Currently in the Southwest desert we continue to see several springs dry up year after year. Over the past five years we have seen our one spring dry up mid-summer and quit producing water, this has led to the need to haul water to the area. We have also noticed on adjacent land springs have continued to dry up as well. This project would allow livestock and wildlife to water. We currently have a well installed, several hundred feet of pipe installed and a pond already built. Thus, much of the infrastructure is already put in place to improve this area for Wildlife and livestock.

Install pump into already existing well, install solar panel system to the pump, install approximately 600 ft of pipeline. 100 ft to tie into existing line and 500 ft to add a water trough on a separate corner of the property for additional cattle and wildlife to utilize. By putting a constant water source, livestock and wildlife will have several different options for water, on wet years the spring will run and all years the new well will provide water for livestock and wildlife. The well and pond will reduce pressure on overuse on the springs in the area.

Water in this area continues to be limited for wildlife and livestock. This project allows us to better manage this resource for years to come, and improve this area. This project not only provides for cattle, but will provide for deer, elk, turkey and upland game. If This project is not completed the threat of not having enough available water is huge. The well will provide a constant reliable source. The riparian areas in the area will have time to recover from livestock and wildlife pressure. Much of the area is home to Pinyon nut harvesting, the threat of fire is huge in the area, having available water to allow for livestock grazing will reduce the amount of fuels that could potentially be harmful to the pinyon nut forests.

Southwest Desert Deer Herd Unit Management Plan Southwest Desert Elk Herd Unit Management Plan Southwest Desert Turkey

Proper grazing can reduce fine fuels that could lead to catastrophic fires. The area is already loaded with P/J and has the potential to burn, livestock grazing will be very beneficial to helping reduce the threat of fire.

Water quantity will greatly be increased with a new water system developed. The better part of the infrastructure in in place and a new pump and lines will ensure water to this area for years to come. Water quality will also be improved by getting livestock and wildlife off the riparian areas.

The well will only require a pump and panels to be be installed, SHIPO reviewed the project last year. The new parts of pipeline will travel on existing roads and will be cleared prior to installation.

Install pump and solar system to already existing well, and install water trough as soon as funding is available if the project is funded

Before and after photos of the project will be taken, trail cameras will be used on water to evaluate the amount of wildlife and livestock use.

Grazing Improvement Program Beaver County (Fire Reduction)

The landowner/livestock producer will maintain the watering system and ensure that grazing is done to the appropriate level. Plans for building and maintaining fences to help control grazing is in the works as well.

With more available water, livestock and wildlife can maintain body weight and condition. More water in the area makes for healthier herds, both wildlife and livestock. Healthier herds leads to more income and more opportunities to improve our Natural Resource for years to come.