Rice Canyon Creek is a degraded riparian system that continues to have a downward trend. The Big Summit Fire burned over part of the riparian area in 2020. Based on Proper Functioning Condition assessments, each riparian area was determined to be At-Risk with a downward trend, and not meeting the riparian standard of the Standards and Guidelines for Healthy Rangelands. The causal factor in the assessments included: 1) Apparent drying of the site and encroachment of upland species (Rubber Rabbitbrush/Wyoming big sagebrush) into the riparian area 2) Repeated warm-season wild horse grazing, riparian species lacking sufficient vigor (Baltic rush) 3) Apparent reduction in riparian species diversity (lacking obligate wetland species such as Nebraska sedge). The excessive use that is occurring is primarily from wild horses limits the ability to manage the riparian area. Wildlife quality/need/benefits include 1) providing mule deer and elk reliable water sources while potentially reducing wild horse interface competition during critical fawning and calving periods, 2) provide healthy water surface area to promote insect production leading to increased bat, bird, and small mammal foraging opportunities. By improving this riparian area, increased recruitment of big game is expected in a desert environment where water may be limiting to big game neonates.

The objective would be to manage the riparian zones to Proper Functioning Condition (PFC) by eliminating repeated hot season grazing on the lotic site. This would be expected to help improve health, vigor, and composition of the riparian species, while also improving each of the system's ability to process and capture sediments and improving water yield and retention. This riparian area's current condition impacts the ability for the Stateline Allotment to meet the Standards and Guidelines for Rangeland Health; particularly Standard 2. Management towards PFC would bring the Stateline Allotment closer to meeting the Standards and Guidelines for Rangeland Health.

The exclosure would eliminate grazing from approximately 3.09 Acres. This would reduce the negative impacts of hot-season grazing. Wildlife would be able to access the riparian zones. . Without the project, riparian vegetation vigor and composition would continue to decline, decreasing the spring's ability to dissipate energy during surface flows. This would lead to further erosion and expansion of the existing head-cut and further depression of the water table.

Pinyon Management Framework Plan (1986) The resource management plan is a broad framework for managing BLM lands in the jurisdiction of the Cedar City Field Office. Although these riparian sites are not specifically addressed in the RMP, the proposed project will comply with and enhance the objectives of this management plan including objectives to restore riparian functionality and provide quality habitat to support wildlife. Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) (2015) (Draft) The WAP identifies the following threats and the level of impact to Aquatic-Scrub/shrub Habitats: Threats- Channel Downcutting (Impact-High) Threats- Droughts (Impact- High) Threats- Improper Grazing (Impact- High) Threats- Sediment Transport Imbalance (Impact- Medium)

The proposed project would be expected to improve riparian functionality while allowing the riparian system to recover and promote hydric species recruitment and vigor. Maintenance of hydric species in the riparian has the potential to change fire behavior in the event of a fire in the surrounding landscape.

The project would be expected to help the riparian area yield more water as the system recovers. As the riparian area recovers, the system should also process sediment and nutrients more efficiently, which would also improve water quality. These improvements in water quality and quantity would move the area towards meeting both Rangeland Health Standards 2 for riparian/hydrologic functionality and 4 for water quality.

Cultural surveys and wildlife surveys would be completed prior to construction of the project.

Rice Canyon Creek- Construct 4 separate (total of 4,662 ft) a 3-pole post and pole exclosure (1,981 feet) around the Rice Canyon Creek complex. 1. General: Construct fence as shown on the drawings or as staked in the field. Wood posts shall be set in dug or drilled holes unless written authorization is obtained for driving line posts. 2. Setting Posts: Dig holes for setting wood posts to the depth as shown in the drawing for setting posts. Set posts plumb and to the spacing, grades and depths as shown on the drawing, unless staked otherwise. Posts shall be set to a preferred depth of 3' and a minimum of 2'. Wood post spacing shall be spaced 10' apart. Holes shall provide adequate open space around the post so that back-fill can be tamped the full depth around the post. Back-fill gradually and uniformly with soil around each post; compact back-fill firmly from the bottom of the hole to the ground surface. Wood posts shall be a maximum of 10 feet apart except in extreme rocky areas, the Contracting Officer or COR can approve the spacing greater and less than 10 feet. 3. Driving Posts: Wood posts shall be driven only when approved by the Contracting Officer. Wood posts to be driven shall be machine-pointed on the end driven into ground. Driven posts that are split by driving, twisted, bent, or have broomed tops will not be accepted. Place posts in the holes and compact the post solidly in position with existing soil. Wood posts shall be a maximum of 10 feet apart except in extreme rocky areas, the Contracting Officer or COR can approve the spacing greater and less than 10 feet. 4. Setting Poles: 21' poles shall be spaced on the posts as shown on the drawing. Contractor shall provide materials to attach poles to the posts according to the drawing. Other methods of securing poles to posts need to be approved by the Contracting Officer or COR. Cottonwood Meadow Exclosure Fence (Beaver County, Utah) Estimated length: 8,980 feet 1. Fence Type: 3-pole post and pole

The riparian area would continue to be assessed for Proper Functioning Condition to determine how the project impacted the riparian system's functionality. The exclosure would be routinely inspected and maintained to ensure that it stays in good condition and is properly excluding grazing from the riparian area.

Livestock Permittees

The exclosure would be routinely inspected and maintained to ensure that it stays in good condition and is properly excluding grazing from the riparian area. This will provide for long-term management to ensure the attainment of Proper Functioning Condition within the riparian area.

Livestock and horses would be excluded from the riparian zones, and that forage would not be available for consumption by livestock. However, the anticipated recovery of the riparian system would help the Stateline Allotment make progress towards meeting the Standards and Guidelines for Rangeland Health.