With the Big Bend Restoration Project, the City of West Jordan will improve the habitat conditions and recreation features on 70 acres of aquatic, riparian, wetland, and upland habitat and natural open space. The project site is located along the 50-mile Jordan River, whose corridor is almost entirely bordered by developed and urbanized areas. Recreational open space and quality riparian and wetland habitat areas are at a premium along the degraded Jordan River and this project will improve these resources at the Big Bend. Restoring a naturally functioning channel and associated riparian corridor and wetlands will improve habitat and water quality and reduce erosion. Numerous studies have identified the need for improved water quality, additional riparian and wetland habitat, and additional outdoor recreation opportunities in the Jordan River corridor and the City of West Jordan. In 2013, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality issued a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for Jordan River, identifying temperature, total organic matter, and dissolved oxygen as pollutants and parameters of concern. The site was the subject of a Section 206 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Study Report in 2003. Commenting on the current conditions of the site, the author concluded that "This reach of the river was significantly realigned in the 1950s to accommodate the Sharon Steel [Superfund] Site. Agricultural development, urban encroachment, and general human modification have resulted in significant degradation of the natural river ecosystem. Flood management activities and other modifications have greatly impacted the natural mechanics of the Jordan River and decreased its stability. Furthermore, as a result of this channel instability, remaining riparian, wetland, shaded riverine aquatic (SRA) and upland habitat is being lost." A draft Environmental Assessment prepared by the USACE for the site in the late 2000s stated "Historically, the project site was dominated by willow stands, cottonwoods, and species native to the area. These native species contributed to a diversity of habitat types and provided important functions in the river's ecosystem. As a result of channelization, the wetland and riparian vegetation along the Jordan River continue to deteriorate. The Russian olive has taken the place of Fremont's Cottonwood as the dominant overstory species and Kentucky Bluegrass has out-competed many of the native grasses. In the floodplain, the native woody component has been removed and replaced with introduced grasses for pastureland. Currently, most of the site is composed of non-native species. Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and tamarisk (Tamarix chinensis) have invaded large portions of the entire Jordan River corridor." See attached images for photos of the current site conditions. Note the prevalence of Russian olive and the lack of vegetation diversity. The City of West Jordan (City), Salt Lake County, the National Park Service (NPS) and other local and regional agencies has identified the site as a prime location for recreational and educational opportunities. No less than six studies have highlighted the site's potential as a recreational hub, reconnecting the community to the Jordan River. These studies and report include the Jordan River Natural Corridor Report (2000), the West Jordan City Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan (2006), Blueprint Jordan River (2008), the Salt Lake County Jordan River Trail Master Plan (2008) the West Jordan City Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Handbook (2012) and the West Jordan City Comprehensive General Plan (2012). In a 2014 fact sheet, the NPS said that once completed "the Big Bend Restoration Project will become one of the 'gems' of the Jordan River Parkway trail system". As a testament to the importance of the project, the City of West Jordan has assembled a stakeholders group of 18 federal, state and local agencies that meet quarterly to discuss the project and continue it progression towards successful completion. The City of West Jordan City Council has unanimously endorsed the project and have pledged to support its continued development and construction. The project is located across from the Sharon Steel settlement site which was part of a 1990's Superfund clean-up effort. When completed, the Big Bend Restoration Project will be the largest wildlife and bird habitat restoration project along the Jordan River. The property was acquired by the City of West Jordan (27 acres) and the Utah Reclamation and Mitigation Conservation Commission (URMCC) (43 acres) for habitat restoration including a river meander following it's alteration by the Sharon Steel slag pile which is now capped and cannot be removed from the river's edge. Construction following completion of the design will be funded in part with $805,000 committed by the USFWS from the Sharon Steel Settlement funds ($200,000 of which will be used to plan and implement the river phase). The City will own the property and maintain facilities constructed, treat and monitor weeds, and work with UDWR on an agreement to manage the urban fishery. The request for funding to UDWR is due to planning and construction funding being permanently cut in 2011 by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers who had the project lead over the past several years, drafted an environmental assessment, obtained cultural clearance, and had produced concepts plans in hopes of providing construction funding. The City has acquired the property, environmental assessment has been completed, and a 60% conceptual design for the river corridor improvements will be completed before June 2022, allowing the City to expend the Sharon Steel damage settlement in FY 2023-2024.

The objectives for work on the West Jordan Big Bend for FY 2023 include work planned for the human access areas around the pond and major work on the river re-meander. The attached design drawing provides the overall project plan, with the majority of the urban fishery, river access, and bank stabilization completed. Images are provided for the key features with before and after conditions represented. Work around the pond will include adding trail segments, pollinator habitat patches, and human recreation features. Work on the river will include digging a wide floodplain and re-meandered river corridor with approximately 5 acres of riparian and upland habitat restoration. The City will also work to get the river phase of the project completely designed and permitting for implementation planned for FY 2024.

The urban fishery will address the impacts of drought and increased temperatures on the fish species in the pond. The consistent source of water passing through the pond will ensure that emergent marshes and open water, which are rare in this area of the valley, will be reduced. The deep water proposed for the pond (15'+) will provide cooler water for fish species. Additionally, shading from extensive tree canopy around the pond will offset potential increases in temperature from sun shining on shallow open water. Limited areas of shallow water are proposed. The project will also benefit aquatic forests and scrub/shrub habitat by providing irrigation to areas that were historically closer to the groundwater table, but groundwater connection has been reduced due to downcutting of the Jordan River. Noxious weed encroachment and historical habitat loss for wildlife along the Jordan River corridor. Noxious weeds are the dominant vegetation on the current proposed project area (including Scotch Thistle, Dalmatian Toadflax, White top, Russian olive, and tamarisk), and if not contained, will continue to spread into nearby residential areas, as well as downstream, due to seed dispersal, etc. Two years ago, the Department of Interior, Restoration Support Unit completed a noxious weed survey for the 70 acre project area and a Noxious Weed Management Plan was developed in 2015 (see attached). Spraying and other appropriate removal of noxious weeds will be completed this year and next by URMCC on their 43 acres in an effort to reduce the amount of weeds in the years prior to initiating the major habitat improvements. The Jordan River Commission is currently funding some planting of riparian plants and control on invasive plants through the Large Grant Program grant to over the next two years on West Jordan City's 27 acres. The restoration project will incorporate a long term noxious weed treatment plan (refer to monitoring methods). The City is striving to have the restoration design completed while there is strong support by stakeholders to complete the entire multi-phase project in the next couple years under the Sharon Steel Natural Resource Damage Settlement funding for design and construction of the major river realignment.

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Draft Community Fisheries Strategy. The West Jordan Big Bend Urban Fishery will address many of the objectives identified by the UDWR in their strategy for community fisheries. These objectives include creating community fisheries that are accessible to citizens through multiple modes of transportation including human powered and regular automobiles. This pond will be accessible by walking or biking along the Jordan River Parkway, floating on a boat on the Jordan River, automobiles, and public transportation. It is centrally located in the Salt Lake Valley and will draw from around the region. Additionally, multiple recreation opportunities will be available at the pond including the opportunity for access to the Jordan River for fishing or boating, biking north or south along the Parkway, and access to other cultural attractions in West Jordan and Sandy Cities. US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) - West Jordan Section 206 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Draft Environmental Assessment (2010) Goals /objectives of the USACE study: 1) Restoring lowland riparian habitat; 2) The restoration provides an opportunity to restore the degraded ecosystem structure, function, and dynamic processes of the river; 3) Restoring both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem functions could improve both aquatic and terrestrial habitat over what presently occurs on-site; 4) Increased the number and diversity of aquatic invertebrates and improved water quality. The current project used the work accomplished in the study as a beginning point for the alternatives analysis and the 30 percent design. From a habitat restoration perspective, the goal and objectives of the current project are identical to those identified by the USACE. -- Utah DEQ -- Jordan River TMDL (2013) Utah Department of Environmental Quality has issued a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for Jordan River, identifying total organic matter and dissolved oxygen as pollutants and parameters of concern. UDEQ has set a goal of reducing Total Organic Matter (OM) to 3,983 kg/day, which will achieve the target Dissolved Oxygen (DO) of 5.5 mg/L. The project addresses these goals in three general areas. 1) The project will stabilize banks in the project reach, reducing the amount of sediment, including organic topsoil that enters the Jordan River. 2) The project will also include the planting of cottonwoods, willows and other trees that will add shade over the river's surface. 3) The realigned reach will include small drops and riffles, which increase turbulence in the flow. All of these improvements will contribute to the increase of dissolved oxygen in the Jordan River. -- West Jordan City Trail Action Plan (2012) Goals /objectives of the Trail Action Plan: 1) Includes a timeline showing the partners involved since 1991 and identifies settlement funding; 2) Identifies the restoration project adjacent to the trail; 3) Includes a listing of the restoration plans; 4) A goal stated in the plan is, "Create an aesthetic, native, and healthy plant community through restoration and establishment of a natural area." The Restoration Project will directly achieve the goals of the Trail Action Plan by providing habitat and recreational opportunities with easy access from the Jordan River Parkway Trail. Primary and secondary trail planned as part of the project will extend the City's trail system and provide opportunities for less formal/soft surface trails. Big Bend Restoration Environmental Assessment (EA) (2013 and ongoing): Utah Reclamation Mitigation Conservation Commission (URMCC) developed an EA in 2013 as part of the Jordan River Parkway Trail design and construction. Goals /objectives identified by the EA: 1) Restore channel geomorphology, native riparian and wetland habitat, and improve wildlife habitat, 2) Improve water quality by running water through wetland complexes, 3)Reduce risk of flooding due to improved channel capacity, and 4) Restore an estimated 10,000 linear feet of shaded river aquatic habitat. Now that the 30 percent design has been completed for the Restoration Project, URMCC is developing an EA for the redevelopment of the site, including the habitat enhancement and recreational components. The core stakeholder group includes URMCC staff and they have providing guidance and feedback as the design progresses. The Restoration Project meets all of the defined goals, including channel and habitat improvements and enhancements, water quality improvements, flood conveyance improvements and restoration of shad aquatic habitat. -- West Jordan Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Handbook (2012) The goals/objectives of the Handbook: 1) Identifies lands Environmental and Recreational uses; 2) Open land gives permanent protection to natural resources and environmentally sensitive lands including wetlands and wildlife habitats; 3) Restore City open space for the ecological benefit of wildlife and native plant species; and 4) Connect corridors in and around the community that have been legally and permanently preserved to provide for recreation as well as wildlife corridors. The restoration project addresses these goals directly, providing a 70 acre open space sanctuary in the City of West Jordan that includes recreational components such as an urban fishery and treail -- Blueprint Jordan River (2008) Goals /objectives: 1) Restore the river channel and buffers to improve and protect water quality, enhance hydrologic function, and to support vegetation, wildlife, and habitat, 2) Integrate storm water treatment into open lands to naturally filter water runoff, 3) Enhance fish habitat, and 4) Promote the river as a quality-of-life amenity and recreational destination by creating urban fisheries. Habitat restoration, particularly aquatic, wetland and riparian habitat is a primary goal of the project, including 11.1 acres of new wetland habitat and 4.2 acres of new riverine habitat. -- Jordan River Natural Corridor Report (2000) Goals/objectives of the Corridor Report: 1) Provides recommendations for natural conservation corridors specially naming the restoration project; 2) Addresses restoration to "ensure proper grading and stream bed elevation and supplemental irrigation to allow successful habitat restoration away from the immediate riverbank"; 3) Provides a physical and biological assessment; 4) Addresses improving water quality by restoring the river profile to reduce erosion. Habitat restoration, particularly aquatic, wetland and riparian habitat is a primary goal of the project, including 11.1 acres of new wetland habitat and 4.2 acres of new riverine habitat. Water quality in the Jordan River will be improved by: 1) Stabilizing banks in the project reach, reducing the amount of sediment, including organic topsoil that enters the Jordan River. 2) Planting of cottonwoods, willows and other trees that will add shade over the river's surface. 3) Grading of the realigned reach will include small drops and riffles, which increase turbulence in the flow. All of these improvements will contribute to the decrease of sediment input into the river and the increase of dissolved oxygen. -- Sharon Steel Damage Settlement Restoration Plan (1997) Goals/objectives of the Sharon Steel Damage Settlement Restoration Plan: 1) Restoring, replacing, and enhancing natural functioning habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife, 2) Addresses settlement funds to provide maximum benefits for resources damaged, 3) Identifies migratory birds and endangered species and their habitat and outlines restoration of their habitat, and 4) Addresses restoring, enhancing, and replacing natural function. The project team has been working closely with Tracy Aviary to ensure that the project's habitat restoration components meet the needs of migratory song birds and other wildlife species . A total of 40+ acres of habitat improvements are proposed, 16+ acres of which will be isolated from the general public.

Removal of dry tamarisk and Phragmites will reduce the fire hazard in an area which includes a mature cottonwood grove. In 2016, a fire burned several acres of the adjacent lands around the Rocky Mountain Power Substation to the south. Luckily, the fire did not jump into the Big Bend Restoration Project site. Utah Conservation Corps Crews reduced the ladder fuels in the cottonwood grove, which were comprised of dry and decadent tamarisk. Some of the other funding sources being sought for this grant are to improve the riparian understory with native, firewise plants in the areas treated in 2016.

The project will improve water quantity in this reach of the Jordan River in two ways: 1) The project will acquire approximately 2 cfs of year round flow from the adjacent North Jordan Irrigation Canal to maintain the urban fishery and revegetation of the site. A portion of this water will make its way to the Jordan River after being used on the site through either groundwater input or surface flow from the pond overflow. This will increase flows in the Jordan River, particularly needed during the summer months. 2) The next phase of the project (Phase 4) is proposed to realign the main channel of the Jordan River. The existing main channel of the river will be maintained as a side channel for habitat. The addition of the channel through the site significantly increases the amount of conveyance available during a flood event. As a result, 100-year water surface elevations in the Jordan River through the project reach and upstream of the 9000 South bridge are lowered. See the attached 30 percent plans for more detail about this realignment. The overall phased project will improve water quality in this reach of the Jordan River in a number of ways: 1) Stabilizing banks of the Jordan River in the project reach will reduce the amount of fine sediment, including organic topsoil that enters the Jordan River. This will reduce turbidity, reduce the impact of fine sediment of aquatic species and increase dissolved oxygen through reduction of organic matter in the water. See the attached photo of the heavily eroded banks of the Jordan River surrounding the project. Many of the banks will be rebuilt and replanted. See attached sample cross sections that show bank stabilization plans. 2) The project proposes to plant cottonwoods, willows and other trees that will add shade over the river's surface. This will reduce water temperatures, increasing dissolved oxygen. 3) Grading of the realigned reach will size the channel appropriately to provide sufficient depths and velocities to prevent stagnation and deposition of fine sediment transporting through the reach. It will include small drops and riffles, which increases turbulence in the flow. All of these improvements will increase dissolved oxygen levels in the main channel of the Jordan River. All of these changes will also improve the in-channel habitat along this reach of the Jordan River. It currently is fairly poor habitat, with steep/high banks, uniform flow characteristics and limited bar/thalweg formation. --

The URMCC deeded the project lands to West Jordan in early 2021, so no further NEPA or environmental studies will be required. Only local construction permits will be required for the proposed work.

The angler access around the pond will be completed by contractors using heavy equipment and ground labor. The River phase of the project will be implemented through a competitive bid process planned for fall of 2022. This will be done using heavy equipment such as large excavators and dump trucks that will stockpile some materials on site, while other materials with good construction properties will be removed from the site and used for other construction projects.

The Utah Water Watch (Utah State University) has established a set of cross sections on the Jordan River at the site of the proposed pond outfall to show changes in the channel cross section of the Jordan River. Vegetation transects to monitor the effects of noxious weed control and native plant revegetation have been established across the site. Additionally, Tracy Aviary has established a set of 8 variable radius bird point counts across the 70 acres and monitors those approximately monthly. Baseline conditions across the site have been collected from 2014-2017. We are also working with the Utah Division of Water Quality to develop a sampling and analysis plan to track water quality improvement from the project.

Partners include: West Jordan, Midvale, Sandy, USFWS, National Park Service RTCA, US Department of the Interior Restoration Support Unit, Environmental Protection Agency, North Jordan Irrigation Company, Salt Lake County, Jordan River Commission, Rocky Mountain Power, Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission, Tracy Aviary, University of Utah, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR), Utah Governor Office of Planning and Budget, Utah Division of Water Quality, and Utah Forestry Fire and State Lands. Individuals from many of these organizations are part of the project's stakeholder group. The stakeholders provide guidance on the design and implementation of the project including detailed review of plans, reports and other documentation. The stakeholder group meets several times of year at a meeting hosted by the City of West Jordan to review project development progress and provide feedback/technical expertise. The City has presented the project at West Jordan City Council on three occasions to update the City decision makers and their staff. The meetings also providing the general public an opportunity to review the project's details and progress and provide comments.

The City will maintain all facilities and educational components constructed. Management of the urban fishery will be completed through an agreement with UDWR.

The Big Bend site provides opportunities for sustainable uses of natural resources by providing an area for residents and visitors to enjoy an urban fishery and wildlife watching opportunities, as well as providing access to boating and other activities on or adjacent to the Jordan River.