Much of the water systems on the Payson livestock allotment, including troughs, fencing, piping ect. were damaged by the Bald mountain and Pole creek fires of 2018 and flooding events after. These water systems are critical in providing livestock with water and allowing better grazing distribution on the allotment. Wildlife also benefit from these dependable water sources. These water systems will have to be repaired before livestock grazing can return to this allotment.

Replace livestock water systems, previously utilized by livestock and wildlife, damaged by the Pole Creek/ Bald Mountain fires. This could include redeveloping existing springs, replacing damaged pipelines and troughs and recreating spring enclosures if needed.

Spring sources will be at risk of damage by trampling if these water facilities are not repaired

1. The proposed projects will address some of the habitat management strategies outlined in the deer and elk management plans for herd units 16 A and B (Central Mountains, Manti and Nebo) including: Continue to improve and restore sagebrush steppe habitats critical to deer according to DWRs Habitat Initiative. Maintain habitat quantity and quality at a level adequate to support the stated population objectives while at the same time not resulting in an overall downward trend in range condition and watershed quality. Work cooperatively with land management agencies and private landowners to plan and implement improvement projects for the purpose of enhancing wildlife habitat and range resources in general. 2. The project also helps fulfill the state mule deer management plan section IV Habitat Goal: Conserve and improve mule deer habitat throughout the state with emphasis on crucial ranges. 3. The proposed projects will address the following goals and objectives of the Division of Wildlife Resources most recent strategic management plan: Resource Goal: expand wildlife populations and conserve sensitive species by protecting and improving wildlife habitat. Objective 1: protect existing wildlife habitat and improve 500,000 acres of critical habitats and watersheds throughout the state. Objective 3: conserve sensitive species to prevent them from becoming listed as threatened or endangered. Constituency Goal: Achieve broad-based support for Division programs and budgets by demonstrating the value of wildlife to all citizens of Utah. NRCS initiatives batching period For purposes of this subaccount, disasters include but are not limited to floods, wildfires, and drought that occur on or before the batching deadline. Disasters must be declared by local, state, or the federal government agencies with authorities to make such designations to request federal assistance, unless otherwise described below. All wildfires will be considered disasters. The boundaries of active fires will be extended based on actual burned areas. Areas outside the burn areas affected by firefighting efforts are eligible

Not applicable

This project will improve water quantity and quality for livestock and wildlife on the allotment. Repairing this water system will also protect spring sources from harm or damage allowing them to remain clean and intact for long term wildlife and livestock use.

This proposal only includes the replacements of existing damaged infrastructure. NEPA and cultural resource clearances are not required, The Forest Service will ensure any additional compliance needs are met.

This project will redevelop 2 different springs on that allotment. This includes digging in the spring area, collecting water with a head box, burying attached HDPE pipe to a aluminum water trough by gravity. This proposal is looking to tack on helicopter time that haul in fencing materials to some of the remote areas it will be installed in.

Function and maintenance of water systems will be conducted by the permittees and the local Forest Service range conservationist. No other monitoring is needed at this time.

US Forest Service, Payson Livestock Grazing Association, Utah Division of Wildlife UDWR, Utah Grazing Improvement Program GIP, Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS were all involved in several coordination meetings to asses and discuss damaged to the allotment and to develop a plan and obtain funding to replace damaged infrastructure so the allotment can return to it's previous full use.

Function and maintenance of water systems will be conducted by the permittees and the local Forest Service range conservationist.

All livestock water resources stem from springs present on the landscape. When these high profile areas are not developed and protected for multi species use they are often damaged and overused. Redeveloping these water resources will ensure these sensitive areas are protected and will be able to accommodate multi species use as long as water is present in the system.