The Buckhorn Flat and Swayback Knoll areas are important to mule deer; specifically, mule deer crucial winter range. In addition, these areas are expected to provide for Utah Prairie Dog (UPD) habitat. Although the projects are not located in Sage Grouse PHMAs that are designated by the BLM they are located within Bald Hills and Panguitch SGMA's. Sage grouse are in close proximity to the project area. The project will provide for creation of additional habitat and connectivity within the Bald Hills area. Currently, the areas are dominated by invasive species including Tansy mustard. To make these areas more suitable to wildlife they will be chained and aerial seeded. Phase 1 of the project will encompass approximately 900 acres (300 acres - Swayback Knoll and 600 acres -Buckhorn Flat) of chaining/seeding. Note: Phase 1 of the project would encompass 600 acres of the total project area identified on the map within the Buckhorn Flat area. Phase 2 of the project would complete the rest of the polygon within the Buckhorn Flat project area and complete more acreage within the Swayback Knoll area. The Nature Conservancy and BLM completed a UPD Habitat Suitability Model based on slope, elevation, depth to restrictive layer, soil texture and vegetation structure. Through this effort it has been determined that the project area is suitable for UPDs (Refer to Attached documents (suitability map and PowerPoint).

As discussed, approximately 900 acres would be treated and managed primarily for improvements to mule deer habitat while also providing for potential Utah Prairie dog habitat. The treatment is expected to facilitate UPD connectivity between colonies allowing for increased colonization, increased genetic exchange and buffering against potential sylvatic plague epizootic events. The objectives for this proposal for Utah Prairie Dogs are as follows: 1. Improve health, composition and diversity of grasses and forbs. 2. Maintain adequate habitat components to meet needs of UPDs in coordination with UDWR, USFWS, UPDOG and UPDRIT. 3. Provide opportunities for UPDs to ensure connectivity of populations through corridors and opportunity for expansion and dispersal. The objectives for mule deer are as follows: 1. Improve health, composition and diversity of shrubs, grasses and forbs. 2. Convert the existing vegetative community from annual forbs to a perennial grass, forb and shrub dominated community. 3. Increased vigor of shrubs as indicated by plants with leader and seed production.

As discussed, the project area is dominated by annual forbs (Tansy mustard). An aggressive seed mix will be identified to ensure recovery of the site. The biggest risk is that the project fails and the current vegetation continues to exist. However, there is a large risk to wildlife species; specifically, mule deer if the project is not completed. Suitable mule deer winter range habitat has been identified by BLM, DWR, etc... as a limiting factor within these areas for many years. If this project is successful there are approximately 3,500 acres that could be rehabilitated within the area in subsequent phases.

The Buckhorn Flat project area was authorized under the Chipman Peak Vegetation Enhancement Project (DOI-BLM-UT-C010-2015-0026-EA) and the Swayback Knoll project area was authorized under Fremont Habitat Improvement Project (DOI-BLM-UT-C010-2016-0054). The project is located within the Bald Hills SGMA and immediately adjacent to the Bald Hills PHMA. The project is consistent with the BLM Utah Greater Sage-Grouse Approved Resource Management Plan 2015. A. The project is consistent with the SGARMP (2015) goals, objectives and Management Actions that were identified in the Special Status Species section as follows: Special Status Species Goal: Maintain and/or increase GRSG abundance and distribution by conserving, enhancing or restoring the sagebrush ecosystem upon which populations depend in collaboration with other conservation partners. Refer to the following Objectives and Management Actions in the SGRMPA (Objectives: SSS-3, SSS-4, SSS-5) and Management Actions (MA-SSS-4, MA-SSS-6, MA-SSS7). B. The project is also consistent with the SGARMP (2015) objectives and Management Actions that were identified in the Vegetation section as follows: Refer to the following Objectives and Management Actions in the SGRMPA (MA-VEG-1, MA-VEG-2, MA-VEG-4, MA-VEG-5, MA-VEG-6, MA-VEG-8, MA-VEG-9, MA-VEG-10, MA-VEG-12 and MA-VEG-14). C. The project is also consistent with the SGARMP (2015) Management Actions that were identified in the Fire and Fuels Management section as follows: Refer to the following Management Actions in the SGRMPA (MA-FIRE-1 and MA-FIRE-3) D. The project is also consistent with the SGARMP (2015) Management Actions that were identified in the Livestock Grazing/Range Management section as follows: Refer to the following Management Actions in the SGRMPA (MA-LG-3, MA-LG-4, MA-LG-5, MA-LG-12, MA-LG-13, MA-LG-16 and MA-LG-17). Utah Prairie Dog Revised Recovery Plan 2012 The project is located within one UPD Management Unit Plan (U20-I15). The project would provide for UPD specific vegetation treatments that would provide for habitat improvements, which would allow for movement and genetic exchange between colonies. In addition, the treatments would provide for future translocation areas for UPDs, which is expected to allow for the recovery of UPDs on public lands. Cedar Beaver Garfield Antimony Resource Management Plan Resource Management Plan (1986). Although the Project Area was not specifically discussed in the RMP vegetation treatments were identified throughout the Field Office. The project will be consistent with the habitat management strategies identified in the Deer Herd Unit Management Plan for Deer Herd Unit #22 (Beaver) (UDWR) which pertain to the Project Area are as follows: 1. Maintain or enhance forage production through direct range improvements on winter and summer deer range throughout the unit to achieve population management objectives. 2. Maintain critical fawning habitat in good condition. Fawn recruitment is a major concern on this unit and may be the single greatest factor limiting the population. 3. Work with federal and state partners in fire rehabilitation and prevention on crucial deer habitat through the WRI process. Panguitch Herd Unit Management Plan (2015) The project will be consistent with the habitat management strategies identified in the Deer Herd Unit Management Plan for Deer Herd Unit #28 (Panguitch) (UDWR) which pertain to the Project Area are as follows: 1. Maintain mule deer habitat throughout the unit by protecting and enhancing existing crucial habitats and mitigating for losses due to natural and human impacts. 2. Seek cooperative projects to improve the quality and quantity of deer habitat. 3. Provide improved habitat security and escapement opportunities for deer. Pronghorn Statewide Management Plan (2009) Habitat Management Objective (B.e.), Under the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative, design, implement, and monitor the effectiveness of habitat improvement projects to benefit pronghorn.

The area is dominated by annual invasive species including Tansy mustard. The project is expected to improve Fire/Fuels conditions as follows: 1. Treatments around the areas that are dominated by sagebrush would reduce the risk of fire entering these sensitive areas. 2. Reduce the threat of fires burning large amounts of this vegetation type at one time. 3. Return these areas to a fire regime closer to the historical range and desired future condition. 4. Improve landscape resiliency so that if a future fire did occur in the area, it would be more likely to recover on its own and would not burn at such a high intensity. 5. Fire return intervals would be more in balance with historic ranges. 6. Seeding desired grasses and forbs would also create fuel breaks which could help to slow or stop the spread of future wildfires.

The projects are both located at 5,600 feet, it is expected that in the long-term the likelihood for a healthy vegetation community is high. The project is expected to improve herbaceous understory, which will reduce water runoff and decrease soil erosion while increasing infiltration. Although no perennial streams or waterbodies will be impacted by this project, localized benefits may be experienced by increasing water availability to desirable vegetation.

A Class 3 cultural clearance would be required prior to project implementation. Vegetative monitoring data has been collected to provide baseline information to monitor the long-term success of the treatment and the grazing management system. The treatment will be rested from livestock grazing for a minimum of two years following treatment. The Swayback Knoll project area already has a fence around it and the Buckhorn Flat Pasture has not been utilized for many years. Therefore, resting the areas from livestock grazing will be able to occur easily. Buckhorn Flat (Compliance) The project is located within the Fremont Allotment (Buckhorn Flat Pasture). This pasture has not been utilized by livestock for a number of years due to lack of vegetation. If the project were successful, the pasture could be encompassed into a rest rotation grazing management system that has been identified for the allotment. Encompassing the pasture into the grazing management system is expected to improve the vegetative community within the pasture in the long-term. Swayback Knoll (Compliance) The project areas is located within the Bone Hollow (Middle Pasture) Allotment. The season of use is from November 15th - March 15th and from April 15th - June 15th. A three pasture grazing rotation has been identified within the allotment, which restricts critical growing period to 1 our of 3 years in each pasture.

The project has been flagged and GPS'd. The BLM will provide overall project oversight for treatment implementation. The following provides information pertaining to the treatment: Buckhorn Flat (Phase 1) - Chain and Aerial Seed 600 acres Swayback Knoll (Phase 1) - Chain and Aerial Seed 300 acres

Monitoring of the site has been ongoing and primarily consisted of nested frequency, line intercept and utilization. Prior to the treatment general wildlife use surveys, raptor nest surveys and noxious weed monitoring will occur. Pre and post monitoring will help determine the success of the treatment. In addition, project inspectors will be available to monitor the contract to ensure that all specifications are adhered to.

UPDOG and UPDRIT, which is comprised of partners from USFWS, DWR, local County governments, etc... DWR and BLM have had multiple field tours to discuss how to improve mule deer winter range in the project areas. Livestock permittees - livestock management

As discussed, the project areas are located within the Bone Hollow and Fremont Allotments. The Buckhorn Flat project area is located in the Fremont Allotment, which has been assessed through the permit renewal process. Grazing management systems that identified livestock numbers, season of use and AUMs were identified through this process. The Fremont Allotment has authorized livestock grazing from May 1st - October 31st for cattle. This project area has not been utilized by livestock for many years. If the project is successful it could be incorporated into the overall grazing management system for the allotment. The Swayback Knoll project area is located in the Bone Hollow Allotment. This area can be utilized from November 15th - March 15th and from April 15th - June 15th. A three pasture grazing rotation has been identified within the allotment, which restricts critical growing period to 1 our of 3 years in each pasture. The treatment will be rested from livestock grazing for a minimum of two years following treatment. The Swayback Knoll project area already has a fence around it and the Buckhorn Flat Pasture has not been utilized for many years. Therefore, resting the areas from livestock grazing will be able to occur easily. Vegetative monitoring data including utilization and nested frequency will continue to be collected within the allotment. Future maintenance projects to protect investments have been addressed and allowed through the project planning document (NEPA). A large amount of treatment methods have been identified and authorized for use within the Project Area.

The project is expected to improve health, composition, and diversity of grasses, forbs and shrubs in accordance with Rangeland Health Standards and Guidelines and the Ecological Site Description, which will be beneficial to livestock grazing. Utilization within the allotment has not yet been an issue within the majority of the allotments. If successful, the project will provide additional forage, which will provide for improved livestock distribution. The scale of forage availability will be largely dependent upon yearly precipitation amounts; however, it is expected that adequate amounts will be available due to the project area being located at 5,500 feet. The project is expected to promote short-term and long-term recreational big game hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the area. Mule deer are prevalent within the project area. A large number of hunters and people who like to view wildlife frequent this area throughout the year. As discussed in the livestock grazing portion of the sustainable uses of natural resources section, the treatment will maintain/improve health, composition and diversity of grasses and forbs in accordance with Rangeland Health Standards and Guidelines and the Ecological Site Description. The area is located within critical winter mule deer habitat. The project is expected to be beneficial to mule deer populations by converting an unsuitable vegetative community to something that is more desirable for mule deer; thereby, improving the hunting and viewing opportunities within the area.

01/02/2023

04/12/2023

2023

The area is located within the Bone Hollow and the Fremont Allotments and was aerially seeded and chain harrowed. There was 900 acres aerially seeded through a contract. This acreage was chain harrowed by BLM Fuels staff between January 2 and April 12, 2023. The project took a little longer than expected due to wet conditions.

This area is important habitat for Greater Sage Grouse and Utah Prairie Dog, as well as crucial mule deer winter range and livestock grazing. The area was aerially seeded and chain harrowed. The seeding consisted of an aggressive seed mix consisting of perennial grasses and forbs. Undesirable species including mustard were present throughout the project area, which is why such an aggressive seed mix was identified for the area. The project is focused on re-establishing wildlife habitats; specifically, for Utah prairie dog and Sage Grouse with a diverse mix of warm and cool season grasses and perennial forbs.

A mandatory two year (growing season) minimum rest period has been initiated for the portion of the allotment that was drill seeded. The project area is located within the Bone Hollow and Fremont Allotments. The season of use within the Bone Hollow Allotment is from November 15th - June 15th. A three-pasture grazing management system that provides critical growing period rest two out of three years has been identified within the allotment. The season of use within the Fremont Allotment is from May 1st - October 31st. An eight pasture grazing management system that provides for critical growing period rest has been identified in the allotment. The grazing system is expected to provide for long-term viability of the drill seeding.