Main Creek is the largest tributary in the 45,000 acre Wallsburg subwatershed. Main Creek and it's tributaries are home to a unique assemblage of aquatic species, including Bonneville Cutthroat Trout, Southern Leatherside chub and Colombia Spotted Frog. The Main Creek population of Bonneville Cutthroat Trout is managed as a conservation population in an effort "to preserve the historical genome and/ or unique genetic, ecological, and/ or behavioral characteristics (Lentsch et. al. 2000). The Southern Leatherside Chub population within Main Creek is the only significant population located within the Provo River HUC and has recently been identified as one of the most genetically distinct population within the Southern Leatherside Chub clade. (Belk at. al. 2010). The Main Creek basin is highly fragmented with diversion structures, impassable culverts, and numerous seasonally dewatered reaches. Previous WRI funded projects have mapped fish barriers, occupied habitat, and prioritized conservation measures necessary to promote a healthy fish community (Project ID 1543). Multiple other management documents (Wallsburg Watershed RMP, Deer Creek TMDL, SVAP2, etc) have documented the need for stream restoration and stabilization throughout the watershed to reduce erosion, nutrient input, and protect infrastructure. Stream restoration measures to be implemented in this proposal will improve stream form and function, improve fisheries habitat, and reduce erosion and nutrient input to the downstream watershed. A partner agency Utah Reclamation & Mitigation Conservation Commission (URMCC) has funded an in-stream flow study to further our understanding of Main Creek hydrology and aid the acquisition of a base flow for the system. Future phases of this project will focus on restoration of the remaining priority reaches within the watershed (approximately 10km), purchase/lease of in-stream flow, and repatriation of the native fish community as funding and partner support is available. In addition to wildlife concerns the planned project will include items that allow the private landowner to improve the agricultural uses on the property as well an provide more management alternatives. Main Creek was straightened to behave like an irrigation canal long ago. The landowner would like to utilize it as a true riparian area increasing to riparian vegetation as well as build the beneficial aquifer that exists there.

Restore and maintain the natural dimension, pattern, and profile of the Main Creek Stabilize eroding banks Reestablish a more natural riparian plant community Reduce stream temperatures Reconnect river to historic flood plain Improve and increase complexity of aquatic habit Reduce fine sediment and improve spawning habitats Decrease phosphorous loading into Deer Creek Reservoir Increase quality feed and forage resources for livestock and big game by creating wildlife friendly fenced riparian corridors and a pasture grazing system Increase riparian an pasture productivity and health Allow big game to utilize and move through the riparian areas without causing damage to private property

Several risks will continue WITHOUT implementation of this project, they include. 1) Continued degradation of fisheries habitat due to high sediment loads, poor riparian cover and altered hydrology. 2) Continued erosion of stream banks and subsequent high nutrient loads exceeding those limits identified in the Main Creek and Deer Creek TMDL studies. As with all stream restoration projects some minor subsequent maintenance of in-stream structures may be needed in future years.

DEER CREEK RESERVOIR DRAINAGE TMDL STUDY, 2002: Deer Creek Reservoir does not meet its criteria for beneficial use due to low dissolved oxygen concentrations and elevated suspended solids. Main Creek is one of the four major monitored stream inputs to Deer Creek reservoir and accounts for a disproportionate amount of the watersheds phosphorus load (8% of flow volume, 17% of P-load). Project implementation measures within this proposal fulfill TMDL "Recommended Project 6. Main Creek Stream Bank Restoration" for an expected reduction in Total Phosphorus of up to 300 kg per year. RANGE-WIDE CONSERVATION AGREEMENT AND STRATEGY FOR BONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS CLARKI UTAH), 2000: Implementation of measures identified within this proposal will fulfill 4 "conservation objections" identified within the CAS including 1) Maintain or restore water quality 2) maintain or restore channel integrity, channel processes, and the sediment regime 3) maintain or restore the diversity and productivity of desired plant communities in the riparian zone 4) maintain or restore riparian vegetation. The proposed restoration activities also implements 5 "conservation actions" identified within the CAS to "enhance and maintain habitat" through the restoration of altered channel and habitat features and the restoration of floodplain and riparian function. WALLSBURG COORDINATED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN (RMP), 2012: Implementation of measures identified within this WRI proposal addresses two objectives identified in the "Water Quality Assessment" section of the RMP including "recommendation 1c" and "recommendation 2c" to stabilize stream banks to reduce erosion in an effort to meet the Main Creek TMDL endpoints of 0.03 mg/L total phosphorus and 0.025 mg/L of total dissolved phosphorus. The proposal treatment also addresses an additional two objectives identified with the "Wildlife Management" section of the RMP to meet the following objectives 1) Restore the natural stream hydrology and topography of lower Main Creek 2) Restore the native fish community and increase densities of Bonneville cutthroat trout and southern leatherside chub. A partner agency, the Utah Reclamation, Mitigation, and Conservation Commission, is also assisting with objectives identified within the RMP by funding an instream flow study. CURRENT TRI-VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA-1997) REVISION FUNDED BY NRCS AND SPONSORED BY WASATCH COUNTY. This revision will be integral in all area projects moving forward with expected completion by mid-2020. CONSERVATION AGREEMENT AND STRATEGY FOR BONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS CLARKI UTAH) IN THE STATE OF UTAH, 1997: Implementation of measures identified within this proposal will support the implementation of two objectives identified within the CAS for the Northern Bonneville Unit, including, Conservation Objective #4 to "maintain 3 populations and 16.4 occupied stream miles", and Sportfishing Objective #2 to "maintain 2 populations and 33 occupied stream miles" through the implementation of "habitat enhancement." CONSERVATION AGREEMENT AND STRATEGY (CAS) FOR SOUTHERN LEATHERSIDE CHUB (LEPIDOMEDA ALICIAE) IN THE STATE OF UTAH, 2010: Implementation of restoration measures identified within this proposal fulfills the two conservation elements of "habitat enhancement" and "restoration of hydrologic conditions" as identified in the Conservation Agreement and Strategy. EFFECTS OF HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY FRAGMENTATION ON SPECIATION, GENE FLOW, DEMOGRAPHY, AND MORTALITY IN LEATHERSIDE CHUB, 2010: Final Report to Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Salt Lake City, Utah. The report identified the Main Creek population of Southern leatherside chub as being of particular conservation concern due to its separation from other populations, its low genetic diversity, and its genetic divergence. Implementation of conservation measures proposed within this project will assist in the recovery of the Main Creek southern leatherside chub population. MAIN CREEK, LITTLE HOBBLE CREEK, AND UPPER SPRING CREEK STREAM VISUAL ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL (SVAP2) INVENTORY REPORT, 2010: Implementation of measures identified within this WRI proposal address three reach recommendations identified in the SVAP summary including the "stabilization of eroding banks", "establishment of woody riparian vegetation" and the use of "instream structures" to help restore a more natural stream gradient. UTAH COMPREHENSIVE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION STRATEGY/WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN, 2006: Main Creek is a Water-Lotic Key Habitat as identified in the WAP and is inhabited by numerous species of greatest conservation need (including Bonneville cutthroat trout, Southern leatherside chub, Columbia spotted frog) and is located within a focus area as identified by the Utah Partners for Conservation and Development (UPCD). DEER CREEK RESERVOIR DRAINAGE TMDL STUDY, 2002: Deer Creek Reservoir does not meet its criteria for beneficial use due to low dissolved oxygen concentrations and elevated suspended solids. Main Creek is one of the four major monitored stream inputs to Deer Creek reservoir and accounts for a disproportionate amount of the watersheds phosphorus load (8% of flow volume, 17% of P-load). Project implementation measures within this proposal fulfill TMDL "Recommended Project 6. Main Creek Stream Bank Restoration" for an expected reduction in Total Phosphorus of up to 300 kg per year. RANGE-WIDE CONSERVATION AGREEMENT AND STRATEGY FOR BONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS CLARKI UTAH), 2000: Implementation of measures identified within this proposal will fulfill 4 "conservation objections" identified within the CAS including 1) Maintain or restore water quality 2) maintain or restore channel integrity, channel processes, and the sediment regime 3) maintain or restore the diversity and productivity of desired plant communities in the riparian zone 4) maintain or restore riparian vegetation. The proposed restoration activities also implements 5 "conservation actions" identified within the CAS to "enhance and maintain habitat" through the restoration of altered channel and habitat features and the restoration of floodplain and riparian function. WALLSBURG COORDINATED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN (RMP), 2012: Implementation of measures identified within this WRI proposal addresses two objectives identified in the "Water Quality Assessment" section of the RMP including "recommendation 1c" and "recommendation 2c" to stabilize stream banks to reduce erosion in an effort to meet the Main Creek TMDL endpoints of 0.03 mg/L total phosphorus and 0.025 mg/L of total dissolved phosphorus. The proposal treatment also addresses an additional two objectives identified with the "Wildlife Management" section of the RMP to meet the following objectives 1) Restore the natural stream hydrology and topography of lower Main Creek 2) Restore the native fish community and increase densities of Bonneville cutthroat trout and southern leatherside chub. A partner agency, the Utah Reclamation, Mitigation, and Conservation Commission, is also assisting with objectives identified within the RMP by funding an instream flow study. CONSERVATION AGREEMENT AND STRATEGY FOR BONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS CLARKI UTAH) IN THE STATE OF UTAH, 1997: Implementation of measures identified within this proposal will support the implementation of two objectives identified within the CAS for the Northern Bonneville Unit, including, Conservation Objective #4 to "maintain 3 populations and 16.4 occupied stream miles", and Sportfishing Objective #2 to "maintain 2 populations and 33 occupied stream miles" through the implementation of "habitat enhancement." CONSERVATION AGREEMENT AND STRATEGY (CAS) FOR SOUTHERN LEATHERSIDE CHUB (LEPIDOMEDA ALICIAE) IN THE STATE OF UTAH, 2010: Implementation of restoration measures identified within this proposal fulfills the two conservation elements of "habitat enhancement" and "restoration of hydrologic conditions" as identified in the Conservation Agreement and Strategy. EFFECTS OF HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY FRAGMENTATION ON SPECIATION, GENE FLOW, DEMOGRAPHY, AND MORTALITY IN LEATHERSIDE CHUB, 2010: Final Report to Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Salt Lake City, Utah. The report identified the Main Creek population of Southern leatherside chub as being of particular conservation concern due to its separation from other populations, its low genetic diversity, and its genetic divergence. Implementation of conservation measures proposed within this project will assist in the recovery of the Main Creek southern leatherside chub population. MAIN CREEK, LITTLE HOBBLE CREEK, AND UPPER SPRING CREEK STREAM VISUAL ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL (SVAP2) INVENTORY REPORT, 2010: Implementation of measures identified within this WRI proposal address three reach recommendations identified in the SVAP summary including the "stabilization of eroding banks", "establishment of woody riparian vegetation" and the use of "instream structures" to help restore a more natural stream gradient. UTAH COMPREHENSIVE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION STRATEGY/WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN, 2006: Main Creek is a Water-Lotic Key Habitat as identified in the WAP and is inhabited by numerous species of greatest conservation need (including Bonneville cutthroat trout, Southern leatherside chub, Columbia spotted frog) and is located within a focus area as identified by the Utah Partners for Conservation and Development (UPCD). NRCS RCPP (REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRMA) The project goal is to restore a stretch of Main Creek and Spring Creek in the Wallsburg Watershed to a more natural condition, improving water quality and wildlife habitat. The long-term goal of stream work is to remove Main Creek and it's tributaries from the 303(d) list of impaired waters. WALLSBURG TOWN GENERAL PLAN To provide clean, safe, historically-based land uses that preserve open space, a rural atmosphere and natural resources, while retaining animal rights throughout the town with areas for residential use, agriculture, and public recreation and commercial. Wetlands comprise a large portion of the land south of the Main Canyon Road and west of Round Valley Road, and should be maintained in its historical land use pattern of open meadows and small stream riparian habitats. Wasatch County and the Town of Wallsburg discourages the use of this area for housing or other types of developments use."Agriculture and open space preservation should be used as a means to ensure wildlife conservation. Provide a clean environment that will have minimal impacts on natural resources, wildlife, and to live in harmony with the land in order to minimize the risk from natural hazards.

Healthy riparian areas can reduce fire risk/impact by creating fire brakes and reducing erosion/sedimentation associated with fires higher in the watershed. Retention of sediments by healthy riparian areas is especially relevant given Main Creek is a tributary of Deer Creek Reservoir (part of the Central Utah Project).

Deer Creek Reservoir does not meet its criteria for beneficial use due to low dissolved oxygen concentrations and elevated suspended solids. Main Creek is one of the four major monitored stream inputs to Deer Creek reservoir and accounts for a disproportionate amount of the watersheds phosphorus load (8% of flow volume, 17% of P-load). Project implementation measures within this proposal fulfill TMDL "Recommended Project 6. Main Creek Stream Bank Restoration" for an expected reduction in Total Phosphorus of up to 300 kg per year. The Division of Water Quality has established multiple locations within the watershed to monitor water quality. The Sampling Analysis Plan (SAP) currently indicates monthly monitoring at 14 locations for; water parameters (pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen), flow, E. coli, total nutrients and filtered nutrients. Bi-annual total chemistry and metals samples are also collected at the compliance site 1/4 mile east of Highway 189.

Archaeology clearance was completed and approved by NRCS. Will continue to keep Monson Shaver (DWR) up to date on this project. NEPA not required (private lands). The NRCS CPA 52 was completed Stream alteration permit and Nationwide 404 permit is already in place. UDWQ approved SAP updated 2018.

This proposal is for installation year 2 of an NRCS RCPP proposal. The project team is coming to WRI for additional funds for materials to lower the cost of the overall project as well as fulfill a partner commitment as part of the RCPP agreement. This proposal is asking for materials in the form of rock in various sizes and tree and shrub seedlings. A combination of old concrete and tree removal, bank laybacks, re channeling of straightened sections, cross veins and J hooks for grade control, some instream irrigation diversion upgrades, riparian plantings and riparian fencing will be implemented on Spring Creek and Main Creek that flow through the landowner's property.

UDWQ will monitor water chemistry, nutrients, flow, E. coli, metals and Multi-Indicator Monitoring Species (MIMS). Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) logs quarterly photos at photo points relating to area projects. UDAF also provides 5-year photo monitoring relating to pasture health and plant condition. Project monitoring will continue to improve our understanding and ability to improve riverine systems and enable us to quantify the effects of restoration on the biological and physical aspects of the system. Monitoring of the fish populations and physical characteristics of the River will occur annually for at least five years. Monitoring will consist of utilizing photo points throughout the project to document recovery rates of vegetation compared with pre-construction conditions and whether the dimensions of the restored river are maintained. Functionality of the individual structures placed will be analyzed to make sure they are functioning properly and determine whether adjustments need to be made. Fish populations will also be monitored to document any changes in spawning activity, density, biomass and recruitment.

Partners include the Wallsburg Watershed Team (NRCS, UACD, UDWR, UDWQ, URMCC, UDFFSL, Wasatch County Heath Dept., Wasatch Conservation District, private landowners, and numerous other entities). Restoration is guided by the Wallsburg Coordinated Resource Management Plan. Numerous individuals have provided project support and planning for Phase 5, they include Jason Roper (NRCS), Daniel Gunnell (District Resource Coordinator), Chelcey Holbrook (NRCS), Justin Robinson (UDWR), Jordan Armstrong (private landowner representative).

A long term plan for the management of Main Creek and the Wallsburg Valley is discussed in the Wallsburg Watershed Resource Management Plan. Direction from the revised EA regarding project implementation. Because of monitoring efforts and continual coordination and feedback from private landowners, several phases of work have been completed on sections of all Round Valley Streams. The Wasatch Conservation District applied for NRCS RCPP funding exclusively for this proposal to complete several miles of stream restoration. Because of these efforts permanent photo points have been established, grazing plans implemented, 3 graduate research projects have commenced and water quality monitoring continues to be funded.

Project implementation will support the private landowners plan to divide the existing pasture into multiple separate pastures to allow more effective rotation of grazing pressure. Creation of an approximately 15 acre riparian pasture (for moderate intensity, short duration grazing) will also enhance the private landowners ability to effectively manage livestock within the area. Livestock will have restricted access to the stream when not using the riparian pasture protecting habitat for the above threatened species. Continued multiple uses of streams will be improved and enhanced. The plant community will be able to sustain itself being healthy and productive while being used for agricultural and wildlife purposes.

09/16/2019

07/31/2020

2021

This phase of stream restoration occurred on an untouched section of Spring Creek and Main Creek on the property owned by Legacy Wallsburg LLC. This was part of a Regional Conservation Partnership Program RCPP led by NRCS and the Wasatch Conservation District. Stream rehab methods were planned with the landowner, DWR biologists and NRCS engineers. Channel repair, shoring up irrigation structures, cross veins, box culvert crossings, reshaping and re channeling, replanting grasses forbs trees and shrubs, riparian fencing and a grazing management plan have all been put in place to connect many miles of contiguous stream restoration in the Wallsburg Valley.

This phase of stream restoration occurred on an untouched section of Spring Creek and Main Creek on the property owned by Legacy Wallsburg LLC. This was part of a Regional Conservation Partnership Program RCPP led by NRCS and the Wasatch Conservation District. Because of the efforts of many different partner the before during and after water quality results have been recorded and measured and a significant decrease in water quality pollutants have been found showing that work completed has served the intended purpose.

The area will continued to have photo point monitoring from the Conservation District, the landowner will continue to evaluate and update their grazing plan, and many forms of monitoring will continue to happen through DWQ, BYU and Utah State graduate research mostly relating to water quality and the long term effects of the stream restoration.