The Scott Matheson Wetland Preserve has the potential to benefit several native sensitive and endangered fish that require nursery habitat for their young of year. These native larvae fish species require habitat consisting of backwater or flooded wetlands providing needed protection from fish predation. Razorback Sucker The razorback sucker is a fish endemic to the Colorado River basin and protected under the Endangered Species Act. Once found throughout the warm water reaches of the basin, the razorback sucker's basin-wide decline is believed to be a result of myriad anthropogenic habitat alterations and negative interactions with introduced fishes (USFWS 2002). Razorback sucker spawning occurs as spring runoff increases river discharge. Upon hatching from eggs deposited in river substrate, larvae drift with the river current into flooded off-channel nursery habitats (Modde et al. 2001). Although spawning by stocked razorback sucker is evident from detection of larvae in and near the Scott Matheson Preserve (Julie Howard, UDWR -- pers. comm.) and of ripe individuals in upstream reaches (Osmundson and Seal 2009), natural recruitment necessary for self-sustaining wild populations is lacking, and populations in the upper Colorado River continue to require maintenance via stocking of adult fish. Valdez and Nelson (2006) identified the 64 miles of Colorado River between Moab and the confluence with the Green River as a priority reach for recovery of razorback sucker. The Preserve is the only site within this reach capable of providing suitable nursery habitat as identified in recovery goals. However, its current value to razorback recovery is likely impaired by 1) abundance of non-native fishes and 2) reduced frequency and duration of flood events (Collins 1994; Cooper and Severn 1994a; USFWS 2002). Competition and predation by non-native fishes is linked to reduced survival and growth rates of stocked razorback sucker larvae in wetlands, potentially resulting in total mortality (Modde and Haines 2005; Webber 2009). However, experimental survival rates of razorback sucker larvae in 'reset' floodplains (i.e. those free of non-native fishes at entrainment) are thought adequate to sustain populations (Modde and Haines 2005), and age-zero razorback sucker in floodplain environments outgrow predation risk from non-native fish spawned in the same year (Christopherson et al 2004). Thus, a combination of 'reset' conditions and exclusion of all but larval non-native fishes during inundation should contribute to optimal razorback sucker survival. The Preserve is periodically flooded by the Colorado River, but the flooding frequency and duration have both declined since 1959 when dams were constructed on the Upper Colorado River (Collins 1994). Discrete portions of the Preserve such as the Central Pond achieve connection through gated canals during yearly high flow events. (Daniel Eddington UDWR -- pers. comm.). In light of the recently documented presence of wild razorback sucker larvae at the mouth of the Central Pond inlet, we propose to 1) modify the Central Pond to achieve inundation in three of every five years, 2) drain the Central Pond completely to achieve 'reset' conditions, 3) concurrently integrate a redundant fish exclusion apparatus, and 4) improved the headgate for water level management. We believe that management of the Central Pond with this suite of features can contribute significantly to the recovery of razorback sucker and other native fish that require back water channels for nursery habitat such as the Bonytail chub (Gila elegans), Bluehead sucker (Catostomus discobolus), Flannelmouth sucker (Catostomus latipinnis). We anticipate the project to provide a functional, floodplain wetland that will offer razorback sucker suitable nursery habitat, as well as offering other ecological benefits to the Matheson Preserve. Once implemented, this project will provide wetland habitat for endangered fish use during spring flooding. It is anticipated that entraining razorback sucker larvae in the wetland it will increase their chances to survive and grow in a protected environment. Once released back into the mainstem of the Colorado River, they will be of sufficient size to survive overwintering in the Colorado River. A multitude of other wildlife species will benefit from increasing the frequency and duration the wetland is flooded. These include: Amphibians - A large population of native northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) are present in the wetlands of the Preserve. Concentrations of leopard frogs occur in certain areas of the Preserve where water is fairly stable throughout the summer. Preferred habitat is found in areas with water up to one foot deep with grassy wet meadows nearby. Northern leopard frogs are listed as sensitive by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (Collins 1994). Birds - There are a variety of bird species that use the Preserve. Over 165 species have been recorded over the years. A great blue heron (Ardea herodias) rookery has been active for several years and will benefit from increase ponds and wetland areas. They may also pose a threat to survival of young razorback suckers if flooded areas are not deep enough. The ponds will be graduated from 1-3 feet to help reduce this threat. Several other wading birds will benefit from the flooded wetland such as sandhill cranes, American avocet, American Bittern, and egrets. Southwestern Willow flycatcher would potential use the wetland primarily as breeding habitat in May and June. Breeding habitat requires dense tree/shrub cover greater than 3m tall, dense twig structure, and high levels of green foliage. All habitat types can be found on the wetland and with the additional year round water will diversify wetland vegetation. Yellow-billed cuckoo is a federally listed species. This species inhabits dense lowland riparian habitat (regenerating canopy trees, willows, or other riparian shrubs) for nesting within 100 m of water (Parrish and Norvell 1999). The additional flooded wetlands will provide more water in the wetland during the breeding/nesting periods in June and July. Waterfowl The majority of waterfowl use the Preserve seasonally as they migrate in the Spring and Fall. The ponds will have several depths ranging from 1-foot to greater than 3-feet in depth. This will be beneficial for growing aquatic vegetation that will provide food when waterfowl are migrating. Wild Turkey - Rio Grande turkey populations are active on the preserve. They typically inhabit the riparian areas with cottonwood overstory. Literature Cited: Christopherson K.D., G.J. Birchell, and T. Modde. 2004. Larval Razorback Sucker And Bonytail Survival And Growth in the Presence of Nonnative Fish in the Stirrup Floodplain. Final Report of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, Denver, Colorado. Collins, K.P. and D.K. Shiozawa. 1994. The effects of fish predation on backwater invertebrate communities of the Green River, Utah. Final Report to: Colorado River Fishery Project, U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Vernal, Utah. 24 pp. Collins, K. 1994. Conceptual management plan for habitat enhancement in flooded bottomlands: Scott M. Matheson wetland preserve, Moab, Utah. Recovery implementation program for endangered fish species in the Upper Colorado River Basin. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 6, Denver, Colorado. Cooper, D.J. and C. Severn. 1994a. Ecological characteristics of wetlands at the Moab Slough, Moab, Utah. Recovery Implementation Program, Upper Colorado River Basin. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, Colorado. 121 pp. Modde, T. and G.B. Haines. 2005. Survival and growth of stocked razorback sucker and bonytail in multiple floodplain wetlands of the middle Green River under reset conditions. Final Report of U.S.

1. Increase recruitment of wild native fish (Razorback Sucker, Bonytail chub, Bluehead sucker, Flannelmouth sucker) in the Colorado River via improvements to and management of existing nursery habitat at the Central Pond within the Wetland. a. Entrain wild native fish larvae in the Central Pond during spring flows. b. Objective B) Exclude large-bodied non-native fishes during entrainment. c. Objective C) Monitor fish community and water quality parameters throughout entrainment. d. Objective D) Collect and count wild native fish recruits and release them to the Colorado River. 2. Increase native wetland and riparian grass, forb, shrub, and tree species by increasing water availability and flood frequency (3 out of 5 years) in the Preserve. 3. Reduce bulrush cover and lower the risk of West Nile Virus by increasing the water volume and depths in the Preserve. 4. Increase migratory waterfowl feeding and resting areas.

1. Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve Wildfire Response Plan Objective #3 Define and maintain sufficient water quality that supports existing valuable wetland habitat and, if necessary, restore or improve water quality to enhance habitat. Objective #4 Restore native vegetation communities to enhance wetland structure and wildlife habitat and help to control or eradicate exotic species. 2. North American Waterfowl Management Plan 2012 Goal 1. Abundant and resilient waterfowl populations to support hunting and other uses without imperiling habitat. Goal 2: Wetlands and related habitats sufficient to sustain waterfowl populations at desired levels, while providing places to recreate and ecological services that benefit society. 3. A Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for the Moab Area 2014. A. Support projects that alleviate the possibilities of catastrophic wild fire. B. Support projects and land uses that protect the riparian corridors and stream ecology. C. Support projects, land uses, and water allocation policy that protect wetlands. 4. UDWR. 2006. Range-wide Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Roundtail Chub (Gila robusta), Bluehead Sucker (Catostomus discobolus), and Flannelmouth Sucker (Catostomus latipinnis). 6) Enhance and maintain habitat for roundtail chub, bluehead sucker, and flannelmouth sucker. A. Provide flows needed for all life stages of the subject species. B. Restore altered channel and habitat features to conditions suitable for the three species 5) Wildlife Action Plan 2015 A) Big Free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) - The species often roosts and forms maternity colonies in massive sandstone cliffs near bodies of open water in a variety of habitats. It is presumed that big free-tailed bats migrate out of Utah for the winter. B) Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax trailii extimus) - Populations declining due to altered water regimes, invasive plants, improper riparian grazing, development and nest parasitism. Manage and restore lowland riparian for suitable habitat. C) Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) - Habitat restoration in wetlands and along riparian corridors. 6) Management Plan of the Pacific and Central Flyways for the Rocky Mountain Population of Greater Sandhill Cranes 2007 Objective B. Maintain and protect suitable habitats in sufficient quantity and quality to support population objectives and spatial distribution, while encouraging population expansion where desirable. 7) Utah's Freshwater Conservation Plan Objective: Conserve habitats or species by influencing management/use of lands and waters 8. Razorback Sucker Recovery Plan 5.2 Site-Specific Management Actions and Tasks by Recovery Factor 5.2.1 Upper basin recovery unit 5.2.1.1 Factor A.--Adequate habitat and range for recovered populations provided Management Action A-5.--Provide floodplain habitats for all life stages of razorback sucker, particularly to serve as nursery areas for larvae and juveniles. Task A-5.1.--Identify appropriate bottomland sites and assess opportunities for land acquisition or easements. Task A-5.2.--Acquire or procure easements (as determined under Task A-5.1) for bottomland sites where determined necessary and feasible. 5.2.1.3 Factor C.--Adequate protection from diseases and predation Management Action C-3.--Control problematic nonnative fishes as needed. Task C-3.1.--Develop control programs for small-bodied nonnative fishes (e.g., cyprinids and centrarchids) in backwater and flooded off-channel nursery habitats in river reaches occupied by young razorback sucker to identify the levels of control that will minimize predation (see sections 4.3.2 and A.8 for discussion of effects of nonnative fishes). Task C-3.2.--Implement identified levels (as determined under Task C-3.1) of nonnative fish control in backwater and flooded off-channel nursery habitats in river reaches occupied by young razorback sucker. 9. Recovery Implementation Program Recovery Action Plan GENERAL RECOVERY PROGRAM SUPPORT ACTION PLAN II.A Restore flooded bottomland habitats. II.A.1. Conduct inventory of flooded bottomlands habitat for potential restoration. III.A Reduce negative interactions between nonnative and endangered fishes. V. Monitor populations and habitat and conduct research to support recovery actions (research, monitoring, and data management). VI. INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND SUPPORT FOR THE ENDANGERED FISHES AND THE RECOVERY PROGRAM. (Includes integration with San Juan River Recovery Implementation Program.) COLORADO RIVER ACTION PLAN: MAINSTEM II.A. Restore and manage flooded bottomland habitat II.A.5. Acquire interest in high-priority flooded bottomland habitats III. Reduce negative impacts of nonnative fishes and sportfish management activities (nonnative and sportfish management) III. A. Develop and implement control programs in reaches of the Colorado River occupied by endangered fishes. V. MONITOR POPULATIONS AND HABITAT AND CONDUCT RESEARCH TO SUPPORT RECOVERY ACTIONS (RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND DATA MANAGEMENT) V.A. Conduct research to acquire life history information and enhance scientific techniques required to complete recovery actions 10. Upper Colorado River Subbasin Floodplain Management Plan 1.2 Goals and Objectives Goal: provide adequate floodplain habitats for all life stages of razorback sucker in the Upper Colorado and Gunnison rivers for establishment and maintenance of a self-sustaining population, particularly to serve as nursery areas for larvae and juveniles. Objectives: 1.2.1. Inventory floodplain habitats; 1.2.2. Identify floodplains necessary for life stages of razorback sucker; 1.2.3. Restore and manage strategic floodplains to benefit razorback sucker; and 1.2.4. Evaluate effectiveness of floodplain restoration. 6.2 Management Plan Strategies: 6.2.2. Mechanically reconfigure floodplain sites downstream of identified spawning sites to provide suitable flooding and entrainment of larval razorback sucker. 6.2.3. Assist establishment of wild populations of razorback sucker and bonytail through release of hatchery-reared fish. 6.2.4. Continue to investigate and implement best management strategies to reduce detrimental effects of nonnative fish in floodplain habitats. 6.2.5. Insure suitable instream flows to inundate key floodplain sites on a timely basis. 11. Conceptual Management Plan for Razorback Sucker: Habitat Enhancement in Flooded Bottomlands I. C. Goals: 1. Enhance all values of the flooded bottomland habitat within the Preserve in order to aid the recovery of threatened and endangered fish species. The Preserve should be able to function as naturally as possible in the Colorado River ecosystem. 2. Augment populations by enhancing the survival of early life stages. 3. Provide essential habitat for the natural recruitment and survival of the Upper basin razorback sucker population 4. Determine how best to manage essential habitat for optimum natural production of razorback sucker. IV.A. Phase 1. 1. Characterize the fish community in the wetlands 2. Refurbish the wetland outlet structure IV.A. Phase 3. Re-establish the historic flooding regime by increasing communication between the Preserve and the Colorado River. 2. Design a water delivery system for the Preserve b. Deliver flows to wetlands via a system of inlet and outlet structures and canals. d. Create wetlands that could be drained to remove predators, but which would

1. Arch clearance completed 2020. 2. US Army Corps of Engineers Permit Issued 2020. 3. ESA Section 7 consultation completed 2020.

The central pond will be dredged to a maximum depth of 5ft and will slope to a minimum depth of 1ft. We will hire a qualified construction company that can dig and haul material to upland location on the preserve. The dredged material will be re-seeded with an upland seed mix. The pipeline has been designed and engineered to move water efficiently from where it enters the preserve to the area dredged in the central pond. A concrete headbox will be installed so water can be moved into the pipeline when needed. When water is not needed at the central pond water will be allowed to move freely through out the wetland to maintain.

Water monitoring measurement are taken periodically during the year. They are recorded in a spreadsheet. If water levels reach low levels water will be released to the Colorado river. The pipeline from the TNC water right will be able to turn water into the pipeline or back to slowly work across the wetland. If needed water can be turned into the water line to keep pond levels up.

1. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources - Partial landowner with TNC. The Moab Native Aquatics Field Station and Southeastern Region Habitat Section have collaborated with TNC this past year to develop possible solutions the Scott Matheson Wetland which can benefit razorback suckers. The Moab Native Aquatics Field Station has reached out to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program (UCREFRP) for additional support. 2. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) - Partial landowner with UDWR. Facilitating/obtaining engineering services for project development. Providing granting writing, project oversight, and funding opportunities. 3. Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program (UCREFRP). UCREFRP studies and reports constitute much of the conceptual framework for this project. UCREFRP staff have provided expertise and funding relevant to the project and expressed continuing interest in its success as related to recovery of the razorback sucker. 4. Forestry, Fire, and State Lands (FFSL) manages sovereign lands along the Colorado River adjacent to the Scott Matheson Wetland and have been a partner in the planning effort. They have also provided funding through their department. 5. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) has been providing recommendations on process and design based on previous experience.

The Scott Matheson Wetland Preserve is managed by DWR and TNC as a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) since 1992. DWR and TNC will continue to manage this property for wetland ecosystem and wildlife habitat preservation and low impact recreation. This property is managed intensively and conservation values are the top priority.

09/09/2020

03/01/2021

2021

In 2019 the water control structure was completed. This was phase 1/2 of the project. The final phase of the project was to dredge the central pond and install a pipeline as a supplemental water source. In the fall of 2020 a contractor was hired to do both dredge the pond and install the pipeline. Dredging the pond to a depth that would allow for rearing of larval razorback suckers to a size class that could compete in the Colorado river. The pipeline was installed from a water right that TNC owns on watercress spring. The supplemental water is used to maintain water depth and water quality during the rearing period. The water then can be allowed to flow through the wetland the rest of the year to maintain wetland health. The project will allow for wild spawned razorback suckers to reach a size class that can compete with non-native fish in the Colorado river system. As a threatened species increased recruitment of razorbacks will provide positive strides to species recovery. This project will promote increased wetland health by connecting the Colorado river to the Matheson wetland again. The floodplain wetland over time has become disconnected from the river due to water control and invasive vegetation in the Colorado river system. This will not fully connect the floodplain wetland to river but it will provide some connectivity which is an improvement for the Matheson wetland.

Approximately, 20,500 cubic yards of material was dredged from the central pond area. This allowed for the pond to reach about 3-5 feet depth. The material was moved to the upland area of the preserve and was seeded with an upland mix. Over 5,600 feet of pipeline was installed to convey water to the central pond that will rear razorback suckers. A water control structure was installed as part of the pipeline to allow for management of the water right owned by TNC.

The project was implemented during the fall/winter period. This created some challenges with installing the pipeline. We had issues with equipment getting stuck in the muddy areas. Construction during this time allowed for avoidance of crucial wildlife periods. The driest time period on the wetland is summer but we didn't want to impact wildlife. In future projects I would make sure the contractor has wooden mats they can get the equipment on and move around while working to keep from getting stuck. The project has been completed. There were not sufficient water flows on the Colorado River in 2021 to operate the system.