During the summer/fall of 2018 the Bald Mountain/Pole Canyon fire burned approximately 125,000 acres within the Central Region. Significant portions of both the Lower and Middle Diamond Fork drainage, and their associated upland and riparian vegetation, were impacted (nearly 13,000 acres) including mature Narrowleaf Cottonwood stands. Further hillslope vegetation loss will result in increased erosion into waterways. Diamond Fork land management agencies propose to revegetate approximately 13 acres of historic cottonwood galleries through the planting of approximately 2,600 rooted cuttings and capture sediment and debris as it enters water courses maintaining aquatic organism habitat and reducing downstream "loading" of sediments. Loss of large cottonwood galleries leads to decreased shading, increasing stream temperature, loss of LWD recruitment and loss of streambank stability. Increased sediment transport causes downstream loading issues and filling of instream habitat and loss of heterogeneity. Both reduce wildlife and fish habitat especially for obligate spp such as Yellow-billed cuckoo and Lewis Woodpecker and decrease angler opportunities.

1. Obtain a source for Narrowleaf cottonwood cuttings from a similar habitat within the Wasatch Front (no nurseries currently have enough stock). Total 2,600 rooted Narrowleaf cottonwoods. Plantings must have developed roots established in a D60 container and be approximately 48 inches in height to allow planting depth of 36 inches or more to reach the summer groundwater table. If rooted plants are grown from cuttings, at least 50% should include an intact terminal bud. The U.S. Forest Service will provide a use permit for collection of Narrowleaf cottonwood from approved sites with the agreement that all biomass will be used exclusively for the designated project. Potential collection sites include the Upper Diamond Fork area not impacted by recent fires and/or the lower Salt Creek area (USFS boundary upstream to the Nebo Scenic Loop and Bear Canyon Split). The Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission (URMCC) will also allow collection from approved locations within those areas it administers within the Provo River Restoration Project (Provo River between Jordanelle and Deer Creek Reservoirs). 2. Plant cottonwoods while dormant from mid-October 2019 to March 2020. The recommended planting locations encompass a total of approximately 13 acres within the lower Diamond Fork area. Cottonwoods should be planted to a depth to allow roots access to summer water table (anticipated depth of 3 ft). Planting densities are anticipated to average approximately every 16 ft (based on a triangle grid) or approximately 196/acre in grove areas but may be planted less densely depending upon specific terrain and conditions. 3. Monitor cottonwood survivorship within a subsample of plots for 2 years following planting and utilize photopoints for long term monitoring. 4. Install 20-30 post assisted log structures (PALS) and deflector structures. PALS are logs structures secured with untreated wood posts. Logs are placed by hand or with small tracked (mini-X) equipment, then posts are driven into streambeds with portable hydraulic post pounders, posts are placed to hold the logs in place. When placed PALS gather small debris which become "jambs", creating roughness in channel, gather sediment and rearrange bed materials; resulting in channel complexity and holding wildfire mobilized materials higher in the drainage.

Historic/current hydrological conditions within the Diamond Fork drainage are not advantageous for timely natural recolonization of cottonwoods within the riparian corridor. Historic/current management has modified flooding regimes necessary for reliable recruitment of native cottonwoods within Diamond Fork and at many other locations throughout the West. Pre-fire many cottonwood stands within the drainage were dominated by a disproportionately high percentage of decadent cottonwoods (i.e. little regeneration/recruitment). Restoration of the fire impacted cottonwood gallery forest would improve biotic community stability (multiple age-class cottonwood structure for next 100-150 years), river fisheries (water temperature regime), wildlife use (resident, migrant, seasonal), and aesthetics (wilderness values). Cottonwoods are not a highly fire-resistant species and we fear even moderate fire intensities within the riparian community may have killed the majority of the trees (i.e. we don't anticipate a lot of natural regrowth). Conditions for a successful natural recruitment event (timing/intensity of flooding, adequate precipitation for seedling establlishment, etc) may not occur for several years (if ever). Planting of rooted cuttings will help re-establish groves several years sooner than if left to natural recruitment and help prevent domination of woody invasive plants such as tamarisk and Russian olive which can reproduce prolifically following fires. Woody additions to the stream channel will gather wildfire mobilized debris, sediment and associated nutrients, capturing and redistributing it within the system rather than letting it be flushed downstream to receiving waters such as Spanish Fork River, Utah Lake and eventually the Great Salt Lake and keeping it out of Municipal and Irrigation water systems. Diamond Fork has already been degraded by years of water distribution systems. These increased flows have reduced habitat complexity and degraded to system for aquatic biota, esp. fish species. Gathering a variety of bed materials, holding them high within the stream and increasing channel complexity will benefit downstream water users and fish and other wildlife in Diamond Fork. Without action sediments and debris will be unimpeded as it moves though the stream damaging the system further and delivering said sediment to water users.

Restoration of cottonwood galleries and stream system act as parts of a stable diverse riparian community within the Diamond Fork area is supported by numerous management documents including the following. Diamond Fork Aquatic Habitat Evaluation and Enhancement Planning. October 2018. Allred Restoration, Bio-West, and URMCC. 123 pages. Diamond Fork Area Assessment. 2000. A cooperative project between URMCC and the U.S. Forest Service. 175 pages. Lower Diamond Fork Restoration Plan. 2008. Land and Resource Management Plan-Uinta National Forest. 2001. USDA Forest Service. -Plan sites management of riparian areas (pg 2.2), management of aquatic species (pg 2.3), wildlife (pg 2.5), and vegetation (pg 2.5). Utah County RMP: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Cn80Wzst8eoa0o_BqoTBHOPfPm8M6MIe Document cites need and County support for: Fire Management (p31) Fisheries (p35) Floodplains and River Terraces (p39) Recreation and Tourism (p72) Riparian Areas (p75) Threatened, Endangered, & Sensitive Species (p78) Water Quality and Hydrology (p81) Wetlands (p90) RANGE-WIDE CONSERVATION AGREEMENT AND STRATEGY FOR BONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT TROUT (Oncorhynchus clarki utah). Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Publication Number 00-19, Salt Lake City, UT. -Diamond Fork and tributaries are current (5th Water) or future potential (DiaFrk) BCT population centers. CONSERVATION AGREEMENT AND STRATEGY FOR COLUMBIA SPOTTED FROG (RANA LUTEIVENTRIS) IN THE STATE OF UTAH. Publication Number 06-01 Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Salt Lake City, Utah. -Ponds in Lower DiaFrk house a recently rediscovered breeding population of CSF.

Several experts in range and fire science have identified the role healthy riparian systems play in wildfire dynamics by serving as fire breaks, safety zones, water sources, and burn out points. Numerous authors cite similar observations. Workshop on the multiple influences of riparian ecosystems on fires in western forest landscapes. Summary Report 2001. Kauffman, J.B. Riparian fuel treatments in the western USA: Challenges and considerations.Dwire, Kathleen A.; Meyer, Kristen E.; Riegel, Gregg; Burton, Timothy. 2016. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GT R-352. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 156 p.

There are three TMDL's in place for receiving waters of Diamond Fork: Spanish Fork River, Utah Lake and the Jordan River. Any reductions of sediment and nutrients will either help achieve the TMDLs' goals and reduce fire caused exacerbation. The benefits to water quality of a healthy riparian corridor are well documented and include the following. 1. Promote infiltration of precipitation and surface flow into the groundwater table. 2. Slow/buffer the flow of precipitation and overland flow into the river, thus extending the hydrograph but reducing its peak 3. Promote soil stability through high density, often rhizomatous roots. 4. Trap/filter sediment, nutrients, and contaminants thus prevent (reducing) its movement downstream. Riparian vegetation also can remove/alter organic nutrients through processes such as denitrification, absorption by clays, etc. 5. Reduced stream temperatures due to canopy shading.

NEPA Compliance-U.S. Forest Service, in process, expected to be covered under cat. ex. Stream Alteration Permit-Awaiting determination from Water Rights as to whether stream alteration is needed. Arch Clearance-Monson Shaver (DWR) in partnership with USFS.

An informal assessment of native species nurseries suggest there is currently inadequate inventory (or stooling beds) to produce the required plants to our specifications. We anticipate the need for a provider to harvest cuttings in fiscal year 2019 and then grow/root and plant them in fiscal year 2020. The final details in finance will clarify what are anticipated 2019 costs to be covered by URMCC/UDWR and which are FY2020 cost for which we are requesting WRI/HC funding. Plant specifications: Total 2,600 rooted Narrowleaf cottonwoods. Narrowleaf cottonwoods must be from a native source located within Utah's Wasatch Front (general source location must be identified). Plantings must have developed roots established in a D60 container and be approximately 48 inches in height to allow planting depth of 36 inches or more to reach the summer groundwater table. If rooted plants are grown from cuttings, at least 50% should include an intact terminal bud. Other products, such as tallpots, will be considered but please provide a D60 cost for provider comparison and a detailed explanation of recommended changes/alterations to requested specifications. The U.S. Forest Service will provide a use permit for collection of Narrowleaf cottonwood from approved sites with the agreement that all biomass will be used exclusively for the designated project. Potential collection sites include the Upper Diamond Fork area not impacted by recent fires and/or the lower Salt Creek area (USFS boundary upstream to the Nebo Scenic Loop and Bear Canyon Split). The Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission (URMCC) will also allow collection from approved locations within those areas it administers within the Provo River Restoration Project (Provo River between Jordanelle and Deer Creek Reservoirs). Planting Specifications: Cottonwoods should be planted between mid-October 2019 and March 2020. The recommended planting locations encompass a total of approximately 13 acres within the lower Diamond Fork area (shapefile available upon request). Several access points gates adjacent to Diamond Fork Road provides access to the north side of the river. A number of bridges also provide access to the south side of the river. Contractors will have the option to bring small motorized vehicles (ATVs, Mini-X, etc) into the project area. Planting densities are anticipated to average approximately every 16 ft (based on a triangle grid) in grove areas but may be planted less densely depending upon specific terrain and conditions. PALS: Post Assisted log structures will utilize local large woody debris (LWD) e.g. logs. Logs will be dead and down, standing dead or fire mortality trees of the proper size. Logs will be placed in-stream with a mini-X or skid-steer and anchored with 4"x6' sharpened, untreated wooden posts. Posts are driven into the streambed with a handheld diesel powered hydraulic post driver to hold logs in place and assist in capturing sediment and debris. PALS will be placed to optimize habitat and material capturing benefits.

A subsample of planted cottonwoods will be monitored annually for 2 years after planting to track survivorship, condition, and stem height. Monitored trees will be individually numbered with a corresponding tree tag staked near the base of the trunk and georeferenced using a GPS. A digital photo will also be taken to document characteristics not readily identifiable via standard variables. Instream structures will be photo pointed for assessment of functionality and repair needs of PALS. Fish populations are and will continue to be monitored for stream function and health. Data will be entered into database. A recent study by USU and BioWest/Alred Restoration mapped instream habitat throughout Diamond Fork. Pre/post PALS installation habitat distribution will be evaluated in contrast to the data collected in that study.

U.S. Forest Service. Assistance with final design and project objectives. Fullfill NEPA requirements through categorical exclusion. Issuing forest resources collection permit for cottonwood cuttings. Funding assistance (in-kind). URMCC. Assistance with final design and project objectives. Allowing collection permit for cottonwood cuttings on lands they administer. Funding assistance (actual and in-kind). National Wild Turkey Federation. Assistance with final design and project objectives. Funding assistance (actual and in-kind). May have a "work day" to install cottonwoods. Habitat and Wildlife Sections of CRO UDWR. Will aerially seed portions of the burned area to reduce upland erosion, provide assistance with final design and project objectives.

Multiple partners (USFS, URMCC, UDWR, TU, USU) have been heavily involved in developing both a "Habitat Evaluation and Enhancement Planning" and "Instream Flow" resource management plans. Both plans are currently in draft format. Future efforts within the basin will be guided by the two documents (and subsequent restoration plans). Given the importance of the Diamond Fork drainage's sportfishing and native species (Columbia spotted frog, Utes Ladies Tress) resources we anticipate it will receive significant management priority for a minimum of the next 10 years.

Mature cottonwood trees and healthy stream corridors provide several benefits to recreation. They provide shade for fishermen, campers and hikers, roosting areas for turkeys, loafing, feeding, watering areas for deer/elk, etc and clean healthy streams for fish and amphibians. Much of Diamond Fork drainage is under a current grazing allotment. Restoration efforts will shorten the post fire rest period and cattle will be able to return to the affected portions of the allotment sooner.

07/01/2020

06/30/2021

2021

1. Obtained a source for Narrowleaf cottonwood cuttings from a similar habitat within the Wasatch Front (no nurseries currently had enough stock). Total 2,600 rooted Narrowleaf cottonwoods. The U.S. Forest Service provided a use permit for collection of Narrowleaf cottonwood from approved sites with the agreement that all biomass will be used exclusively for the designated project. 2. Planted cottonwoods while dormant from mid-October 2019 to March 2020. The planting locations encompass a total of approximately 13 acres within the lower Diamond Fork area. Cottonwoods were planted to a depth to allow roots access to summer water table (anticipated depth of 3 ft). Planting densities averaged approximately every 16 ft (based on a triangle grid) or approximately 196/acre in grove areas. 3. Monitoring cottonwood survivorship within a subsample of plots for 2 years following planting and utilize photopoints for long term monitoring. 4. Installed 11 post assisted log structures (PALS) in an approximate 1 mile reach below Diamond Fork Campground in the Fall of 2020. PALS are logs structures secured with untreated wood posts. Logs were placed with tracked equipment, then posts were driven into streambeds with portable hydraulic post pounders, posts are placed to hold the logs in place. When placed PALS gather woody debris which become "jams", creating roughness in channel, gather sediment and rearrange bed materials; resulting in channel complexity and holding wildfire mobilized materials higher in the drainage.

During the summer/fall of 2018 the Bald Mountain/Pole Canyon fire burned approximately 125,000 acres within the Central Region. Significant portions of both the Lower and Middle Diamond Fork drainage, and their associated upland and riparian vegetation, were impacted (nearly 13,000 acres) including mature Narrowleaf Cottonwood stands. Diamond Fork land management agencies proposed to revegetate approximately 13 acres of historic cottonwood galleries through the planting of approximately 2,600 rooted cuttings and capture sediment and debris as it enters water courses maintaining aquatic organism habitat and reducing downstream "loading" of sediments. Loss of large cottonwood galleries leads to decreased shading, increasing stream temperature, loss of LWD recruitment and loss of streambank stability. Increased sediment transport causes downstream loading issues and filling of instream habitat and loss of heterogeneity. The project was completed predominantly as proposed in the "Project Details" page except we installed fewer Post Assisted Log structures than originally planned. The same reach location/length received the PALS but some concerns with Utes Ladies Tress reduced the density of PALS. Nonetheless we are very pleased with the installation and learned several techniques that will be utilized in the installation of PALS in other locations within Diamond Fork in the fall of 2021. For more detailed information please see the "Project Details" portion of the proposal on the UWRI website https://wri.utah.gov/wri/project/justification.html?id=4932

Continue implementation of the Diamond Fork Habitat Restoration Plan, including a reach in the fall of 2021. See document in "Images/Documents" tab. Fish Population Monitoring at multiple locations within the watershed every 3-5 years. Monitoring of photopoints of PALS from this project. We are also working on assessing habitat using high resolution drone aerial imagery. This reach was flone pre-treatment and will be flone again this fall. See powerpoint fire rehabilitation summary in "Images/Documents" tab which provides further information/figures regarding habitat assessment via drone aerial imagery.