Coal Creek is an important, relatively intact riverine ecosystem that flows through scenic red rock canyons in Utah. It stretches over 30 miles and eventually drains into Lake Quichapa in the Cedar Valley. The creek is a critical water source for agriculture and residents of the Cedar Valley, and also serves as the main supply for the Iron County Water Conservancy District's aquifer recharge project. However, the ecosystem faces a significant threat from invasive plant species, primarily Russian olive and tamarisk, and fire suppression has led to a watershed impairment from tree density and lack of species diversity which are altering the region's natural functions. These invasive species disrupt the ecosystem in several ways. They can change flooding dynamics, constrain river channels, and alter water temperature and chemistry, which negatively impacts the quality of water. In addition, they degrade native vegetation and provide poor habitat for native birds, especially Neotropical species. As the invasive plants spread, they pose a risk of eliminating native species altogether, which could further compromise the ecosystem's health. To address these challenges, a project has been proposed to control the spread of these invasive plants over 172 acres within the Coal Creek watershed. This area includes 2 key aquatic habitats identified in the Utah Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) for 2015-2025: Riverine, Aquatic-Scrub/Shrub habitats. These habitats are vital for many species, and the WAP highlights non-native invasive species as a primary threat to biodiversity. The goals of the project include restoring riparian systems, enhancing water quality, and improving habitat for both federally listed species and other wildlife in the watershed. Healthy watersheds provide essential ecosystem functions, including nutrient cycling, carbon storage, erosion control, and biodiversity enhancement. Restoring Coal Creek's riparian ecosystem will help secure these services, benefiting the local wildlife and the human communities that depend on the water. Overall, the initiative aims to control invasive species, restore critical habitats, and ensure that Coal Creek remains a healthy and sustainable resource for both wildlife and human populations in the Cedar Valley. Making this truly a watershed project, we looked outside the riparian area identifying issues that are affecting watershed function. In the mountain shrub community on the south side of Coal Creek Canyon is a dense pinyon and juniper (rocky mountain juniper) forest. The density of the trees and amount of encroachment affecting wildlife habitat, threat of wildfire risk to the main watershed of the 8th fastest growing county in Utah (USAfacts.org) and neighboring community(s). Wildlife habitat is the primary use of this private land with the management of small amounts of livestock use. The management of livestock currently has been primarily in the sagebrush flats, because of the terrain and lack of vegetation. With the improvements of the agent areas and increasing water on the landscape wildlife will be able to use this habitat longer and reduce the amount of time that wildlife, primarily deer, are in residential and agricultural areas. Big Game uses this area as a critical migration and stopover habitat as documented by collar data by the UDWR (See WHAT Report in Document section). Large numbers of mule deer pass through this area in the early fall and spring as mule deer and elk transition from winter to summer range. Often mule deer will give birth in this area increasing the need for nutritious forage for lactating females and their offspring. Improving range conditions will improve body condition for native ungulates. Improved body condition will improve survival and condition of the animal once it reaches its winter range which is a critical element for big game winter survival. This unit is one of the premier general season deer hunting units in Utah and provides ample hunting opportunities to the public. The Zion unit is also home to a population of elk that provide one of the few over-the-counter any-bull general season hunting opportunities for elk in the state. Improving and maintaining habitat conditions in the Zion unit is important to sustaining wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities that benefit the public. By doing so, we are also maintaining and enhancing economic stability in surrounding rural communities. Many of these rural incomes rely on wildlife and wildlife habitat as a source of income. Elk use the area heavily in the late fall and in some winters. Depending on snow depth, Elk can be found in this area throughout the winter. In the words of Wade Heaton "We aren't going to have healthy wildlife populations without private landowners, and that includes general season landowners". This project will build upon several other previously funded WRI projects and with projects completed by the Natural Resource Conservation Service that have taken place in the watershed. A staggered approach allows for habitats to develop as other treatments take place. This method seems to be supported by the natural ecology of the area. Small scale fires would happen in smaller, more random fashion rather than large-scale fires or disturbances. Rocky Mountain Juniper sites should be experiencing low intensity fires every 15-50 years and stand replacing fires every 150-250 years(Miller et al. 2000). There is no sign or documentation of fires in this area in the past 100 years, indicating that a stand replacing fire is in the near future. The issue with a stand replacing fire in an area that has not had any low intensity fires is that a stand replacing fire will be catastrophic. Potentially leading to extreme soil erosion, mud and debris flows into Cedar City and culinary water systems that are in the canyon. Currently the Cedar Valley aquafer is being depleted to record lows forcing the Utah Division of Rights to start cutting water rights. Watershed health is commonly overlooked in aquafer depletion situations. Coal Creek is one of the primary sources of water for the Cedar City, Utah. As the southwest experiences record growth amidst record drought, the demand for water could be considered one of the greatest issues effecting Iron County right now. The watershed the feeds the Cedar Valley has reach ecological climates and is primed for large scale wildfire that would have devastating effects of the community and current water systems. Overall, the initiative aims to control invasive species, restore critical habitats, and ensure that Coal Creek remains a healthy and sustainable resource for both wildlife and human populations in the Cedar Valley.

The proposed treatment area is located in the Coal Creek Drainage, where the infestation of russian olive and tamarisk begins. By focusing on this area, the project aims to prevent the further spread of these invasive species downstream, thereby protecting native species throughout the watershed. The specific objectives of the treatment plan are: Remove 100% of Russian olive and tamarisk: Eradicate these invasive species from the treatment area to prevent them from further degrading the ecosystem and threatening native vegetation. Increase cottonwood tree presence by 25%: Promote the growth of native cottonwood trees, which are essential for maintaining healthy riparian habitats and providing suitable conditions for local wildlife. Increase watershed health for the Cedar Valley, this project is part of a series of projects that are targeted in the Coal Creek/Cedar Valley Watershed. Increase forage for wildlife in treated areas by a minimum of 10%. Increase mule deer usage of migration habitat and hold over time of migrating. This data can be determined through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Migration Initiative. Increase or maintain elk use on the private ground, while reducing the negative impacts to private landowners and their operations. Increase number of flowing plants by 10% and have flowering species by 10%. By achieving these goals, the project will help restore and protect the native ecosystem, contributing to improved biodiversity and the overall health of the Coal Creek watershed. The restoration efforts will also support the long-term sustainability of the area as a water source for the Cedar Valley.

This project will increase and maintain the availability of a diverse suite of vegetational communities. A healthy landscape has a diversity of vegetational states within an ecological site. A diverse landscape benefits a larger community of wildlife species and people. A diverse landscape is also more resistant and resilient to disturbance. By allowing this landscape to continue to move further into a dominant PJ woodland it increases the risk of its resistance to disturbance and its resilience to bounce back and heal after a disturbance. This project will directly and indirectly affect positively high interest game species. Mule deer and elk are found in the project area. Mule deer could use this area for a staging area in their migration, as has been seen on other projects on the Cedar Front/Shurtz Canyon allowing them to be in better condition as they enter the winter range and allows the deer to spend less time on sensitive winter ranges. New to this area is the loss of winter range. Several new subdivisions are going in on the edge of BLM ground. These areas were once where deer and elk would winter, but now are homes, and domestic pets are common harassers of wintering ungulates. Having high quality winter/transitual range will be crucial for the deer and elk on the Zion Unit. Elk will use this area from the fall to spring, if weather does not force them to lower elevations. In consultation with the wildlife biologist over this unit, he would prefer that the elk and mule deer remain in these areas longer, because it would give managers a chance to manage them, rather than when they enter agricultural fields and become a depredation issue. See in the "Need for Project" section the critical importance of this area to big game. This area is necessary for sustainable big game populations. Preserving and restoring wet areas like this project aims to do has been identified as a key way to mitigate impacts like drought, increasing temperatures, and other impacts that a changing climate will have on human and wildlife. If the project does go forward, there are few notable threats/risks. Similar stream improvement work has been completed along other portions of Coal Creek without negative impacts and many positive impacts.

There are numerous management plans that address removal of invasive species, increase of wildlife habitat, reduction of fuels, and increasing collaboration and education with landowners. Below highlight some of those plans. --1-- Forestry, Fire and State Lands, Utah Forest Action Plan 2020: This project addresses 3 of the 4 goals of Utah's FAP: 1. Restore healthy and resilient trees and forests across Utah. 2. Reduce wildfire risk to communities, water resources, and other natural resource values. 3. Increase collaborative landscape-scale forest restoration activities across the State. --2--Utah Wildlife Action Plan 2025-2035: Invasive species, the project is within the riverine aquatic key habitat. This project helps reduce 3 of the threats to this key habitat: inappropriate fire frequency and intensity, droughts, and invasive plant species. --3--Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program, Mountain-Prairie Region Strategic Plan: this project is within a PFW focus area, priority habitat type (riparian) and priority species (the proposed project addresses invasive species as a habitat threat). --4--Iron County Natural Resource Management Plan list russian olive as a Class 4 or Prohibited Weed. The eradication of species in the county is the ultimate goal, but control is mandated. --5-- Utah Noxious Weed Act supports this proposal through the continued removal and control of tamarisk, a Class C Weed. Also by meeting Strategic goals and Objectives, Goal I, protect the State's natural, agricultural, and ranching resources including water quality and quantity. --6-- Utah Mule Deer Statewide Plan (2025-2030) "Work with local, state and federal land management agencies via land management plans and with private landowners to identify and properly manage crucial mule deer habitats, especially fawning, wintering, and migration areas" "Work with local, state and federal land management agencies and ranchers to properly manage livestock to enhance crucial mule deer ranges." "Minimize impacts and recommend mitigation for losses of crucial habitat due to human impacts." "Continue to support and provide leadership for the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative, which emphasizes improving sagebrush-steppe, aspen, and riparian habitats throughout Utah." "Support existing and explore additional incentive programs for landowners that will increase tolerance, enhance habitat, and promote deer populations on private lands such as the CWMU, landowner permit, Walk-In Access programs, etc." This project falls in the Crucial Mule Deer Habitat Priorities. --7-- Deer Herd Unit Management Plan, Deer Herd # 29, Zion "A major proportion of both summer and winter habitat for deer on this unit is on private land. Therefore, it is paramount to work with private landowners to maintain both summer and winter habitat." "Reduce expansion of Pinion-Juniper woodlands into sagebrush habitats and improve habitats dominated by Pinion-Juniper woodlands by completing habitat restoration projects like lop & scatter, bullhog, and chaining." "Work toward long-term habitat protection and preservation through agreements with land management agencies and local governments, the use of conservation easements, etc. on private lands and working toward blocking up UDWR properties through land exchanges with willing partners." --8--Utah Statewide Elk Management Plan *"Continue to provide incentive programs for landowners that will encourage elk populations on private land such as the CWMU, Landowner Association, and WalkIn Access programs." * "Increase forage production by annually treating a minimum of 40,000 acres of elk habitat.' * "Coordinate with land management agencies, conservation organizations, private landowners, and local leaders through the regional Watershed Restoration Initiative working groups to identify and prioritize elk habitats that are in need of enhancement or restoration. i) Identify habitat projects on summer ranges (aspen communities) to improve calving habitat. ii) Encourage land managers to manage portions of forests in early succession stages through the use controlled burning and logging. Controlled burning should only be used in areas with minimal invasive weed and/or safety concerns." --9--USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Strategic Plan "Project addresses habitat threats for a priority species within a PFW priority area (Plateau Focus Area) for restoration work." --10-- Utah Catastrophic Wildfire Reduction Strategy "Reduce fire risk by managing and removing invasive species." --11-- State of Utah Resource Management Plan "Actively remove pinyon-juniper encroachment other ecological sites due to its substantial consumption of water its detrimental effects on sagebrush, other vegetation, and wildlife." "Conserve, improve, and restore 500,000 acres of mule deer habitat throughout the state with emphasis on crucial ranges." "Work with landowners, federal government and private organizations to conserve valuable wildlife habitat and winter range along urban interface." "Develop mechanisms and policies to incentivize private landowners throughout Utah to conserve valuable wildlife habitat throughout Utah." --12-- Iron County Resource Management Plan "Iron County encourages vegetative treatments for maximum yield of forage and rangeland health." "Goals include making sure there is quality forage, water, cover, space and security sufficient to support productive populations. This includes conserving habitat for migratory birds, maintaining vegetation treatments that benefit wildlife, prioritizing treatments to improve habitats and coordinating predator control." --13--SECRETARIAL ORDER NO. 3362: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Subject: Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big-Game Winter Range and Migration Corridors Sec. 1 Purpose. This Order directs appropriate bureaus within the Department of the Interior (Department) to work in close partnership with the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming to enhance and improve the quality of big-game winter range and migration corridor habitat on Federal lands under the management jurisdiction of this Department in a way that recognizes state authority to conserve and manage big-game species and respects private property rights. Through scientific endeavors and land management actions, wildlife such as Rocky Mountain Elk (elk), Mule Deer (deer), Pronghorn Antelope (pronghorn), and a host of other species will benefit. Additionally, this Order seeks to expand opportunities for big-game hunting by improving priority habitats to assist states in their efforts to increase and maintain sustainable big game populations across western states. --14-- UTAH ACTION PLAN For Implementation of Department of the Interior Secretarial Order #3362 as being an important big game migration and stopover habitat. This project will help meet the objective of "targeted habitat treatment projects in deer winter ranges and stopover areas that could be used to bolster deer populations" (UTAH ACTION PLAN For Implementation of Department of the Interior Secretarial Order #3362, 2020).

This project aims to mitigate wildfire risks in Cedar Canyon and Cedar City, areas with numerous residences, businesses, and historical buildings that are highly vulnerable due to the presence of invasive species and phase pinyon and juniper. These invasive species pose significant fire risks, and with limited access across the creek and between parcels, combating a fire on either side could be exceptionally challenging. Of particular concern is the proximity of these areas to Coal Creek, near springs and wells that serve as a critical water source for Cedar City. A fire in this watershed could have catastrophic consequences for municipal water supplies and damage the water infrastructure, which is vital for the community. Beyond the immediate danger to property and infrastructure, a fire in this ecosystem could result in the destruction of valuable cottonwood stands, which are a key part of the riparian corridor's native vegetation. This would not only harm the local ecosystem but could also threaten endangered and sensitive wildlife species that rely on this habitat. Additionally, the heat from a severe fire could sterilize the soil, killing essential mycorrhizal fungi that are crucial for cottonwood germination. Riparian ecosystems, such as this one, are not adapted to frequent fire, and any recovery after such an event would be slow, with limited success. The focus of this project is to remove the invasive Russian olive and tamarisk species, which contribute significantly to the fire risk. By eliminating these species, we allow for the restoration of native cottonwood and willow trees, which are better adapted to the natural flooding cycles of the area. These native species will help manage vegetation and fuel load, and by allowing for periodic flooding, natural sand deposits will create gaps in vegetation, further reducing the buildup of fine fuels. This approach will create a sustainable, long-term reduction in fire risk while also supporting the recovery of native vegetation and the health of the local ecosystem. This project will decrease the risk of high severity wildfire by reducing fuel loading and promoting the growth of understory vegetation, which are critical to maintaining ecosystem resilience. As demonstrated by the nearby Brianhead fire during the summer of 2017, treatments like these can break up the continuity of fuels and act as fuel breaks. This project will do the same if a fire ignited nearby where fuel loading is heavy in phase 3 pinyon and juniper invaded sites. As mentioned earlier this site has been without fire for well over 100 years and the fire intervals for rocky mountain juniper is 10-15 years. A system without fire for this duration could, without treatment, experience a major fire event.

The removal of Russian olive and tamarisk will have significant positive effects on both water quality and quantity in the Cedar Canyon area. These invasive species contribute to stream channelization, disrupting the natural flow of the river and degrading riparian habitats. By eliminating these species, we can restore a functioning riparian vegetation buffer that will not only improve water quality but also help increase water quantity. The headwaters of this river remain undammed, making the restoration of native vegetation along the riverbanks especially crucial. The restored buffer will allow for natural, periodic flooding, which will help reduce flood damage, enhance sediment filtration, and allow floodwaters to recharge groundwater sources. These benefits collectively contribute to more stable and healthier water resources. Furthermore, a functioning riparian vegetation buffer could reduce the need for lifting the diversion dam gates, potentially increasing the amount of water diverted for municipal use. In addition to improving water availability, a restored riparian buffer will help mitigate the impacts of post-fire runoff, reducing harm to fish, wildlife, and municipal water infrastructure by filtering sediment and pollutants before they enter the water system. Tamarisk, in particular, exacerbates soil degradation by excreting salt, which accumulates in the surface soil and increases the pH. This salty layer prevents native vegetation from thriving and negatively impacts the watershed during runoff events. Removing tamarisk will help improve water quality by eliminating this salt buildup and reducing its adverse effects on both the ecosystem and downstream water uses. Both Russian olive and tamarisk are deep-rooted, drought-tolerant species that access lower groundwater tables, even during dry years. In doing so, they outcompete native species, which are more vulnerable to drought conditions. By removing these invasive plants, we can help restore the natural balance, ensuring that native vegetation has better access to limited water resources and reducing the prolonged drought effects on the landscape. This will ultimately enhance water availability for native species, promote a healthier ecosystem, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the watershed. Reducing the amount of pinyon/juniper will increase and prolong stream flows, while reducing erosion caused by bare soil( USGS 2022). The species planted will help stabilize the soil and reduce erosion. Kormas et al. found that drainage's dominated with juniper experience "snow water equivalent peaks higher, snow melts out earlier, and more water is lost to evapotranspiration in catchments when compared to sagebrush steppe vegetation". In a study from 2008, Deboodt, et. al (2008) mentions that juniper trees can use up to 30 gallons of water a day, when adequate moisture is present and another study document that juniper trees will use up to 144 Liters/day (Mata-Gonzalez, 2021). It also states that Vegetative modeling has shown that 9 to 35 trees per acre can utilize all the precipitation delivered to a site in a 13-in annual precipitation zone. In their study researchers monitored two watersheds 12 years prior to treatment (cutting). After the treatment analysis indicated that juniper reduction significantly increased late season spring flow by 225%, increased days of recorded groundwater by an average of 41 days, and increased the relative availability of late season soil moisture to soil depths of .76 meters. It was also noted that managing vegetation for water yield may be obtainable at a much lower precipitation threshold than what was previously understood. Baker, et. al (1984) found a 157% increase in stream flows over a 147-ha pinyon and juniper treatment. Recent research Roundy, et. al. (2014) has shown that mechanical treatments to remove pinyon and juniper increase the time that soil water is available. Even four years after treatment, treated areas showed from 8.6 days to-18 days additional water availability at high elevation sites. Roth, et. All (2017) stated snowpack is deeper and lasts longer in the open site at the low and mid sites (4-26 and 11-33 days, respectively). Additional research by Young, et. al. (2013) also showed a relationship between tree removal and soil climates and wet days on these sites, which while providing more available moisture for desired vegetation could also provide moisture for weeds. Numerous studies have shown that increased infiltration rates and less overland flow improve both water quality and quantity. Reducing pinyon and juniper trees, according to the available research, should increase snowpack, and time that snowpack is on the ground, increase spring flows, and increase soil moisture. It is expected that similar results will happen in this area after the treatment takes place. Water quality will improve as sediment will be less likely to run off into the Coal Creek because of the mulch provided by the masticated trees and the seed establishment. It is important to note that the results of the above studies do not mean that there will be increased amounts of water in streams or in watersheds. Watersheds are complicated systems and many factors go into their function and volume of water that come from them. What this research helps us understand is that by doing these types of projects there is science based data that indicates increases in water quality and quantity.

This project will be meet all standards and specifications of NRCS and UDNR. All environmental and cultural evaluations and clearances will take place as part of the NRCS standard. All practices will be installed using the State of Utah contracting, allowing site mangers to author, oversee, and inspect the projects. This falls under the Shurtz Canyon EA, see the documents sections

The removal of Russian olive and tamarisk will be conducted using hand-removal methods to ensure precision and minimize disturbance to the surrounding ecosystem. After cutting the invasive species, herbicide will be applied using the cut-stump method, which ensures targeted and effective treatment. The primary herbicides to be used are Glyphosate for Russian olive and Triclopyr for tamarisk. The majority of the cut material will be piled and burned to remove the invasive plants, while slash in areas with road access will be chipped to facilitate easier management and further treatment. Aerial seeding will be done with a diversified mix of grasses and forbs before mastication in early fall. Due to the nature of the terrain the option to use fixed wing or helicopter will be determined by the contractor. Seed will be obtained from the Great Basin Research Center (GBRC). Mastication will be completed with at least three (preferably multiple), mobile, tracked or wheeled, hydraulically or PTO driven, mechanical mulching/shredder (Bullhog) shall be furnished on a fully operational basis, with a competent, fully-qualified operator, and shall be capable of mulching/shredding live trees up to twenty-six (26) inches in diameter at twelve inches above ground level measured on the uphill side, per state contract. Grazing management will be no grazing for 2 growing seasons in treated areas, grazing will be monitored, and grazing agreements will be signed prior commencement to the project. Work on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) properties will be carried out by Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) crews or, if necessary, private contractors. For areas under the jurisdiction of Cedar City and Iron County, retreatment of Russian olive and tamarisk resprouts will be managed by local agencies. To minimize disruption to wildlife, all treatment activities will be conducted outside of bird nesting season--specifically, after August 31st and before mid-April. This timing ensures the project does not interfere with critical periods for local wildlife. Following the initial treatment, seeding will be performed in the late fall, once all invasive material has been cut and removed. Pile burning will take place during the winter months, when weather conditions are favorable for safe and effective operations. If necessary, pile burning will be carefully conducted to further reduce fuel loads and complete the invasive species removal process. The project will include ongoing monitoring for resprouts over a two-year period post-treatment. If any regrowth occurs, it will be promptly addressed by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands (FFSL), Iron County, and Cedar City, ensuring the long-term success of the restoration efforts.

For short-term monitoring, the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands (FFSL), Iron County, and Cedar City will conduct retreatment efforts in the treated areas for two years following the initial treatment. Any invasive species that are detected during this period will be promptly removed to ensure the success of the restoration efforts. In addition to monitoring and retreatment, additional plantings of willow and cottonwood may be carried out if needed or requested by landowners to further enhance the restoration of native vegetation. Repeat photo points will be taken before, after, and two years post-treatment to document and track the progress of the treatment and provide visual evidence of improvements over time. After the second year of post-treatment monitoring, FFSL and Iron County will collaborate on ongoing efforts to monitor and manage the watershed. This partnership will continue to focus on removing Russian olive and tamarisk from the Coal Creek drainage and work toward expanding future restoration projects downstream, ensuring long-term ecological health and the reduction of invasive species throughout the area. NRCS will contract practice 645-Upland Wildlife Habitat Management, which will require two years of rest from livestock grazing and a stubble height of 16" following two growing seasons of rest from livestock grazing. A grazing management plan will be included but will not be a contracted item. Using the data from the migration initiative collared deer movements can be monitored. This will show if there is hold over in these treatment areas, if hunting pressure is affecting the deer, if weather changes timing, or duration of migration, and use of private lands verses public lands. FFSL Lands and Program Manager will establish photo points at random locations within the treatment and monitor yearly for a minimum of 5 years and greater at landowners' consent.

Forestry Fire and State lands- contract and support local efforts to restore the coal creek watershed through funding and technical assistance. Iron County-Will help supervise and monitor the are for weeds. They are also seeking funding through Invasive Species Mitigation Grant. They will work with Cedar City to conduct follow-up control as needed. Cedar City-will support the project and future projects by allowing for access and workforce with Iron County to do follow-up treatments. Private Landowners will contribute their assistance from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to the project. A FFSL/NRCS Partner will also contract and implement the project, as well as continue to plan it. Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ) will continue to monitor water quality and produce annual reports. UDEQ will also be a major part of the change in classification as water quality improves. Natural Resource Conservation Service-is working with the landowners to plan and carry out the project. Through Environmental Quality Incentive Program potential funding will be available. Utah Department of Agricultural and Food is a firm supporter of the project and encourages this project to be funding in an effort to improve working relations between land managers and landowners.

Ongoing outreach and education efforts will be a key component of this project, aiming to engage the community and encourage landowners to actively monitor and remove invasive species from their properties. The Iron County Weed Supervisor and local Commissioners are fully supportive of the project, as is Cedar City, which is the majority landowner in the area. The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands (FFSL) will continue to provide education and support to landowners, helping them identify and manage any re-sprouts of Russian olive and tamarisk. In addition, FFSL will encourage landowners to take proactive steps to maintain their properties and reduce the spread of these invasive species. To ensure the long-term success of the project, additional funding sources will be sought to extend treatment efforts downriver and assist landowners with their retreatment activities. These efforts will help maintain progress, prevent reinfestation, and promote broader landscape restoration. Looking ahead, future projects will build on this initiative by continuing to target the removal of Russian olive and tamarisk throughout the watershed. Currently livestock is grazed on a minimal basis. This will continue to be the management practice once the seed has established. This property is managed for wildlife habitat.

Ongoing outreach and education efforts will be a key component of this project, aiming to engage the community and encourage landowners to actively monitor and remove invasive species from their properties. The Iron County Weed Supervisor and local Commissioners are fully supportive of the project, as is Cedar City, which is the majority landowner in the area. The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands (FFSL) will continue to provide education and support to landowners, helping them identify and manage any re-sprouts of Russian olive and tamarisk. In addition, FFSL will encourage landowners to take proactive steps to maintain their properties and reduce the spread of these invasive species. To ensure the long-term success of the project, additional funding sources will be sought to extend treatment efforts downriver and assist landowners with their retreatment activities. These efforts will help maintain progress, prevent reinfestation, and promote broader landscape restoration. Looking ahead, future projects will build on this initiative by continuing to target the removal of Russian olive and tamarisk throughout the watershed. Through ongoing community involvement, partnerships, and funding, this project will work toward the sustainable recovery of the local ecosystem.