Quichapa Lake sits approximately 6 miles west of Cedar City and consists of BLM, SITLA, and private lands. The area is a USFWS and National Wetland Inventory designated lacustrine wetland that serves as an important migratory bird stopover and provides general wildlife habitat that promotes unique recreational opportunities for wildlife hunting and viewing in southern Utah. Since this area is one of the only federally owned wetlands in close proximity to Cedar City and St George, this unique system attracts hundreds of waterfowl and upland game hunters as well as recreational enthusiasts interested in bird viewing, kayaking, etc. Additionally, the BLM has completed NEPA to improve wildlife habitat and cooperate with Central Iron County Water Conservancy District (CIWCD) in a groundwater recharge project on the northern portion of the wetland area. This groundwater recharge project is ongoing and an adaptive management strategy is being employed. Tamarisk has invaded over 300 acres within the flood plains and adjacent uplands. The upland areas mainly consist of older age class sagebrush and greasewood. In an effort to improve wildlife habitat and hydrologic conditions, this project will focus on tamarisk removal while simultaneously treating the upland vegetation to promote a variety of upland game species. As tamarisk is removed, future phases of this project will focus on planting and expanding desired hydric vegetation. The primary reasons for controlling non-native tamarisk trees are to increase water yield, improve wildlife habitat, restore native vegetation, and prevent wildfire that could become a hazard as the trees mature and spread further. By restoring this project area with desired wetland vegetation, the project will also improve water quantity and quality in this ecosystem aiding in the CIWCD recharge efforts and providing more water availability for wildlife habitat. In addressing specific threats to wildlife, the project aims to mitigate periods of drought and/or low water availability by improving hydrologic condition through tamarisk removal, water inundation management, and creation of deeper pools in an effort to retain water longer. This will benefit high value waterfowl that are commonly found on Quichapa when water is available including (but not limited to) the following species; Giant Canada Geese, mallards, gadwall, and cinnamon teal. Other important aquatic birds can be found on Quichapa that would benefit from improved water management efforts including American Pelican and White-faced Ibis which have been observed in the area when inundated. While observations are more uncommon but documented at Quichapa, the increase in monitoring and recreational bird viewing opportunities that would result from this project will ideally address data gap threats associated with American Pelicans. Mammals that would benefit from improvements in water management at Quichapa include cottontail rabbits which are commonly found and hunted on BLM lands in the project area. Mule deer have been observed in dry periods traveling from the Vandenburg area to use the wetland habitat. Improvements in water distribution and availability as well as invasive species management may further attract deer and mitigate private lands issues. Upland game bird habitat that this project aims to improve is focused on pheasants and morning doves. Pheasants have been released by UDWR for hunting and has been met with extreme popularity. This project will address pheasant needs by providing habitat that mitigates droughts as well as the reduction of pheasant numbers in other areas of southern Utah where improvements in irrigation has reduced habitat. Additionally, morning doves are commonly found in the area, particularly on private lands with water. This project will alleviate water availability and distribution and attract this upland game bird to public lands to make them available for hunting and viewing. Golden eagles and bald eagles are commonly found hunting the area during periods of inundation. This project will address invasive plant species threats for both of these eagles and improve prey species richness and abundance through improved habitat conditions. Phase 1 will be completed 6/30/22 and focused on arch clearance and tamarisk removal. Phase 2 will also be completed 6/30/22 and resulted in the construction of 2 parking lots, 25 acres of upland game harrow/seed, and the construction of 10 islands within the wetland. Phase 3 seeks additional funding to complete tamarisk removal, seed mix for islands and tamarisk replacement, and construction of parking lot on the north end of the lake.

The overall management objective of this parcel of BLM will be to support recreational hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities while improving invaluable wetland habitat in southern Utah. There are 4 main components to the proposed restoration efforts including tamarisk management, wetland management, upland vegetation management, and recreation management. These will be addressed in over multiple phases. Phase 1 is in progress which has focused on arch clearances and tamarisk removal, scheduled to be completed by 6/30/22. Phase 2 is also in progress which included the construction of 2 parking lots, harrow/seed 25 acres for upland habitat, and the creation of 10 islands within the wetland. Phase 3 will focus on construction of the north parking lot. Tamarisk removal in this phase will be used primarily with an excavator to stack and burn piles. Finally, this phase will seek to seed/plant disturbed areas with a wetland mix. The following is an overview of each objective: Tamarisk Management: Remove tamarisk and replace/promote desirable hydric wetland vegetation to: - improve migratory bird and semi-aquatic wildlife habitat, - reduce risk of wildfire, - improve the hydrologic conditions for water quality in support of Iron County's groundwater recharge project and increase duration of inundation for wildlife habitat Wetland Management Install culvert control system to regulate inundation to: - Increase tamarisk removal effectiveness by controlling soil moisture - Allow for dredging to increase wetland depth and create islands for waterfowl - Improve submergent vegetation for waterfowl forage Upland Vegetation Management Increase diversity of upland vegetative community for a variety of game species to: -Support various life cycles and uses of morning doves, cottontail rabbits, pheasants, and quail to increase recreational opportunities. Recreation Management - Install parking lots, signage, and improve roads for hunting/wildlife viewing access - Improve aesthetic quality of valuable public lands.

Risks if treatment were not to occur would be a loss of wetland habitat from further establishment and spread of nonnative woody invasive vegetation and continued loss of water resources as tamarisk spreads further into the uplands, replacing xeric vegetation such as greasewood shrublands and mixed salt desert scrub. "Saltcedar initiates negative changes in the ecosystem. The deep roots combined with salt glands on leaves account for the redistribution of salts form deep soil profiles to the soil surface. The excessive salt deposits on the surface inhibit the growth and germination of less salt tolerant native species leading to a reduction in plant and animal diversity. Although some wildlife species successfully survive in saltcedar-dominated areas, most species are negatively affected by displacement of native plant species..." USU Cooperative Extension 2006, Saltcedar (Agweeds2006.01) Risks also included due to the spread and increase of Tamarisk would be reduction of available water for recharge and holding ponds that are Right of ways held by CICWD with the Cedar City BLM Office and possible increase in fire due to Tamarisk's fire behavior (see below in Fire/Fuels). Additional work to thoroughly treat tamarisk areas will assist in the overall economic management of tamarisk throughout the wetland by reducing potential sources and protecting initial investments. Social risks exist in the public's demand for more public lands capable of sustaining huntable wildlife such as pheasants, morning doves, and waterfowl. UDWR has released pheasants in the area which has generated substantial public participation (approximately 50-100 hunters on opening day for both waterfowl and pheasants). Improvements of the upland habitat available on one of the only public wetlands in southern Utah will contribute to state and federal mandates to provide hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. Furthermore, economic contributions from hunting and wildlife viewing have been well documented and will continue to benefit local economies.

BLM's Cedar, Beaver, Garfield, Antimony Resource Managmenent Plan by Soil, Water and Air Objective 1 which states that "the BLM should avoid the deterioration of or improve watershed condition on federal land." UDWR's Wildlife Action Plan, by (1) meeting the objective to reduce invasive plant species through conservation actions 2.2.2, 2.2.3, and 2.2.4 (survey, eradicate, and contain established populations of invasive plant species); and (2) conservation actions 2.2.5 and 2.2.7 by cutting and chemically treating the tamarisk; and, (3) conservation action 2.3.15, by conducting riparian vegetation treatments to restore characteristic riparian vegetation, and reduce uncharacteristic fuel types and loading. Iron County Cooperative Weed Management Area Agreement Utah's Noxious Weed Act (R68-9), by removing/containing a new or expanding population of tamarisk, which is a Class 3 noxious weed. Utah Partners in Flight (UPIF) Bird Conservation Plan" by supporting activities that prevent invasions of exotic species and restore priority habitat. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program Strategic Plan" by addressing specific habitat concerns (invasive species) in a priority habitat type (wetland). Under the Strategic Goals and Objectives of the "Utah Strategic Tamarisk Management Plan", by meeting goal 1, which states, "Protect the State's natural, agricultural, and ranching resources including water quality and quantity, native plant communities, and wildlife habitat from the impacts of tamarisk through early detection, control, and restoration efforts." Iron County Resource Management Plan identifies Quichapa as a source for runoff water being available for wildlife.

Although at this time, the infestation of Tamarisk within the ShurtzCanyon-Quichapa Lake hydrographic unit is not tall large mature stands the potential, if left uncontrolled, could have hazardous effects in regard to fire, especially considering the urban setting that has developed and is further developing within the watershed. "...Salt cedar is adapted to fire and recovers more quickly than native riparian species after a burn because of its ability to vigorously resprout from the crown. Historic fire records from the lower Colorado River floodplain show that fire frequencies and size are greater in salt cedar-infested sites compared to analogous non-infested sites. In salt cedar-dominated areas, 35 percent of the vegetation burned within a 10-year period (1981-1992) compared to the mesquite-dominated areas that burned 2 percent of the vegetation within the same time period. Dead and senesced woody materials, combined with an accumulation of leaf litter in salt cedar infested sites, creates a fuel load that can lead to an increase in the frequency of fires..." USU Cooperative Extension 2006, Saltcedar (Agweeds2006.01)

Tamarisk tree uses about the same amount of water as a native tree and grow in much denser stands (USU Cooperative Extension 2006, Saltcedar (Agweeds2006.01)). Therefore, on a per acre basis, Tamarisk are using significantly more water than native trees (Thompson, Christopher L., "Treatment of Saltcedar (Tamarix spp.): Economics and Feasibility" (2008)). By removing dense thickets of mature Tamarisk, and the expected recolonization of native plant and tree species into these cleared areas, the wetland zone can return to natural vegetation. This project will contribute to watershed health since this is a terminal wetland and is a priority area for groundwater recharge efforts led by CICWD. It is a WRI focus area and in direct proximity to other watershed projects including all phases of Duncan Creek, Vandenburg Fire Rehab efforts, North Hills thinning, and Pinto watershed restoration efforts.

NEPA for the project area has been completed (Quichapa Wetland and Vegetation Enhancement Project (DOI-BLM-C010-2017-0048-EA)). Cultural surveys will be completed prior to implementation where required.

The first effort of tamarisk removal was completed in November of 2018 through a partnership with Iron County. A tractor with a mower implement and a sprayer attached to a vehicle was used to complete the mow/cut and spray operation. The tractor was unable to cut the more mature and dense stands of Tamarisk and along banks where the soil was too wet to access. Tamarisk Management The focus of Phase 1 and 2 has been on using an excavator to pull trees and pile them for rabbit habitat. Phase 3 will repeat methods used in Phase 1 and 2 but will burn the majority of the piled material. Future efforts will use adaptive methods to ensure tamarisk management throughout the area. Seeding where mechanical work has been completed will include a wetland see mix while planting willows and other wetland vegetation may occur around the lake shore. Removal and spray activities will likely occur in mid summer to fall to ensure best success rate and to avoid the potential for nesting birds in the area. Wetland Management Phase 3 will include seeding and planting of the 10 islands created in phase 2 (photos attached). Species to be planted will be based on likelihood of success and may be monitored with the assistance of SUU. This will be a combination of potted shrubs and seeding. Recreation Management Phase 3 will include the construction of a parking lot on the north end, post and pole fencing, and kiosk/signing.

Monitoring data would be collected by BLM prior to and after project implementation to assess the success/failure of vegetation treatments, wildlife response, and hydrologic condition improvements. This monitoring would include wildlife surveys, evaporation rates, and photo points depending on personnel and work load. Photo points have been established to visually compare and evaluate success of any vegetation alteration phases of the project. Wildlife surveys including species presence/abundance, and trend (e.g., bats, waterbird stopover) have been collected at Quichapa Lake. This data would continue to be acquired annually to determine the wildlife response to project implementations. Hydrologic conditions would be monitored to assess the watershed health in the Quichapa Lake basin, using proper functioning condition assessments, evaporation monitoring, and TDS monitoring. Tamarisk management would be ongoing and annually assessed through BLM weeds program.

On November 26, 2019 BLM led a tour for UDWR, SUU, County officials, and sportsmen groups to garner ideas, support, and collaboration on the proposed project. Additionally, CICWD and BLM have had several tours to coordinate CICWD's adaptive approach to water management on the north end. Iron County- participated in 2018 as part of the Iron County Weed Management Area Agreement for phase 1 of the project (80 acres in 2018) and expressed their continued support for the effort. CICWD- Support the plan in conjunction with groundwater recharge efforts and 2018 NEPA analysis UDWR- Support the plan to remove Tamarisk and create/improve waterfowl and upland game habitat to support hunting and viewing. SITLA and surrounding private landowners have expressed interest in tamarisk management efforts. These lands will be collaboratively addressed with future NRCS partnerships. Sportsment groups, particularly SFW have expressed interest in all phases of this project including private land acquisitions of real estate (Jan 2021) for sale surrounding the lake.

As identified in the Quichapa Lake Wetland and Vegetation Enhancement Project EA, there are several phases to this project (see below, Methods Section, and attached document). The BLM would continue to aggressively treat Tamarisk resprouts and further phases would likely include the treatment of the surrounding private land, native woody species pole plantings, and construction of small holding ponds to improve habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds. Overall future management will be to monitor tamarisk establishment and address these issues as needed; however since this is a terminal wetland it is expected tamarisk management will be ongoing. Phase 1 Aerial / Mechanical control and removal of tamarisk. Remove approximately 30 acres of old age class sagebrush and replace with preferred grass / shrub species for upland game and pollinators. Plant up to 100 upland trees/shrubs. Create cottontail rabbit habitat with woodpiles of washed out logs. Install signs to identify BLM boundaries and promote recreational opportunities. Install water regulation system to control inundation south of dam. Phase 2 Continue tamarisk management through hand thinning and chemical treatment. Pole plantings of willow, cottonwood, etc. of riparian woody vegetation along inundation line. Stabilize wetland vegetation with bulrush, sedges, etc. Manage inundation to promote growth of desirable submergent vegetation. Mechanical removal of tamarisk as needed. Phase 3 Continue tamarisk management through hand thinning. Pole plantings of willow, cottonwood, etc. of riparian woody vegetation along inundation line. Adaptive management of upland vegetation as needed. Construct small islands and ponds through dredging and excavation. Stabilize wetland vegetation with bulrush, sedges, etc. Seek opportunities for a parking lot and signing to guide recreation.

Recreation is at the forefront of the sustainable uses that would benefit from the habitat improvement efforts at Quichapa Lake proposed in this project. Hunting and viewing on public lands containing wetlands is naturally limited in southern Utah. This project provides an opportunity to encourage and sustain waterfowl hunting as well as promotes upland game hunting through sustaining wetland conditions and enhancing upland vegetation. UDWR annually releases pheasants on BLM lands within the project area. Wetland and vegetation improvement as well as public access management would also facilitate upland game hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. Birding is a popular activity at Quichapa and would be promoted as a non-consumptive use of the area. Although identified as part of the Swett Hills allotment the project area is not currently grazed due to logistics; however if this becomes a viable management tool, grazing would certainly benefit.

07/01/2022

08/28/2023

2024

The 61 acres of tamarisk from phase 1 was piled and burned by BLM personnel in Jan 2023. In Nov 2023, we attempted to pull and pile an additional 30 acres but since the methods were leaving highly uneven ground, it was decided to bullhog the 30 acres of tamarisk and handspary behind which was accomplished May 22, 2024. BLM personnel and an ACE crew applied herbicide with backpack sprayers and intend to retreat in Fall 2024. The area dried in spring 2022 but was filled again by monsoons in 2022 and spring runoff in 2023. We attempted to grow willows and used the tamarisk seed mix with only a few islands actually growing vegetation. The wave action eroded a few islands and are currently under water so future maintenance is expected. Shrubs were planted in Nov 2022 by BLM personnel to aid in desirable species establishment. The north parking lot was constructed by BLM personnel June 2023 and the fence constructed by volunteers Sept 2023. Herbicide was applied (June 2023) on scotch thistle in a few areas that were treated for tamarisk. The tamarisk resprout was also treated with herbicide (Sept 2023).

The 61 acres of tamarisk from phase 1 was piled and burned by BLM personnel in Jan 2023. In Nov 2023, we attempted to pull and pile an additional 30 acres but since the methods were leaving highly uneven ground, it was decided to bullhog the 30 acres of tamarisk and handspary behind which was accomplished May 22, 2024. BLM personnel and an ACE crew applied herbicide with backpack sprayers and intend to retreat in Fall 2024. The area dried in spring 2022 but was filled again by monsoons in 2022 and spring runoff in 2023. We attempted to grow willows and used the tamarisk seed mix with only a few islands actually growing vegetation. The wave action eroded a few islands and are currently under water so future maintenance is expected. Shrubs were planted in Nov 2022 by BLM personnel to aid in desirable species establishment. The north parking lot was constructed by BLM personnel June 2023 and the fence constructed by volunteers Sept 2023. Herbicide was applied (June 2023) on scotch thistle in a few areas that were treated for tamarisk. The tamarisk resprout on the 61 acres from phase 1 was also treated with foliar herbicide (Sept 2023).

This project is a multiphase project and will be ongoing, particularly in tamarisk and weed management. As willows and other wetland vegetation begins to outcompete tamarisk, vegetation management will shift focus into maintenance of these investments.