The DWR northern region habitat team is charged with maintaining 31 WMAs (~61,000 acres), 30 conservation easements, and ~100 guzzlers. The annual maintenance of these properties and infrastructure is significant and increasing. For example, WMAs are often the focal point of public recreation in northern Utah because other public lands are limited. Every year, WMAs are used by more and more visitors, which results in increased maintenance needs on the properties. To effectively manage DWR properties, staff are required to repair fences and gates, install signs, control weeds, maintain roads and parking lots, remove trash, install erosion control measures, reseed disturbed areas, and maintain outbuildings and other structures. This project will fund staff, equipment, and materials needed to maintain DWR properties and infrastructure in the northern region.

1) Maintain fences, gates, signs, and other infrastructure necessary to secure boundaries and enforce closures, 2) Implement a noxious weed control program by inventory and spraying on an annual basis, 3) Support public access on authorized roads/trails through road and parking lot maintenance , 4) Maintain water developments for wildlife, and 5) Restore wildlife habitat on WMAs.

One primary concern for WMAs in northern Utah is the expansion of invasive annual grasses and noxious weeds. These species can sustainably alter the composition of habitats and increase the frequency of fire. If weeds become widely distrusted, it can be difficult to restore native vegetation. The northern region maintenance staff has made significant progress in controlling weeds on WMAs but the effort must be sustained or recent gains will be lost.

"Maintaining and improving the WMA's helps to achieve the Division's Strategic Plan Goals to: Conserve, protect, enhance and manage Utah's wildlife. Conserve, protect, enhance and manage Utah's ecosystems. Enhance wildlife recreational experiences consistent with other DWR goals. This budget is implemented in the individual management plans for each WMA as well. Also pertains to statewide Mule Deer, Elk and Moose management plans in addition to the unit specific Mule Deer management plans."

Invasive annual grasses and noxious weeds will be controlled using herbicides to reduce fuel loading and continuity. DWR staff will maintain close working relationships with FFSL and USFS fire management teams to maintain fire breaks and provide access for suppression equipment.

Water features (e.g., guzzlers, troughs, water lines, springs, etc.) on WMA's will be maintained and improved.

NEPA and cultural surveys will be completed as necessary.

The maintenance tasks described in this proposal will be completed by trained DWR staff using best management practices.

WMAs will be monitored throughout the year by maintenance staff, biologists and conservation officers. When needs are observed, staff will notify a habitat maintenance specialist of the problem so it can be resolved quickly.

Many groups and agencies help DWR manage WMAs in northern Utah, including: US Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFSW), Forestry, Fire, and State Lands (FFSL), Division of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), Sportsman For Wildlife (SFW), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

WMAs will be managed to provide high-quality habitat for wildlife and outdoor recreation for the public.

WMAs not only provide critical habitat for species, but often afford high-quality hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities for the public. Livestock grazing is used to improve wildlife habitat in some WMAs.

07/01/2023

06/30/2024

2024

The Northern Region habitat team maintained and improved over 30 WMA's to benefit wildlife and those who engage in wildlife-related recreation. These lands receive increased use as public interest in wildlife recreation continues to increase. The WMAs required fence and gate repairs, signage at entrances and boundaries, weed control, trash removal, erosion control, and reseeding of disturbed areas. Additionally, annual maintenance was performed on outbuildings, roads, parking areas, and developed water sources. The budget for this project paid the operating and maintenance costs for 3 pickup trucks, 1 backhoe, 2 UHVs, 2 ATVs, 6 trailers, and a number of tools with small engines. It also was used to rent heavy equipment and to purchase road and fence materials, and herbicides as needed. The budget also includes the salaries for two seasonal employees which are critical to the success of this project.

BEAR RIVER ANGLER ACCESSES: During the spring runoff, the Corinne and Deweyville Angler Accesses were inundated by highwater and fences at both areas received significant damage from flood waters. We replaced the damaged wooden rail fences with durable drill pipe fences. BEAR RIVER BOTTOMS WMA: With the help of dedicated hunters, we removed several loads of old tires that had been on the WMA for years. BRIGHAM FACE WMA: The Box Elder County Noxious Weed Control Program also helped us control weeds on the property. We also used ~500 gallons of herbicide to control the Dyer's woad and other noxious weeds on the WMA. The Fire Break Road was graded by Box Elder County to provide proper drainage and reduce erosion and the formation of gullies. Several of the neighbors had been complaining about their properties being impacted by erosion problems that originated on the WMA. BUD PHELPS WMA: We inspected and repaired fences. We used ~500 gallons of herbicide to control the Dyer's woad and other noxious weeds on the WMA. We also repaired a metal entrance gate. We partnered with a neighbor to construct 700 ft of new boundary fence. CINNAMON CREEK WMA: The WMA was purchased by DWR in 2021. As a result, we spent a considerable amount of time on WMA removing old fences, gates and signs. With help from dedicated hunters, we removed ~1 mile of old range fence that was dangerous for wildlife and no longer an effective barrier to livestock. We repaired roads and controlled weeds. The Cache County Noxious Weed Control Program also helped us control weeds on the property. COLDWATER CANYON WMA: We built 0.5 miles of wildlife-friendly fence on the northwest boundary of the WMA. Approximately 600 ft of the new fence line was constructed with drill pipe to prevent trespass during the seasonal closure. The Box Elder County Noxious Weed Control Program also helped us control weeds on the property. We also used ~1500 gallons of herbicide to control the Dyer's woad and other noxious weeds on the WMA. We inspected and repaired fences and signs. EAST CANYON WMA: We spent several days controlling noxious weeds such as Dalmatian toadflax, star thistle and musk thistle. We used ~400 gallons of herbicide and focused our efforts on the west side of WMA. We inspected signs, fences, and property lines. We replaced a deteriorated entrance sign. Areas that were treated with herbicide were reseeded with native plants. We cleaned up the main parking area and removed unwanted trash. EAST FORK LITTLE BEAR WMA: We helped with a project that reclaimed an old gravel parking area and restored it to wildlife habitat. HENEFER-ECHO ANGLER ACCESS: The dirt road to access this location has had many large pot holes for several years. The GBRC heavy equipment repaired the road with a road grader. The maintenance crew repaired the perimeter rail fence and installed new parking signs. They also removed a large, dead cotton tree that was a safety hazard. HENEFER-ECHO WMA: There are noxious weeds in several locations within the WMA. We sprayed ~1,200 gallons of herbicide throughout the growing season. The treated areas were documented in the DWR Weed mapping database. We inspected and repaired fences throughout the WMA. We purchased and installed several new boundary signs. We performed annual maintenance on the water trough system. A small section of road was damaged by spring runoff making it too narrow to be passable with a full size truck. The road was repaired using a dozer. KAMAS WMA: We used ~75 gallons of herbicide to control noxious weeds. Boundary signs were inspected and replaced as needed. The parking areas were cleaned. MIDDLE FORK: We maintained the horse feeders in the parking area. We inspected fences and signs and repaired/replaced as needed. We used ~400 gallons of herbicide to treat Dyer's woad and other noxious weeds. The restroom in the parking lot was maintained and cleaned. The restroom tank was emptied in the summer and the fall. MILLVILLE-PROVIDENCE WMA: We used ~300 gallons of herbicide to control weeds. We installed new parking lot signs in Black Smith Fork Canyon. The Cache County Noxious Weed Control Program also helped us control weeds on the property. With help from dedicated hunters, we reclaimed 0.5 miles of an illegally constructed trail. RICHMOND WMA: The WMA is a popular location for target shooting. We spent several days throughout the year removing trash left by target shooters. We also coordinated a project with dedicated hunters to clean up trash from targeting shooting. Weeds are also a major problem on this WMA. The Cache County Noxious Weed Control Program helped us control weeds on the property. We partnered with a WMA neighbor to install a 0.5 mile of wildlife-friendly fencing on the property. STODDARD SLOUGH WMA: We used ~200 gallons of herbicide to control noxious weeds. We inspected and maintained fences. We also performed seasonal lawn care and irrigation. We also assisted DFCM in contracting a roof replacement for a house that is on the property. SWAN CREEK WMA: We installed and maintained signs. We made several trips to the WMA to meet with partners to plan projects that will improve access, parking, and fences in FY25. We paid for a survey to delineate the southern, eastern, and northern boundaries. GUZZLER MAINTENANCE: We inspected and maintained over 100 guzzlers throughout the region. All guzzlers are now in good working order. We turned on/off all big game guzzlers at appropriate times during the year.

WMA's will be monitored throughout the year by regional staff from the habitat, wildlife, and law enforcement sections. If issues are detected, maintenance staff will be notified and problems will be addressed as soon as possible.