The lower Price River provides year-round habitat for all life stages of several species of native fish including: Flannelmouth sucker (Catostomus latipinnis) and Bluehead sucker (Catostomus discobolus), as well as direct and indirect roles for the recovery of threatened and endangered fish species including: Humpback chub (Gila cypha), Bonytail (Gila elegans), Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), and Razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus). Roundtail chub (Gila robusta) were once abundant in the Price River, however they have not been detected for more than 30 years. More specifically, the lower Price River provides seasonal habitat and beneficial foraging opportunities for juvenile and adult Colorado pikeminnow (Tyus and Saunders 2001, McAda et al. 1977, Masslich and Holden 1995, Cavalli 1999, Hudson 2002, Budy et al. 2017). Flannelmouth sucker, Bluehead sucker, and Roundtail chub (referred to as the "three species") are three unique and endemic species native to the Colorado River basin which have declined dramatically in both distribution and abundance throughout the basin, currently occupying approximately 50% of their historic range, largely due to habitat alteration, fragmentation, and interactions with non-native fish (Bezzerides and Bestgen 2002). These species are included on the BLM and Utah State Sensitive Species List and are managed under a multi-agency Conservation and Management Plan (UDWR 2006) with a goal of conserving remnant populations and associated habitats. These three species of fish are also listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Utah's Wildlife Action Plan. However, approximately 50% of flows in the Price River are consumed by agricultural, municipal and industrial water use resulting in periods of stress for the fish community. The most stressful period in any year occurs in mid-summer when flows are often lowest and temperatures are highest. In a position paper, the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program (Recovery Program) identified a July through September minimum flow scenario of 5 cfs in the lower Price River for the benefit of native fish use. The Recovery Program recommended securing an emergency pool of water to avoid periods of dewatering in the lower Price River. For instance, an emergency pool of 600 ac-ft would provide 5 cfs for 60 days. Water for fishes would need to be delivered, most likely in July and August, to avoid periods of dewatering. The Recovery Program stated that the Conservation Agreement fish species would benefit most from an emergency pool of water, because Colorado pikeminnow would most likely vacate the lower Price River during these periods of prolonged low flow. However, Colorado pikeminnow would benefit indirectly via a stronger forage base. Therefore, this emergency pool would directly benefit native fishes and the invertebrate community of the lower Price River, and thereby indirectly benefit the native and endangered fish community of the larger Green River. Additionally, the Recovery Program believes that if a base flow augmentation pool could be delivered to the Green River, Roundtail chub could be successfully reintroduced into the lower Price River drainage (Chart and Mohrman 2012). Consequently, base flow augmentation in the Price River could reduce the likelihood of future listings of other native fishes under the Endangered Species Act and advance the likelihood of down listing. The proposed project to secure an emergency pool of water and store it in an off-river reservoir (Olsen) for strategic release to the Price River will increase flexibility of flow scenarios to help restore flows to perpetuate current levels of use by endangered fishes and to contribute to the conservation of the other native species. In addition to restoring riverine habitat for fish, this project also benefits numerous bird and wildlife species that depend upon the riparian habitat along the Price River and the aquatic, open water, and emergent marsh habitats in and around Olsen Reservoir. According to the Utah Wildlife Action Plan (2015), "riparian areas are the richest habitat type in terms of species diversity and wildlife abundance." These areas provide habitat to a range of wildlife including amphibians, birds, mammals, fish, and insects. Riparian areas also play a significant role in the erosion processes by slowing water and trapping sediment. Finally, riparian areas provide quality forage for livestock and are valued within grazing allotments. Riparian areas should be managed to protect vegetation characteristics. Conservation efforts should include preserving existing riparian areas as well as the dedication of sufficient water to support vegetation. Herein, we are requesting funds from UWRI to upgrade and automate a water diversion structure in Marsing Wash that will direct water to Olsen Reservoir for later strategic releases to the Price River, as well as improvements to Marsing Wash. UWRI funds will be leveraged with other private funds to complete an innovative water transaction that allows for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to secure additional water from the Carbon Canal Company (CCC) and invest in canal improvements in exchange for an option to acquire the "saved" water. State, federal, and private funds will be attained to complete the overall project including increasing the storage capacity of Olsen Reservoir and improving water conveyance systems. To this end, Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) was recently granted funding through NRCS's Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program for planning, design, and construction of Olsen Reservoir and conveyance systems. Bezzerides, N. and K. R. Bestgen. 2002. Status review of roundtail chub (Gila robusta), flannelmouth sucker (Catostomus latipinnis), and bluehead sucker (Catostomus discobolus) in the Colorado River basin. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 118, Department of Fishery and Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. Budy, P., G. P. Thiede, D. Strohm, and P. D. MacKinnon. 2017. Tributary habitat use of imperiled and endangered fishes in the Price River, Utah. 2016 Final Progress Report to US Bureau of Reclamation, Grant number R11AC40021. UTCFWRU 2017(3):1-31. Cavalli, P. A. 1999. Fish community investigations in the lower Price River, 1996 - Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Publication No. 99-21, Salt Lake City, Utah. Chart, T. and J. Mohrman. 2012. The Upper Colorado River endangered fish recovery program's position on the role of the Price River in recovery of endangered fish and the need for minimum flow management. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Service, Utah Field Office. 42 pp. Hudson, J.M. 2002. Project 108 - Determination of winter use and seasonal flow needs of Colorado pikeminnow in the lower Price River. Annual Report to the upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. Masslich, W.J. and P.B. Holden. 1995. Price River fisheries survey: Woodside, UT to confluence with Green River. Prepared for the Stonefly Society, Trout Unlimited, and the Federation Fly Fishers. BIO/WEST, Inc., Logan, Utah. 6 pp. McAda, C. W., C. Philips, C. R. Berry, and R. S. Wydoski. 1977. A survey of threatened and endangered fish in Southeastern Utah streams within the coal planning area. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Utah Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Tyus, H.M. and J.F. Saunders. 2001. An evaluation of the role of tributary streams for recovery of endangered fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin, with recommendations for future recovery actions. Final Report, Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Program Project No. 101. Center for Limnology, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Studies, Univ. of Colorado at Boulder. 121pp.

The overall goal of this project is to restore flows in the lower Price River in a manner that implements the Recovery Program's recommended flow target and benefits seven imperiled fish species and riparian plant communities. In Phase 1 we will complete two water transactions to legally secure water for instream benefit and upgrade a water diversion structure in the Carbon Canal to prevent flooding and direct water to Olsen Reservoir for later strategic releases to the Price River. In Phase 2 we will enlarge Olsen Reservoir to store additional water and construct and improve water conveyance structures. Specific outcomes for Phase 1 are as follows: 1. Upgrade CCC diversion structure at Marsing Wash to allow storm waters to be directed to Olsen Reservoir instead of overwhelming the canal and flooding agricultural fields and homes. 2. Secure approximately 1,200-acre feet of carrier water annually from the CCC to avoid periods of dewatering and improve flows in the Price and Green Rivers. 3. Transfer Water Right 91-32 from TNC to DWR, which is one of two state agencies that can hold water for instream benefit. 4. Directly involve a diverse group of water users, water managers, state entities, and environmental interests in completing a Watershed Restoration Plan and Environmental Impact Statement to enlarge Olsen Reservoir, which will be accomplished in Phase 2. 5. Demonstrate how irrigation associations and canal companies can work collaboratively with conservation organizations and fish biologists to help finance long term infrastructure improvements that improve water management and enable ongoing benefits to multiple parties, including the environment. In the next phase of the project we will achieve the following: 1. Increase the storage capacity of Olsen Reservoir to hold up to 600-acre feet of water (exact size will be determined in additional engineering). 2. Improve water conveyance structures from the Carbon Canal to Olsen Reservoir and from Olsen Reservoir to the Price River. 3. Install measuring devices to ensure sound water management and reduce the risk of water shortages to all sectors. 4. Create nursery habitat in Olsen Reservoir to successfully raise roundtail chub and reintroduce them into the Price River watershed. 5. Restore up to 50 acres of wetland and aquatic communities in and around Olsen Reservoir.

Utah's Wildlife Action Plan states that "water is essential for all life, and our extraction and consumption of water and the accompanying alteration of aquatic habitats are the single most significant source of stress to Utah's wildlife and habitats." The proposed project is to designed reduce the risk of water scarcity to wildlife and riparian vegetation in a stretch of the Price River and Olsen Reservoir. In 2017 the Price River flow gauge at Woodside, recorded zero flow for weeks. On July 18, 2002, a fish kill was reported in the lower Price River due to extremely low flows. The greatest risk is the status quo or not acting at all. Fish populations are not yet at self-sustaining levels, but they are improving as illustrated by the recent recommendation to down-list razorback sucker and humpback chub from endangered to threatened. Additionally, more water will increase the success of riparian restoration projects in WRI project #4551 and add to the resiliency of these areas, as well as advance the possibility of less costly passive revegetation. The likelihood of crossing an ecological threshold to a point where future restoration would be more difficult or impossible is slim to nonexistent, as the project is designed to augment current flows.

I. Resource Management Plan -- Findings, Objectives and Policy for Environmental Resources an Addendum to the Carbon County General Plan (Plan). This Plan is attached, highlights are found below. The proposed project will advance many objectives and address policies in Carbon County's Plan including Water Quality and Hydrology (pg. 39), Wetlands (pg. 42), Riparian (pg. 46), Wildlife (pg. 56), and Threatened and Endangered and Sensitive Species (pg. 59). Common to all areas is the desire of the County to support local solutions. This is also an objective of the proposed project and is demonstrated in the long list of partners and support letters received for the NRCS funding application, including local landowners and the Carbon Canal Company. Following is more detailed information. Water Quality and Hydrology - The Plan states "Adequate water quality and availability is the lifeblood of Carbon County and is necessary for future residential, industrial, commercial, agricultural, and recreational development. Carbon County will protect this valuable resource by promoting watershed protection measures and supporting the efficient management and use of water resources. The county supports the development, adoption, and implementation of water storage, distribution, and conservation plans by irrigation companies, industrial users, and municipalities." In particular the proposed project will advance: (1) management of watersheds on public and private lands to optimize quality and quantity of water and protect surface water. (2) maintenance of water storage capacity of reservoirs by reducing sedimentation loading and seeking additional storage. (3) the County's desire to encourage actions by individuals, groups, and local governments that are aimed at improving water quality and supporting the hydrology of the county. (4) the County's values of water quality for human health and safety as well as ecological health. Wetlands - The Plan states "Best management practices for wetlands include protection of existing wetlands through zoning and other land-use designations, restoration of historic wetlands, proper management of wetlands, and creation of new wetlands in appropriate areas". In particular the proposed project will advance: (1) the restoration of the historic Olsen Reservoir. (2) maintenance and restoration of the water table in wetland and riparian areas. (3) DWR and other federal and state agencies in identifying wetlands and riparian areas with significant wildlife values to aid in their protection. Riparian - The Plan states "Riparian zones are important in ecology, environmental management, and civil engineering because of their role in soil conservation, their habitat biodiversity, and the influence they have on fauna and aquatic ecosystems, including grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, or even non-vegetative areas". In particular the proposed project will advance: (1) the use of science by federal and state agencies to ensure that riparian areas are functioning on public lands. (2) the County's values of healthy, functional riparian areas. (3) the fact that the County values riparian areas for their ecological and aesthetic values. Wildlife - The Plan states "Best management practices for wildlife focus on principles and actions that allow people and wildlife to coexist, and on creating or maintaining healthy wildlife populations and habitat". In particular the proposed project will advance: (1) The promotion of hunting and wildlife photography in the area (e.g. Olsen Reservoir). (2) Cooperation with the DWR for projects related to wildlife management decisions. (3) Responsible wildlife management; ensure that wildlife interests are given due consideration in all public land use and resource development decisions. Threatened and Endangered and Sensitive Species -The Plan states "Any species which are considered to be sensitive shall be given consideration for protection of habitat in planning decisions". In particular the proposed project will advance: (1) opportunities for cooperation between the County, the DWR, and federal agencies. (2) the County in assisting agencies in disseminating information and implementing methods to increase the usability of public lands for fish and wildlife. II. Price River Watershed Restoration Plan -- USU The proposed project (securing stream flows) is part of a larger restoration effort planned for the lower Price River and will help meet the goals of this restoration effort. The Price River Restoration Technical Advisory Team recommended the development of a plan in 2016. This team includes partners from academia, the federal government, the state, and private NGOs. The plan identifies problems and causes of degradation and ecological constraints. This plan has set specific, measurable benchmarks that can be used to assess whether restoration activities have been successful in improving fish and riparian habitat. Securing flows in the Price River will directly contribute to meeting these objectives. (1) Every major reach in the project extent will have an average of 2-4 beneficial habitat units per 300 m, with a beneficial habitat defined as a pool, riffle, backwater, beaver dam, large log, or boulder. No more than 70% of all habitat units in a given section should be of one type. (2) Foliar cover of native woody vegetation (willow and cottonwood), will be >= 10% of the riparian area within the project area, with at least 5% composed of cottonwood. Tamarisk cover will be reduced to <10% of foliar cover and Russian olive to <1% throughout the project area. The most recent version of the plan is attached (Laub et al 2017). III. Three Species Rangewide Conservation Agreement/Utah Three Species Plan The three species are currently managed under a range-wide and state conservation agreement to which the BLM, UDWR and TNC are signatories. The proposed restoration specifically targets improvement of three species populations in the Price River through habitat improvement and implementation of a monitoring plan, and thus this project directly advances the goals of this conservation agreement. Objectives related to Project: (1) Establish and/or maintain roundtail chub, flannelmouth sucker, and bluehead sucker populations sufficient to ensure persistence of each species within their ranges. (2) Establish and/or maintain sufficient connectivity between populations so that viable metapopulations are established and/or maintained. (3) Enhance and maintain habitat for roundtail chub, bluehead sucker, and flannelmouth sucker. a) Enhance and/or restore connectedness and opportunities for migration of the subject species to disjunct populations where possible. b) Restore altered channel and habitat features to conditions suitable for the three species. c) Provide flows needed for all life stages of the subject species. d) Maintain and evaluate fish habitat improvements throughout the range. e) Install regulatory mechanisms for the long-term protection of habitat (e.g., conservation easements, water rights, etc.). IV. State of Utah Wildlife Action Plan (2015--2025) Utah's Wildlife Action Plan provides clear guidance for managing native wildlife species and their habitats to help prevent listings under the Endangered Species Act. The plan identifies species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) and key habitats. The proposed project would benefit the following SGCN: bluehead sucker (S1), bonytail (S1), Colorado pikeminnow (S3), flannel mouth sucker (S3), humpback chub (S2), razorback sucker (S2), roundtail chub (S2), American bittern (S3/S4B,S3N), bald eagle (S2B,S4N), golden eagle (S4), white faced ibis (S2/S3B ), southwest willow flycatcher (S1B), western yellow billed cuckoo (S2B) all of which depend on healthy riverine, emergent marsh and open water habitats (key aquatic habitats). The greatest threat to key aquatic habitats is "dams and water management." The proposed project promotes sound water management and would lessen the threat of inappropriate water management in the lower Price River. V. Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program The endangered Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, and bonytail chub have all been observed in the Price River on a seasonal basis, suggesting potential use of the river for spawning and rearing. The proposed flow restoration on the Price will benefit these endangered species and contribute toward the goal of recovering populations of each species toward delisting and advance the likelihood of down listing. Recovery Plan, In-steam flow Objective: (1) The Recovery Program implements innovative solutions to meet the water needs of growing western communities while providing adequate instream flows to restore river and floodplain habitat to benefit endangered fishes. Program partners cooperatively manage water resources in accordance with state water law, individual water rights, and interstate compacts. This is accomplished through water leases and contracts, coordinated water releases from upstream reservoirs, participation in reservoir enlargements, efficiency improvements to irrigation systems, and reoperation of federal dams and reservoirs. These actions benefit recreational, municipal, and agricultural water users, as well as the endangered fishes. VI. BLM Price Field Office Resource Management Plan (RMP) The RMP is a broad framework for managing BLM administered lands in the jurisdiction of the Price Field Office, including the Price River. The proposed project will comply with and enhance the objectives of this management plan including objectives to: (1) Restore riparian function, and (2) Provide quality habitat to support native fish and wildlife (https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-front office/projects/lup/67041/83197/99802/Price_Final_Plan.pdf). VII. The Nature Conservancy's Colorado River System Business Plan, FY2017-2019, May 22, 2017. This project advances TNC's key strategy of establishing scalable water management solutions by developing on-the-ground demand management and infrastructure improvement projects that reduce water consumption and/or restore river flows, thereby establishing models for projects that others can adapt or replicate. The Price River has been identified as one of 16 priority sites in TNC's plan. VIII. The Draft Recommended State Water Strategy, June 2017 This plan was compiled by the Governor's Water Strategy Advisory Team and calls for enough clean and affordable water to sustain thriving communities and businesses, robust agriculture, ample recreation, and a healthy and resilient natural environment. This project advances the strategy to preserve and enhance a healthy environment through new levels of cooperation. IX. Utah Mule Deer Statewide Management Plan This plan calls for an emphasis on improving riparian habitat (Habitat Objective 2). The proposed project would enhance riparian areas along approximately 80 miles of the lower Price River by augmenting flows. X. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program Strategic Plan: This project falls within the Plateau Focus Area in Utah and advances the plans primary strategy of habitat restoration and enhancement efforts including wetland management and enhancement, and repair/installation of dikes and water control structures to benefit numerous listed endangered and threatened species. XI. Division of Water Quality, 2004 TMDL The lower portion of the Price River was included on the 2000 303(d) list of impaired waterbodies for exceeding the total dissolved solids (TDS) water quality standard, impairing its agricultural beneficial use for irrigation and stock watering. As a result of that listing, a TMDL study was completed by DWQ and approved by EPA in 2004. This project will create vegetated buffer strips along streams feeding the Price River helping to reduce erosion and sediment inputs.

Storing water in an enlarged Olsen Reservoir will provide a water source to help reduce the risk of catastrophic fire to adjacent agricultural lands, homes and riparian areas. After rebuilding the dam (phase II) Olsen Reservoir will consistently hold up to 600 acre/ft of water during the fire season. Additionally, Olsen Reservoir is located on BLM lands and has good access for trucks or helicopters if water is needed to fight fires in surrounding areas. Riparian vegetation and rivers can provide critical fire breaks. Providing a consistent flow of water to the Price River will benefit native vegetation and increase soil and riparian vegetation moisture content creating more effective fire breaks. Securing flowing water will increase the probability that this section of the Price River provides fire break benefits in the future.

The purpose of the project is to implement sound water management practices that will improve water quality and quantity during low-flow periods in the Price River and Olsen Reservoir. Currently both of these bodies of water can go dry to the detriment of fish and wildlife species. Exacerbating this issue is climate change, which is reducing snowpack and changing the hydrologic regime so that peak floods in the Price River can occur later in the year instead of early spring. This project will capture floodwaters and store them in Olsen Reservoir. DWR habitat managers and fish biologists will be able to release waters on dry years or in a manner that more closely represents the natural hydrologic regime to improve water quantity in the Price River while retaining water for wetland habitat around Olsen Reservoir. In the design phase of the project engineers and wildlife biologists have extensively investigated levels of salinity and selenium and determined that water quality at Olsen Reservoir will be improved. The full report from this study can be found in the "DOCUMENTS" section of this proposal, Titled: Olsen Reservoir water balance & Conveyance_4-9-1.pdf. The Marsing Wash and Olsen Reservoir Water Balance was analyzed using a simplified daily time-step mass-balance model. Rainfall and irrigation water are the two inputs. Evapotranspiration (ET) and outflow are the two outputs. The model is configured with climate data, ET and Carbon Canal deliveries from 2009 through 2016. Full water balance analysis is computed daily for 2012 through 2016. A water balance study was completed to determine preferred construction specifications (volume, depth, inflow) and management of the reservoir that best improves water quality and Price River flows while still satisfying downstream irrigation needs. The existing Olsen Reservoir capacity is only 53.5 acre-feet with a maximum depth of 4.0 ft. The original capacity before sediment accumulation was likely between 200 and 300 acre-feet. To provide sufficient capacity it will be necessary to raise the dam. A minimum depth of 6 ft is recommended to maintain an over-winter fishery. A lower dam would be adequate if the existing reservoir is excavated to its original depth in a small area close to the dam. To allow some filling, an 8 ft depth is recommended, both options were modeled. Two reservoir configurations were evaluated: Excavated reservoir with raised dam and raised dam with no excavation (450 ac-ft vs 570 ac-ft). The study concluded that water quality is slightly better with the larger reservoir, but not significantly so. With either configuration, it is expected to be substantially better than historical conditions. Since the existing reservoir empties in the winter, the specific conductance can be as high as the groundwater inflow of 8700 us/cm and selenium can be as high as 7 ug/l. With the additional inflow, larger reservoir and permanent pool, the specific conductance is expected to be no higher than 6,000 us/cm and the selenium no higher than 5 ug/l with an annual average of less than 3.0 ug/l. During the releases for Price River augmentation, the selenium concentrations are expected to be in the range of 1.8 to 2.5 ug/l, considerably better than the historical concentrations during low flow in the Price River at Woodside of around 7 ug/l. Olsen Reservoir was never intended to be managed for biological purposes; it was operated solely for irrigation, more specifically to collect irrigation return flows, to be reused by farms below. The landowner who has used Olson Reservoir for irrigation since the 1960's informed us that water collected in the reservoir was at times so poor (high salinity) that he needed to mix the water in the reservoir with his canal water (delivered by Carbon Canal) before it was suitable for irrigating crops. This project will secure excess Price River water that reaches the end of the Carbon Canal and re-route the excess canal water to Olson Reservoir. The consistent inflow of Carbon Canal water will greatly improve water quality in Olson Reservoir as well as Marsing Wash and the Price River during flow releases. The addition of up to 10 cfs of water (reservoir outlet will be designed to release 10 cfs) to the Price River during summer months will greatly improve water quality factors critical to aquatic life such as buffering stream temperatures and increasing Dissolved Oxygen (DO).

Upgrades to the canal system (phase 1) do not require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Environmental Assessment (EA). We are in the process of completing a stream alteration permit and cultural surveys. For the second phase of the project, which consists of enlarging Olsen Reservoir DWR has received funding from NRCS through their Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program to complete an EIS or EA as required under the National Environmental Protection Act. Once planning, design and engineering is complete, we will obtain a permit from Department of Dam Safety and complete all other required permitting to ensure we are compliant with all state and federal regulations.

Low flows, poor water quality, and periodic fish kills in late summer are all limiting factors for fishes. This project addresses these issues by obtaining an emergency pool of water to store in Olsen Reservoir to improve wetland habitat and be used strategically to augment base flows. In Phase 2 Olsen Reservoir will be enlarged. Currently TNC is negotiating a Water Infrastructure Development and Supply Agreement (the Agreement) with the Carbon Canal Company (CCC) to secure carry and storm water. The CCC currently delivers water to approximately 8,000-10,000 irrigated acres through 36 miles of unlined canal. To create the hydrologic head to push the water out to the users at the end of their system, the company discharges an average of 2 cfs or 1,200 acre feet annually of carry water. This undelivered water is the water that will be secured and stored in Olsen Reservoir. Under the Agreement, TNC would pay the CCC a water carriage fee of $10.00 per acre foot for carry water. Additionally, TNC and DWR will replace the head gate or diversion structure on Marsing wash, allowing the CCC to better manage storm water. In return, CCC will agree to manage its system in such a manner as to deliver water to Olsen Reservoir from spring high flow water, storm water, and carry water. Lastly, TNC would have the right to invest in future improvements to the canal's infrastructure, creating "saved" water in exchange for the right to acquire the saved water for environmental proposes. Future steps to achieve the overall vision of this project will include enlarging Olsen Reservoir: Olsen Reservoir was built in 1923 on an ephemeral tributary of the Price River to collect and reuse irrigation runoff. However, conversion of flood irrigation to sprinklers resulted in reduced return flows and the loss of valuable wetland habitat. The advantage of using Olsen Reservoir as a storage site is its close proximity to the Price River confluence, which will decrease water lost to evaporation and ground seepage. Olsen Reservoir is below most major points of diversion, so water released at this location will remain in-stream to directly benefit fish. Additionally, storing water at this location will recharge a desiccated wetland, benefiting a whole host of wildlife species and attracting interest from diverse stakeholders and partners. Preliminary engineering was designed as a feasibility study and concluded that the project was sound from a legal, biological, and engineering perspective. It included conveyance options, water/salt balance, reservoir capacity, and dam breach analysis, and a preliminary geo-technical analysis. Phase 2 Engineering will include the following: 1. Additional surveying to determine final reservoir size. 2. A complete geo-technical analysis, including core drilling to analyze the suitability of the underlying soil and rock layers. 3. Development of construction-ready documents of dam infrastructure including the spillway, automated outlet structure, including cost estimates for construction. 4. Development of construction-ready documents for two headgates and associated measuring devices including cost estimates for construction. 5. Final water balance analysis. 6. Selection of preferred conveyance method including cost estimates for construction.

The success of the project will be assessed by monitoring water levels in Olsen Reservoir and the Price River at the Woodside gauge. In addition, USFWS and DWR will evaluate success of the project by comparing pre-project wetland and riparian habitat conditions to post habitat condition as per the Habitat Evaluation procedures and criteria developed by the USFWS and Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). A significant amount of pre-restoration data has already been collected. Utah State University (USU) and DWR will evaluate the response of target fishes to restoration activities. Long-term maintenance of the canal system upgrades will be the responsibility of the CCC. A fine-scale riparian vegetation map was created across the riparian corridor of the lower Price River from the Farnham Diversion to the confluence with the Green River, for a total of approximately 88 river miles (142 kilometers). Fish habitat suitability was identified and mapped to the degree possible and three Passive Integrated Antennae (PIA) PIT tag detection systems were installed to track movements of native fish. Site accessibility and restoration opportunity were identified. Due to prevalent mancos shale formations within the Price River basin selenium (Se) levels have been a concern in the past at Olsen Reservoir and other impoundments in Carbon and Emery counties. For this reason, we have implemented hazard assessments to establish baseline Se and other contaminants in soils and water around the Reservoir. We have also collected bird eggs samples to investigate bioaccumulation of Se and other contaminates. In the spring of 2018, we collected 30 American coot eggs and 10 yellow-headed blackbird eggs. These eggs were sent to the Trace Element Research Laboratory (Texas A&M) to be tested for Selenium (Se) and metals (Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Hg, Pb, and Cd). The mean coot Se was 7.04 ppm and yellow-headed black bird was 5.16 ppm. Ohlendorf and Heinz (2011, p. 695) summarized a lot of Se/bird studies and found that reproductive impairment began as reduced egg hatchability around 12 ppm (=mg/kg dry weight) for sensitive (ducks) and moderately sensitive species. Teratogenicity began a bit higher at ~ 20 ppm in sensitive species such as the mallard. Skorupa and Ohlendorf (1991) indicated that a teratogenic threshold at the population level existed between about 13 and 24 mg/kg Se (dry weight) for aquatic bird populations. A USGS report (2003) also calculated that the EC10 for ducks (sensitive) for teratogenic selenium effects was 23 ug/g (=mg/kg = ppm) dry weight in eggs. Our initial Se egg concentrations are higher than would be expected at an area without seleniferous soils, but low enough to be safe for the bird populations using Olsen Reservoir. We will continue to monitor Se and other water quality parameters as various phases of the project are implemented. Water quality at Olsen Reservoir is expected to improve as new wetlands are created and inflows increase. Literature Cited Ohlendorf H.M. and G.H. Heinz. 2011. Selenium in birds. In: Environmental contaminants in biota: interpreting tissue concentrations, eds. W.N. Beyer and J.P. Meador. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. Skorupa, J.P. and H.M.Ohlendorf. 1991. Contaminants in drainage water and avian risk thresholds. In: The economics and management of water and drainage in agriculture, eds. A. Dinar and D. Zilberman. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Norwell, MA. USGS. 2003. Irrigation-induced contamination of water, sediment, and biota in the western United States--synthesis of data from the National Irrigation Water Quality Program. USGS Professional Paper 1655 by R.L. Seiler, J.P. Skorupa, D.L. Naftz, and B.T. Nolan.

This proposal represents ongoing efforts initiated in 2015 and is part of an effective association consisting of BLM, BOR, USU, DWR, TNC, Trout Unlimited, the CCC, USFWS, Endangered Fish Recovery Program, Utah Division of Water Rights, the NRCS, the Hansen family, the Cotner family, and other neighboring landowners. This consortium of individuals and entities is dedicated to science-driven, collaborative approaches to augment flows in the lower Price River and benefit multiple water users. All partners listed have been actively engaged in advancing the project and support the proposed project. To this end, stakeholders are in the process of developing a Memorandum of Understanding to advance this project. DWR will set up a co-operative agreement to transfer $83,000 (WRI funds) to TNC who will grant monies to the CCC, as per the management agreement between TNC and CCC. The reason for this is to allow CCC to directly contract and oversee construction on their system.

The primary activity proposed is to upgrade a diversion structure that will allow for additional waters to be stored in Olsen Reservoir (which will be enlarged in the future) to provide wildlife habitat and emergency flows to support native fishes during dry periods of the year. The new diversion structure on the Carbon Canal at Marsing Wash will be automated to release water once water levels in the canal reach a certain point. The proposed future water management at Olsen Reservoir will consist of filling in the spring, releasing in the summer, and filling again in the fall. DWR biologists and habitat management staff will be responsible for the water releases from Olsen Reservoir. This water management strategy coincides well with the Carbon Canal irrigation season, and has ecological and social benefits including: 1. Early spring water provides wetland habitat for nesting birds and waterfowl, 2. Release of water in July/August will augment base flow in the Price River and support reintroduction of roundtail chub, 3. Draw down during the growing season encourages plant growth that increases food sources for riparian birds, as well as food for dabbling ducks when vegetation is flooded again in the fall, and 4. Delivery of additional water in the fall provides waterfowl with resting habitat as they migrate.

Indirect benefits of the project include the following: 1. A more reliable water source at Olsen Reservoir and in Marsing Wash provides water for cattle. After completion of future phases, approximately 86 miles of riparian and stream channel will benefit from increased flows (10 miles Marsing Wash, 76 miles Price River). Riparian ecosystems offer water, shelter, and food for domestic livestock. Cattle and sheep congregate in riparian areas, particularly during hot or dry periods. At periods in the year when the soil is not too wet, the leafs, twigs, and shoots of Fremont cottonwood are browsed by all domestic grazing animals and deer. The stream channel befitting from increased flows bisects 11 BLM grazing allotments from North Olsen Reservoir to Gray Canyon Wildland (See "allotments.pdf" in Documents). 2. Agricultural lands in will remain in hay production, and farmers below Olsen will have a more reliable source of water. 3. Payments to the CCC from the water transaction agreement will help finance long term infrastructure improvements that improve water management and benefit all shareholders. 4. Improvements to Olsen Reservoir, which is located on BLM-managed lands will enhance recreational and hunting opportunities for local and regional residents. 5. Illustrates that water users and the conservation community can develop and promote alternative water management solutions that demonstrate effective and economical approaches to enhance flows for fish species while keeping rural communities and landscapes viable. 6. Proves how local solutions can decrease the risk of water shortages to all sectors. 7. Advances programs aimed at addressing water scarcity issues in the Colorado River basin while protecting or improving the health of our rivers and streams. 8. Acknowledges that at this time of an uncertain water future in Utah, it is more important than ever to work together with farmers, water users, biologists and conservation interests to protect our water resources and keep rural landscapes healthy and whole.