The purpose of the proposed action is to improve the vegetative health and diversity in the Chipman Peak project area. The Chipman Peak Project Area has been identified by multiple agencies and organizations as a high priority area for vegetation resource enhancement and fuels reduction, including the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Habitat Initiative, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Southwest Desert Adaptive Resource Management local working group (SWARM), Utah Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife and Utah's Watershed Restoration Initiative. The continued establishment of pinyon pine and juniper within sagebrush ecological sites and the continued decline in the production, vigor and diversity of grass, forb and shrub species would result in a further decline in habitat conditions. Forage values would continue to decline in terms of both nutrition and palatability. The build-up of pinyon pine and juniper within the sagebrush communities could result in an eventual large scale wildfire, which has the potential to convert the sagebrush sites to an annual/perennial grassland dominated site for approximately 20-50 years until the sagebrush re-establishes. The encroachment of pinyon and juniper threatens to choke out understory forbs and shrubs and increase risk of catastrophic wildfire. Annual weeds such as cheatgrass alter natural fire cycles by increasing fire frequencies, often resulting in shrublands being converted to annual grasslands. During the 1940s and 1950s, deer herds erupted in response to abundant shrub growth on mule deer ranges throughout the state, as a result of heavy grazing on most rangelands (deVos et al. 2003). Since that time, many shrub-dominated rangelands have gradually converted to juniper-dominated communities due to lack of fire or other disturbances. The conversion of shrublands to annual grasslands has also been accelerated in recent decades due to an increase in invasive weed species, drought, and large wildfires. Moreover, the proposed vegetation treatments would create diversity in herbaceous vegetation; which would improve habitat within this area by providing valuable forbs and grasses. Sagebrush and other associated shrub species are a major component of mule deer dietary composition. The proposed treatments would diversify the age structure of the sagebrush; which would result in younger age classes of highly palatable plants. Big game utilization may increase within the treated areas due to increased diversity of perennial grasses, forbs, and more palatable shrubs.

As state above, the Chipman Peak Project Area has been identified by multiple agencies and organizations as a high priority area for vegetation resource enhancement and fuels reduction, including the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Habitat Initiative, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Southwest Desert Adaptive Resource Management local working group (SWARM), Utah Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife and Utah's Watershed Restoration Initiative. The project is located in the Chipman Peak EA and Decision. A portion of the project area falls within breeding habitat for greater sage-grouse in the Bald Hills Priority Habitat Management Area. The project is expected to create opportunity habitat, and expand greater sage-grouse habitat west of I-15. Additionally, the entirety of the project area lies within lands designated as winter crucial mule deer habitat. In an effort to address the ongoing threat that pinion pine and juniper pose to these habitats, the following objectives are proposed. Objective 1- Reduce pinion pine and juniper density by 90-100% Objective 2- Maintain adequate habitat components to meet the needs of greater sage-grouse in nesting, brood-rearing, and winter habitats in accordance with current land use planning guidelines and in coordination with UDWR and SWARM. Objective 3- Increase available forage and habitat use for mule deer. Objective 4- Increase under-story plant diversity and cover (e.g., Forbs, grasses, and shrubs). Objective 5- Decrease potential soil loss and erosion by increasing understory vegetation. Objective 6- Reduce risk of destructive fires in the area by reducing pinyon and juniper stand density. Objective 7- Improve health, composition, and diversity of shrubs, grasses, and forbs.

Pinyon pine and juniper encroachment was noted as either a contributing factor to not meeting standards or was a concern in the near future within the majority of the allotments. The assessments noted that there were some areas within the allotments that were historically occupied by sagebrush are now either converted or becoming converted to pinyon pine and juniper. This, in turn, has led to a decrease in the shrub, forb, and grass components of these areas. Due to the dominance of pinyon pine and juniper and the virtual absence of perennial grasses it has been determined that portions of the allotments have achieved an ecological threshold and do not meet desired future conditions. The ecosystem within these portions of the allotments has crossed a transitional boundary, changing from a sagebrush dominant with a diverse composition of perennial grass community to a pinyon pine, juniper and sagebrush dominant community with very few perennial grasses present in the understory. This determination reveals that the ecosystem has crossed a transitional boundary and entered a new stable state that cannot be easily reversed without a considerable input of resources. In many areas pinyon and juniper, once controlled by periodic fire, is now encroaching into ecological sites typically dominated by shrubs and herbaceous vegetation, as well as infilling traditional woodland sites causing increased densities. Management objectives for pinyon pine and juniper woodlands vary; however, removing encroaching pinyon pine and juniper and thinning dense stands of pinyon pine and juniper helps provide a more functional and resilient ecosystem, as well as to reduce the potential for catastrophic fire. Ecosystems with healthy native perennial herbaceous vegetation and low tree density are less likely to experience severe wildfire and more likely to recover to a desirable state following fire. (Rau, 2014) Reducing the encroachment of pinyon pine and juniper would assist in moving sites toward the desired future condition. The health, vigor, recruitment, and production of perennial grasses, forbs, and shrubs would likely improve.

Chipman Peak EA/FONSI/DR - December 2016. BLM Utah Greater Sage-Grouse Approved Resource Management Plan 2019. The project is consistent with the SGARMPA (2015) goals, objectives and Management Actions that were identified in the Special Status Species section as follows: Special Status Species Goal: Maintain and/or increase GRSG abundance and distribution by conserving, enhancing or restoring the sagebrush ecosystem upon which populations depend in collaboration with other conservation partners. The Conservation Plan for Greater Sage-grouse in Utah was approved by the Governor in 2019. The plan established incentive-based conservation programs for conservation of sage-grouse on private, local government, and School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration lands and regulatory programs on other state and federally managed lands. The Conservation Plan also establishes sage-grouse management areas and implements specific management protocols in these areas. The Utah Greater Sage-grouse Management Plan in 2019 identified threats and issues affecting sage-grouse management in Utah as well as goals, objectives, and strategies intended to guide UDWR, local working groups, and land managers efforts to protect, maintain, and improve sage-grouse populations and habitats and balance their management with other resource uses. Southwest Desert Local Working Group Conservation Plan 2009. The local Working Group has developed a Conservation Plan detailing the natural history, threats, and mitigation measures for sage-grouse in each conservation plan area; and conservation guidelines for any activities occurring in the area. The Utah State Wildlife Action Plan 2015-2025 (Draft) is a comprehensive management plan designed to conserve native species populations and habitats in Utah and prevent the need for additional federal listings. Mule Deer Herd Unit Management Plan, Beaver Mountains WMU #22 (2020) Habitat objectives are to; 1) Maintain or enhance forage production through direct range improvements on winter and summer deer range throughout the unit to achieve population objectives, 2) Maintain critical fawning habitat, and 3) work with federal and state partners in fire rehabilitation and prevention on crucial deer habitat through the WRI process. Utah Mule Deer Statewide Management Plan, (2019-24). Habitat goals and objectives include the following; 1) Conserve, improve, and restore mule deer habitat throughout the state with emphasis on crucial ranges.2) Maintain mule deer habitat throughout the state by protecting and enhancing existing crucial habitats and mitigating for losses due to natural and human impacts.3) : Improve the quality and quantity of vegetation for mule deer on a minimum of 500,000 acres of crucial range by 2024. Color Country and Paria River Fire Management Plan (September, 2022) The Color Country and Paria River Fire Management Plan identifies the Black Mountains as a priority for conversion of encroached pinyon and juniper dominated communities to a sagebrush community with a diverse component of perennial grasses, forbs and shrubs. This would be consistent with the vegetative monitoring data that has been collected within the Project Area to identify the Ecological Site Description.

Pinyon-juniper woodlands are an important vegetation type in the Great Basin. Old-growth and open shrub savanna woodlands have been present over much of the last several hundred years. However, evidence indicates these woodlands have experienced significant tree infilling and major expansion in their distribution since the late 1800s by encroaching into surrounding landscapes once dominated by shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. Both infilling and expansion affects soil resources, plant community structure and composition, water and nutrient cycles, forage production, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and fire patterns across the landscape. Range-wide, pinyon pine and juniper (conifer) cover expands into sagebrush habitat by approximately 200,000 acres each year (Stiver et al. 2006). Within the 7.4 million acres that comprise Utah's SGMAs, approximately 3.1 million acres had greater than 4% conifer cover as of 2011 (Falkowski et al. 2014, Falkowski et al.2017). The rate of conifer encroachment peaked in the first half of the 20th century; however, there is ongoing expansion into sagebrush communities and infill of low-density conifer stands (Miller et al. 2008). As young conifer trees move into sagebrush areas, they displace the grass and forb understory (Tausch et al. 2009, Pyke et al.2015). Mature conifers will completely displace all sagebrush, grass and forb cover (Tausch et al.2009, Pyke et al. 2015). The shift from historic fire regimes to larger and more intense wildfires are increasingly determining the future of this landscape. Pinyon/juniper trees once held to lower densities by more frequent fires, have expanded in range and moved into areas once dominated by shrubs, forbs, and grasses (Tausch, et. al., 2009). Larger and hotter fires also reduce the likelihood of the area recovering naturally following wildfire, as well as increase the risk for cheatgrass invasion. Rehabilitation success following wildfire may or may not be successful, depending on soil conditions, slope and availability of funds. Fire Regime Condition Class (FRCC), existing cheatgrass level and communities at risk, all are important factors to consider both for managing wildfire and when planning pro-active treatments. Of the entire Mineral Black Mountain FMU (646,151 acres), 235,986 acres have burned over the past 20 years. This amounts to over 36% of the FMU being impacted by high intensity wildfire. Of the acres burned, more than 40,000 acres have burned more than once (cheatgrass burn/re-burn cycle). Most alarming is the fact that for the 22 years in which fire records are available (1993-2014), while the number of fires has decreased over the past 10 years, the acreages burned has increased more than 200% Pro-active treatment methods to reduce pinyon-juniper canopy, creation of mosaics with different age classes of vegetation is expected to reduce the likelihood of future high intensity, catastrophic fire. Seeding desired native and non-native vegetation, as proposed, would also create fuel breaks which could help to slow or stop the spread of future wildfires.

The Project Area is located at 6,100 - 6,800 feet above sea level; therefore, it is expected that the opportunity to restore native species to the composition and frequency appropriate to the area is high. As discussed, the majority of the area is dominated by pinyon pine and juniper (Phase 2 and Phase 3). There is noticeable soil erosion throughout the area due to the absence of perennial grasses, forbs and shrubs. The project is expected to improve herbaceous understory, which will reduce water runoff and decrease soil erosion while increasing infiltration. Because juniper are prolific water users they readily out compete understory species which eventually die off. Pinyon pine and juniper dominated sites can intercept 10-20% of precipitation (Horman et al., 1999). Recent research Roundy, et. al. (2014) has shown that mechanical treatments to remove pinyon pine and juniper increase time that soil water is available. Even four years after treatment, treated areas showed from 8.6 days to 18 days additional water availability at high elevation sites. Additional research by Young, et. al. (2013) also showed a relationship between tree removal and soil climates and wet days on these sites, which while providing more available moisture for desired vegetation could also provide moisture for weeds. Numerous studies have shown that increased infiltration rates and less overland flow improve both water quality and quantity In addition, improvements to the Standards and Guidelines for Healthy Rangelands (Standard 1 and Standard 3) are expected through project implementation. It is expected that Standard 1 (Soils) -- will improve by allowing soils to exhibit permeability and infiltration rates that will sustain/improve site productivity throughout the area. This will be accomplished by making improvements to the Biotic Integrity of the community by converting areas that are dominated by pinyon pine and juniper to a diverse component of perennial grasses, forbs and shrubs that is consistent with Ecological Site Description. Indicators will include sufficient cover and litter to protect the soil surface from excessive water and wind erosion, limiting surface flow and limiting soil moisture loss through evaporation, which will promote proper infiltration.

The NEPA/Final Decision documents have been completed for the project area. The treatment would be rested from livestock grazing for a minimum of two years following project implementation to ensure adequate rest and seedling establishment. A cultural inventory for the project will be contracted prior to project implementation. Sites will be avoided where required and incorporated into the mosaic design of the project where possible. Funding for cultural clearance for this project was requested in the Lee Springs WRI Proposal. Funding for future projects, Blue Valley, is requested in this proposal as well.

BLM will provide overall project oversight. Project Area will be aerially seeded to meet wildlife habitat objectives in accordance with the Ecological Site Description. Seed will be requested through GBRC. Archeology clearances will be completed with project oversight provided by the BLM Fuels Archaeologist. Multiple project polygons have been identified within the Project Area (2,039 acres). It is expected that the project will be treated with mastication,(1,213 acres), and by the lop and scatter technique, (826 acres) within the project area where trees are less dense. A diverse seed mix including perennial grasses, forbs and shrubs would be required throughout the bull hog project area.

There are numerous photopoints established for the project for before and after pictures. BLM has recently initiated a new Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring program (AIM) to improve the effectiveness of monitoring on BLM lands. This monitoring program uses standard core indicators and methods to provide a statistically valid sampling design across the landscape. This year, the Cedar City Field office will have an entire team devoted to AIM monitoring, and although the sample points are random, it is likely that some of these points will fall within the project area. Additionally, this project is adjacent to sage grouse summer, winter and breeding habitat. Habitat Assessment Framework monitoring is a multiscale, sage-grouse habitat assessment tool that can be integrated with the AIM. This monitoring is done from a broad-to-fine scale. The dataset at the site scale (which includes this project) describes habitat indicators, such as sagebrush cover, sagebrush height, grass and forb cover, riparian stability, and/or proximity of detrimental land uses and structures. These data will ensure appropriate project implementation, as well as guide future actions in sage grouse habitat. The area will also continue to be monitored to determine where and how sage grouse are using the area.

Utah State University Extension, NRCS, SITLA, The Nature Conservancy, DWR, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Iron County, SWARM, UPDOG, UPDRIT, Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative (Southern Utah University), Livestock Permittees. BLM has continually attended the SWARM meeting to update partners on current treatment progress as well as new treatments that are being proposed within the area. The BLM also coordinated with DWR, UPDOG, SWARM, USU extension, UPDRIT etc... during the NEPA process when treatments within the project area were being considered for authorization. The IIC has been integral to the success of pre and post vegetative and wildlife monitoring throughout earlier phases of the project, which is expected to continue. Livestock permittees within the project area have been coordinated with to ensure that the areas that are treated will be rested for a minimum of two years.

The treated areas would be rested from livestock grazing for a minimum of 2 growing seasons to allow for seedling establishment. The area would also be monitored for re-encroachment of pinyon-juniper and maintenance would be conducted on an as needed basis. If Invasive weeds were to occur those weeds would be monitored and treated on an as needed basis.

The majority of the project area is in Phase 2 and Phase 3 condition. The project is expected to improve health, composition, and diversity of shrubs, grasses, and forbs in accordance with Rangeland Health Standards and Guidelines and the Ecological Site Description, which will be beneficial to create forage for wildlife and livestock alike. Furthermore, the project will be proactive in improving vegetative communities and removing ladder fuels within areas that are dominated by pinyon and juniper, which will minimize the potential for a catastrophic wildfire throughout the area, which would be detrimental to productive desired vegetation. It is expected that the vegetative treatments will result in increased forage production that are consistent or greater to what has been identified in the Ecological Site Description. It is also expected that the treatment will also benefit hunting opportunities within the area in the long-term. Treatments that have occurred within the vicinity of the project have been highly successful and wildlife sign (primarily mule deer) is found throughout the treated areas. Wildlife viewing is popular with the public and the treatments have provided greater opportunities to view wildlife. This treatment will enhance the beauty and the opportunity to view and enjoy Utah's wildlife and wild places.

10/01/2023

06/30/2024

2024

Seeding and Mastication of 1,337 acres of late Phase 2 and Phase 3 Pinyon and Juniper. Hand thin of 456 acres of all phases of pinyon and juniper.

The Little Valley Hollow Project (WRI #6483) was designed and flagged in the spring and summer of 2023, and implementation started in October. The seed was flown on using a fixed-wing aircraft towards the end of October. November 27, 2023 is when we started implementation of the mastication. Normally, we will fly seed onto a project before the ground disturbing work begins, by doing it this way the seed gets covered by mulch and imbedded into the ground by equipment and this gives the seed a better chance of growing. The BLM, through looking at LandFire, ESD's and physically ground truthing the area determined that over the years due to fire suppression and lack of disturbance that encroachment and infilling had taken place, and the area needed to be reset to an early seral state. It was determined that there were areas that would benefit from seeding and mastication, and areas that would benefit from lop and scatter treatment. After flagging the boundaries and incorporating islands from rocky areas, wildlife islands and travel corridors, as well as archeological artifacts, the final acreage for the bullhog ended up at 1,337 acres, and the lop and scatter portion ended up being 456 acres. Bushwhacker was awarded the contract for the mastication portion, and Imperial Forests was awarded the Lop and Scatter Portion. The mastication started on November 27, 2023 and was completed on February 24, 2024, the lop and scatter portion started September 03, 2024 and completed work September 21, 2024..

Pictures have been taken prior to treatment and will be continued for three years following the treatment at designated plots to monitor the affects of the treatments on this project. The areas which were masticated, and seeded will be rested for two growing seasons from grazing to have the seeds establish and grow. This rest time may be extended if deemed necessary. AIM survey plot are being established within the treatment areas which will be useful monitoring the effects of this project by recording vegetation data.