Assisting with the implementation of the Amended Habitat Conservation Plan will allow us to minimize and mitigate the threats facing tortoises within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve (Reserve). Threats include habitat degradation, wildfire, predation, disease and human related mortality. These threats to tortoise populations are imminent and urgent with tortoise populations declining roughly 50% since long-term monitoring began in 1998. In 2003, tortoise populations declined due to a combination of drought and disease. Catastrophic fires (e.g., 2005), which burned approximately 25% of tortoise habitat within the Reserve, have degraded habitat. Active management between the cooperative partners of the Reserve (i.e., local city governments, Washington County, Utah Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, etc.) is critical to minimize and mitigate threats to tortoises. Due to the number of potential threats within the Reserve and its proximity to rapidly growing communities, long-term monitoring and active management is critical to determine current management effectiveness, identify future concerns and threats, and ensure the continued existence of tortoises within the Reserve. The HCP was currently renewed and it is anticipated that UDNR will increase funding to meet long term commitments for tortoise recovery, with the ultimate goal of UDNR taking over funding and management responsibility for the desert tortoise.

The overall goal of this project is to coordinate desert tortoise recovery activities within southwestern Utah. The objectives of this project include: 1) Perform administrative duties associated with implementation of the Renewed and Amended Washington County Habitat Conservation Plan (October 2020; HCP), 2) Coordinate desert tortoise recovery activities for the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit and the Northeastern Mojave Recovery Unit (Beaver Dam Slope Critical Habitat Unit), 3) Assist Washington County with regulatory activities and incidental take surveys associated with the HCP, 4) Implement the translocation program including development of a comprehensive Translocation Plan, 5) Conduct desert tortoise regional density and population demographic monitoring in accordance with Recovery Plan objectives for the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit, 6) Maintain radio telemetered tortoises to quantify seasonal above ground activity required for estimating and understanding desert tortoise population trends and, 7) Assist agency partners with habitat restoration to protect unburned habitat and restore burned habitat within the Reserve. Tasks for each objective are described in the Methods section below.

The desert tortoise, and its associated habitat, the Mojave Desert, are at risk of crossing ecological thresholds due to anthropologic pressures and disturbances that erode natural resilience and increase their susceptibility to large stochastic disturbances (e.g., wildfires). Monitoring of desert tortoise demographics and population trends, while simultaneously implementing adaptive management actions (e.g., habitat restoration, translocation, fence maintenance, education) can help avoid reaching these thresholds. In addition, population response monitoring to management actions can help managers better identify ecological thresholds for the desert tortoise and its habitat, enhancing the adaptive management process.

The goals and objectives of this project are consistent with 44 goals and objectives from 15 management plans. This project closely follows those recommendations listed in the Revised Recovery Plan for the Mojave Population of the Desert Tortoise (USFWS 2011) and the Recovery Plan for the Desert Tortoise (Mojave Population; USFWS 1994). Additionally, the Red Cliff's NCA RMP and the St. George Field Office RMP call for proactive vegetation management efforts to protect a variety of resources, including wildlife, recreation, and cultural. Revised Recovery Plan for the Mojave Population of the Desert Tortoise (USFWS 2011) and the Recovery Plan for the Desert Tortoise (Mojave Population; USFWS 1994) * Develop, support, and build partnerships to facilitate recovery (1) * Protect existing populations and habitat (2); Conserve intact desert tortoise habitat (2.1); Restore desert tortoise habitat (2.6) * Augment depleted populations through a strategic program (3); Implement translocations in target areas to augment populations (3.4) * Monitor progress towards recovery (4); Monitor desert tortoise population growth (4.1); Monitor the extent of tortoise distribution in each recovery unit (4.2); Quantify the presence and intensity of threats to the desert tortoise across the landscape (4.4) * Conduct research on the restoration of desert tortoise habitat (5.2) * Implement an adaptive management program (6) Recovery Action Plan for the Mojave Desert Tortoise in the Upper Virgin River (USFWS 2014) * Restore habitat in burned or otherwise disturbed areas; identify polygons of high potential or importance and create islands of seeded or planted habitat to enhance recovery (Priority 1, 4.02). * Conduct habitat restoration by controlling cheat grass and other non-native and invasive plant species (Priority 1, 4.05). * Restore habitat with large-scale seeding or plantings within the Reserve (Priority 2, 4.03). Recovery Action Plan for the Mojave Desert Tortoise in the Northeast Mojave (USFWS 2014) * Reduce coverage of exotic annual grasses and thus fire risk, and increase the coverage of native species and plant diversity (Priority 1, 1.02). * In recently-burned habitat on the Beaver Dam Slope, re-seed multiple polygons, no smaller than 40 acres each (Priority 3, 1.12). Washington County Habitat Conservation Plan (WC 1995) and Amended and Restated Washington County Habitat Conservation Plan (WC 2020) * Preserve and enhance desert tortoise populations and their habitat within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve (WC 1995,1.5). * Provide protection for other listed and candidate species and their habitats (WC 1995,1.5). * Fund surveys and other actions to help gather information and identify and implement actions to help other listed and candidate species (WC 1995, 1.5). * Translocate displaced desert tortoises to the Reserve or other designated translocation site thereby expanding the protected desert tortoise population (WC 2020, 6.1.2). * Monitoring tortoise population trends and threats to support adaptive management actions (WC 2020, 6.1.2). Utah Wildlife Action Plan (UDWR 2015) * Assess distribution and abundance of species with greatest conservation need (pg. 7). * Implement research or surveys to identify and understand the key factors in effective restoration and conservation (pg. 7). * Build partnerships among agencies and stakeholders to abate threats for priority species (pgs. 217-224). * Implement monitoring to measure the effectiveness of conservation actions and to adapt conservation to changing conditions (pgs. 213-215). Gila Monster Conservation Strategy (UDWR 2007) * Identify, maintain, protect, and enhance important habitat to protect and conserve Gila monsters in southwestern Utah (Goal 2). * Identify and implement management actions that would protect and enhance Gila monster habitat (2.2). * Maintain biological integrity of protected habitat areas (i.e., Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, 3.1.1). Utah Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (UDWR 2005) * General Conservation Action to control and monitor invasive species with specific conservation action to protect and maintain habitat (6-2, 6-7). * Restore degraded habitat by managing previously or potentially suitable habitat to achieve or approach properly functioning condition with specific conservation action to maintain habitat integrity (6-2, 6-7). * General Conservation Action to control and monitor invasive species with specific conservation action to protect and maintain habitat (6-2, 6-7). Dixie Resource Area Resource Management Plan (BLM 1998) and Resource Management Plan for the Red Cliffs and Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Areas (BLM 2016) * Maintain wildlife habitats in properly functioning conditions to support natural wildlife diversity, reproductive capability, and appropriate human use and enjoyment (2.24). * Manage suitable public land habitats for the recovery or reestablishment of native populations through collaborative planning with local, state, and federal agencies, user groups, and interested organizations (2.24). * Work with state, local, and other federal partners to minimize or eliminate the need for additional listing of species under the Endangered Species Act in Washington County (2.24). Utah Mule Deer Statewide Management Plan (UDWR 2014) * Expand and improve mule deer populations throughout the state within the carrying capacity of available habitats and in consideration of other land uses (VI, pg 17). * Conserve, improve, and restore mule deer habitat throughout the state with emphasis on crucial ranges (VI, pg. 18). Landscape Conservation Forecasting for Washington County's National Conservation Areas (TNC 2011) * Improve or maintain condition of all ecological systems; improve the condition of ecological systems that are currently in an undesirable (highly departed) condition (Pg. 4-5). * For the six ecological systems that are vital tortoise habitat, reduce departure from desired future condition (tortoise habitat departure) from high to low (Pg 4). * Protect reference vegetation classes, unburned and only once-burned shrubland classes (Pg. 4). * Decrease fuel loading and continuity to help reduce risk of loss from wildlife to natural and cultural resources in the NCA's (Pg. 4). Southwest Utah Support Area Fire Management Plan, Cedar City Office (BLM 2004) * Prevent invasive species and restore watershed function and biological communities through short term stabilization and long term rehabilitation (II,A., pg. 11). * Restore healthy, diverse, and resilient ecological systems to minimize uncharacteristically severe fires on a priority watershed basis through long-term restoration (II,A., pg. 11). Virgin River (Watershed) Management Plan (WCWCD, 2006) * To maintain and enhance water quality and associated natural resources of the Virgin River Watershed by reducing soil erosion, wildfires and flooding (Chapter 1, III-14).

This project includes restoration actions that will reduce the presence of fine textured fuels and, in turn, reduce the potential for future wildfires. Restoration and preventative actions will both restore burned habitat and protect unburned habitat. Critical wildlife habitat and adjacent urban communities are at risk of burning if non native grasses continue to dominate the landscape.

Not applicable.

Compliance under Federal and State law is required and has been completed through the Habitat Conservation Plan process.

Objective 1: Perform administrative duties associated with implementation of the Renewed and Amended Washington County (WC) Habitat Conservation Plan (October 2020; HCP). 1.1. Participate on the Washington County Habitat Conservation Plan Technical Committee (TC), completing tasks as assigned by the Habitat Conservation Advisory Committee (HCAC). 1.2. Assist with the completion of TC assignments, as necessary. 1.3. Coordinate activities with the HCAC, WC, BLM, USFWS, and Snow Canyon State Park. 1.4. Assist with the implementation of the HCP Public Use Plan and Human Impact Monitoring. 1.5. Assist with monitoring utility development protocol compliance for projects within incidental take and HCP reserve areas. 1.6. Participate in law enforcement quarterly meetings with UDWR conservation officers, WC, and BLM. 1.7. Assist with UDWR's desert tortoise adoption program, informing the public about the adoption program and helping to process captive tortoises as needed. 1.8. Coordinate UDWR's Washington County Field Office. Objective 2: Coordinate desert tortoise recovery activities for the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit and the Northeastern Mojave Recovery Unit (Beaver Dam Slope Critical Habitat Unit). 2.1. Participate on the Recovery Implementation Teams for the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit and the Northeastern Mojave Recovery Unit (BDS Critical Habitat Unit). 2.2. Identify restoration and management actions to achieve desert tortoise recovery and coordinate and identify viable funding sources to implement recovery. 2.3. Coordinate implementation of recovery plan objectives within Beaver Dam Slope Critical Habitat Unit with BLM, Arizona, and Nevada. 2.4. Manage regional program activities to assist in the recovery of the desert tortoise. 2.5. Participate in interstate tortoise passage and culvert working group. 2.6. Obtain appropriate training and remain current on conservation biology techniques. 2.7. Participate in the Data Sharing working group with agency partners (USGS, BLM, CSP, UN-Reno) to build a range wide spatially explicit population model for the desert tortoise. 2.8. Provide the Salt Lake Office the required information for the federal shell collection and handling permit. 2.9. Provide the Salt Lake Office the required information to compile Section 6 funding requests. 2.10. Integrate current disease research into tortoise disease management protocols for the Recovery Units. Objective 3. Assist WC with regulatory activities and incidental take activities associated with the HCP. 3.1. Cooperate with WC in conducting presence/absence and tortoise clearance surveys within designated HCP incidental take areas. 3.2. Assist with and monitor WC's facilities for holding displaced desert tortoises removed from designated take areas. 3.3. Coordinate and assist with the transfer, handling/holding, health, and disposition of displaced tortoises. 3.4. Review results of presence/absence and tortoise removal surveys and provide feedback to WC. 3.5. Complete field reports on incidental take activities, including summarizing the results of presence/absence and clearance surveys. 3.6. Train UDWR field technicians on desert tortoise general biology, handling protocols and survey techniques (e.g., clearance, presence and absence). 3.7. Maintain desert tortoise mortality database, complete field report, and identify issues and concerns to TC and agency partners. 3.8. Document and process suspected illegal take and complete annual report on illegal tortoise possession and collection within the Upper Virgin Recovery Unit. Objective 4. Implement the translocation program including development of a comprehensive Translocation Plan. 4.1. Coordinate and assist with the transfer, processing, health assessments, and disposition of displaced tortoises in urbanized areas (e.g., pit tag, ELISA test, etc.). 4.2. Coordinate translocation effort of displaced animals during the spring and fall. 4.3. Respond to Urban Wildlife calls and relocate displaced tortoises into federal land or protected areas depending on their capture location. 4.4. Translocate displaced desert tortoises to designated translocation areas (e.g., Zone 4) within the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit. 4.5. Depending on available funds, implement monitoring within Zone 4 of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. 4.6. Hire, supervise, and coordinate field crew. 4.7. Maintain a database on desert tortoises translocated into Zone 4 of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. 4.8. Analyze data to assess density, abundance, and survival of translocated tortoises as well as assess demographic data including age class distribution, sex ratio, and growth. 4.9. Evaluate the translocation plan at the end of the season and implement adaptive management as appropriate. 4.10. Complete field reports summarizing relocation and translocation efforts within the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit. 4.11. In coordination with agency partners, develop the Translocation Management Plan that identifies other locations within the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit that might be suitable for strategic population augmentation and triggers for utilizing such alternatives. Objective 5. Conduct desert tortoise regional density and population demographic monitoring in accordance with Recovery Plan objectives for the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit. 5.1. In coordination with BLM NCA Manager, complete, submit, and process $80,000 BLM cooperative agreement proposal to conduct long term monitoring of federal lands within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve in spring 2023. 5.2. Pursue available WC HCP funds to monitor long term monitoring plots on SITLA lands within the Reserve. 5.3. Depending on available funding, implement the desert tortoise regional density monitoring plan for the WC HCP Reserve in Zones 2, 3, and 5. 5.4. Hire, supervise and coordinate field crew. 5.5. Maintain a database on marked desert tortoises within Zones 2, 3 and 5 of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. 5.6. Evaluate and assess desert tortoise population status and trends 5.7. Analyze data and prepare a report on demographics and trends of the Reserve tortoise population. Objective 6. Maintain radio telemetered tortoises to quantify seasonal above ground activity required for estimating and understanding desert tortoise population trends and; 6.1. Maintain radio telemetered desert tortoises within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. 6.2. Assess above ground tortoise activity during monitoring season to estimate g(0) for population monitoring. 6.3. Continue to work with Utah State University to finalize the survival analysis of desert tortoises in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. 6.4. Maintain database of telemetered tortoises. 6.5. Analyze data and prepare annual report on activities. Objective 7. Assist agency partners with habitat restoration to protect unburned habitat and restore burned habitat within the Reserve. 7.1. Assist and support agency partners in habitat restoration projects on desert tortoise critical habitat within the Red Cliffs and Beaver Dam Wash NCA. 7.2. In coordination with UDWR habitat biologists, develop long-term management strategies to restore Mojave Desert vegetation communities, post burn, and protect unburned habitat. 7.3. Compile restoration project results to develop recommendations for cost effective and long-term management strategies for restoration. 7.4. Continue to work with agency partners to identify and refine cost effective restoration strategies within the Red Cliffs and Beaver Dam Wash NCA. 7.5. Participate in workshops and conference calls to integrate current research with restoration activities and projects. 7.6. Assist in restoring the old Turkey Farm property, identify management strategies to restore habitat and reduce invasive weeds on the site, and develop a long term management plan. 7.7. Assist UDWR's Great Basin Research Center in preparing appropriate seed mixes for restoration sites in the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit. 7.8. Working with local community organizations (e.g., Dixie State University, Conserve Southwest Utah), develop and implement community restoration outreach projects.

All HCP activities are conducted in close coordination with Washington County and the HCAC. Annual reports are supplied to the Washington County HCP administration, subsequently distributed to the HCAC, and reviewed by the Washington County Commission. The HCP administration prepares annual work plans and budgets with consultation through the TC and HCAC. UDWR prepares annual reports on population monitoring and other HCP activities for Washington County, the HCAC and TC.

Much of the success and HCP accomplishments are due to continued partnerships with local and federal agencies. The project will be implemented by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in cooperation with Washington County Habitat Conservation Plan collaborators including federal (Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), state (Utah Department of Natural Resources, Utah Division of Parks and Recreation), local government agencies (Washington County, City of Ivins, Santa Clara, Hurricane, St. George, Springdale) and non-government organizations (The Nature Conservancy, Virgin River Land Preservation Association).). We are currently working with Bureau of Land Management to secure funds to implement long term monitoring on federal lands within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve during spring 2023. Washington County may provide UDWR additional funds to support monitoring on SITLA lands within the Reserve.

The information obtained through this project will be used to develop ongoing management strategies to assist in the implementation of the Amended and Revised HCP and ultimately recover the desert tortoise. This information will help the HCP staff, HCAC, and Technical Committee better assess potential threats to the desert tortoise population, and understand tortoise survival and mortality within the Reserve. Implementation of the proposed project will result in long-term benefits to tortoise populations by reducing and minimizing threats. This project is an integral component of the collaborative HCP process, which is a largescale Endangered species 25 year mitigation effort to allow continued economic development and growth in Washington County while establishing the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve to ensure the long-term persistence of the desert tortoise.

The Red Cliffs Desert Reserve includes 96 recreational trails which are popular with rock climbers, hikers, mountain bikers, equestrian users, birdwatchers, wildlife watchers, and hunters. In 2021, over 800,000 people visited the Reserve, with visitation expected to increase annually. Protecting and restoring habitat will not only benefit wildlife but the recreational experience for thousands of visitors.

07/01/2022

06/30/2023

2023

Objective 1: Performed administrative duties associated with implementation of the amended Washington County Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). * Coordinated activities with the Habitat Conservation Advisory Committee (HCAC), Washington County, BLM, USFWS, and Snow Canyon State Park (SCSP). * Assisted with the implementation of the HCP Public Use Plan and Human Impact Monitoring. * Reviewed TC assignments and completed tasks as assigned by the HCAC and HCP Administrator. * Completed impact analysis of utility development projects and made recommendations to minimize impacts to desert tortoises. * Assisted with monitoring utility development protocol compliance for projects within incidental take and HCP reserve areas. * Participated in law enforcement activities with local (Washington County, City of St. George), state (SCSP, UDWR conservation officers) and federal (BLM) agencies. * Assisted with acquisition of non-federal Reserve lands through ESA Section 6 grant proposals. * Attended land acquisition meetings, as requested, to assist with land purchases and transactions. * Responded to desert tortoise and Gila monster related GRAMA requests by submitting annual location and distribution data to the Heritage Database. * Assisted SLO with UDWR Desert Tortoise adoption program, completing yard visits and assessing facilities in an effort to place captive tortoises or reunite displaced captive tortoises with original owner. * Reviewed handling and education permits for Washington County personnel to process and handle desert tortoises, maintain a shell remain collection for education, implement drone monitoring, and manage the Temporary Care Facility for displaced tortoises with the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit. Objective 2: Coordinated desert tortoise recovery activities for the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit and the Northeastern Mojave Recovery Unit (Beaver Dam Slope Desert Wildlife Management Area, BDS DWMA). * Participated on the desert tortoise Management Oversight Group providing biannual updates on UDNR/UDWR recovery. * Participated on the Recovery Implementation Teams for the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit and the Northeastern Mojave Recovery Unit (BDS DWMA). * Identified restoration and management actions to achieve desert tortoise recovery and coordinate and identify viable funding sources to implement recovery. * Coordinated implementation of recovery plan objectives within Beaver Dam Slope Critical Habitat Unit with BLM, Arizona, and Nevada. * Provided the Salt Lake Office the required information for the federal desert tortoise shell collection and handling permit. * In collaboration with the BLM and ACE crews, we hand seeded 15 acres of burned habitat within the Cottonwood Trail Fire from January 30 to February 1, 2023. ACE crews assisted with hand raking 85% of the seeded area (roughly 12.75 acres), excluded rocky areas as well as areas with biological soil crust. Roughly 558 lbs of native seed were used in the restoration effort, with an application rate of 37.2 lbs per acre and 25 lbs of live seed. * On March 21, 2023, we seeded roughly 25 acres of burned habitat on DWR's Turkey Farm property within the Turkey Farm Fire. We spread roughly 520 lbs of native seed (17 bags of native seed, 2 bags of seed balls w/ three awn grass, 3 bags of three awn grass seed) with an application rate of 20.8 lbs of native seed. On March 22, 2023, we mixed the seed into the soil using an ATV and dragging a harrow. * Worked with UDWR Great Basin Research Center to prepare appropriate seed mix for experimental polygon treatments. * Provided the Salt Lake Office the required information to compile Section 6 funding requests. * Integrated current disease research into health screening protocols for the two Recovery Units. * Reviewed the BLM EA, Integrated Weed Management Plan for the Control and Eradication of Noxious and Invasive Species and Programmatic Environmental Assessment for the Beaver Dam Wash and Red Cliffs NCA, and provided comments as requested. * Assisted Bureau of Land Management and Conserve Southwest Utah helping to remove cages from established plants and prepare for fall 2022 native plantings. * Organized a community outreach project with Pine View High School to remove trash and spread locally collected seed in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. * On November 22, 2022, assisted Washington County Noxious Weed Department and Utah State Parks in treating Sahara mustard in Quail Creek State Park in Hurricane, Utah. Roughly 15-acres were treated with approximately 68 oz. of Esplanade at a rate of 3-6 oz. per acre, targeting trails, roads and paths that facilitate the physical dispersal of Sahara mustard. Completed field report summarizing methods and results. * Assisted BLM in tortoise impact analysis for proposed projects within Washington County. * Participated in the development of a spatially explicit population model of the Mojave desert tortoise to assess primary threats and habitat responses for proactive conservation and recovery efforts. Datasheets, agency reports, and published literature were searched to identify desert tortoise observations, records, and distribution information, both historical and current. Data compiled came from mainly mark-recapture studies, telemetry, line-distance sampling associated with long-term monitoring, clearance surveys, and observations from displaced tortoise identified through the urban wildlife program. Data was submitted to the Heritage database and shared with agency partners. Monthly meetings throughout the year were scheduled to focus efforts and identify priorities, identify gaps in data, and inform agency partners on progress. A field report was completed summarizing the methods and data submitted. Objective 3. Assisted Washington County with regulatory activities (e.g., clearances, presence and absence surveys), monitored incidental take activities associated with the amended HCP, and assisted Washington County in surveys on non-federal lands. * Worked with Washington County to identify potential habitat on non-federal lands, prioritized areas for survey, and completed desert tortoise presence and absence surveys in these areas. * Conducted tortoise presence and absence surveys on five private property parcels (e.g. SITLA, Western Mortgage and Realty, Enhanced Homes LCC, and Toquerville Enterprises) within Washington County. Parcels were located to northeast, northwest and southwest of Sand Hollow Reservoir. The Division spent 17 field days surveyed 2,284 acres and walked over 94.5 km searching for tortoises and their sign from February 28 to December 7, 2023. We observed five potential shelters on three of the five parcels surveyed, although tortoise use could not be confirmed. We did not observe definitive tortoise sign (e.g., scats, tracks, shells) on any of the presence and absence tortoise surveys completed, including at or near the potential tortoise shelters. Overall, most parcels were moderately disturbed by humans, particularly areas adjacent to the Dixie Springs development or north of Sand Hollow Reservoir. * Assisted SCSP in addressing reports of desert tortoises inhabiting Abbey Gale Park in Ivins. UDWR completed a 14-acre survey on September 12th and 14th, identified fence issues on the Park boundary, and relocated two displaced tortoises into SCSP. Following surveys, boundary fencing was secured and retrofitted to eliminate movement of tortoises from SCSP to Abbey Gale Park. * Assisted Washington County in two surveys in the Zone 6 area on September 14 and 15. UDWR spent 6 person hours surveying two sites on the boundaries of Management Zone 6, walking transects and documenting tortoise sign. UDWR detected tortoise sign on a few transects including three scats, one burrow, and one live juvenile tortoise. Data collected was submitted to Washington County for inclusion in their annual report. * Completed field reports, summarizing methods and results, on desert tortoise surveys on nonfederal lands in Washington County, clearance surveys, translocation, tortoise surveys, and restoration efforts. * Assisted with and monitored Washington County's facilities for holding displaced desert tortoises removed from designated take areas. Objective 4. Implement desert tortoise regional density and population demographic monitoring in accordance with Recovery Plan objectives for the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit. * Surveyed long term permanent transects within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve (Management Zones 2, 3, 4 and 5) from April 3 to June 13, 2023. We completed 161 transects (314.64 km) throughout the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, SCSP and SITLA lands. We encountered 149 adult tortoises (i.e., 69 adults, 70 immatures, 10 unknowns) during spring population monitoring. In addition, we observed 26 juvenile tortoises, defined as individuals with less than 180 mm carapace length. Of the total tortoises observed (n=175), 15% were juvenile tortoises. Fifty-one processed tortoises (31%) were previously marked including one recapture within the same monitoring year (i.e., 2023). * Processed 12 shell remains during population monitoring in several stages of decay. We were unable to determine cause of death for the majority of shell remains. * Completed UDWR field report, Desert Tortoise Population Monitoring: Season Summary, 2023, summarizing methods and results. * Maintained the database on marked desert tortoises within the Reserve and surrounding areas. * Hired, supervised, and coordinated field crew. * Trained agency personnel and field technicians on desert tortoise general biology, handling protocols and survey techniques (e.g., clearance, presence and absence, population monitoring). * Presented the report, Where Are We Now? Desert Tortoise Research and Monitoring Efforts in SW Utah, 32+ years of desert tortoise recovery at the Desert Tortoise Council (DTC) Annual Symposium on February 23, 2023. * Finalized the report, Desert Tortoise Survival Analysis in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, 1997-2019 on long-term survival of desert tortoises using data collected from mark recapture plots (1983, 1988, 1994) and line distance sampling (1997 to 2019). We conducted a preliminary assessment of covariates that influence survival and suggest further analysis to determine and identify biologically informative covariates associated with tortoise survival in the Reserve. Objective 5. Implemented, monitored, and evaluated the translocation of tortoises removed from designated HCP take areas. Work with HCP agency partners to complete a desert tortoise Translocation Plan. * Coordinated and assisted with the transfer, processing, health, and disposition of displaced tortoises in urbanized areas. * Responded to urban wildlife calls on desert tortoises from the public (e.g., informational, displaced, violation, injured). * Relocated 31 tortoises (10 males, 12 females, 6 immatures and 3 juveniles) into the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve (Reserve), federal land or protected areas, depending upon their capture location. Tortoises were observed by the public in residential areas and, following a health assessment, relocated to an adjacent protected area either within the Reserve, Hurricane (e.g., Hurricane Cliffs) or St. George (e.g., Temple Quarry Trail, Warner Valley). All relocated tortoises were healthy with no clinical signs of Upper Respiratory Tract Disease. * Processed displaced animals prior to translocation (e.g. pit tag, ELISA test, etc.). * Coordinated translocation effort of displaced animals during the spring and fall. * Translocated nine displaced tortoises (2 males, 4 females, 1 immatures, 2 juveniles) to Management Zone 4 of the Reserve, in cooperation with the Washington County HCP Administration. Following the approval of the Translocation Management Plan, released displaced tortoises to Grapevine within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. * Completed annual field report summarizing 2022 translocation efforts within the Reserve. * Reevaluated translocation protocols at the end of the season and amended as appropriate. * Working with the USFWS and Washington County, finalized the document, Translocation Management Plan: Strategy for moving displaced tortoises in the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit, UDWR Publication Number 23-01. Presented Plan to UDWR's Regional Advisory Council and Board for review and approval. * Maintained a database on desert tortoises translocated into Zone 4 of the Reserve. * Led DTC field trip on February 22, 2023 to translocation site in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. Objective 6. Monitored radio telemetered tortoises to quantify above ground activity patterns, long-term impacts of fire, and long term survival of radioed tortoises within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. * Maintained and monitored 13 radio telemetered desert tortoises to quantify above ground activity for Reserve-wide population monitoring and Washington County's Management Zone 6 monitoring effort. * Assessed weekly above ground tortoise activity during the monitoring season to estimate go for density and abundance analysis. * Provided a weekly estimate of desert tortoise above ground activity to Washington County during active drone surveys. * Maintained long term database for marked desert tortoises within the Reserve and surrounding areas. * Using radiotelemetered tortoises, estimated above ground activity (go) during population surveys, that is, the percent of tortoises visible on the surface or near the front of the burrows. Weekly surface activity over the ten-week spring survey period varied from 46 to 96% and the average (Pa) during the 2022 survey period was 0.71 ± 0.05. * Worked with Dr. Mary Conner (Utah State University) to analyze survival of marked tortoises in the Reserve to incorporate results into a summary report. * Provided filed datasheets to Washington County personnel during the Zone 6 monitoring effort. Objective 7. Documented desert tortoise mortality and illegal take within the Upper Virgin Recovery Unit, and assisted Law Enforcement on UDWR Wildlife Administration Rule violations. * Managed wildlife within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and surrounding areas. * Responded to urban wildlife issues and assisted LE officers on UDWR Wildlife Administrative Rule violations for incidents within the Upper Virgin River Recovery Area. * Assisted Law Enforcement in pursuing incidents of tortoise possession violations within the Cedar City and St George communities. * Responded to desert tortoise related issues including urban wildlife calls, road mortality, suspected illegal take, illegal possession and illegal propagation. * Documented and processed nine tortoise mortalities, of which eight were attributed to vehicle collision and one attributed to mountain bike collision. * Maintained mortality database and identified issues and concerns to Technical Committee, USFWS and Washington County. * Completed annual field reports summarizing road mortality, suspected and known incidents of illegal take, and summary of urban wildlife calls. * Documented and processed three native desert tortoises illegally removed from the Reserve in Management Zone 2 (Tawa Ponds) and Zone 3 (Rusty Cliffs and Industrial Park area). * One processed native desert tortoise was illegally removed from the Rusty Cliffs area. On September 30, 2022, a filed male tortoise was observed crossing State Road 18 in Veyo, Utah. This adult tortoise was first captured in the Rusty Cliffs area on May 4, 2011 and then recaptured in the same general area on May 22, 2017. This tortoise was illegally removed from SCSP and transported to Veyo, where it escaped. After conducting a health assessment, this tortoise was released in the area it was first encountered. * Responded to calls of injured tortoises from agency partners and the public. On June 15th, SCSP informed us of a tortoise hit by a car on Snow Canyon Drive. It received immediate care at the St. George Veterinary Hospital, and has been under the joint care of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Washington County. We plan to release the tortoise in the fall.

The Mojave desert tortoise population, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, has declined due to habitat degradation, disease, predation, and human-related mortality. The habitat conservation planning process was initiated in Washington County in the early 1990's in order to resolve conflicts between urban development and desert tortoise conservation. Recently, Washington County completed the Renewed and Restated Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and received an incidental take permit for tortoises and habitat. Assisting with the implementation of the Amended Habitat Conservation Plan will allow us to minimize and mitigate the threats facing tortoises within the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit. Active management between the cooperative partners of the Reserve (i.e., local city governments, Washington County, Utah Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, etc.) is critical to minimize and mitigate threats to tortoises. Due to the number of potential threats within the Reserve and its proximity to rapidly growing communities, long-term monitoring and active management is critical to determine current management effectiveness, identify future concerns and threats, and ensure the continued existence of tortoises within the Reserve. It is anticipated that UDNR will increase funding to meet long-term commitments for tortoise recovery, with the ultimate goal of UDNR taking over funding and management responsibility for the desert tortoise. This project would allow UDWR to meet desert tortoise recovery responsibilities under the recently amended Washington County HCP (October 2020), including assisting with incidental take clearances, revising the translocation plan for displaced tortoises, implementation of the regional monitoring program, and HCP coordination and administration. The goal of this ESMF proposal is to acquire funds to supplement funding provided to UDWR through the HCP, and to maintain associated desert tortoise HCP and recovery activities. Attached field reports and Division of Wildlife publications describe in detail the methods, results and discussions of tasks completed under this project.

The information obtained through this project will be used to develop ongoing management strategies to assist in the implementation of the Amended and Revised HCP and ultimately recover the desert tortoise. This information will help the HCP staff, HCAC, BLM, SCSP, and USFWS better assess potential threats to the desert tortoise population, and understand tortoise survival and mortality within the Reserve. Implementation of the proposed project will result in long-term benefits to tortoise populations by reducing and minimizing threats. This project is an integral component of the collaborative HCP process, which is a largescale Endangered species 25-year mitigation effort to allow continued economic development and growth in Washington County while managing the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve to ensure the long-term persistence of the desert tortoise.