The expanding stands of phragmites and tamarisk are reducing nesting/foraging habitat for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds as well as choking out biological diversity within the native plant community. The thick monotypic stands of phragmites do not promote the appropriate plant and invertebrate communities required by water birds to meet critical life cycle events. Tamarisk changes the ph balance of the soil which results in killing off native plants. This species also consumes large amounts of water, negatively affecting downstream ecosystems. Neither phragmites nor tamarisk provide benefits to local or migrating wildlife and are both very destructive to the local ecological systems. In addition to degrading ecological systems, they can also impact recreational users by limiting opportunities to view and observe wildlife, participate in waterfowl hunting, wildlife photography, and more. Over the last 5 years, Wasatch Wigeons Association (WWA) has been applying a treatment method of mowing twice a year with follow-up herbicide treatment in late summer with continued and documented success. As our mitigation efforts reduce the acreage of phragmites & tamarisk in one area, there are thousands more acres that need to be targeted for treatment. WWA is limited in capacity by personnel and equipment to control these invasive plants without additional support. This funding would allow for the purchase of herbicide, purchase or rental of critical equipment, maintenance of equipment, and purchase of other necessary supplies to treat these invasive species. The project areas are adjacent to other public and private lands managed by Weber County Parks & Recreation, Utah Department of Wildlife Resources, Bureau of Reclamation, Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, USFWS-Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and private lands owners. Conversion to a more diverse and beneficial group of wetland species is the desired outcome. These infested project areas are on the shoreline, or, adjacent to, waterways such as the Weber River, Bear River, and Willard Bay Outlet Channel. These waterways contribute to the distribution of seeds of these invasive species negatively impacting downstream environments, agriculture, and, ultimately, the entire Great Salt Lake Ecosystem--the most critical stopover point in the Central Flyway for millions of migratory birds. It is critical to survey and eradicate these seed sources wherever possible. This type of investment is not just appreciated, it's expected by adjacent landowners and managers. Various outdoor enthusiasts such as waterfowl hunters, anglers and bird watchers benefit from these projects as it improves wetland habitat and increases public access.

WWA overarching goal is to restore Utah wetlands to their former beauty and ecological productivity. We know this is an impossible task as it would require excessive amounts of resources and expense and is beyond our capacity. Rather, our objective is a 95% reduction in phragmites and tamarisk, in our target areas and the reestablishment of native plant species through existing seed banks, transplanting, seeding or other methods, to reintroduce native plant species to the project area. WWA's secondary objective is to educate the local communities about invasive and non-native plant species through hands-on conservation. We will achieve this by utilizing volunteers and partnering with other local non-profits like Recovering Addicts (RA). Under our mentorship RA has incorporated wetland restoration service work into their addiction recovery program. We have designated a four year project to eradicate two acres of phragmites along the Bear River, in the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, in support of their program. This is an aggressive objective, but our area of focus is much smaller than those of Utah DWR, FFSL, BRMBR and local counties, allowing us to concentrate our resources.

The threats are continued loss of habitat, public use and unnecessary water consumption. Invasive plants reduce food production, nesting habitat and increase depletion of water resources for wildlife. Phragmites grow in dense stands limiting use by both humans and wildlife. It spreads out across wetland habitats outcompeting native plants. Presence of dense tamarisk degrades habitat and water quality for waterfowl and shorebirds as well by outcompeting native desired vegetation for forage and nesting as well as increased potential for erosion. Additionally, tamarisk consumes very large quantities of water per day (up to 200 gal per mature tree) via evapotranspiration. Tamarisk also alters the PH balance on the soil making it uninhabitable to native plants, but suitable for phragmites to thrive. Studies on tamarisk conclude it has no direct benefit to wildlife life cycles. Without human intervention these plant species will continue to thrive and expand causing additional acreage loss of our key wetland ecosystems in the GSL basin. The wetlands benefit even more with the reintroduction of native plant species to promote a balanced ecosystem key to wetland species life cycles. All recreational activities associated with wetlands (hunting & bird watching) will improve with the reduction of both phragmites and tamarisk.

Utah Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) 2015: Goal: "To manage native wildlife species and their habitats to help prevent listings under the Endangered Species Act." Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) that have been observed on the areas include: Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, American White Pelican, White-faced Ibis (pgs. 14-19). Key aquatic habitats listed in the plan include riverine, emergent, and open water. Priority threats to emergent habitats include: channelization, drought, water allocation policy, Agricultural, municipal, and industrial, water use, and invasive plant species. Threats to open water habitats include: same as above, but also; sediment transport imbalance, improper grazing. Threats to riverine habitats: same as above. Threats that are directly related to the WAP plan for this project include the control/eradication of invasive plant species. WAP plan objectives and actions. Objective #1 for Invasive Plant Species -- Non-native Locations/habitats that currently do not have non-native plant problems remain free from the Introduction and spread of invasive non-native plants. Actions to achieve objective: 2.2.2 Survey, inventory established, and new populations of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.3 Eradicate established populations of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.4 Contain established populations of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.9 Avoid establishment of new invasive/problematic species through education, planning, management, and/or regulation. Develop public information and educational programs aimed at encouraging attitudes and behaviors that are positive for wildlife conservation. Objective #2 for Invasive Plant Species -- Non-native Invasive plant dominance/presence is reduced or eliminated in locations or habitats where such an outcome is realistic (ecologically and economically). 2.2.2 Survey and inventory established and new populations of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.3 Eradicate established populations of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.5 Conduct mechanical control of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.7 Conduct chemical control of invasive/problematic species. 2.3.15 Conduct riparian vegetation treatments to restore characteristic riparian vegetation, and reduce uncharacteristic fuel types and loadings. 7.2.1 Support Utah's Watershed Restoration Initiative. This project has, and will continue to address these SGCN and threats and promote the actions listed above. It also has and will continue to work collaboratively with several Government and non Government organizations (see partners section of proposal). 1998 Update for North American Waterfowl Management Plan Goal: Restoring and maintaining waterfowl populations' pg. 7. Biological foundation linked to waterfowl abundance. Planning...implementation...evaluation and local scale are measurable and appropriate to the geographic scale. Expanding habitat conservation coordination across landscapes with other initiatives. Vision: Enhance the capability of landscapes to support waterfowl and other wetland associated species-biologically based planning and ongoing evaluation. pg 13 Seek landscape solutions that benefit waterfowl, pg 14 Duck population objective 62 mil with fall flight of 100 mil maintaining current diversity of species pg 17 US Shorebird Conservation Plan; Intermountain West Regional Shorebird Plan 2000 Great Salt Lake most important inland shorebird site in North America pg 4. Great Basin Bird Conservation Region, BCR: breeding snowy plover, long billed curlew, American avocet, black-necked stilt, And stop over species: least sandpiper, western sandpiper, marbled godwit, long-billed dowitcher, American avocet, red-necked phalarope, Wilson phalarope Goal: Maintain and enhance diverse landscapes that sustain thriving shorebird populations' pg 13. Strategy f. Support the removal of the tamarisk, whitetop and other invasive exotic plants from important shorebird sites. Division of Wildlife Strategic Plan: Conserve, Protect and Enhance Wildlife and Ecosystems; Enhance Recreational Experience; Maximize Productivity and Satisfaction: Goal A, B, C and F. Objectives A-4, B. FFSL's Great Salt Lake Comprehensive Management Plan calls for control of invasive Phragmites. Table 3.3 Wetlands lists invasive species as a resource issue and targeting and treating invasive Phragmites as an objective for both FFSL and DWR. United States Fish &Wildlife Services (USFWS), Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (BRMBR) Habitat Management Plan (HMP): The portions of this project conducted on the BRMBR are in direct support of the refuge's Invasive Species Management Plan. The objectives are 1) Reduce the amount of area occupied by Phragmites to < 20% of total area in each wetland management unit by 2031. 2) Reduce the amount of area occupied by Phragmites along water delivery canals and wetland dikes to < 10% of linear area by 2031. This is also in direct support of the refuge's HMP and refuge's resources of concern, such as white-faced ibis, cinnamon teal, tundra swan as well as migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Goal #1 in the HMP is to "restore and manage Bear River deltaic wetland habitats and river corridor units...to provide migration and breeding habitat for a diversity of waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds". Weber Basin Water Conservancy District The portions of the project conducted on the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) land managed by Weber Basin Water Conservancy District (WBWCD) tie to portions of the district's mission: Conserve and develop water resources to provide for the demands of our customer agencies and to use those resources responsibly for the greatest benefit of the public. Manage, construct, operate and maintain the federal Weber Basin Project and District facilities to deliver reliable, safe and ample water supplies to our customer agencies. Supply high quality drinking water which meets regulations and to protect the watersheds of our Source Rivers and groundwater supplies. WWA ties to this mission through the decreased depletion of water by invasive species mitigation which will provide more water for the Great Salt Lake. With the lake levels at historic lows, any water that we can save from being depleted is a win for the lake, our drainage basin and the environment. U.S. Department of Interior (DOI): The portions of this project conducted on federal land managed by BOR (WBWCD)and USFWS (BRMBR) ties to the DOI Strategy Plan for Fiscal Year 2018-2022: MISSION AREA 1: Conserving Our Land and Water GOAL #1: Utilize science in land, water, species and habitat management supporting decisions and activities STRATEGY #1: Apply science to land, water, and species management STRATEGY #2: Provide stewardship of land, surface water, streams and shorelines STRATEGY #3: Provide stewardship of wildlife, bird, fish, and plant species GOAL #3: Foster partnerships to achieve balanced stewardship and use of our public lands MISSION AREA 3 Expanding Outdoor Recreation and Access GOAL #1: Expand hunting, fishing, and other recreation on DOI lands and waters STRATEGY #1: Promote hunting, fishing, and other recreation on DOI lands and waters GOAL #2: Enhance public satisfaction at DOI sites STRATEGY #1: Enhance the enjoyment and appreciation of our natural and cultural heritage WWA work on BOR land also ties to: U.S. Department of the Interior Departmental Manual (7/15/2020) Series: Environmental Quality Programs Part 524: Invasive Species Management Chapter 1: Invasive Species Policy Purpose: This chapter establishes Department of the Interior (DOI) policy that directs Bureaus/offices to manage the risk of invasive species in their activities, and minimize that risk where applicable and practicable, in cooperation with others as appropriate. This includes helping prevent the introduction, establishment, and spread of invasive species; promoting early detection and rapid response; and providing for eradication and control to minimize adverse impacts, such as impacts to the environment, human health and safety, cultural resources, recreation, infrastructure, and the economy. WWA ties to this strategic plan and department policies through invasive plant species mitigation of phragmites and tamarisk which in-turn also opens up miles of shoreline for recreational access by hunters and fishermen.

Phragmites form dense monotypic stands that can be 12-14 ft tall. These stands hold very high levels of dead (litter) and living biomass that can produce extremely hot, fast moving, and tall flame lengths if ignition occurs. With many of these wetland areas surrounded by urban and rural structures, the threat of fire and the potential for neighboring structure damage is high. Reducing the cover of phragmites through this project will greatly reduce the threat and risks of fire damage within the wetland area and adjacent properties. The invasion of western riparian areas by non-native tamarisk has converted these ecosystems from fire-resistant stands into fire-prone areas with high volume and near-continuous distribution of fine-textured fuels that are susceptible to wildfire during all seasons. Mathew Brooks, USGS, "Reducing wildfire risk by integration of prescribed burning and biological control of invasive tamarisk".

Due to the plant's high biomass, phragmites evapotranspiration is higher than most native plant species. Reducing the percentage of phragmites within a given wetland will help improve water quantity to the GSL. Phragmites also accretes soil and litter at much higher rates than most native plants. Rapid soil accretion, high amounts of litter, and very high density of stems, alters water distributions reducing downstream flow and, in some cases, resulting in loss of wetland habitat further downstream. Slower flows also will result in increased evaporation. The removal of tamarisk will open the shoreline landscape adjacent to the wetlands, reduce predator cover in the wetlands and will reduce excessive water demand from the wetlands, making it a more viable habitat to support macro invertebrates for shorebirds and other water birds. By reducing the excessive water loss from tamarisk consumption (up to 200 gal per mature tree), the natural hydrologic storage capacity of wetlands will increase and it will help prevent the wetlands from drawing down too quickly. The shoreline will continue to improve as salts from tamarisk leaf litter will be reduced, returning the soil to its natural ph balance and allowing native seed banks to germinate thus creating food and shelter habitat for native and migratory wetland wildlife.

Bureau of Reclamation lands previously cleared of cultural concerns by BOR in accordance with MOU. WWA follows the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and documentation according to the National Discharge of Pesticide Permit. Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator License # 4002-18663

The mitigation of invasive plant species is a long term multiple year project requiring committed funds and manpower to accomplish. Tamarisk WWA uses different methods for tamarisk removal based primarily on accessibility to the project area. Mechanical removal of tamarisk including root system. Accessible by heavy equipment. Tamarisk can be pulled out by use of heavy equipment. This method will reduce the new shoots to approximately 25%. Follow up herbicide treatment of new shoots with glyphosate (aquatic approved Aqua Star) is conducted for 2-3 seasons. Mechanical cutting of tamarisk and herbicidal treatment of stump. None accessible by heavy equipment. Tamarisk can be cut by use of chainsaw or other cutting device exposing the inner tissue (Cambium) of the plant. Herbicide with glyphosate (aquatic approved Aqua Star) is applied to the exposed tissue (Cambium) effectively killing the plant. Phragmites WWA use a combination of mechanical and herbicide treatment to eradicate phragmites from our project areas. Each treated acre of Phragmites will require a four-year commitment; initial and three follow up treatments. Mechanical mowing in spring (April --May) to clear ground and allow the remaining seed bank of phragmites to germinate. This also allows seed banks of native plants to germinate and compete against the remaining phragmites. Year 2-4: this becomes a mow by sight or plant to plant method to reduce damage to desirable species such as salt grass (Distichlis spicata), Olney three-square (Scirpus olneyi) and alkali bulrush (Scirpus paludosus) as these species begin to re-establish. Mechanical mowing in summer (June-July) to stress plants and prevent or at least reduce seed development. Year 2-4: this becomes a mow by sight or plant to plant method to reduce damage to desirable species such as salt grass (Distichlis spicata), Olney three-square (Scirpus olneyi) and alkali bulrush (Scirpus paludosus) start to retake the area. Late summer/early fall Herbicide treatment with glyphosate (aquatic approve Aqua Star) This is the period when the plant has stopped active stem growth and transfers nutrients to the rhizomes. Spot treatment application of herbicide will be accomplished with backpack sprayers, truck mounted sprayer, track machine mounted sprayer, boat mounted sprayer and by ATV mounted sprayer to reduce damage to desirable species such as salt grass (Distichlis spicata), Olney three-square (Scirpus olneyi) and alkali bulrush (Scirpus paludosus) start to retake the project area.

WWA works with the state subject matter experts in UDWR and FFSL as well as the BRMBR Biologist on techniques and methods for re-vegetation and promotion of native seed bank germination. We have recently been invited to attend meetings with USU experts on phragmites mitigation. Part of WWA's monitoring strategy is to break the project area up into sections and start each section in separate years. This allows crews working the project area to monitor previous sections for new phragmites or tamarisk growth and establishment of new native vegetation growth. Photos of the area are taken during each season to show project progress and success. WWA will also be adding a new section to each one of our partners MOUs, allowing WWA access to the project site for an additional two years to monitor for new phragmites and tamarisk growths.

Chad Cranney (UDWR Invasive Species Coordinator) and Colton Anderson (Willard Spur WMA manager), Utah DWR Todd Ferrino, Weber County Parks & Recreation manager Erin Holmes (manager) and Jennifer Wright (Biologist), USFWS, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Derek Johnson and Matthew Meier, Weber Basin Water Conservancy District Jared Baxter, (NEPA Specialist) Bureau of Reclamation Lynn De Freitas, Executive - Director Friends of the Great Salt Lake. Willard Gun Club and Willard Bay Gun Club Although none of these partners contribute direct funds for this project, these agencies and groups are contributing to the treatment and reduction of phragmites and tamarisk by allowing us (WWA) to conduct our program on their respective properties. Also, many of these partners contribute volunteer hours during treatment implementation. Multi-agency and adjacent/upstream treatments are imperative due to phragmites wind and water dispersal. All agencies support this proposed project. Collaboration with these partners relative to treatment effectiveness, treatment locations, and strategies has been very beneficial.

This is a multi-year project that will only be successful with continued efforts. WWA would like to apply the same management strategies DWR has applied since 2006 as their efforts have seen successful containment of Phragmites in their management units with slight modification due to equipment availability. Collaboration with researchers will ensure the project stays current with phragmites and tamarisk management and strategies that will improve ecosystem function. During the efforts in the Utah WMAs, there has been an effort to educate other agencies, local cities, organizations and private landowners on how to treat Phragmites and the need to do so within the entire drainage area of the Great Salt Lake. WWA plans to continue these efforts and partnerships in order to enhance and preserve the wetland ecosystem around the GSL. We have already extended the education of wetland restoration to the general public by partnering with a non-profit "Recovering Addict" (RA). RA has already incorporated hands-on volunteerism of wetland restoration into their program. We've set aside two acres of phragmites on the BRMBR to accommodate their needs. We will continue internal education of our officers and the general public as opportunities arise. WWA will continue to open new project areas with our partners as we routinely finish current projects and turn them over to property managers for routine weed control.

WWA has conducted successful testing in 2022 of wetland emergent (Cattail & Hardstem Bulrush) transplanting as well as coycote willow. This technique will be used to open areas overgrown by invasive species due to the drought, to new efforts in support of invasive species mitigation. We will continue transplanting coyote willow to the Willard Spur channel to aid in the prevention of bank erosion.

07/01/2023

06/30/2024

2024

Example; Phragmites treatment with glyphosate (Aquastar) was applied manually using spray to wet method by either power sprayer (in boat or truck) or backpack sprayer. Phragmites was treated in, Kingfisher wetlands, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge N.E corner unit 3G, Willard Spur area zone 1 & 2 and some individual stand in undetermined zones. Hand mowing with field brush mowers and weed whackers the following spring is used to clear areas previous treated to stimulate germination of existing seed bank in BRMBR unit 3G and Willard Spur zone 1. Mulching with mini excavator attachment was used at Kingfisher Wetlands to clear acres of phragmites and coyote willow entanglement allowing future efforts to be conducted by hand. Roller crushing was used in zones 1, 2 &3 of the Willard Spur WMA on areas previously treated to stimulate germination of existing seed bank and to open up new acreage for processing.

Example; this funding allowed for the purchase of a 60 gallon herbicide sprayer, herbicide, contracting of specialized equipment and purchase of fuel and miscellaneous supplies to control Phragmites (common Reed) australis and other invasive weeds on Utah DWR wetland areas, Bear River Migratory Bird refuge and Kingfish Wetlands. Phragmites was the primary target species for treatment; however tamarisk and water hemlock (Cicuta maculate) were treated on a plant by plant base in zone 1 of the Willard spur job site. All herbicide treatment for this project was conducted from Aug -- Sept. Ground clearing was conducted in April with a second clearing conducted in June. Re-vegetation efforts consisting of 1100 bulrush plugs (121 ea. Alkali, 979 Hardstem) and 4 Hardstem sod mats was conducted June 29th over a 4 mile section on the Southern shore of the Willard Spur zone 1 area by Wasatch Wigeon volunteers. All ground aspects of this project was conducted by Wasatch Wigeons volunteers. Roller crushing efforts in the Willard Spur were conducted by Mitch Jenkins from PMG vegetation and overseen by WW leadership in April & June.

All current efforts will be continued across all job sites until the site reaches or exceeds the action threshold for the area. The area action thresholds are as follows Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge 10% or less phragmites in any given unit or water way, Utah DWR 20% or less phragmites in any given unit. Kingfisher wetlands (Wasatch Wigeons) 0% phragmites in wetland, 10% or less in both in-lets. Bureau of Reclamation doesn't have a action threshold established for their section of the Willard Spur area. WWA will continue efforts in this area until the phragmites and Tamarisk is 10% or less. Once action thresholds have been reach the area will be tuned over to the current area manager to be placed into their invasive species weed program. New acreage will be either crushed or mowed in spring to clear area for new seed germination. Then a second mowing will be conducted in summer followed by herbicide treatment that fall. This cycle will repeat until phragmites has exceeded the action threshold for the area. Some new areas may require additional support from state and federal agencies for aerial spraying, burning fequipment use for initial clearing of large areas.