Landscapes surrounding Blind Canyon provide crucial wildlife habitat, but residual effects of catastrophic wildfire threaten key components of the ecosystem. In 2018, the Pole Creek Fire burned over 100,000 acres, altering the system's hydrological, geological, and biological dynamics. While the fire provided some benefits to wildlife by promoting herbaceous growth and reducing encroaching conifer, it also imposed significant challenges by destabilizing soils, deconstructing native shrub communities, destroying watering facilities, and facilitating weed invasion. In 2024, six years after the fire, we can now see the trajectory of the landscape's recovery, and we can identify key areas to focus our efforts. In this project proposal, we have identified potentially valuable habitats and resources which are degraded and propose ways to improve them. The banks of Blind Canyon Creek have become severely incised, and the stream has disconnected from much of its historic floodplain. This separation becomes greater every year, highlighting the need for immediate action. After the heavy runoff season of 2023, a landowner on the creek observed that the stream cut approximately two feet lower than the previous year. This phenomenon causes the water table to drop, which allows healthy riparian plant communities to be replaced by invasive weeds and/or upland vegetation. A healthy riparian zone creates a natural firebreak by supporting plants with high-moisture content. Thus, as riparian plants recede and weeds invade, the landscape's fire-resistance decreases. Elevating the water table would allow riparian vegetation to re-establish, restoring this natural firebreak and keeping future fires more moderate. While the nearby Thistle Creek supports willows, cottonwoods, and riparian herbaceous plants, much of Blind Canyon Creek's historic floodplain is either devoid of vegetation or is becoming invaded by weeds like musk thistle and whitetop. There are, however, remaining patches of native vegetation, both herbaceous and woody, along the floodplain, suggesting that a major ecological threshold has not yet been crossed, and that there is still potential for recovery. Without action in the near future, however, it is likely that rapid downcutting and channelization will continue, making future restoration more difficult or impossible. Restoring stream and riparian resources on Blind Canyon Creek would benefit numerous terrestrial and aquatic wildlife species. For upland birds, such as wild turkey, cottonwood riparian systems are among the most important habitat types in the animals' life history (Wild Turkey Management Plan, 2023; Upland Game Management Plan, 2022). Thick shrubs and trees along the streambank provide nesting cover and forage resources near surface water for migratory birds like the western yellow-billed cuckoo and Lewis' Woodpecker (SGCN) and upland game birds like ruffed grouse, dusky grouse, and California quail (NatureServe; Upland Game Management Plan, 2022). Large ungulates in this area, including elk and mule deer, utilize stream and riparian resources for forage, cover, and water (Statewide Mule Deer Management Plan, 2019; Statewide Elk Management Plan, 2022). Moose transplants in this area have failed in the past; riparian/aquatic shrubby habitat improvements, as well as the formation of instream pools could prepare the habitat for future transplant efforts and/or for natural immigration (Moose Management Plan, 2017). Beavers, which inhabit the nearby Thistle Creek, likely do not occupy Blind Canyon Creek currently, but could if woody vegetation becomes established along the banks. The Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool (BRAT) categorizes most of the creek as "Low Hanging Fruit: Potential Restoration/Conservation Zones". If introduced in the future, beavers could maintain the stream system and improve its long-term resilience. Installing Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs) and planting willows and cottonwoods could be beneficial first steps in this process. Doing so could also benefit aquatic organisms. Pools and riparian vegetation provide instream complexity and cover, and overhanging vegetation can maintain cool water temperatures and insect habitat, supporting a prey-base for fish and amphibians. SGCNs like Bonneville cutthroat trout and southern leatherside chub occupy Thistle Creek, and would benefit from improving one of its tributaries. Sediment loading from Blind Canyon into Thistle Creek currently imposes challenges on fish populations; reducing this sediment transport using BDAs could benefit Thistle Creek fish populations. Mitigating channelization and reconnecting Blind Canyon Creek with its floodplain is a crucial step in restoring this system. Within the proposed project area, surface water is limited, and much of it is on Thistle Creek directly adjacent to US-89, imposing the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Prior to the Pole Creek Fire, there was a pond on the property line of Birdseye Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and private property; in 2019 it was destroyed by post-fire flooding. It is likely that animals that once utilized that pond now cross US-89 to Thistle Creek for water. Increasing water availability in more remote areas could benefit animals by keeping them away from the highway. This could be accomplished by improving Blind Canyon Creek as described, and by installing guzzlers in strategic locations. Native shrub communities are among the most important components of big game habitat, and these have suffered since the Pole Creek Fire. Shrub seedling emergence has been sporadic in some burned areas. This area serves as crucial winter/spring habitat for mule deer and elk, and shrubs are often the only available food source for these animals during the winter. Restoring them to the landscape could be key to reducing winter mortality, especially for mule deer. These shrubs also provide forage and cover for upland birds previously described, as well as ring-necked pheasants and small mammals like white-tailed jackrabbits. Supporting these animals bolsters the prey-base for valuable predators and scavengers like the Bald Eagle, a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). Valuable habitats surrounding Blind Canyon have become degraded, but restoration is still possible with immediate action. Restoring native riparian vegetation could benefit wildlife in many forms, from upland birds to large ungulates and aquatic organisms. Improving water availability in remote locations could provide a two-fold benefit by providing animals with water and keeping them off the road. Native shrub communities have suffered since the Pole Creek fire, and their restoration is key to helping animals, especially mule deer, to survive the winters. The benefits of immediate action to restore these resources could be great, and the consequences of inaction could be irreversible.

The overall goal of this project is to improve the habitat quality, watershed health, biodiversity, and resilience of key resources near Blind Canyon. Specifically, this project seeks to: 1) Reduce invasive weed cover (musk thistle and whitetop) along Blind Canyon Creek (herbicide treatment). 2) Improve water quality and quantity of Blind Canyon Creek by slowing water, increasing soil moisture storage, and capturing sediment (install BDAs). 3) Increase riparian herbaceous vegetation on Blind Canyon Creek by elevating the water table and rejoining the creek with its floodplain (install BDAs). a. Improve fire resistance and resilience by increasing riparian vegetation along the creek. 4) Establish woody riparian vegetation by transplanting willows and cottonwoods to strategic locations (sandbars and relatively low streambanks). 5) Increase surface water availability to wildlife in strategic locations (install two roto guzzlers). 6) Restore native shrub communities to benefit mule deer, elk, and upland game (scalp, seed [native grasses and forbs], and plant shrub seedlings).

The landscape within the project boundaries is diverse, so it provides an opportunity to improve several habitat types that support numerous species throughout multiple phases of their life cycles. For instance, in this project we can improve stream, riparian, and mountain sagebrush habitats for wintering mule deer, upland birds during summer, nesting, and brood-rearing, and threatened birds during migration. Within the same project, we can improve water quality, quantity, and watershed resiliency. By focusing efforts on a heterogenous landscape, the benefits of conservation dollars can be maximized and distributed among multiple interests. The project includes both public and private land. Public land offers the benefit of hunter access and opportunity, and private land offers connectivity and additional funding. The landowner included in this project is funded through the NRCS for conservation practices including BDAs, streambank stabilization structures (conifer revetments), herbaceous weed treatment, and riparian vegetation establishment. NRCS funds are only available for a limited time, so if a collaborative project is to happen in this area, now is the time. Within the overall project area, specific sites were selected for various reasons. Blind Canyon Creek: The stretch of the creek included in this project occurs between elevations of 5,300 and 6,000' and provides perennial water. The habitat is characterized as "Aquatic- Scrub/Shrub", which is described as a key habitat in Utah's Wildlife Action Plan (2015). This habitat faces multiple threats (some priority threats) which are listed in the "Habitats" section of this proposal. Additionally, this creek is on the cusp of surpassing an ecological threshold. Severe channelization is clearly underway, but the process is relatively young. Without action, the creek will likely form a gully dozens of feet deep, decreasing the likelihood of future restoration. With immediate action, however, restoration is still possible. The Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool (BRAT) categorizes most of the creek as "Low Hanging Fruit: Potential Restoration/Conservation Zones". Beyond installing BDAs, this area could be a future candidate for beaver reintroductions, which could improve the self-sufficiency of the system. The nearby Thistle Creek supports abundant willow populations, which could be used as transplants to Blind Canyon Creek, making this a convenient project location. Birdseye and Lake Fork WMAs: Native shrubs, especially sagebrush, are paramount to mule deer survival through the winter. In 2024, six years after the Pole Creek fire, we can now identify areas where shrub recovery is insufficient and can focus our efforts in those areas. These areas contain "Mountain Sagebrush" and "Mountain Shrub" habitats, which are described as key habitats in Utah's Wildlife Action Plan (2015). These habitats face multiple threats (some priority threats) which are listed in the "Habitats" section of this proposal. In 2019, a pond on the property line of Birdseye WMA and private property was destroyed by post-fire flooding, eliminating a source of surface water utilized by wildlife. With the pond destroyed, some of the nearest water is Thistle Creek directly adjacent to HWY-89, creating a heightened risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions. We propose the installation of two guzzlers on the nearby Lake Fork WMA to increase available water. A variety of species that occupy the area would benefit from wildlife guzzlers, including mule deer, elk, upland game, migratory birds, and small mammals.

The project site includes portions of mule deer Management Units 16a and 16b. Plan: Mule Deer Unit Plan -- Unit 16a: Central Mountains (Central Region) Habitat Management Objective: "Protect, maintain, and/or improve deer habitat through direct range improvements to support and maintain herd population management objectives." This is a direct range improvement project that will improve deer habitat. Establishing shrubs will support and maintain animals during the winter by providing them with forage. Installing guzzlers will support them by providing them with water in strategic locations. Installing BDAs will encourage herbaceous plant growth, increasing available forage. Habitat Management Objective: "Work with federal, private, and state partners to improve crucial deer habitats through the WRI process." This WRI project proposal includes a private landowner and partners from multiple government agencies, including the UDWR, NRCS, USFS, and USFWS. The landowner is already contracted with the NRCS, which provides an opportunity to expand existing conservation plans and improve relationships with both landowners and federal partners. Habitat Management Objective: "Work with federal and state partners in fire rehabilitation on crucial deer habitat through the WRI process" Much of our proposal is to rehabilitate resources that were damaged during the Pole Creek Fire in 2018. In 2019, the WRI process was utilized to seed a huge portion of the burned area, and this project seeks to supplement that work. Habitat Management Objective: "Maintain and protect critical winter range from future losses. Acquire critical winter range when the opportunity arises." This project would help achieve this objective by maintaining and protecting critical winter habitat. By planting shrub seedlings and seeding beneficial grasses and forbs, we can ensure the availability of critical forage resources. By establishing riparian vegetation along Blind Canyon Creek, we can build a more fire-resistant system and fortify the stream against future losses from catastrophic wildfire. Habitat Management Objective: "Minimize deer vehicle collisions along highways on the unit." Much of the area's surface water is available on Thistle Creek adjacent to US-89, imposing a risk of deer-vehicle collisions. By installing guzzlers in strategic locations, we may alleviate some of the need for animals to cross the highway for water and may reduce this risk. Plan: Mule Deer Unit Plan -- Unit 16bc: Central Mountains (Southeastern Region) Habitat Management Objective: "Maintain or improve mule deer habitat on the unit by protecting, maintaining, and enhancing existing crucial habitats and mitigating losses due to natural and human impacts" Planting shrub seedlings and seeding grasses and forbs enhances winter/spring habitat by providing deer with forage resources. Repairing Blind Canyon Creek's floodplain may minimize future losses from fire by establishing a natural firebreak. The vegetation will also preserve water quality by stabilizing soil and filtering out contaminants. Plan: Elk Unit Plan -- Unit 16: Central Mountains Habitat Management Objective: "Enhance elk habitat on a minimum of 20,000 acres during the next 5 years through direct range improvements." This management plan mentions two habitat barriers that are relevant to this project proposal: drought impacts to rangeland forage conditions and abundance, and loss of winter ranges to shrub decadence. This project could address the effects of drought by improving stream health. BDAs help to spread water out across the floodplain which makes it available for plant growth, improving forage conditions and abundance near the stream. In the uplands, planting shrub seedlings in areas where they have not returned after the fire may improve the quality of winter range. Plan: 2023 Utah Wild Turkey Management Plan Objective: "Enhance wild turkey habitat -- quality and quantity -- by 100,000 acres statewide by 2029." Objective: "Conduct habitat improvement projects in limiting habitat(s) and maximize the benefits to turkeys within all WRI projects that incorporate turkey habitat" Both objectives are relevant to this project proposal. Repairing Blind Canyon Creek's floodplain could improve the growth of riparian vegetation, improving insect foraging habitat for wild turkey. Transplanting willows could provide birds with cover, and cottonwoods could provide them with escape habitat and structures for nesting and loafing. In upland areas, seeding grasses and forbs in scalped areas could also provide insect foraging habitat, and shrubs could provide cover. Guzzlers would benefit a variety of wildlife, including turkey, by providing a source of surface water. Plan: 2022 Utah Upland Game Management Plan Strategy: "Partner with NRCS and utilize the WRI program to create and maintain or increase acres of upland game habitat per year" This project includes a funded NRCS contracts in upland game areas. The landowner is supportive of incorporating upland game interests into their projects. WRI funding would allow these projects to be expanded to surrounding areas, making a greater impact. Strategy: "Maintain four Farm Bill biologists in Natural Resources Conservation Service offices to encourage landowners to participate in Federal Farm Bill programs and design conservation projects to benefit upland game" This project is being proposed by one of the four Farm Bill Biologists working in an NRCS office and is being designed to benefit multiple wildlife species, including upland game. Plan: Wildlife Action Plan "Objective #2 for Invasive Plant Species -- Non-native Threats, Data Gaps, and Actions - Invasive and Other Problematic Species and Genes Invasive plant dominance/presence is reduced or eliminated in locations or habitats where such an outcome is realistic (ecologically and economically)." Weed invasion near Blind Canyon Creek is severe, but it is likely that a major ecological threshold has not yet been crossed. Invasion is somewhat confined to certain areas, and native vegetation is still present along much of the floodplain and in the uplands. With immediate action, this area could provide an opportunity for success. Plan: Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Southern Leatherside in the State of Utah Objective: Identify, Prioritize and Implement actions to reduce threats to Southern leatherside populations and habitat and evaluate the effectiveness of these actions. Reducing sediment loading from Blind Canyon Creek into Thistle Creek will reduce a threat to existing leatherside populations in Thistle Creek.

Building BDAs will begin the process of reconnecting Blind Canyon Creek with its floodplain, which will increase its resistance and resilience to fire. The high moisture content of riparian plant communities facilitates longer fire return intervals and lower burn severities than upland plant communities (Utah Wildlife Action Plan, 2015). High soil moisture in riparian communities often supports greater species richness, which increases resilience after a fire. Currently, upland vegetation and weeds have encroached into much of the creek's riparian zone, loading it with dry fuels and reducing its biodiversity. By slowing water down, trapping sediment, and elevating the stream bottom, a natural firebreak may be formed along the creek.

This project could improve water quality and quantity on Blind Canyon Creek (perennial) and surrounding habitats in both the short and long terms. Short-term, BDAs could improve water quality and quantity by slowing water and catching sediment, and in turn, spreading water out across the floodplain, expanding hydric vegetation, and elevating in-stream water levels. BDAs can also increase the amount of water stored in the soil, making water available to plants late into the summer, which extends the growing season and reduces the risk of severe wildfire by keeping fuel moisture levels high during the summer. Long-term, by building wildfire-resistant streams, BDAs can preserve water quality and quantity. As in the Pole Creek Fire, catastrophic wildfires can destroy water quality by causing erosion, rapid sediment and nutrient transport, flooding, and rapidly altering water chemistry. By expanding hydric vegetation, Blind Canyon Creek may be fortified against future wildfires, reducing the risk of post-fire water quality degradation. This vegetation also serves to filter out pollutants, stabilize soil, and increase water infiltration into the soil, maintaining water quality and quantity in the long run. In areas further from the creek, wildlife guzzlers can increase the quantity of surface water available to wildlife. On Lake Fork and Birdseye WMA, surface water is relatively limited, and much of the surface water that is available is adjacent to US-89, creating a risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Increasing surface water availability in more remote areas could provide significant benefits to numerous species.

Cultural resource clearances on private land have been partially completed as part of the landowner's NRCS contract. We have worked through the state NRCS archeologist on the contract. We are collaborating with USFS to complete all cultural resource and NEPA requirements on FS land. Currently, remaining requirements for implementation on FS land include: Scope the project to the public Conduct an Inventoried Roadless Briefing and receive Forest Supervisor approval Finish environmental analyses including biological surveys (partially completed) Get USFWS approval if applicable to any endangered/threatened species Receive SHPO concurrence Receive signed decision memo from FS All cultural resources and NEPA clearances will be in place before project implementation.

BDAs: A combination of contractors, volunteers, and DWR personnel will install instream structures along an approximately 1-mile stretch of Blind Canyon Creek. The creek winds through state, private, and USFS land. Using post-pounders, sharpened posts 2" in diameter will be driven into the ground about 2' apart across the stream. Local materials will then be worked between the posts, serving to slow water and catch sediment. Mud and rocks will be used to strengthen the structure. Threats addressed: 1) Inappropriate Fire Frequency and Intensity (yellow billed cuckoo, Lewis's woodpecker, mule deer, elk, and wild turkey): Installing BDAs could create a natural firebreak, reducing the likelihood and intensity of future fires. 2) Channel Downcutting (indirect, unintentional) (yellow billed cuckoo): BDAs slow water down and allow sediment deposition. Over time, this process elevates the stream bottom and water table and widens the floodplain. This promotes expansion of hydric vegetation, which provides insect habitat and forage for birds. 3) Habitat Shifting and Alteration (yellow billed cuckoo): This habitat was severely altered by post-fire flooding, which lead to channelization and reduction in riparian vegetation. As described, BDAs could jumpstart the process of repairing this altered habitat. 4) Drought (wild turkey, mule deer): Channelized streams exacerbate the effects of drought. Water moves more quickly through a channelized stream than an intact one, reducing water availability to riparian vegetation. BDAs could increase availability of water to valuable riparian plants, such as grasses and forbs. Willow, cottonwoods, and woody vegetation plantings: A combination of contractors, volunteers, and DWR personnel will plant native, woody vegetation in favorable spots along the same 1-mile stretch of Blind Canyon Creek. Willows will be transplanted by cuttings, which can be gathered from abundant stands on the nearby Thistle Creek. Native trees and shrubs (cottonwood, serviceberry, Red osier dogwood, chokecherry, etc.) would be purchased and planted as container or bareroot stock. Threats addressed: 1) Habitat Shifting and Alteration: (yellow billed cuckoo): Woody riparian vegetation provides important nesting habitat for birds. Much of this habitat was destroyed in the Pole Creek fire; planting these species could promote their recovery. 2) Channel Downcutting (indirect, unintentional) (yellow billed cuckoo): Establishing vegetation along the banks of the creek could stabilize soils, protecting it from further downcutting. Weed treatment: Treatment areas would be along the same 1-mile stretch of Blind Canyon Creek. Invaded areas are generally just upland from the creek (in open areas above the eroded channel). Contractors and/or the DWR weed crew would apply chemical herbicide by spot spraying affected areas just above the creek. Threats addressed: 1) Inappropriate Fire Frequency and Intensity (yellow billed cuckoo, Lewis's woodpecker, mule deer, elk, and wild turkey): Annual weeds can increase herbaceous fuel loads and promote shorter fire return intervals. Reducing weed cover and establishing native perennial vegetation could moderate fire frequency. 2) Invasive Plant Species - Non-native (elk, mule deer): Weeds can outcompete valuable grasses and forbs, which provide important forage to elk and deer. Reducing weed cover could increase grass and forb presence on the landscape. Guzzlers: Two wildlife guzzlers would be installed on Lake Fork WMA. Sites for each guzzler would be selected to maximize benefits to multiple species. Guzzlers will be placed near cover and away from major roads or highly trafficked areas, but where they could be accessed for future maintenance. DWR employees and volunteers would dig holes for guzzlers beforehand to partially bury the tanks, securing them and keeping them cool to retain more water. Aprons would be installed and reinforced around tanks to collect precipitation and withstand the weight of heavy snow. Cameras would be placed at each guzzler to assess their utilization by animals. Threats addressed: 1) Drought (wild turkey, mule deer): Drought can limit the availability of surface water on the landscape. Guzzlers can provide drinking water where it may otherwise be unavailable due to drought. Shrub plantings and seeding: Native shrub seedlings would be planted in areas on both public and private land. In each area, we would control competition by scalping the upper soil layers and seeding native grasses and forbs. This is done using a modified bulldozer which scalps two rows, broadcasts seed, plants seed below the surface, and incorporates seed into the soil, all in one pass. Later, shrub seedlings are planted within the scalped areas approximately 5' apart. Species of grass/forb seeds and shrub seedlings will be selected to benefit HIG/F and SGCN species. Threats addressed: 1) Inappropriate Fire Frequency and Intensity (yellow billed cuckoo, Lewis's woodpecker, mule deer, elk, and wild turkey): In areas where shrubs have failed to return after the fire, annual weeds have become established, which can promote frequent and intense fires. By planting native grasses, forbs, and shrubs, we can reclaim these sites and reduce the likelihood of future catastrophic wildfire. 2) Invasive Plant Species - Non-native (elk, mule deer): One of the most effective ways to control weeds is to establish desirable vegetation to outcompete them. Grasses, forbs, and shrubs all provide important resources to animals and can suppress invading weeds.

All components of this project will be photo-monitored and photos will be uploaded to this project page. NRCS will coordinate with landowner to monitor practices implemented on private land, including some of the BDAs, shrub plantings, weed treatment areas, and seeded areas. DWR will monitor practices implemented on the WMAs, including guzzler installation/maintenance, some of the shrub seedlings, BDAs, weed treatment, and seeded areas. Cameras will be placed at guzzlers to assess their utilization by wildlife. Farm Bill Biologist will coordinate with USFS to monitor practices implemented on FS land, including some of the BDAs and weed treatment areas.

NRCS: Planners (Soil conservationists) who manage the landowner's NRCS contracts provided information about which conservation practices were funded, and which components of this WRI project would mesh well with landowner's objectives. After implementation, planners will assist with monitoring and follow up with the landowner to ensure that practices are being maintained. Agency archeologists helped to complete cultural resource clearances on private land. They also helped with meeting some of the requirements on USFS land. DWR: The Farm Bill biologist compiled information on NRCS contracts, WMA opportunities, and requirements for USFS approval, and will ensure continued collaboration throughout the project. Personnel from the DWR's habitat section have consulted on this project and will assist with contracting, volunteer coordination, project implementation, and monitoring. We anticipate working with the DWR archeologist to get cultural resource clearances on WMA portions of the project. Landowner: The landowner provided opportunities to implement conservation on their land through NRCS contracts, and through a collaborative WRI proposal. The landowner said they are willing to provide in-kind labor to implement projects as needed. USFS: Environmental Coordinators have helped to guide efforts regarding the requirements for project implementation on FS land. They have connected us with FS biologists and botanists who will provide input/guidelines on plant species to be used in plantings, project impacts on relevant species, and any issues they see fit.

WMAs: These lands will continue to be managed primarily for the benefit of wildlife. Management will be overseen by the DWR. Private land: Landowners contracted with the NRCS are required to maintain conservation practices for a specified amount of time (times are contract/practice specific). Some maintenance requirements include photo monitoring, deferment of grazing for two growing seasons post-seeding, spot spraying after weed treatments, and repairing BDAs. USFS land: While this land will continue to be managed by USFS personnel, we will continue to work collaboratively to maintain BDAs, weed treatments, and plantings. This area falls within the Lake Fork C & H Grazing allotment, so we will begin discussing ways we can improve grazing resources and practices in future projects. Examples of improvements might include riparian fencing, seedings, weed treatments, watering facilities, or grazing management plans.

This project could improve the land for multiple uses, including grazing, forage production, hunting, and other recreation. By reducing weed competition, repairing the floodplain of Blind Canyon Creek, and establishing native plant communities, production of forage plants may increase, which benefits both livestock and wildlife. As multiple habitat types improve (riparian and upland) numerous HIG/F and SGCN populations reap the benefits, which benefits both consumptive and non-consumptive recreators. For hunters, improved habitat could increase populations of mule deer, elk, wild turkey, and other upland birds, improving hunt qualities. For non-consumptive users (such as those who may use Blind Canyon Trail), the likelihood of seeing wildlife increases with improved habitat. By repairing the fundamental processes that are damaged in this system, we may improve its value for many uses.

07/01/2023

07/28/2025

2026

Project Summary: Lake Fork WMA and Blind Canyon Restoration (2023-2025) This summary details the habitat restoration efforts conducted between October 2023 and November 2025 on private land west of the Lake Fork Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and along Blind Creek. I. Upland Restoration on Private Land (3 Acres) A 3-acre area was prepared and seeded using a Mad Max dozer to create scalped rows, followed by the planting of nursery-grown shrub seedlings. October 2023 Scalping & Seeding: The area was scalped using the dozer. Bitterbrush seed was drill-planted into the scalp rows at approximately 2 inches deep. Sagebrush and forb seed were broadcast over the scalped rows. Late Winter/Spring 2024 Shrub Production: A contractor was hired to grow 3,200 shrub seedlings March of 2023. An additional 6,000 sagebrush seedlings were ordered in March 2024 for greenhouse cultivation. Fall 2024 Seeding & Planting: New scalp rows were created. The initial 3,200 shrub seedlings were planted in these fresh scalps. Bitterbrush seed was again planted with the scalper, and sagebrush and forb seed were broadcast. November 2025 Final Shrub Planting: The 6,000 greenhouse-grown sagebrush seedlings were delivered and planted by a contractor into the remaining 2024 scalped rows between November 5th and 7th, 2025. II. Blind Creek Riparian Restoration (1 Mile) Restoration along a 1-mile stretch of Blind Creek, extending from the Birdseye WMA onto Forest Service property, focused on stabilizing the stream and enhancing riparian vegetation. May 2025 Vegetative Planting: Hundreds of willow and cottonwood cuttings were planted along the creek banks. Early June 2025 Erosion Control: 100 burned cottonwood trees were cut down and placed within the creek channel to help reduce stream bank erosion and stabilize flow. October 2025 In-Stream Structures: A total of 23 Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs) were constructed by contractors in the creek on October 5th, 2025, to further aid in water retention and stream stabilization. On October 21st a half mile section of Blind Canyon Creek from the DWR property was seeded using a riparian seed mix to reseed the creek banks. Seeding was done by DWR personnel with hand seeders who walked along the banks and broadcast the seed. Guzzlers and Troughs Two 1,800 gallon Boss tank guzzlers were purchased during the summer of 2025. Guzzlers were installed at two remote sites during ??? A 600 gallon aluminum water trough was installed at Crystal springs on???? on the Lake Fork WMA to provide water to wildlife and livestock as they trail up on the Forest Service allotment to the east.

This was a project worked on by the CRO NRCS Partner biologist that took another job before the project was completed. CRO personnel are trying to finish the project.

This project is mostly on private land west of the Lake Fork WMA. Some of the scalping and seedling planting took place on the WMA.