The lower Price River is the only place in Carbon County where anglers can target channel catfish in a river system. Flowing water in the river prevents fish kills that occur during times of drought and often result in the loss of all fish species in a reach of river (sport fish and native). In addition to providing angling opportunities, the lower Price River provides year-round habitat for all life stages of several species of native fish including: Flannelmouth sucker (Catostomus latipinnis) and Bluehead sucker (Catostomus discobolus), as well as direct and indirect roles for the recovery of threatened and endangered fish species including: Humpback chub (Gila cypha), Bonytail (Gila elegans), Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), and Razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus). Roundtail chub (Gila robusta) were once abundant in the Price River, however they have not been detected for more than 30 years. More specifically, the lower Price River provides seasonal habitat and beneficial foraging opportunities for juvenile and adult Colorado pikeminnow (Tyus and Saunders 2001, McAda et al. 1977, Masslich and Holden 1995, Cavalli 1999, Hudson 2002, Budy et al. 2017). Flannelmouth sucker, Bluehead sucker, and Roundtail chub (referred to as the "three species") are three unique and endemic species native to the Colorado River basin which have declined dramatically in both distribution and abundance throughout the basin, currently occupying approximately 50% of their historic range, largely due to habitat alteration, fragmentation, and interactions with non-native fish (Bezzerides and Bestgen 2002). These species are included on the BLM and Utah State Sensitive Species List and are managed under a multi-agency Conservation and Management Plan (UDWR 2006) with a goal of conserving remnant populations and associated habitats. These three species of fish are also listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Utah's Wildlife Action Plan. However, approximately 70% of flows in the Price River are consumed by agricultural, municipal and industrial water use resulting in periods of stress for the fish community. The most stressful period in any year occurs in mid-summer when flows are often lowest, and temperatures are highest. In a position paper, the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program (Recovery Program) identified a July through September minimum flow scenario of 5 cfs in the lower Price River for the benefit of native fish use. The Recovery Program recommended securing an emergency pool of water to avoid periods of dewatering in the lower Price River. For instance, an emergency pool of 600 ac-ft would provide 5 cfs for 60 days. The Recovery Program stated that the Conservation Agreement fish species would benefit most from an emergency pool of water, because Colorado pikeminnow would most likely vacate the lower Price River during these periods of prolonged low flow. However, Colorado pikeminnow would benefit indirectly via a stronger forage base. Therefore, this emergency pool would directly benefit native fishes and the invertebrate community of the lower Price River, and thereby indirectly benefit the native and endangered fish community of the larger Green River. Additionally, the Recovery Program believes that if a base flow augmentation pool could be delivered to the Green River, Roundtail chub could be successfully reintroduced into the lower Price River drainage (Chart and Mohrman 2012). Consequently, base flow augmentation in the Price River could reduce the likelihood of future listings of other native fishes under the Endangered Species Act and advance the likelihood of down listing. To this end, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) proposes to acquire the Dal B. Hansen Farm and the associated 890-acre feet of water rights. The current landowner is a willing seller and the anticipated market value is $655,000. Once acquired TNC will segregate the water from the land and work with the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWRe) and Division of Water Rights (DWRi) to change beneficial use of the water to instream. The land will be sold to a conservation-minded buyer for grazing purposes. In addition to restoring riverine habitat for fish, this project also benefits numerous bird and wildlife species that depend upon the riparian habitat along the Price River. According to the Utah Wildlife Action Plan (2015), "riparian areas are the richest habitat type in terms of species diversity and wildlife abundance." These areas provide habitat to a range of wildlife including amphibians, birds, mammals, fish, and insects. Riparian areas also play a significant role in the erosion processes by slowing water and trapping sediment. Finally, riparian areas provide quality forage for livestock and are valued within grazing allotments. Riparian areas should be managed to protect vegetation characteristics. Conservation efforts should include preserving existing riparian areas as well as the dedication of sufficient water to support vegetation. Herein, we are requesting funds from Habitat Council to purchase the Dal B. Hansen property and water. The property is approximately 561 acres and the four associated water rights are approximately 890 acre feet of irrigation rights. This project is important not only on its own merit but because it removes the last significant diversion on the lower Price River below Olsen Reservoir. The Olsen Reservoir project is in innovative project that was recently granted funding through NRCS's Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program for planning, design, and construction of Olsen Reservoir and conveyance systems. Together the acquisition of the Dal. B. Hansen property and the Olsen Reservoir project will maintain and restore flows on approximately 80 miles of the lower Price River while also enhancing the economic vitality of the region's agricultural community. Bezzerides, N. and K. R. Bestgen. 2002. Status review of roundtail chub (Gila robusta), flannelmouth sucker (Catostomus latipinnis), and bluehead sucker (Catostomus discobolus) in the Colorado River basin. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 118, Department of Fishery and Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. Budy, P., G. P. Thiede, D. Strohm, and P. D. MacKinnon. 2017. Tributary habitat use of imperiled and endangered fishes in the Price River, Utah. 2016 Final Progress Report to US Bureau of Reclamation, Grant number R11AC40021. UTCFWRU 2017(3):1-31. Cavalli, P. A. 1999. Fish community investigations in the lower Price River, 1996 - Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Publication No. 99-21, Salt Lake City, Utah. Chart, T. and J. Mohrman. 2012. The Upper Colorado River endangered fish recovery program's position on the role of the Price River in recovery of endangered fish and the need for minimum flow management. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Service, Utah Field Office. 42 pp. Hudson, J.M. 2002. Project 108 - Determination of winter use and seasonal flow needs of Colorado pikeminnow in the lower Price River. Annual Report to the upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. Masslich, W.J. and P.B. Holden. 1995. Price River fisheries survey: Woodside, UT to confluence with Green River. Prepared for the Stonefly Society, Trout Unlimited, and the Federation Fly Fishers. BIO/WEST, Inc., Logan, Utah. 6 pp. McAda, C. W., C. Philips, C. R. Berry, and R. S. Wydoski. 1977. A survey of threatened and endangered fish in Southeastern Utah streams within the coal planning area. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Utah Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Tyus, H.M. and J.F. Saunders. 2001. An evaluation of the role of tributary streams for recovery of endangered fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin, with recommendations for future recovery actions. Final Report, Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Program Project No. 101. Center for Limnology, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Studies, Univ. of Colorado at Boulder. 121pp.

The overall goal of this project is to remove fish barriers and restore flows in the lower Price River in a manner that implements the Recovery Program's recommended flow target and benefits seven imperiled fish species and riparian plant communities. Specific outcomes are as follows: 1. Purchase the approximately 561-acre Dal B. Hansen Farm and 890 acre feet of associated water rights. 2. Work with Trout Unlimited to remove the current diversion structures and fish barriers associated with the farm. 3. Transfer four water rights (WR 91-3549, WR 91-313, WR 123, WR3215) from TNC to DWRe, which is one of two state agencies that can hold water for instream benefit. 4. Market and sell the land without the irrigation water to a conservation-mind buyer to use for grazing thus keeping the land in agriculture. 5. Increase recreation and angling on the Price River by maintain a minimum flow of water.

Utah's Wildlife Action Plan states that "water is essential for all life, and our extraction and consumption of water and the accompanying alteration of aquatic habitats are the single most significant source of stress to Utah's wildlife and habitats." The proposed project is to designed reduce the risk of water scarcity to wildlife and riparian vegetation in a stretch of the lower Price River. In 2017 the Price River flow gauge at Woodside, recorded zero flow for weeks. On July 18, 2002, a fish kill was reported in the lower Price River due to extremely low flows. The greatest risk is the status quo or not acting at all. Fish populations are not yet at self-sustaining levels, but they are improving as illustrated by the recent recommendation to down-list razorback sucker and humpback chub from endangered to threatened. Additionally, more water will increase the success of riparian restoration projects in WRI project #4551 and add to the resiliency of these areas, as well as advance the possibility of less costly passive revegetation. The likelihood of crossing an ecological threshold to a point where future restoration would be more difficult or impossible is slim to nonexistent, as the project is designed to augment current flows. Multiple users including agriculture, industry, and recreation utilize the water resources of the Price River. Actions made now to protect or restore the habitat of native fish species will hopefully prevent their future listing and ensure the continued use of the water resources of the Price Rivers.

I. Resource Management Plan -- Findings, Objectives and Policy for Environmental Resources an Addendum to the Carbon County General Plan (Plan). The proposed project will advance many objectives and address policies in Carbon County's Plan including Water Quality and Hydrology (pg. 39), Riparian (pg. 46), Wildlife (pg. 56), and Threatened and Endangered and Sensitive Species (pg. 59). Common to all areas is the desire of the County to support local solutions. a. Water Quality and Hydrology - The Plan states "Adequate water quality and availability is the lifeblood of Carbon County and is necessary for future residential, industrial, commercial, agricultural, and recreational development. Carbon County will protect this valuable resource by promoting watershed protection measures and supporting the efficient management and use of water resources." The proposed project will advance (1) management of watersheds on public and private lands to optimize quality and quantity of water and protect surface water, the County's desire to encourage actions by individuals, groups, and local governments that are aimed at improving water quality and supporting the hydrology of the county, and (3) the County's values of water quality for human health and safety as well as ecological health. b. Riparian - The Plan states "Riparian zones are important in ecology, environmental management, and civil engineering because of their role in soil conservation, their habitat biodiversity, and the influence they have on fauna and aquatic ecosystems, including grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, or even non-vegetative areas". The proposed project will advance (1) the County's values of healthy, functional riparian areas and (2) the fact that the County values riparian areas for their ecological and aesthetic values. c. Wildlife - The Plan states "Best management practices for wildlife focus on principles and actions that allow people and wildlife to coexist, and on creating or maintaining healthy wildlife populations and habitat". The proposed project will advance (1) Cooperation with the DWRe for projects related to wildlife management decisions and (2) Responsible wildlife management; ensure that wildlife interests are given due consideration in all public land use and resource development decisions. d. Threatened and Endangered and Sensitive Species -The Plan states "Any species which are considered to be sensitive shall be given consideration for protection of habitat in planning II. Price River Watershed Restoration Plan -- USU The proposed project (securing stream flows) is part of a larger restoration effort planned for the lower Price River and will help meet the goals of this restoration effort. The Price River Restoration Technical Advisory Team recommended the development of a plan in 2016. This team includes partners from academia, the federal government, the state, and private NGOs. The plan identifies problems and causes of degradation and ecological constraints. This plan has set specific, measurable benchmarks that can be used to assess whether restoration activities have been successful in improving fish and riparian habitat. Securing flows in the Price River will directly contribute to meeting the following objectives: (1) Every major reach in the project extent will have an average of 2-4 beneficial habitat units per 300 m, with a beneficial habitat defined as a pool, riffle, backwater, beaver dam, large log, or boulder. No more than 70% of all habitat units in a given section should be of one type. (2) Foliar cover of native woody vegetation (willow and cottonwood), will be >= 10% of the riparian area within the project area, with at least 5% composed of cottonwood. Tamarisk cover will be reduced to <10% of foliar cover and Russian olive to <1% throughout the project area. III. Three Species Rangewide Conservation Agreement/Utah Three Species Plan The three species are currently managed under a range-wide and state conservation agreement to which the BLM, UDWR and TNC are signatories. The proposed restoration specifically targets improvement of three species populations in the Price River through habitat improvement and implementation of a monitoring plan. This project advances the goals of this conservation agreement and the following objectives: (1) Establish and/or maintain roundtail chub, flannelmouth sucker, and bluehead sucker populations sufficient to ensure persistence of each species within their ranges. (2) Establish and/or maintain sufficient connectivity between populations so that viable metapopulations are established and/or maintained. (3) Enhance and maintain habitat for roundtail chub, bluehead sucker, and flannelmouth sucker. (4) Enhance and/or restore connectedness and opportunities for migration of the subject species to disjunct populations where possible. (5) Restore altered channel and habitat features to conditions suitable for the three species. (6) Provide flows needed for all life stages of the subject species. (7) Maintain and evaluate fish habitat improvements throughout the range. (8) Install regulatory mechanisms for the long-term protection of habitat (e.g., conservation easements, water rights, etc.). IV. State of Utah Wildlife Action Plan (2015--2025) Utah's Wildlife Action Plan provides clear guidance for managing native wildlife species and their habitats to help prevent listings under the Endangered Species Act. The plan identifies species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) and key habitats. The proposed project would benefit the following SGCN: bluehead sucker (S1), bonytail (S1), Colorado pikeminnow (S3), flannel mouth sucker (S3), humpback chub (S2), razorback sucker (S2), roundtail chub (S2), bald eagle (S2B,S4N), southwest willow flycatcher (S1B), western yellow billed cuckoo (S2B) all of which depend on healthy riverine habitats. The greatest threats to key aquatic habitats are dams and water management and drought. The proposed project promotes sound water management and would lessen the threat of inappropriate water management in the lower Price River. V. Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program The endangered Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, and bonytail chub have all been observed in the Price River on a seasonal basis, suggesting potential use of the river for spawning and rearing. The proposed flow restoration on the Price will benefit these endangered species and contribute toward the goal of recovering populations of each species toward delisting and advance the likelihood of down listing. The Recovery Plan, states the following instream flow objective: The Recovery Program implements innovative solutions to meet the water needs of growing western communities while providing adequate instream flows to restore river and floodplain habitat to benefit endangered fishes. VI. BLM Price Field Office Resource Management Plan (RMP) The RMP is a broad framework for managing BLM administered lands in the jurisdiction of the Price Field Office, including the Price River. The proposed project will comply with and enhance the objectives of this management plan including objectives to (1) restore riparian function, and (2) provide quality habitat to support native fish and wildlife. VII. Utah's Recommended State Water Strategy This plan was compiled by the Governor's Water Strategy Advisory Team and calls for enough clean and affordable water to sustain thriving communities and businesses, robust agriculture, ample recreation, and a healthy and resilient natural environment. This project advances the strategy to preserve and enhance a healthy environment through new levels of cooperation. VIII. Utah Mule Deer Statewide Management Plan This plan calls for an emphasis on improving riparian habitat (Habitat Objective 2). The proposed project would enhance riparian areas of the lower Price River by augmenting flows. IX. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program Strategic Plan: This project falls within the Plateau Focus Area in Utah and advances the plans primary strategy of habitat restoration and enhancement efforts including wetland management and enhancement, and repair/installation of dikes and water control structures to benefit numerous listed endangered and threatened species. X. Division of Water Quality, 2004 TMDL The lower portion of the Price River was included on the 2000 303(d) list of impaired waterbodies for exceeding the total dissolved solids (TDS) water quality standard, impairing its agricultural beneficial use for irrigation and stock watering. As a result of that listing, a TMDL study was completed by DWQ and approved by EPA in 2004. This project will create vegetated buffer strips along streams feeding the Price River helping to reduce erosion and sediment inputs.

Riparian vegetation and rivers can provide critical fire breaks. Providing a consistent flow of water to the Price River will benefit native vegetation and increase soil and riparian vegetation moisture content creating more effective fire breaks. Securing flowing water will increase the probability that this section of the Price River provides fire break benefits in the future. Decreasing water (flows) in western rivers is a primary contributor to the invasion of xeric invasive species such as Tamarisk and Russian olive. Russian olives alter the structure of plant communities by increasing vertical and horizontal canopy density, increasing fuel continuity, and creating volatile fuel ladders (Zouhar et al. 2008, Katz and Shafroth 2003). Tamarisk and Russian olive can form dense, fire-prone thickets that develop into monospecific stands because of vigorous root sprout growth following fire. The potential for more extreme fires will intensify as the density and cover of the tamarisk and Russian olive encroachment increases. By reducing the hazardous fuel load this will reduce the possibility for fire events.

The purpose of the project is to implement water protection practices that will improve water quality and quantity in the Price River not only year-round, but especially during low flow periods. Currently the river can go dry to the detriment of fish and wildlife species. Exacerbating this issue is climate change, which is reducing snow pack and changing the hydrologic regime so that peak floods in the Price River can occur later in the year instead of early spring. This project is a nature-based climate solution that will help to restore a more natural hydrologic regime in the face of climate change. Passive revegetation made possible through additional water will help to capture greenhouse gases. A more consistent flow in the Price River will improve water quality and water temperatures during low flow periods.

NEPA is not required for acquisition of land and water. However, TNC has completed some due diligence including obtaining appraisals from qualified appraisers, including a yellow book appraisal as per Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and receipt of a fair market value letter to be in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. We have also obtained a preliminary title report and we are in the process of obtaining a Phase I Environmental Hazard Report.

TNC is in the process of obtaining a signed purchase agreement and completing a Phase 1 Environmental Hazard Report. We anticipate completing all due diligence and closing in the next six months. Once the warranty deed is recorded, we will work with DWRe and DWRi to transfer the water rights to be held by the state for instream purposes.

The success of the project will be assessed by monitoring water levels in the Price River at the Woodside gauge. Utah State University (USU) and DWRe will evaluate the response of target fishes to flow restoration activities. Additionally, DWR completes yearly fish monitoring on the lower San Rafael River and will be able to assess the impact of additional water to fish species.

This proposal represents ongoing efforts initiated in 2018 and is part of an effective association consisting of USU, DWRe, TNC, Trout Unlimited, the USFWS, Endangered Fish Recovery Program, the NRCS, and local ranching families.

TNC and UDWR are leading a collaborative effort to secure carry water (extra water in the canal) from the Carbon Canal Company that will be sent to Olson Reservoir throughout the irrigation season. Delivery of carry water and storm water will provide much needed water to the depleted wetland, benefiting habitat for waterfowl and other marsh birds. This pool of water will be released periodically during dry periods (July-Aug) to maintain flows, improve water quality, and ultimately prevent Price River fish kills that have occurred in the past. Purchasing the water discussed in this proposal ensures that water released from Olsen Reservoir can reach all the way to the Green River, otherwise, the project will still be successful, however, water could be diverted above Woodside greatly reducing river miles benefiting from the project. We are working with the NRCS to fund the Olsen Reservoir project and are currently finishing up an Environmental Assessment, developing preferred project alternatives. In the future we plan to propose additional projects to Habitat Council to help with construction of Olsen Reservoir. Such a proposal will be a good use of resources, as state funds will be favorably matched with federal (NRCS) dollars. Olsen Reservoir has great potential to benefit wildlife and public access to the improved wetland that can be managed as a fishery and hunting area (located on BLM). The water will be transferred to the State of Utah with an associated agreement that it will be used for the benefit of riverine systems and species for enduring environmental benefits. The land will be sold to a conservation minded buyer, with the intent that it will be used for grazing purposes to advance the vitality of agricultural income in the region. Deed restrictions and/or a conservation easement will not be placed on the property since the ecological value to the overall project and freshwater systems and species is in the water.

Sustainable uses of natural resources and indirect benefits of the project include the following: * A more reliable water source in the Price River for livestock * Passive restoration on riparian ecosystems that offer water, shelter, and food for domestic livestock. Cattle and sheep congregate in riparian areas, particularly during hot or dry periods. At periods in the year when the soil is not too wet, the leaves, twigs, and shoots of Fremont cottonwood are browsed by all domestic grazing animals and deer. * The property will remain in agriculture and be used for livestock and cattle operations. * Illustrates that local community members and the conservation community can develop and promote water protection strategies that demonstrate effective and economical approaches to enhance flows for fish species while keeping rural communities and landscapes viable. * Acknowledges that at this time of an uncertain water future in Utah, it is more important than ever to work together with farmers, water users, biologists and conservation interests to protect our water resources and keep rural landscapes healthy and whole.