The Stair Canyon Pipeline is integral to the proper management and distribution of livestock within the Circle Cliffs Grazing Allotment and provides water to 4 of the 5 pastures within the allotment. The initial pipeline was installed circa 1970 with a 2.5 mile extension completed in 1991. Over the years the pipeline has been patched and repaired numerous times. BLM has determined that total replacement of the pipe is warranted rather than continue to try and maintain the existing pipe. Other water sources are extremely limited in the area and due to the condition of the existing line, water is not always available in the allotment pastures as needed. Completion of the project would ensure that proper distribution of livestock would occur within the allotment and its pastures. The project is a collaborative effort between BLM and the Circle Cliff Allotment Permittees.

The primary objective of the the project is provide reliable water within the Circle Cliffs allotment for both wildlife and livestock. Water would be made available from November through March and could be made available on a year-round basis as deemed necessary. The project will ensure that proper distribution of livestock occurs throughout the allotment, which is expected to provided for the long-term maintenance /success of seeding restoration efforts by maintaining herbaceous species.

Overall threats/risks are negligible. The BLM Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) will install the the pipeline within the footprint of the existing pipeline while limiting the surface disturbance to the greatest extent possible. Furthermore, if necessary the GSENM will re-vegetate the disturbed area with an adequate seed mix conducive to the range site(s).

The project is in conformance with the GSENM Managment Plan (1999), Circle Cliffs Allotment Management Plan (1984), and the Escalante Management Framework Plan and Kanab/Escalante Grazing EIS (1981). Maintenance of the pipeline is also addressed under a Cooperative Agreement for Range Improvements (2003). The BLM determined that the 1991 extension was in conformance with the Environmental Assessment #UT-040-91-36. Cultural and wildlife surveys have been completed to allow for the construction of the project.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Environmental Assessment UT-040-91-36

The construction of the pipeline will be completed by the GSENM and/or Kanab Field Office (KFO) BLM staff. A D-6 or equivalent caterpillar and back hoe will be the primary equipment used to install the pipe. The project will be approximately 3 miles in length and pipe will be buried to a depth of 30-36". The livestock permittees will be responsible for tank and trough replacement/ construction.

BLM staff will continue to collect monitoring data (trend, utilization, etc...) throughout the area in accordance with established protocol.

The Circle Cliffs Allotment is a communal allotment with three permit holders. The three permittees have been consulted with and support the project. They have offered to assist in the installation of the pipe and make the necessary connections to troughs/tanks associated with the project.

Livestock grazing would continue to be managed under the direction of the Circle Cliffs Allotment AMP(1984). The Season of Use is from November 1 through March 31 at 1,050 Active AUMs which equates to 212 Cows.

Completion of the project will ensure that water is available as needed in the grazing allotment facilitating the appropriate distribution of livestock. Additionally, Range Management will continue with GSENM Range staff collecting monitoring data such as trend, utilization, actual use and precipitation. This information will be used to inform any future decisions impacting natural resources within the project area.