Round Valley WMA Improvements FY24
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Project ID: 6663
Status: Cancelled
Fiscal Year: 2024
Submitted By:
N/A
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Project Manager: Daniel Olson
PM Agency: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
PM Office: Salt Lake Office
Lead: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
WRI Region: Northern
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Description:
Currently, the Round Valley WMA does not have legal access for the public. DWR is actively negotiating a land trade with an adjacent land owner that will provide legal access to the WMA. This includes the creation of a parking area and a trail easement. As part of the trade, DWR is responsible for installing a fence and gates in the parking area, as well as, signs on the WMA boundary and along the trail. The project will provide access to ~3,500 acres in an area with limited public land.
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Location:
The Round Valley WMA is adjacent to the city of Morgan in northern Utah.
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Project Need
Need For Project:
The Round Valley Wildlife Management Area (WMA) was acquired by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) in the 1940s. Since that time, the ~3,500 acre WMA has had no legal access for the public or administrative access for DWR. This situation has prevented the public from being able to use the property for hunting. Additionally, DWR has not been able to actively manage wildlife or habitat on the property.
To improve this situation, the DWR is actively negotiating a land trade with an adjacent land owner that will provide legal access to the WMA. When the trade is completed, a new parking area and trail easement will be created, which will serve as the only access point to the WMA.
As part of the agreement, DWR is responsible for installing a fence and gates in the parking area. Additionally, DWR is responsible for installing signs on the WMA borders and along the new trail easement. The project is seeking funds to meet these responsibilities.
Objectives:
1. Install pipe fence and gates in new parking area
2. Install kiosk and signs in new parking area
3. Install signs on WMA boundaries and along trail easement
Project Location/Timing Justification (Why Here? Why Now?):
N/A
Relation To Management Plan:
Currently, there is not a habitat management plan for the WMA because the WMA does not have legal access. With the advent of the land trade, a new habitat management plan will be drafted in the near future.
Fire / Fuels:
N/A
Water Quality/Quantity:
N/A
Compliance:
A cultural survey will be conducted prior the construction of the parking area. NEPA is not required because the parking area and trail are on property owned by Geneva Rock.
Methods:
The parking area fence will be installed by a contractor. The gates, signs, and kiosk will be installed by DWR maintenance staff.
Monitoring:
N/A
Partners:
Geneva Rock
Future Management:
The project not only provides an access point for the public, but it also allows DWR to effectively enforce seasonal closures and conduct habitat management projects in the future.
Sustainable Uses of Natural Resources:
The project will provide the public with ~3,500 acres to use for recreation. This is critical in northern Utah because access to public land is limited.
| Budget | WRI/DWR | Other | Budget Total | In-Kind | Grand Total |
| $20,000.00 | $0.00 | $20,000.00 | $0.00 | $20,000.00 |
| Item | Description | WRI | Other | In-Kind | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contractual Services | Pipe fence materials and installation | $17,000.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | 2024 |
| Materials and Supplies | 2 double gates, 1 horse access gate, 1 kiosk, 1 entrance sign, and >40 boundary signs | $3,000.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | 2024 |
| Funding | WRI/DWR | Other | Funding Total | In-Kind | Grand Total |
| $20,000.00 | $0.00 | $20,000.00 | $0.00 | $20,000.00 |
| Source | Phase | Description | Amount | Other | In-Kind | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat Council Account | QHCR | $20,000.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | 2024 |
Species
| Species | "N" Rank | HIG/F Rank |
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Habitats
| Habitat |
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Project Comments
| Comment | 01/31/2023 | Type: 1 | Commenter: Xaela Walden |
| Gaining public access for this property will provide incredible hunting and shed hunting opportunity for the public. However, every effort should be made to minimize trespass issues on adjacent landowners and educate the public about the rugged terrain for safety purposes. Funding this project for signage, fencing, and a kiosk will help the public know where the boundaries are, prevent vehicle travel in unauthorized areas, provide education, and enable boundaries to be enforced. This WMA and adjacent landowners already experience trespass issues, and this project can help mitigate further issues as the WMA becomes accessible. The fencing will protect habitat by keeping vehicles in designated areas. The kiosk will educated the public and help keep them safe. The signage will help folks know where to travel through the easement and where the WMA boundaries are. Maximize signage and consider additional funding and partnership with adjacent landowners to ensure the entire boundary of the WMA is well marked. | |||
| Comment | 01/17/2023 | Type: 2 | Commenter: Alison Whittaker |
| Daniel - Will you update your map page with the associated treatments that you mention in your description and remove the affected area? There is a terrestrial feature for parking and road improvements and a fence feature. Thanks. | |||
Completion
Start Date:
End Date:
FY Implemented:
Final Methods:
Project Narrative:
Future Management:
Map Features
| ID | Feature Category | Action | Treatement/Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1165 | Fence | Construction | Pipe |
Project Map
