The Goose Creek Fire burned 132,220 acres in Utah and Nevada in 2018. Vegetation along Straight Fork Creek and tributaries to Straight Fork were were severely burned. Soils in this area are highly erodible. With the loss of vegetation, we anticipate a high likelihood of down-cutting and erosion in the riparian areas with the potential for large debris flows. We plan to install a range of structures to minimize this risk. These structures will include beaver dam analog type structures, post assisted log structures, woody debris piles, and knocking adjacent standing burned junipers into the stream channel.

Retain sediment Reduce risk of channel downcutting Improve the functioning condition of riparian areas Accelerate incision recovery

This area is at a high risk for crossing an ecological threshold. Prior to the Goose Creek fire, the riparian areas were heavily impacted by livestock grazing, juniper encroachment, and portions of the watershed already have downcutting and channel incision occurring. Taking action at this point will reduce the risk of further downcutting, erosion, and channel incision and partnered with post fire rest from livestock grazing, will allow for riparian recovery. Without this project future riparian improvement will be unlikely. These structures will promote expanding the wet meadow area which will promote habitat for wildlife.

WAP Box Elder Coordinated Resource Management Plan Goose Emergency Stabilization & Rehabilitation

healthy riparian - fire breaks, fire-resistant landscapes. Keeping riparian areas in proper functioning condition will prevent massive erosion impacts and can act as a fire break and prevent streams from excessive degradation post-fire.

This project will improve water quality. Slowing the flow and reducing erosion will decrease levels of fine sediment in the water. It will improved riparian condition will and filtration capabilities.

NEPA is not required as it is part of ESR efforts. This project was included in ESR plans but not funded. Additionally this project would fall under Box Elder BDA DNA. Stream alteration permit would be required -- support of water users of Etna reservoir. Additionally, due to post fire rehabilitation, state regulations regarding BDA structures and temporary water storage permits does not apply.

A variety of low tech handbuilt structures, including beaver dam analogues and post assisted structures, will be constructed to mitigate post fire run-off and sediment deliver. Addtionally these structures will promote stream and riparian restoration.

Obtain photo points to be utilized to determine if a second phase is necessary to achieve desired conditions.

BLM, SITLA, FWS, Box Elder CRM, USU Extension

Changes in grazing management and fence locations to reduce pressure in riparian areas will be considered in the future. Following the initial implementation of this project, phase 2 could be planned to included additional structures if needed and the planting of riparian vegetation including willows. New fencing is planned for this grazing allotment as part of the ESR plan. This fence will create a new pasture as well as protect the re-seeding efforts from the fire. This new fence and pasture will allow more rest each year along Straight Fork.

Implementation of these structures will improve riparian areas for wildlife as well as mesic areas for sage grouse. Additionally, the improvement of these areas will improve forage availability for livestock.

04/01/2019

06/30/2019

2019

Beaver dam analog structures were installed in Straight Fork by cutting standing burned juniper trees and piling into the stream.

Straight fork has a degraded riparian area which was burned in 2018. We were concerned about increased erosion and incision of the stream and a large input of sediment into the Etna Reservoir. Installing BDA's will help trap sediment, aggrade the stream channel and promote recovery of the riparian area

Since beaver introduction is not planned for this area, maintenance on the structures to maintain their functionality may be needed.