Mesic habitats in the Southwestern Utah are crucial for the survival of wildlife. This spring and the springs near by illustrate the need to protect and enhance the spring habitat and the habitat that surrounds it. This spring complex has great potential but is seriously compromised at this time. These springs are precious islands in these landscapes and are natural magnet for animal species of all types and sizes. The surrounding area as a whole lacks a good forage base thus concentrating more of the use on this small spring complex. Furthermore, in 1979 there was a 350 acre burn that was rehabilitated, this created an "ice cream patch" right on top of the spring complex. Currently the mesic areas are shrinking and the associated plant species are rapidly declining with many species missing. There are no flowering species for pollinators within the meadow (well there is rabbitbrush). There is down cutting below some of the springs, lowering the water table. The current water developments are also failing due to the constant trampling of the springs(horses). The surrounding slopes have a dense stunted community of sagebrush with little to no understory. The little grass that is there is primarily cheatgrass. Even the smooth broom that was planted in 79 is all but gone. Due to the lack of understory the system is loosing water and likely soil fines. In short the needs for this area are: 1) The water water table is threatened, 2) Mesic footprint is shrinking, 3) Decreased riparian species, 4) Loss of water filtration in upland areas, 5) The uplands are depleted of understory species.

Based on the needs for the project the objectives are: 1) To stabilize water table in meadows and around the spring sources. 2) To stabilize and increase the mesic footprint. 3) To increase species diversity and frequency. 4) Reduce overland flow increasing water absorption into the soil profile. 5) To increase the density and diversity of understory species. Increase grass and forb 35%.

ECOLOGICAL The wet meadows are shrinking and the true vegetation that is associated with this type of ecosystem is being replaced with other species like rabbit-brush. Even if the water table is restored and the mesic area is expanded rabbit-brush will likely dominate the site. Protecting the meadows and springs sooner will increase the likelihood of success and reduce future cost. Sagebrush has reached a climax in this section and as a result that is also well documented in the literature the range or habitat becomes less productive and the watershed and ecology is threatened. In this case the sagebrush has reached a state where it is old, decanted and as a result grasses, forbs, and young sagebrush are nearly non-existent. By chaining the brush and seeding we anticipate that grasses, forb, and sagebrush will response well and will create a healthier landscape. Dalhgren documented that doing relatively small-scale sagebrush treatments will increase the health of the sagebrush community and provide diversity of sagebrush and age class. Sage grouse brooding rearing habit is limit primarily to the lack of grasses and forbs that attract insects crucial to chick survival. Increases these grass and forbs will increase the insects, mixed with the mosaic of older sagebrush this area should be considered excellent for sage grouse brood rear. Not doing work in these areas of low pinyon/juniper density means the threat of higher costs, inputs, and risk will become greater over time. This project will increase and maintain the availability of a diverse suite of vegetational communities. A healthy landscape has a diversity of vegetational states within an ecological site. A diverse landscape benefits a larger community of wildlife species and people. A diverse landscape is also more resistant and resilient to disturbance. By allowing this landscape to continue to move further into a dominant PJ woodland it increases the risk of losing the site's ability for resistance to disturbance and its resilience to bounce back and heal after a disturbance. Due to the number of wild horses and the effects that they have on the range and wildlife habitat, we a planning on fencing these are to prevent horse use. This has proven to work on other areas in the wild horse management area, allowing for treatments to establish and thrive. Fencing also allows for better livestock management. The fence will be marked with wildlife fence markers that have proven to decrease wildlife and fence collisions. Some livestock ranchers believe that these markers also make their livestock more respectful of the fence. SPECIES Although it was determined by the USFWS that listing under the ESA was not warranted for Greater sage grouse there is an impending review to see if further action or protection is needed. Continuing to do work as identified in the Statewide Sage Grouse Management Plan to conserve sage grouse will support a continued "not warranted" status. Land managers, biologists, and researchers familiar with the project area feel it is very important for sage grouse because available habitat seems to be the limiting factor for population growth here. As habitat is made available VHF and GPS collar data show immediate use. By completing this project, we are addressing an immediate threat to one of the primary limiting factors for this population. As previously mentioned, the area has been identified as priority for restoration of mule deer habitat under the Statewide Mule Deer Management Plan. Allowing the areas of Phase 1 PJ succession to move into phase 2 and 3 will mean less quality habitat to meet mule deer objectives. As described above the area is within a designated Bird Habitat Conservation Area (BHCA) with priority being sagebrush obligate birds like sage grouse, sage thrasher, and Brewer's sparrow. Not doing the project will lead to an increase density of pinyon and juniper that will decrease the amount of available habitat for these sage dependent bird species in an area being designated as important for birds. Global climate change has come to the forefront as a threat to humans and wildlife alike. Although models vary on future impacts of global climate change one thing stands out is that water may become scarcer in the West. Preserving and restoring wet areas like this has been identified as a key strategy to mitigate impacts like drought, increasing temperatures, and other impacts that a changing climate will have on humans and wildlife. Wild horses use this area frequently. Generally, you can see them as you approach the project and there are numerous tracks at the unprotected springs. This being SITLA ground we plan to finish the boundary fence to keep the horses off the treatment and protect the ecological function of the project area and most importantly to protect the springs and wet meadows from a feral animal. Numerous articles provide mountains of data of the effects of Wildhorse on mesic areas in the Great Basin and the native wildlife that depend on these areas for food and water. (Gooch et al 2016; Hall et al 2014; Coates et al 2021; Stoner et al 2020; Henning et al 2020; Hall et al 2017...). FINANCIAL Financial thresholds need consideration when funding habitat conservation. The type of pro-active work we are proposing reduces future cost from becoming prohibitive. The partnership dollars currently available also need to be taken into consideration as an ecological and/or other threat. With multiple partners actively funding, planning, and implementing conservation practices in the area costs are being shared. If not done now, future costs may make implementing conservation practices at this scale prohibitive. SOCIO-POLITICAL Working with of permittees and privative landowner willing to work with agencies to do these projects. This project, including all potential phases, has momentum with private individuals willing to work with land management agencies. Not taking advantage of this while everyone is willing may mean a lost opportunity in the future.

Pinyon Management Framework Plan (PMFP) (1983) Although the Project Area was not specifically discussed in the RMP vegetation treatments were identified throughout the Field Office. Southwest Utah Support Area Fire Management Plan (May, 2006) National Fire Plan (2000) The project is also consistent with the NFP. The goals and objectives of the NFP is to manage BLM administered public land to maintain, enhance and restore sagebrush habitats while ensuring multiple use and sustained yield goals of FLPMA. Goals/Strategies identified in the NFP include the following: 1. Provide guidance to ensure integration of sage-grouse habitat conservation measures for actions provided through the management in land use planning process. 2. Issue mandatory guidance on management of sagebrush habitat for sage-grouse conservation. 3. Enhance knowledge of resource conditions and priorities in order to support habitat maintenance and restoration efforts. 4. Complete and maintain eco-regional assessments of sagebrush and sage-grouse habitats across the sagebrush biome. 5. Provide a consistent and scientifically based approach for collection and use of monitoring data for sagebrush habitats, sage-grouse and other components of the sagebrush community. 6. Identify, prioritize and facilitate needed research to develop relevant information for sage-grouse and sagebrush habitat conservation 7. Maintain, develop and expand partnerships to promote cooperation and support for all activities associated with sage-grouse and sagebrush conservation. 8. Effectively communicate throughout BLM and with current and prospective partners on steps BLM will take to conserve sage-grouse and sage-grouse and sagebrush habitats. 9. Facilitate the collection, transfer and sharing of information among all BLM partners and cooperators, as well as BLM program personnel. 10. Develop BLM state-level strategies and/or plans for sage-grouse and sagebrush conservation on BLM administered public lands. . BLM Utah Greater Sage-Grouse Approved Resource Management Plan 2015 A. The project is consistent with the SGARMP (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. Refer to the following objectives and management actions in the SGRMPA (Objectives: SSS-3, SSS-4, SSS-5) and Management Actions (MA-SSS-4, MA-SSS-6, MA-SSS7). B. The project is also consistent with the SGARMP (2015) objectives and Management Actions that were identified in the Vegetation section as follows: Refer to the following Objectives and Management Actions in the SGRMPA (MA-VEG-1, MA-VEG-2, MA-VEG-4, MA-VEG-5, MA-VEG-6, MA-VEG-8, MA-VEG-9, MA-VEG-10, MA-VEG-12 and MA-VEG-14). C. The project is consistent with the SGARMP (2015) Management Actions that were identified in the Fire and Fuels Management section as follows: Refer to the following Management Actions in the SGRMPA (MA-FIRE-1 and MA-FIRE-3) D. The project is also consistent with the SGARMP (2015) Management Actions that were identified in the Livestock Grazing/Range Management section as follows: Refer to the following Management Actions in the SGRMPA (MA-LG-3, MA-LG-4, MA-LG-5, MA-LG-12, MALG-13, MA-LG-16 and MA-LG-17). 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. Southwest Desert Elk Herd Unit Management Plan (2015). This plan has a stated habitat goal that calls for the removal of at least 3000 acres of pinyon and juniper per year. This project helps achieve that goal. Following the Southwest Desert Mule Deer Management: "Coordinate with federal and state partners in designing projects that will improve fire resiliency and protect areas of crucial habitat." "Cooperate with federal land management agencies and private landowners in carrying out habitat improvement projects. Protect deer winter ranges from wildfire by reseeding burned areas, creating fuel breaks and reseed areas dominated by cheatgrass with desirable perennial vegetation." "Reduce expansion of Pinion-Juniper woodlands into sagebrush habitats and improve habitats dominated by Pinion-Juniper woodlands by completing habitat restoration projects." Utah Mule Deer Statewide Plan (12/5/2019-12/5/2024) "Work with local, state and federal land management agencies via land management plans and with private landowners to identify and properly manage crucial mule deer habitats, especially fawning, wintering, and migration areas" "Work with local, state and federal land management agencies and ranchers to properly manage livestock to enhance crucial mule deer ranges." "Minimize impacts and recommend mitigation for losses of crucial habitat due to human impacts." "Continue to support and provide leadership for the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative, which emphasizes improving sagebrush-steppe, aspen, and riparian habitats throughout Utah." "Support existing and explore additional incentive programs for landowners that will increase tolerance, enhance habitat, and promote deer populations on private lands such as the CWMU, landowner permit, Walk-In Access programs, etc." Utah Wildlife Action Plan *Lowland sagebrush is a key habitat identified in the WAP. *Riverine is a key habitat identified in the WAP. *WAP identifies inappropriate fire frequency as a threat to lowland sagebrush. This project will reduce future fire risk and act as a fire buffer to adjacent higher risk areas. Riverine habitat is threaten by Channel Down Cutting that can be related to unhealthy PJ forest and lack of an understory to promote infiltration of moisture into the soil. Beaver County Resource Management Plan "To improve range conditions through vegetation treatments and proper management, allowing for an appropriate increase in livestock grazing." "To maintain the AUM's at current levels and encourage increases as range conditions Provide." "Land management agencies shall take actions to control and eradicate harmful and invasive noxious weeds and aggressively treat pinyon-juniper encroachment on habitats which benefit wildlife." "Wildlife habitat and range reseeding projects must employ a mix of desirable native and non-native seeds that optimize forage requirements, range health and productivity." Iron County Natural Resource Management Plan Goals "Improve elk winter habitat through PJ removal" "Provide for adequate water supplies to elk in Southwest Desert hunting unit." "Improve range conditions, Minimize stress on deer in crucial deer winter habitat, Protect crucial deer winter ranges through conservation programs, and Expand Deer Winter Range." Utah Conservation Plan For Greater Sage-Grouse -Protect, maintain and increase sage-grouse habitats within SGMAs at or above 2013 baseline disturbance levels (Gifford et al. 2014), subject to the provisions determined in 1(b) below. -Continue to implement the measures outlined in Govs. executive order (EO/2015/002)--as amended and referenced herein--to conserve sage-grouse populations and habitats while allowing for multiple uses of state, private and federal lands. -Continue to cooperatively implement the strategies outlined in the Utah Strategic Plan for Managing Noxious and Invasive Weeds (2004), including on-the-ground projects that address the threat of invasive weeds on sagebrush ecosystems. -Using the WRI, implement active, passive and natural riparian and mesic restoration projects, including in coordination with those treatments described in 4(d) and 4(e), to increase nesting and brood-rearing habitats.

The potential for more extreme fires will intensify as densities of pinion and juniper increase. By reducing stand densities the possibility for future larger-scale stand replacing fire events will be decreased. An extreme fire event could lead to a loss of crucial habitat/understory vegetation and the potential for a noxious weed infestation. Current FRCC is FR I, CC 2, with moderate departure from the historic range of variability. Fire regimes have been moderately and extensively altered and the risk of losing key ecosystem components from fire is high. This is mainly due to the expansion of pinyon and juniper. Without this project, fuel conditions are such that an unexpected wildfire may become increasingly difficult to contain, leading to an increased risk to firefighter and public safety, suppression effectiveness and natural resource degradation such as loss of important sage grouse and mule deer habitat.

The wetter portions of the meadows are severely hummocked. Due to the compaction that creates these hummocks water is forced to the surface and daylighted. Water at the surface is warmer resulting in increased evaporation. Also, these meadows are sloped and the hummocking creates channels for the water to flow out of the meadows into the drainages that are now headcutting. The early loss of the water from the spring complex is the primary reason for the wet meadows shrinking. Fencing off these areas will help these areas heal and increase the water quality and quantity. Reducing the amount of pinyon/juniper will increase and prolong stream flows, while reducing erosion caused by bare soil. The species planted will help stabilize the soil and reduce erosion. Kormas et al. found that drainage's dominated with juniper experience "snow water equivalent peaks higher, snow melts out earlier, and more water is lost to evapotranspiration in catchments when compared to sagebrush steppe vegetation". In part of this project the sagebrush lacks any understory, the sheet erosion is seen across the landscape. All the washes and drainages in and adjacent to the treatment are seasonal. If surface water was available longer and over a greater area, riparian areas that are crucial for wildlife would benefit to point of possibly flourishing. Wet meadows are oases that many wildlife including sage brush obligate songbirds to depend on during all parts of their life cycle. Wet areas are more productive vegetation and generally have greater amounts of flowering plant species that are crucial for pollinators including monarch butterflies.

R850-50-150. 2. Range improvement projects authorized pursuant to this section carry the following planning obligations beyond existing rule-based analysis and approval processes:(a) to the extent required by the Memorandum of Understanding with the State Planning Coordinator, the agency shall submit the proposal for review by the Resource Development Coordinating Committee (RDCC).

Based on the Needs and the Objectives: 1) Stabilize the water table in meadows and around the spring sources. A: Zeedyk structures -- A series of Zeedyk structures will be placed in the drainage bottoms below the springs. B: Pole Fence -- A pole topped fence will be constructed around 2 of the spring sources to block horses and Livestock. One fenced area will enclose approximately 3 acres the other will enclose about 7 acres, C: New trough and pipeline -currently there are 2 spring developments in place that have failed. One of these will be replaced with a new spring box, pipe, and trough. An important note is that these spring boxes capture only a small percent of the total water. The troughs will be placed on firmer ground, away from the wet meadow. The trough can be shut off allowing the water to stay within the spring complex when livestock are not in the area. 2) Stabilize and increase the mesic footprint. A: Zeedyk structures, B: Pole Fence, C: New troughs and pipelines, D: Removal of Rabbit Brush (pseudo riparian species) -- Rabbit brush will be mowed and sprayed with herbicide. These mowed areas will be drill seeded with a more appropriate species, E: Fence the area -- The entire project area will be fenced to control horse use and stray cattle. So, outside the approved grazing season only native wildlife should have access to the treated areas. 3) Increase plant species diversity and frequency within wet meadow. B: Pole Fence, D: removal of Rabbit Brush (pseudo riparian species), E: Fence the area, F: Transplant species -- Plugs from other riparian zones will be transplanted and willow starts will be placed in desired areas, G: Seed other species into mesic areas -- The lower flat area of the wet meadow will be harrowed, and a wetland seed mix will be applied. (GBRC does not carry the needed seed so don't look for the mix in data base). 4) Reduce overland flow and increase water absorption into the soil profile. E: Fence the area, G: Seed uplands -- The uplands will be harrowed and then seeded with a diverse mix of grasses and forbs. 5) Increase the density and diversity of understory species. Increase grass and forb 35%. E: Fence the area, G: Seed uplands, H: Treat the area with herbicide to reduce annual -- The areas to harrowed and seeded will be treated with plateau to reduce cheatgrass spread.

NRCS will monitor the treatment to ensure the establish of seed species and to maintain that livestock are no present during the establishment period. SITLA Range Manager will monitor to determine if SITLA goals and objectives are met prior to allow livestock grazing and will continue to monitor the project as part of the grazing permit. SITLA will put in 2 Photo Points.

The livestock permitee is committing all of his NRCS 2018 Farm bill dollars to this project. This means that they may not be able to obtain funding from the NRCS till the next Farm Bill which is anticipated in 2022. Through the permittee, the NRCS will be providing over half the funding for the project on public land. It is important to note that these permitees also spent all of their 2014 Farm Bill funds on a public lands project just south of this project. SITLA has agreeded to partner with us on this project to increase the value of the range and increase the health of their land. The UDWR supports this treatment for the benefit of all wildlife (game and non-game species) that benefit from healthy PJ forest, sagebrush, and wet meadow ecosystems. Treatments like these reduce all wildlife utilize more habitat, and allow wildlife managers to better manage populations through hunting and hunter dispersal.

Any seeded areas will require a MINIMUM 2 year rest to establish seeded species. Landowner has committed to keep livestock off the seeding while it establishes. This project will also help the landowner better distribute and graze not only his private property but also his adjacent public allotments. This means the potential for improved range management and range conditions moving forward. The private landowners will enter into a contract with NRCS. NRCS will monitor the treatment for the first 2 years as part of the permittee contract. UDWR Farm Bill Biologist will establish photo points to a 5 year post treatment reading.

The forage quality and availability would greatly increase in the area after implementation of the project. Completion of this project would help distribute animal use over the area, which would reduce concentrated use in certain areas. This area is popular for hunting elk and deer to the public. Improving the habitat for hunting and wildlife viewing is important for the local community, Beaver County. The chaining will provide opportunities for fire wood collection that is a population past time with local families and the communities. ATV and OHV frequent the areas often to view and enjoy the wildlife and wild places. This treatment will enhance the beauty and the opportunity to view and enjoy Utah's wildlife and wild places. Improving landscapes has the potential and has been proven to have positive economical impacts on the surrounding communities and the business in the area. We anticipate that Beaver County and their residents will be see positive economic impacts that will continue to help draw people to enjoy their county.

05/03/2023

06/30/2025

2025

In an effort to restore sagebrush-steppe integrity and mitigate long-term degradation from woody encroachment and unmanaged grazing, a multi-phase restoration project was implemented across 275 acres beginning in 2023. On July 31, 2023, lop-and-scatter operations were completed by 3 B's Forestry, targeting Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper) encroachment into sagebrush-dominated areas. This treatment aimed to reduce competition for water and light, improve herbaceous understory response, and restore habitat conditions for sagebrush-obligate species. Following vegetation management, two heavily impacted meadow systems were fenced to exclude feral horses and domestic livestock. These meadows had experienced chronic overuse, leading to soil compaction, vegetation loss, and hydrological disruption. A total of 3,511 feet of pole-top, wildlife-friendly fencing was installed by Metal Manufactures, LLC, with A-frame structures incorporated where shallow bedrock prevented standard post installation. Fence construction was completed on July 10, 2024. On the southern enclosure, a spring was developed by SITLA using internal funding and labor resources. To complement the spring and manage grazing pressure, a trough was also installed through the same support. These water infrastructure improvements were strategically implemented to guide animal use and reduce concentrated impacts on sensitive vegetation and soil. Because perimeter fencing was not funded for this portion of the project, the spring and trough serve as functional tools for grazing distribution, helping to minimize overuse in key areas while still permitted livestock access. This approach reflects a practical adaptation to budget constraints while maintaining ecological goals. The final phase of the project focused on hydrological restoration through the installation of 90 Zeedyk structures by Clay Valley Construction on 7/10/2025. These rock-based structures, ranging from small grade stabilizers to large head cut-healing designs, were strategically placed--primarily within the fenced meadows--to slow surface water flow, promote sediment deposition, and reestablish wet meadow function. The Zeedyk structures are expected to mitigate erosion, enhance soil moisture retention, and support the recovery of native riparian vegetation.

Cultural resource clearances were completed through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and formally approved by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) prior to any ground-disturbing activities, ensuring full compliance with federal and state regulations protecting archaeological and historical assets. On July 31, 2023, lop-and-scatter operations were conducted under the supervision of Stan Gurley, who also certified the completion of the treatment. The primary objective was to reduce juniper encroachment into sagebrush-dominated areas, improving habitat conditions for sagebrush-obligate species and enhancing overall ecosystem function. To protect vulnerable water sources from chronic overuse by feral horses--a pattern observed on adjacent BLM-managed lands--wildlife-friendly fencing was installed around key meadow systems. Troughs were placed outside the fenced areas to ensure continued access to water for livestock and feral horses. From 2023 to 2025, the health of the enclosed meadows improved dramatically, transitioning from bare, compacted soil to lush, native grass cover. Inside the fenced enclosures, Scott Chamberlain secured a grant through the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) Pollinator Program to establish native pollinator plantings. These species have successfully established and added ecological and aesthetic value to the site, supporting pollinator diversity and enhancing plant community resilience. To address severe erosion caused by years of unmanaged grazing and feral horse activity, 90 Zeedyk structures were installed. These low-tech, rock-based features were designed to disperse water, stabilize soils, and heal head cuts. The majority of structures were placed within the fenced meadows, with final design modifications approved by Ethan Hallows of SITLA. Builders adapted the original plans to include larger structures in areas with significant head cutting, which proved to be a valuable enhancement to the project. Although some soil disturbance persists due to large elk wallows, wildlife continues to access the area freely, maintaining natural ecological interactions. Overall, the site has undergone a dramatic transformation, with restored sagebrush communities, revitalized meadow systems, and recovering riparian zones now functioning as integrated, resilient habitats.

The NRCS is optimistic about future collaboration with the SITLA grazer, whose stewardship has been instrumental in the success of this restoration effort. While no additional WRI-funded projects are currently planned for this site, ongoing management commitments remain strong. SITLA and the grazing permittee will continue to maintain the installed wildlife-friendly fencing, ensuring long-term protection of sensitive meadow and riparian systems. Monitoring efforts will also persist, including photo point documentation and line-point intercept studies within the fenced enclosures. These methods will provide valuable data on vegetation recovery, erosion control, and habitat quality over time. The partnership between NRCS, SITLA, and local land stewards has set a solid foundation for ecological resilience. Even without immediate expansion plans, the continued care and adaptive management of this site reflect a shared commitment to landscape-scale restoration and conservation.