The northern region habitat team is in charged with maintaining and improving the WMA's to the best management for wildlife. These lands continue to receive more use as public lands dwindle. Each WMA has specific needs but generally all need fence repair and construction, signage at entrances and boundaries, repair to access locations, weed control, seeding weed control areas to prevent weeds from returning, trash removal, erosion control, seeding of disturbed areas such as roads, trails and parking areas. Maintenance of outbuildings and maintaining and developing water sources along with other needs. We are also adding two new WMA's to our workload. The round valley access and cinnamon creek WMA. These WMA will need a lot of work to improve and maintain them.

Maintain and improve WMAs and their associated infrastructure in the Northern Region.

There are several risks of the project not being funding. One of the primary concerns is the invasive weeds. Much progress has been made in removing and controlling them but failing to treat them would result in larger then ever areas of lost habitat. The other issues of fencing, maintaining boundaries and access points are also import to public safety and our neighbors to prevent trespass issues. Another issue is approaching the loss of control on some WMAs.

"Maintaining and improving the WMA's helps to achieve the Division's Strategic Plan Goals to: Conserve, protect, enhance and manage Utah's wildlife. Conserve, protect, enhance and manage Utah's ecosystems. Enhance wildlife recreational experiences consistent with other DWR goals. This budget is implemented in the individual management plans for each WMA as well. Also pertains to statewide Mule Deer, Elk and Moose management plans in addition to the unit specific Mule Deer management plans."

Reducing annual grasses on the WMA's will reduce fire risk. Maintain a close working relationship with FFSL and USFS fire management teams to maintain fire breaks and access for suppression equipment.

Water features (guzzlers, troughs, water lines , springs) on WMA's will be maintained and or improved

Archaeology, Done on an as needed basis, NEPA, Done on an on needed basis

The person responsible for the WMA in the Region will address tasks identified in the Problem/Need section. The work will be completed as needed by the assigned individual, the Habitat Section staff, other DWR staff, or volunteers etc. Where appropriate, special project will be identified and submitted as needed in to the project database.

WMAs are assigned to a field biologist or Officer that monitors them throughout the year. If any additional needs are detected the responsible party will notify the habitat maintenance specialist of the problem. The WMA's are also monitored by any of the maintenance staff as they visit each WMA for the maintenance activities such as weed spraying, fence monitoring and repairs etc. Conservation Officers also inform the habitat staff if there are things that need to be addressed. Calls from the public are also routinely received and addressed as they occur.

USFS, BLM, FFSL, UDPR. Partners generally are 'notification only' - they only inform UDWR of issues.

Grazing will be administered through the habitat section on all WMA's that do not have their own manager i.e. waterfowl areas and hardware ranch. If grazing is determined to be beneficial to the management of the WMA it will be implemented to the best benefit of the division and Utah's wildlife.

Livestock are grazed on WMA's when and where it is determined to be beneficial to the UDWR's goals and objectives. Fuel conditions are constantly monitored and suppression activity is always allowed. Unauthorized uses are addressed as they occur.

07/01/2022

06/30/2023

2023

The Northern Region habitat team maintains and improves over 30 WMA's to benefit wildlife and those who engage in wildlife-related recreation. These lands continue to receive more use as public interest in wildlife recreation increases. Each year, WMAs generally require fence and gate repairs, signage at entrances and boundaries, weed control, trash removal, erosion control, and reseeding of disturbed areas. Additionally, annual maintenance is performed on outbuildings, roads, parking areas, and developed water sources.

HENEFER-ECHO WMA: The habitat team removed ~3 miles of barbed-wire range fence from the northwest boundary of the WMA due a recent land trade that changed the boundary at that location. We helped clear the fence line with a dozer. We also purchased new fence materials and hauled the materials to WMA. There are noxious weeds in several locations within the WMA. We sprayed ~1,200 gallons of herbicide throughout the growing season. The treated areas were documented in the DWR Weed mapping database. We inspected and repaired fences throughout the WMA. We purchased and installed several new boundary signs. We performed annual maintenance on the water trough system. EAST CANYON WMA: We spent several days controlling noxious weeds such as Dalmatian toadflax, star thistle and musk thistle. We used ~400 gallons of herbicide and focused our efforts on the west side of WMA where the largest infestation of noxious weeds occurred. We also released thousands of mining weevil insects during the spring of 2022 to control Dalmatian toadflax. The biological control appears to be working as intended. We inspected signs, fences, and property lines. We replaced a deteriorated entrance sign. Areas that were treated with herbicide were reseeded with native plants. We cleaned up the main parking area and removed unwanted trash. The road and main parking area was damaged by spring runoff. We used the backhoe to install two water bars in the road and grade the parking lot. We also cleaned a blocked culvert to prevent future damage from heavy runoff. HENEFER-ECHO ANGLER ACCESS: The parking lot was painted and maintained during the summer tubing season. We also placed signs to warn people of the risk associated with high water conditions and downstream bridge construction this year. MIDDLE FORK: We maintained the horse feeders in the parking area. We inspected fences and signs and repaired/replaced as needed. We used ~400 gallons of herbicide to treat Dyer's woad and other noxious weeds. The restroom in the parking lot was maintained and cleaned. The restroom tank was emptied in the summer and the fall. WOODRUFF WMA: We replaced three large entrance signs at the main access points for the WMA. KAMAS WMA: We used ~75 gallons of herbicide to control noxious weeds. Boundary signs were inspected and replaced as needed. The parking areas were cleaned. We also repaired a buck and pole fence that surrounds the parking area. STODDARD SLOUGH WMA: We used ~200 gallons of herbicide to control noxious weeds. We inspected and maintained fences. We also performed seasonal lawn care and irrigation. Two new WMA signs were installed on the property. We also assisted DFCM in contracting a roof replacement for a house that is on the property. BEAR RIVER ANGLER ACCESSES: During the spring runoff, the Corinne and Deweyville Angler Accesses were inundated by highwater. Due to safety concerns, we placed signs at the ramps to restrict public access. The fences at both areas received significant damage from flood waters, and we have plans to replace the fence to drill pipe fence. RICHMOND WMA: The WMA is a popular location for target shooting. We spent several days throughout the year removing trash left by target shooters. We also coordinated a project with dedicated hunters to clean up trash from targeting shooting. Weeds are also a major problem on this WMA. The Cache County Noxious Weed Control Program helped us control weeds on the property. MILLVILLE-PROVIDENCE WMA: We used ~300 gallons of herbicide to control weeds. We installed new parking lot signs in Black Smith Fork Canyon. The Cache County Noxious Weed Control Program also helped us control weeds on the property. EAST FORK LITTLE BEAR WMA: In recent years, the WMA has become an increasingly popular place to camp due to its close proximity to Porcupine Reservoir. DWR eliminated overnight camping on the WMA in 2022 because of consistent problems with long-term camping, overuse, and garbage dumping. To enforce the camping closure, we moved 800 yards of buck and pole fence to reclaim wildlife habitat. Shortly after the fence was moved, it was hit by a vehicle. We repaired ~100 yards of fence damaged by the vehicle. Two new entrance signs were also purchased for the WMA. COLDWATER WMA: We used ~1,500 gallons of herbicide to control Dyer's woad and other noxious weeds on the WMA. We inspected and repaired fences and signs. The WMA entrance sign was replaced. BRIGHAM FACE WMA: We used ~500 gallons of herbicide to control the Dyer's woad and other noxious weeds on the WMA. BUD PHELPS WMA: We inspected and repaired fences. We controlled noxious weeds. We also repaired a metal entrance gate. BEAR RIVER BOTTOMS WMA: We treated 14 acres of Phragmites on the WMA with a Marsh Master spray vehicle and the help of the DWR waterfowl team. CINNAMON CREEK WMA: The WMA was purchased by DWR in 2021. As a result, we spent a considerable amount of time on WMA removing old fences, gates and signs. We installed several new signs, gates, and fences throughout the property. We repaired roads and controlled weeds. The Cache County Noxious Weed Control Program also helped us control weeds on the property. GUZZLER MAINTENANCE: We inspected and maintained over 100 guzzlers throughout the region. We did find one small game guzzler on the Hogup Mountains that required repair. All guzzlers are now in good working order. We turned on/off all big game guzzlers at appropriate times during the year. We also hauled 3,000 gallons of water to the Hogup Mountains because of drought and no rain.

WMA's will be monitored throughout the year by regional staff from the habitat, wildlife, and law enforcement sections. If issues are detected, maintenance staff will be notified and problems will be addressed as soon as possible.