The Scott Matheson Wetland Preserve (the preserve) has the potential to benefit several native, sensitive, endangered fish, and waterfowl that require habitat restoration. Valdez and Nelson (2006) identified the 64 miles of Colorado River between Moab and the confluence with the Green River as a priority reach for recovery of razorback sucker. This project can facilitate recovery of the endangered razorback sucker via modification and careful management of nursery habitat critical to the species' early life-stage survival. The razorback sucker is a fish endemic to the Colorado River basin and protected under the Endangered Species Act. Once found throughout the warm water reaches of the basin, the razorback sucker's basin-wide decline is believed to be a result of myriad anthropogenic habitat alterations and negative interactions with introduced fishes (USFWS 2002). A population of native northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) are present in the wetlands of the Preserve. Concentrations of leopard frogs occur in certain areas of the Preserve where water is fairly stable throughout the summer. Preferred habitat is found in areas with water up to one foot deep with grassy wet meadows nearby. Northern leopard frogs are listed as sensitive by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (Collins 1994). Over 200 species of birds have been observed in the preserve including passerines, waterfowl and several raptor species. A great blue heron (Ardea herodias) rookery has been active for several years and will benefit from increase ponds and wetland areas. The ponds will be deepened up to 1-3 feet to help maintain critical wetland habitats. Several other wading birds will benefit from the flooded wetland such as sandhill cranes, American avocet, American Bittern, and egrets. The majority of waterfowl use the Preserve seasonally as they migrate in the Spring and Fall. The ponds will range in depth from 1-foot to greater than 3-feet in depth. With water control structures, we will have a greater ability to manipulate water so there are wet and dry periods that optimize wetland forage for waterfowl. This will be benefit aquatic vegetation growth that will provide important food sources when waterfowl are migrating.

The overall objective of this project is to restore native habitats with the Preserve to a more diverse, functional, self-sustaining, and resilient condition by increasing wetland/riparian grass, forb, shrub, and tree species. This will be achieved by re-vegetating areas impacted by excavation within the Preserve. Another objective is to increase migratory waterfowl feeding and resting areas, foraging areas for wild turkey,and insect production for passerines. We will reduce sedimentation impacts to native fish habitat. This project will improve habitat for wildlife though native vegetation plantings. This work will reduce erosion and sediment loading into the Colorado river, allow native grasses and shrubs to grow naturally, and improving watershed conditions, water quality conditions and waterfowl habitats.

The backwater channel, that has been excavated as part of the razorback sucker rearing pond project, is vulnerable to invasion of non-native vegetation. The re-vegetation efforts will reduce the ability of non-natives such as tamarisk, annual kochia, Russian knapweed and other herbaceous noxious weeds to take hold. The goal of re-vegetation efforts is to create more resilient native plant communities within the Preserve. A major threat to the Preserve is the presence of invasive woody and non-woody plant concentrations which have decreased riparian diversity and native plant densities, impacting waterfowl and reducing wildlife habitat. This threat will continue to increase in severity without active management. By improving the diversity and health of the plant community in this historic floodplain, these habitat improvements will directly benefit native aquatic, waterfowl, wildlife, and upland species. Rehabilitation of the excavated areas will require active management. Re-vegetation efforts will prevent encroachment of invasive plants. There is a short window to take action to ensure this area is restored to native vegetation and help achieve the overall goals of restoring native habitat in the preserve.

State and County Resource Management Plans: State of Utah Resource Management Plan Riparian Area *Active management should be used to improve and enhance riparian resources to provide for appropriate physical, biological, and chemical function. *Prioritize and manage riparian areas to attain desired future conditions for riparian related resources (e.g. fishery habitat, water quality, wildlife and livestock forage, and soil stability). *Riparian areas and wetlands ashould be managed for the mutual and maximum benefit of wildlife, livestock and special status species. *The State supports the use of structural and non-structural improvements in unstable water courses to restore riparian areas properly functioning/desired future conditions. *The State supports the removal of invasive species from riparian areas on public lands. Floodplain and River Terrace *Restore floodplain connectivity for threatened and endangered species that rely on these locations in areas outside human habitation while preserving the health and safety of residents. *Encourage the use of flood structures, dams, catch basins, gully plugs, and reseeding of grass ways to help reduce erosion during and after storm events. Wetlands *The State supports using a combination of active water management where necessary (e.g., Great Salt Lake) and maintaining or restoring natural hydrology when possible to support wildlife habitat and healthy functioning of aquatic ecosystems. *The State supports the use of mechanical treatments, controlled burns, livestock grazing, and other tools to control invasive plants and other plant species that compromise wetland health, in accordance with best available practices. *The State will coordinate with groups responsible for protecting and managing wetlands, including public and private wildlife managers, regulatory agencies, and interested stakeholders. Noxious Weeds *Establish immediate revegetation or rehabilitation after treatment. The state of Utah supports prevention as one of the best methods of managing noxious weeds. T&E Species *Work with stakeholders and partners to continue to implement recommendations from the Utah Wildlife Action Plan 2015--2025 to conserve sensitive species and their habitat. *Restore 75,000 acres of critical habitat for sensitive species each year through the Watershed Restoration Initiative and by partnering with other government and nongovernmental entities. Water Quality and Hydrology *Cooperate in the protection, restoration, enhancement and management of water resources in the State of Utah to the extent of each agency's authority, expertise, and resources. Grand County Resource Management Plan Land Use *Watershed Management (Public Lands Policy 2.) Public lands agencies are encouraged to adopt policies that enhance or restore watersheds for Moab, Spanish Valley, Castle Valley and Thompson Springs. The county supports classification of these aquifers to the highest quality standard. Grand County will follow all state and federal water protection laws and actively engage local, regional, and federal land management agencies in discussing risks to aquifers and aquifer recharge areas in Grand County. *Land Restoration (Public Lands Policy 7.) Encourages public land-management agencies to restore damaged areas. Wetlands *Preserve wetlands and riparian habitats. Riparian Area *Preserve and restore wetlands and riparian habitats. Floodplain and River Terrace *Preserve and restore wetlands and riparian habitats. Wildlife *The County supports wildlife management that seeks an optimal balance between wildlife populations and human needs. Water Quality and Hydrology *Grand County supports maintaining in-stream flows to establish the proper functioning condition of streams and maintain their biological integrity. 1. Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve Wildfire Response Plan Objective #3 Define and maintain sufficient water quality that supports existing valuable wetland habitat and, if necessary, restore or improve water quality to enhance habitat. Objective #4 Restore native vegetation communities to enhance wetland structure and wildlife habitat and help to control or eradicate exotic species. 2. North American Waterfowl Management Plan 2012 Goal 1. Abundant and resilient waterfowl populations to support hunting and other uses without imperiling habitat. Goal 2: Wetlands and related habitats sufficient to sustain waterfowl populations at desired levels, while providing places to recreate and ecological services that benefit society. 3. A Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for the Moab Area 2014. A. Support projects that alleviate the possibilities of catastrophic wild fire. B. Support projects and land uses that protect the riparian corridors and stream ecology. C. Support projects, land uses, and water allocation policy that protect wetlands. 4. UDWR. 2006. Range-wide Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Roundtail Chub (Gila robusta), Bluehead Sucker (Catostomus discobolus), and Flannelmouth Sucker (Catostomus latipinnis). 6) Enhance and maintain habitat for roundtail chub, bluehead sucker, and flannelmouth sucker. A. Provide flows needed for all life stages of the subject species. B. Restore altered channel and habitat features to conditions suitable for the three species 5) Wildlife Action Plan 2015 A) Big Free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) - The species often roosts and forms maternity colonies in massive sandstone cliffs near bodies of open water in a variety of habitats. It is presumed that big free-tailed bats migrate out of Utah for the winter. B) Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax trailii extimus) - Populations declining due to altered water regimes, invasive plants, improper riparian grazing, development and nest parasitism. Manage and restore lowland riparian for suitable habitat. C) Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) - Habitat restoration in wetlands and along riparian corridors. 6) Management Plan of the Pacific and Central Flyways for the Rocky Mountain Population of Greater Sandhill Cranes 2007 Objective B. Maintain and protect suitable habitats in sufficient quantity and quality to support population objectives and spatial distribution, while encouraging population expansion where desirable. 7) Utah's Freshwater Conservation Plan Objective: Conserve habitats or species by influencing management/use of lands and waters 8. Razorback Sucker Recovery Plan 5.2 Site-Specific Management Actions and Tasks by Recovery Factor 5.2.1 Upper basin recovery unit 5.2.1.1 Factor A.--Adequate habitat and range for recovered populations provided Management Action A-5.--Provide floodplain habitats for all life stages of razorback sucker, particularly to serve as nursery areas for larvae and juveniles. 5.2.1.3 Factor C.--Adequate protection from diseases and predation Management Action C-3.--Control problematic nonnative fishes as needed. Task C-3.1.--Develop control programs for small-bodied nonnative fishes (e.g., cyprinids and centrarchids) in backwater and flooded off-channel nursery habitats in river reaches occupied by young razorback sucker to identify the levels of control that will minimize predation (see sections 4.3.2 and A.8 for discussion of effects of nonnative fishes). Task C-3.2.--Implement identified levels (as determined under Task C-3.1) of nonnative fish control in backwater and flooded off-channel nursery habitats in river reaches occupied by young razorback sucker. 9. Recovery Implementation Program Recovery Action Plan GENERAL RECOVERY PROGRAM SUPPORT ACTION PLAN II.A Restore flooded bottomland habitats. II.A.1. Conduct inventory of flooded bottomlands habitat for potential restoration. III.A Reduce negative interactions between nonnative and endangered fishes. V. Monitor populations and habitat and conduct research to support recovery actions (research, monitoring, and data management). VI. INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND SUPPORT FOR THE ENDANGERED FISHES AND THE RECOVERY PROGRAM. (Includes integration with San Juan River Recovery Implementation Program.) COLORADO RIVER ACTION PLAN: MAINSTEM II.A. Restore and manage flooded bottomland habitat II.A.5. Acquire interest in high-priority flooded bottomland habitats III. Reduce negative impacts of nonnative fishes and sportfish management activities (nonnative and sportfish management) III. A. Develop and implement control programs in reaches of the Colorado River occupied by endangered fishes. V. MONITOR POPULATIONS AND HABITAT AND CONDUCT RESEARCH TO SUPPORT RECOVERY ACTIONS (RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND DATA MANAGEMENT) V.A. Conduct research to acquire life history information and enhance scientific techniques required to complete recovery actions 10. Upper Colorado River Subbasin Floodplain Management Plan 1.2 Goals and Objectives Goal: provide adequate floodplain habitats for all life stages of razorback sucker in the Upper Colorado and Gunnison rivers for establishment and maintenance of a self-sustaining population, particularly to serve as nursery areas for larvae and juveniles. Objectives: 1.2.1. Inventory floodplain habitats; 1.2.2. Identify floodplains necessary for life stages of razorback sucker; 1.2.3. Restore and manage strategic floodplains to benefit razorback sucker; and 1.2.4. Evaluate effectiveness of floodplain restoration. 6.2 Management Plan Strategies: 6.2.2. Mechanically reconfigure floodplain sites downstream of identified spawning sites to provide suitable flooding and entrainment of larval razorback sucker. 6.2.3. Assist establishment of wild populations of razorback sucker and bonytail through release of hatchery-reared fish. 6.2.4. Continue to investigate and implement best management strategies to reduce detrimental effects of nonnative fish in floodplain habitats. 6.2.5. Insure suitable instream flows to inundate key floodplain sites on a timely basis. 11. Conceptual Management Plan for Razorback Sucker: Habitat Enhancement in Flooded Bottomlands I. C. Goals: 1. Enhance all values of the flooded bottomland habitat within the Preserve in order to aid the recovery of threatened and endangered fish species. The Preserve should be able to function as naturally as possible in the Colorado River ecosystem. 2. Augment populations by enhancing the survival of early life stages. 3. Provide essential habitat for the natural recruitment and survival of the Upper basin razorback sucker population 4. Determine how best to manage essential habitat for optimum natural production of razorback sucker. IV.A. Phase 1. 1. Characterize the fish community in the wetlands 2. Refurbish the wetland outlet structure IV.A. Phase 3. Re-establish the historic flooding regime by increasing communication between the Preserve and the Colorado River. 2. Design a water delivery system for the Preserve b. Deliver flows to wetlands via a system of inlet and outlet structures and canals. d. Create wetlands that could be drained to remove predators, but which would also flood during high water.

Desert riparian communities in southern Utah are fire-adapted systems. Prior to 1900, riparian areas experienced low-intensity fires at a rate of 2-5 per century. These fires were highly variable and depended upon site-specific fuels and conditions. Wildfires in riparian communities were presumably uncommon due to the high moisture content of the riparian soils and vegetation, and the low frequency of lightning strikes in low-lying drainages and valley bottoms. These infrequent fires often burned in a mosaic pattern leaving much of the vegetation and soil only lightly disturbed, and helped maintain a diversity of plant species. Dominant members of the Populus and Salix genera respond to low-intensity fires by either root sprouting or survival through older individuals. The suppression of naturally occurring fires, the altered hydrologic regime of the Colorado River and an increase of exotic/invasive plant species in riparian communities has resulted in an increased fuel loading within riparian zones. As a result, there has been an increase in both fire frequency (5-10 per century) and intensity in many riparian areas throughout the Southwest - much to the detriment of the native plant community which can not survive the high-intensity fires. Compounding the threat of wildfire to riparian communities in the Matheson Preserve, is the close proximity of residential and commercial properties to the preserve, and the potential impacts of a wildfire on human safety, air quality, commercial activities, highway or road closures, and loss of private property. The primary Fuel Type within the Matheson Preserve is Fuel Model 3, Tall Grass, and the secondary fuel type is Fuel Model 4, Brush. Mosaics of vegetation exist in the preserve depending upon the presence of surface or subsurface water. Previous work in the wetlands has involved the removal of nearly 200 acres of exotic/invasive tree species (salt cedar and Russian Olive). By improving the surface water management, riparian soils will begin to have higher moisture content and riparian vegetation will be maintained reducing the risk of wildfires. Infrastructure that could be threatened by a wildfire include: interpretive signs, bird blinds, boardwalks, wildlife viewing platforms, historic cabin, sub-surface gas line, several different power lines, and neighboring private and commercial homes/lands in the city of Moab.

This project has the potential to improve water quality and increase water quantity both over the short term and the long term. By removing denser stands of invasive plant species from the riparian corridor, more water would be available to native plants. With a more open riparian plant community there would be better floodplain connectivity and less flood damage during high flow events. Yearly high flows occur in May and June, while low flows occur in winter. Flow records for the Colorado River show a distinct pattern of cycles in flooding frequency and duration. These records also indicate a reduction of flood frequency and duration since 1959, when dams were constructed on the Upper Colorado River. The Preserve is currently flooded less frequently and for a shorter duration than before 1959. River overbank flows occur at 40,000 cfs. Before 1959, overbank flows occurred approximately once every two years. After 1959, overbank flows have occurred approximately once every decade. Cooper determined (1994) that only extremely high snow packs in the head waters, coupled with warm springs, allow flooding of the Preserve. By reclaiming disturbed areas and minimizing surface disturbances within the preserve, soil erosion would be reduced and soil conditions including infiltration rates would be improved. Increased water infiltration and reduced overland flow during rain events would reduce erosion rates and therefore would improve water quality conditions and overall watershed conditions.

1. Arch clearance has been completed. 2. NEPA not applicable for state and private lands. 3. US Army Corps of Engineers Permit for the impacts to wetlands and streams for the final selected project. The permit was received August 16, 2018 for the dredging of 0.05 acres of material from below the ordinary high water mark of the Colorado River. This permit is valid for two years. 4. Sovereign lands permit Dec. 2018

The final engineering design plan was completed January 2017. Phase I implementation; included dredging the linear channel towards the central pond (1-2 acres), reconnecting the backwater channel and linear pond with the Colorado River for more frequent flooding and installing a small portion of the future water control structure. Phase I will be completed by Feb. 2019. The banks of the backwater channel that were disturbed from dredging along with the dredging pile will be re-vegetated. A wetland and riparian species seed mix will be applied to disturbed land during Phase I. Seeding will take place in targeted sites to impede re-encroachment of invasive plants and tamarisk as well as stabilize the banks of disturbed areas. -Broadcast seeding on the dredged pile using a four wheeler broadcast seeder attached to a harrow (approx 5 acres). -Vegetation plugs will be used on the banks of the backwater channel. -Volunteers will be helping throughout the re-vegetation process.

Monitoring will be conducted to evaluate the success of this treatment, and to determine next steps needed to achieve project objectives. Monitoring will include both qualitative (photo plots) and quantitative vegetation monitoring transects. Including line intercept which will provide information on vegetation and changes to the project environment. See attachments for detailed methods.

1. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources - co-owner with TNC of the preserve. The Moab Native Aquatics Field Station and Southeastern Region Habitat Section have collaborated with TNC this past year to develop possible strategies to benefit razorback suckers. The Moab Native Aquatics Field Station has reached out to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program (UCREFRP) for additional support. 2. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) - Co-owner with UDWR of the preserve. Facilitating/obtaining engineering services for project development. Providing granting writing, project oversight, and funding. 3. Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program (UCREFRP). UCREFRP studies and reports constitute much of the conceptual framework for this project. UCREFRP staff have provided expertise relevant to the project and expressed continuing support in its success as related to recovery of the razorback sucker. Recently provided additional funding for this project. 4. USFWS Partners Program has provided technical support to this project. 5. Forestry, Fire, and State Lands (FFSL) manages sovereign lands along the Colorado River adjacent to the Scott Matheson Wetland and has been a partner in the planning effort. They are also seeking funding for this project. 6. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) has been providing expertise on process and design. 7. Utah's Endangered Species Mitigation Fund (ESMF)- has contributed funding toward the initial phases of pond dredging and water control construction. This project is important to ESMF since it will provide a backwater area for brooding of razorback larvae. 8. WRI- this project has received funding in past years.

The Scott Matheson Wetland Preserve is co-managed by DWR and TNC as a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) since 1992. DWR and TNC will continue to manage the preserve for wetland ecosystem and wildlife habitat preservation and low impact recreation. Management strategies may be adapted as deemed necessary by UDWR biologists based on monitoring and ongoing research in the project area, recent research and updates to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Goals for endangered fish species in the Colorado River Basin.

The first settlement in the Moab area, known as the Elk Mountain Mission, brought grazing to the Moab Valley and to the wetland. In May of 1992, domestic livestock grazing was discontinued until deemed necessary for wetland health. The Scott M. Matheson wetland is very unique in the landscape and attract's a diversity of wildlife. This in turn makes it a very interesting location for tourists and locals alike to enjoy nature by walking through the cottonwood galleries, or birding. The wetlands are used not only by visitors for scenic enjoyment but is also used as an education center for local school groups who study the wetlands and the wildlife there. It's location near the city of Moab makes it ideal for a quick stop where people can find trailheads, walking paths, and interpretive displays. Additionally, the north end of the preserve offers the opportunity for hunting, including waterfowl, turkey, and deer. More importantly than recreation, wetlands are important features in the landscape because of the services and functions they provide. Wetlands are responsible for protecting water quality, absorbing pollutants, storing floodwaters, and maintaining surface water during dry conditions. Nutrients tend to accumulate in wetlands which in turn provide wildlife with food which is important for breeding and migration. Wetlands are also important for storing carbon. The overall project is designed to help manage water on the wetland, absorb stormwater, and reduce fire.

11/11/2019

01/24/2020

2020

DWR seasonal went to monitor and remove weeds in the excavated area. It was determined that natural regeneration was coming well just some noxious weed treatment needed to occur to allow for the natural regeneration. We were going to hire a conservation crew to come do more noxious weed treatments in that area but due to COVID-19 that was cancelled.

The area was excavated to install a new water control structure and to begin opening the linear channel for the razorback and waterfowl pond at the Matheson wetland. The area was heavy tamarisk and russian olive before it was dredged. We were concerns that noxious weeds would be the only thing that came back. Once we noticed that much of the area was coming back with native vegetation we determined that we did not need to do much re vegetation. We were going to do more noxious weed treatments with a conservation corp but due to COVID-19 that was cancelled.

The linear channel and central pond will be dredged in fall of 2020 and the water source will be piped to the central pond at the same time. Noxious weeds will continue to be treated on the Matheson wetland.