A seed mix consisting of grasses and forbs will then be planted to provide nesting habitat for both waterfowl and pheasants.

The project will be monitored with photographs before, during and after the project.

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Future management will benefit from this project in the wetlands. The wetlands will become more productive as the water will be able to be managed more efficiently. The uplands will be monitored annually and any noxious weeds that establish will be sprayed with herbicide. The channels will also be monitored and may need to be cleaned again sometime in the future.

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