These 4 WMA's provide some of the most critical habitat for waterfowl and upland game in the region as well as recreational opportunities for constituents of the UDWR. As such, UDWR has an obligation to maintain, improve, and manage these lands to meet the goals and objectives for which they were acquired. Specific maintenance needs vary from year to year and property to property but typically involve: access improvements, fencing and signage, habitat improvement projects, trash removal, and weed control.

1)Secure and post property boundaries; 2)Implement a noxious weed control program by inventory and spraying on an annual basis; 3)Maintain public access and recreational opportunities on authorized roads/trails through roada nd parking area maintenance activities; and 4)Implement habitat restoration activities to improve wildlife habitat values of WMA's.

Failure to maintain WMA's will result in habitat degradation and loss; conflicts with counties, local municipalities, and adjacent landowners; and failure to meet and/or comply with legal obligations.

Strategic Plan. Improvements on WMA lands will help specific Tier I, II, and III species listed later in this proposal and identified in the WAP. Numerous key habitats (Shrubsteppe, wetland, riparian) as defined by the WAP will also benefit from improvement and protection of these 4 WMA's.

Proper management and establishment of desirable plant species decreases the risk of weed or cheatgrass invasion and subsequent wildfire. The properties are located between privately owned agricultural fields. Maintenance and management of the WMA's is required to reduce fire risk on the property and the surrounding private properties.

Proper management and establishment of desirable plant species decreases the risk of weed, cheatgrass invasion, and other undesirable plant species. Establishment of invasive species could negatively impact water quality, quantity and could increase erosion.

Archaeology, Habitat staff and/or Clear Lake Area Manager will contact SLO archeologist about any undertakings that may require arch clearances. Habitat staff and/or Clear Lake Area Manager will work with SLO NEPA coordinator should any undertakings requiring NEPA come about.

Maintenance on these 4 WMA's is overseen by the Clear Lake Waterfowl Management Area Manager. Under his direction and with the assistance of seasonal technicians maintenance activities will include: Fence and sign maintenance; parking area maintenance; weed control; habitat improvements including seeding, irrigation, tree planting, etc.; and water flow regulation between units of wetlands.

Clear Lake Waterfowl Management Area Manger and the Wayne County District Biologist monitors annually for general habitat conditions as well as annual waterfowl counts and banding.

Dedicated Hunters and Sportsmans Groups

Maintenance on these 4 WMA's is overseen by the Clear Lake Waterfowl Management Area Manager and the Wayne County District Biologist. Under their direction and with the assistance of seasonal technicians, maintenance activities will be conducted to achieve the habitat and wildlife objectives of the properties.

Grazing is not currently permitted on any of these 4 WMA's. Hunting and wildlife viewing are recreational uses that occur extensively on these WMAs.

07/01/2020

06/30/2021

2021

Farming - Plowing, discing, drill seeding and irrigation occurred on the areas. Many different species of trees, shrubs, grain, grass and forbs were planted. Fencing was maintained. Invasive plants were sprayed to control and limit expansion. Work continues at Redmond in conjunction with Sevier County Extension to control White top. Maintenance projects were completed by myself, seasonal and full time Habitat section staff, the area biologist, and dedicated hunters. Jim Lamb becoming a habitat biologist in Loa has helped with some emphasis on Bicknell Bottoms including annual planting of grains and additional other planting and fencing needs.

Work on this budget covers several WMA's including: Clear Lake, Topaz Slough, Redmond, and Bicknell Bottoms. Pastures at Redmond, Bicknell Bottoms, and Clear Lake were disced and drill seeded with perennial grass and forbs as well as some annual grain plots providing feed for upland game. Fertilizers including both chemical and manure have been used extensively in the past year to help enhance plant growth. Trees and shrubs were planted to provide shelterbelts and forage in the uplands of the property. Trespass cattle have been an issue on some of the WMA's and fencing has been worked on but is showing signs of age. Water flow is managed across the Clear Lake and Topaz Slough by a series of culverts and dikes. Maintenance work was completed to keep ditches, culverts, and dikes in good working condition.

Grazing is not currently permitted at any of these WMA's. Rx fire will continue to be utilized in all wetlands on a rotational basis to clear out thatch and revitalize vegetative communities. All fences require regular monitoring and repair. A Habitat Council proposal was utilized to continue addressing deteriorating fence conditions at Clear Lake and Bicknell Bottoms. Future proposals will continue to work on problem areas as funding and manpower allows. Consideration is also being given to another attempt at drilling a well to provide for additional water at Clear Lake at some point in the future.