The Middle Bear River and Cutler Reservoir Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), February 2010, mentions the need for streambank rehabilitation on 10 miles of streambank in the Little Bear to reduce total phosphorus (page 14) and in the discussion in 4.1.2 NONPOINT SOURCES, says: "Fertilizer applications from urban and agricultural areas, erosion from cultivated fields and disturbed soils, and streambank erosion all contribute phosphorus to the surface waters" (page 132). The TMDL notes "Streambank vegetation serves to stabilize bank sediments and reduces the erosional force of flowing water. It also serves as a depositional area for sediment already in the stream. Related impacts include increased water temperatures in the tributaries due to removal of stream-side vegetation." (Page 139). Second stream stabilization is one of the steps outlined in the Lower Bear River Conservation Action Plan (CAP), a process developed by local, state and federal agencies, nonprofits, research scientists, and others, to identify goals for specific "targets," and implementation steps to achieve those goals on the lower Bear River downstream of the Idaho state line in Cache and Box Elder counties. This CAP began in 2009 and targeted aquatic, riparian and wetland systems. It assessed current conditions and causes of degradation, and specified activities to improve degraded conditions. Sedimentation from riverbank sloughing was identified in the CAP as affecting all three targets and as a source of nutrient loading, which in turn was identified as a major contributor to algal growth that results in low dissolved oxygen in Cutler Reservoir. The streambanks selected in this project are representative of large portions of the lower Bear River. It is the intent of this project to demonstrate the feasibility of restoration using mechanical and vegetative means on 600 feet of streambank on the Bear River bottoms. If successful not only will this project help to mitigate some of the issues relayed above, but the means by which this project is constructed can readily be transferred to additional sites within the lower Bear. Second, Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and Tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima) are highly invasive nonnative woody plant species that consume large amounts of water, displace native plant species, reduce the habitat available to native bird and animal species, and increase the salinity of soils through the depositing of salts along the Bear River. Both Tamarisk and Russian Olive have been identified as state noxious weeds. Tamarisk has been classified as a Class 3 weed and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food has recommended that weed control efforts may be directed at reducing or eliminating new or expanding weed populations and that these weeds pose a threat to the agricultural industry and agricultural products. Russian Olive has been classified as a Class 4 Weed and that is is known to be detrimental to human or animal health, the environment, public roads, crops, or other property.These species are also extremely difficult to remove and require a combination of mechanical removal and timely herbicide application to be successful. Like many sites on the lower Bear, the Bear River Bottoms has been largely overrun by these invasive species. In order to restore this and similar sites along the Bear to their original ecological condition these nonnative trees and shrubs must be removed.

1) 1) Restore a section of the lower Bear River and identify restoration techniques that could be transferred to other areas of the Bear. 2) Reduce sediment and nutrient loading into the Bear River and improve water quality. 3) Reduce noxious and invasive weeds in order to better facilitate the reestablishment of native vegetation. 4) Improve native wetland and upland habitat along the lower Bear River.

The main channel of the Bear River and the surrounding riparian corridor have been extensively modified both directly and indirectly by human activity since the period of settlement as the development of agricultural activities, towns, industry, and hydropower have facilitated growth throughout the watershed. Because the river system and natural flow regime have been extensively modified, the river has not been able to meander naturally within the flood plain and significant channelization and bank degradation have occurred in many areas. Resulting bank conditions can create a hazard for people and livestock, contribute to the deterioration of water quality through the release of sediments, and have become nonsupportive of healthy riparian plant communities and associated habitats. On the site identified for restoration, since 2008 nearly 20 feet of river bank has been washed away into the river system, contributing to nutrient loading and decreased water quality. This is consistent with many areas along the Bear. Until an efficient and cost effective means of restoring these types of sites can be identified, it is unlikely this system can be improved. Pilot projects such as the one proposed can assist in that regard. Second large swaths of the lower Bear River have been overtaken by nonnative tamarisk and Russian olive. These invasive species have all but choked out native vegetation and have replaced the historic riparian systems that formerly existed on the lower Bear River system. If left unchecked, they will completely change the composition and function of these sites. This project will remove those species and begin to restore native and historic species to the system.

This project will assist in accomplishing the goals and objectives outlined in the following plans. 1) Bear River Comprehensive Management Plan This plan, developed by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, October 2017, lists the beneficial use in Segment A (which includes the project site) as "3B Warm Water Aquatic Life" and the principal impairment as "sedimentation, phosphorous," with one of the historical DWQ water quality monitoring sites immediately upstream of the project site (Figure 2.29). "Restoration focus areas along the Bear River are native vegetation enhancement, streambank stability, and water quality improvement." (Figure 2.20) The accompanying illustrative photo (reproduced below) could have been taken with the project area. The accompanying text reads: "Streambank Stability. Some areas of the Bear River experience significant bank erosion from flowing water, wave action, or adjacent land uses. In many locations, vertical cut banks are present that cannot support vegetation, making them more likely to erode. The lowering of the channel bottom can also cause major undercutting in places and significantly decreased bank stability. Physically restoring banks and channels while maintaining connections to floodplains and riparian areas is crucial to restoring variety of habitats along the river." The CMP cites the Lower Bear River Watershed Restoration Action Strategy (DWQ 2002) and Middle Bear River and Cutler Reservoir Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), February 2010, and notes, "The main sources of pollutants to the Bear River are erosion, wastewater, and agriculture." (Page 82). It includes as a BMP for water quality management: "Stabilize streambanks through revegetation, snag removal and clearing, flow regulation structures, revetments, or deflectors." (Page 137.) 2) 2010 Bear River and Cutler Reservoir TMDL This report mentions the need for streambank rehabilitation on 10 miles of streambank in the Little Bear to reduce total phosphorus (page 14) and in the discussion in 4.1.2 NONPOINT SOURCES, says: "Fertilizer applications from urban and agricultural areas, erosion from cultivated fields and disturbed soils, and streambank erosion all contribute phosphorus to the surface waters" (page 132). The TMDL notes "Streambank vegetation serves to stabilize bank sediments and reduces the erosional force of flowing water. It also serves as a depositional area for sediment already in the stream." And in discussions about livestock grazing, says: "Reduction or removal of riparian vegetation decreases bank stability through the loss of root mass within the soil profile and decreases settling and sedimentation at the edges of the stream channel. As a result, streambanks have become unstable in many stream reaches in the watershed. Related impacts include increased water temperatures in the tributaries due to removal of stream-side vegetation." (Page 139.) It notes extensive shoreline erosion around Cutler Reservoir due to livestock grazing that leads to phosphorus loading (page 140), but makes no detailed assessment of conditions along the riverbanks upstream of the reservoir. 3) The Lower Bear River Conservation Action Plan: Stream stabilization is one of the steps outlined in the Lower Bear River Conservation Action Plan (CAP), a process developed by The Nature Conservancy, that involved local, state and federal agencies, nonprofits, research scientists, and others, to identify goals for specific "targets," and implementation steps to achieve those goals. (The "lower Bear River" is downstream of the Idaho state line in Cache and Box Elder counties.) This CAP began in 2009 and targeted aquatic, riparian and wetland systems. It assessed current conditions and causes of degradation, and specified activities to improve degraded conditions. Sedimentation from riverbank sloughing was identified in the CAP as affecting all three targets and as a source of nutrient loading, which in turn was identified as a major contributor to algal growth that results in low dissolved oxygen in Cutler Reservoir. From the 2017 annual update to the Lower Bear River CAP: OBJECTIVE 1: Enhance wetland, riparian and aquatic targets by achieving water quality goals. Strategy A: Actively participate with communities in developing and implementing water quality plans, with a view to protecting targets. Action Steps: Address agricultural impacts to water quality through streambank/riparian restoration and manure management in Cache and Box Elder County.

There have been several small documented fires on the property over the years. Reducing and eliminating increasingly dense stands of Russian Olive and Tamarisk will decrease the amount of fuel available and the associated risk of fire.

This project will improve water quality by reducing sediment and nutrient loading on this portion of the Bear River. Nutrient loading in particular has been identified as a major contributor to algal growth that results in low dissolved oxygen in Cutler Reservoir downstream of this site. Additionally the removal of hundreds of invasive woody species in this stretch will reduce the amount of water lost to evapotranspiration and result in a greater quantity of water in the Bear River.

All permitting for this project has been done in coordination with NRCS's Wetland Coordinator and the USFWS Partners Program.

The project plan is to sculpt approximately 600 feet of riverbank with heavy equipment and hand tools, and establish native riparian vegetation that can endure both flood flows and seasonal desiccation. Fill will be removed and then transported to nearby upland sites. After excavation wetland sod mats will be applied and plants purchased relative to their need for water, on a gradient moving up slope from the river. This portion of the project will be completed in June of 2019. Second Russian Olive and tamarisk will be removed using a combination of mechanical and hand means. Trees will be felled with saws and then subsequently picked up and piled by heavy equipment. Immediately after cutting all trees will be sprayed so that all herbicide can work its way into the lower roots of the cut plants. This portion of the project will be completed in July of 2019 in order take advantage of the best time window to spray these invasive species.

Monitoring will consist of repeat photo points scattered along the project area. These photos have been in place since 2011 and will continue to document changes in vegetation on the site. Additionally BRLC will continue to work with the Utah Water Resource Lab to document to the amount of bank lost to erosion. Since 2008 nearly 20 feet of bank has been lost on the proposed project site. Finally BRLC is currently working with the Utah Geological Survey to establish protocol for wetland site assessments and these will be implemented in this area.

Bridgerland Audubon Society Bear River Land Conservancy Wasatch Widgeons PacifiCorp NRCS USFWS FFSL

The Bear River Land Conservancy (BRLC) manages the Bear River Bottoms and has done so since 2011. Upon completion of the project BRLC will assume maintenance as a component of our ongoing work on this parcel of land.

This property is currently used by cattle for grazing under an active rotational grazing program developed in conjunction with the Grazing Improvement Program. It is also habitat for many bird and wildlife species. By removing invasive species this project improve the availability of feed for livestock use. It will also allow, after establishment, an access point for livestock watering without increasing erosion.

06/01/2019

06/30/2020

2020

Project was successfully completed through the following means 1)Mechanical excavation and topsoil removal to set bank back to prevent future erosion and sediment deposits in the Bear River 2) Hand replanting of native vegetation through seeding, bareroot planting, and use of vegetative sod mat rolls 3) Spraying of noxious weeds 4) Hand falling of invasive tree species and planting to prevent reestablishment 5) Piling of felled wood debris to facilitate future decomposition or burning.

The Middle Bear River and Cutler Reservoir Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), February 2010, mentions the need for streambank rehabilitation on 10 miles of streambank in the Little Bear to reduce total phosphorus (page 14) and in the discussion in 4.1.2 NONPOINT SOURCES, says: "Fertilizer applications from urban and agricultural areas, erosion from cultivated fields and disturbed soils, and streambank erosion all contribute phosphorus to the surface waters" (page 132). The TMDL notes "Streambank vegetation serves to stabilize bank sediments and reduces the erosional force of flowing water. It also serves as a depositional area for sediment already in the stream. Related impacts include increased water temperatures in the tributaries due to removal of stream-side vegetation." (Page 139). Second stream stabilization is one of the steps outlined in the Lower Bear River Conservation Action Plan (CAP), a process developed by local, state and federal agencies, nonprofits, research scientists, and others, to identify goals for specific "targets," and implementation steps to achieve those goals on the lower Bear River downstream of the Idaho state line in Cache and Box Elder counties. This CAP began in 2009 and targeted aquatic, riparian and wetland systems. It assessed current conditions and causes of degradation, and specified activities to improve degraded conditions. Sedimentation from riverbank sloughing was identified in the CAP as affecting all three targets and as a source of nutrient loading, which in turn was identified as a major contributor to algal growth that results in low dissolved oxygen in Cutler Reservoir. The streambanks selected in this project are representative of large portions of the lower Bear River. It is the intent of this project to demonstrate the feasibility of restoration using mechanical and vegetative means on 600 feet of streambank on the Bear River bottoms. If successful not only will this project help to mitigate some of the issues relayed above, but the means by which this project is constructed can readily be transferred to additional sites within the lower Bear. Second, Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and Tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima) are highly invasive nonnative woody plant species that consume large amounts of water, displace native plant species, reduce the habitat available to native bird and animal species, and increase the salinity of soils through the depositing of salts along the Bear River. Both Tamarisk and Russian Olive have been identified as state noxious weeds. Tamarisk has been classified as a Class 3 weed and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food has recommended that weed control efforts may be directed at reducing or eliminating new or expanding weed populations and that these weeds pose a threat to the agricultural industry and agricultural products. Russian Olive has been classified as a Class 4 Weed and that is is known to be detrimental to human or animal health, the environment, public roads, crops, or other property.These species are also extremely difficult to remove and require a combination of mechanical removal and timely herbicide application to be successful. Like many sites on the lower Bear, the Bear River Bottoms has been largely overrun by these invasive species. In order to restore this and similar sites along the Bear to their original ecological condition these nonnative trees and shrubs must be removed. Through the implementation of these projects sediment loading was reduced and new techniques to hold back the bank were identified. A future project will occur on site in the fall of 2020. Second the project has curtailed the amount of non-native russian olive in the area. Future projects will need to be implemented to remove existing stands of the tree outside of the project area to curtail future seed dispersal.

Future management will include continued monitoring to ensures the bank stabilizes and does not erode post construction. Furthermore annual spraying will ensure that the trees that were removed do not return.