The wetlands adjacent to the Great Salt Lake (GSL) are of extremely high value to the watershed's health. These ecological communities provide many ecosystem services such as clean water and wildlife habitat. As GSL recedes, most storm-water or groundwater seepage flowing into the dry lake shoreline results into monotypic stands of Phragmites. The Manes Flats site has degraded and has filled in as a monoculture of Phragmites. The restoration work and added infrastructure to this project site, it will allow managers to control water levels, conduct effective invasive weed treatments, and will improve wetland habitat for wildlife with the construction of this project, we can mitigate those losses by creating stable water conditions which will allow us to manage Phragmites using water control techniques.

The purpose of the Manes Flats Project is to 1) create wetland habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife;2) improve water quality; and 3) best manage storm water from adjacent cities. Currently storm water from Syracuse Drain is sheet-flowing over TNC and State Lands creating vast Phragmites plumes. Manes Flats Wetlands Project when constructed will involve installing water control structures along a shoreline bluff which will create/restore wetlands and open water habitats to improve aquatic vegetation (sago pondweed) and wet meadow habitats that will benefit the GSL ecosystem. The objective of Manes Flats Project Phase Engineering is to hire an contractors to provide the Engineering/Design, Cultural Clearance and to purchase water monitoring supplies/equipment and testing. The Engineering/Design team will survey, design, prepare drawings/specifications, and obtain permit for the project site. The Cultural Clearance team will provide the administration, file search, field work and reporting requirements of Utah DWR. The Water Monitoring team will provide specification for water monitoring equipment, prepare water protocol procedures and conduct testing, documentation and reporting.

TNC seeks to address the loss of critical wetland habitat and the degradation of hydrologic connection to GSL. Along the east side of GSL, human impacts have dramatically altered the natural processes of lands and waters. Native vegetation has been lost to farming, which is now being replaced by housing developments. Invasive plants like Phragmites and perennial pepper weed are being fueled by changes in land management and climate change. The Lake's ecosystem is affected by water conveyance ditches and groundwater pumping. Rapid development along the Wasatch Front is also producing more storm-water flows, including "flashy" or high volume and short-lived discharges which impact wetlands and are challenging to treat and disburse in a beneficial and economical manner. Right now, much of this storm-water is not currently recharging the groundwater supply or reaching GSL because the water is spreading out on relatively flat ground and being lost to evapotranspiration, mostly through Phragmites. For GSL wetlands, many of which have already been altered, and the situation is dire. We also understand climate predictions in the Salt Lake Valley to be hotter and to have increasingly strong and 'flashy' storm-water releases. TNC recognizes the crucial roles wetlands play for both humans and wildlife, and we also understand that in this highly altered reality, the best way to restore and sustain functioning wetlands is to use strategic management interventions that mimic nature's processes. Our existing Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve (GSLSP) along the Lake's eastern shore and other managed wetlands present a valuable opportunity for restoration and create sustainable wetlands to combat prolong droughts.

The Manes Flats Wetlands falls within the TNC long-term management plan for the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve. It also, meets objectives of 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 : American Bittern, Snowy Plover, Ferruginous Hawk, Long-billed Curlew, Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, Burrowing Owl, American White Pelican, and 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, roads, improper grazing, diversions, housing and urban areas. Threats to riverine habitats: same as above, but also, presence of dams and inappropriate fire frequencies. .Efforts are in place to secure water-rights, protect water sources from exploitation and diversions, and secure appropriate buffers to urban and industrial development. 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. 2.2.6 Conduct biological 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 other agencies(Federal and State and County), private landowners, NGO's, and research universities (see partners section of proposal). Othermanagement plans 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, 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. Objective 2; Develop Best Management Practices BPM for the maintenance of shorebird habitats pg 13. Strategy b. work with cooperating agencies and organizations to prepare a prioritized list of habitat maintenance needs annually and provide input into State and federal budget processes. Strategy f. Support the removal of tamarisk, white-top and other invasive exotic plants from important shorebird sites. Objective 3: Develop a five-year action plan for restoration and enhancement of shorebird habitats in the Intermountain West Region by 2001 pg 14. Strategy b. Integrate restoration and enhancement actions for shorebirds into existing waterfowl and wetland management plans. Strategy c. Conserve and protect the hydrological integrity of ephemeral wetlands through habitat improvements and improved water management techniques. 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.

The Project will support TNC and Utah FFSL's long-term fire management goals by managing the buildup of Phragmites fuel loads on both TNC and State Lands, the dense monotypic stands of Phragmites holds a very high levels of dead and living biomass that when ignited produces extremely hot, fast moving and tall flames fires. Human and lightening-caused wildfires in Phragmites vegetation have been a major threat to homes and businesses, now that the boundary of the GSL and Shorelands Preserve is highly urbanized.

The project benefits to water quality will be realized through removal of large and small-scale particulate matter that has been incorporated into the storm water. The majority of the large-scale particulate matter is removed off site, thru Syracuse City Storm Water Management Plan, the fine sediments and organic will flow into the existing or constructed wetlands where it will settle to the bottom of the ponds or be filtered by the standing wetland vegetation. The Project will provide biological methods that utilize vegetative filtering and phyto-remediation action that will allow for dissolved particulates to be removed through natural processes over time. Substances of concern that can be removed by the natural filtering and phyto- remediation process of wetlands are: Heavy Metals (Copper, Chromium, Lead, Mercury, etc.) Hydrocarbons (Motor Oil, Hydraulic Fluid, Gasoline, Diesel ,etc.) Fertilizers and Pesticides. Many of these substances are filtered and absorbed by the wetlands as a natural process of absorption and the wetland cells will moderate the quantity and quality of the storm water to reduce dissolved particulates and chemical impurities The project benefits the water quantity to GSL with the added benefit of Phragmites management one of the most invasive wetland plant species on the project site. Due to its high biomass, Phragmites evapotranspiration is higher than most native plant species. Reducing the amount of Phragmites can help improve water quantity. 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.

This project will comply with all U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Utah Division of Water Quality and Davis County Pubic Works Department requirements under the Clean Water Act. Cultural resource and archaeological clearances will be completed. The following is what's planned if required. 1. Aquatic Resource Evaluation (Wetland Delineation) will be prepared for the project site. 2. Endangered Species Evaluation Evaluation of Threatened and Endangered Species of Concern for the project area. 3. Archeological Evaluation (Section 106 Clearance) Cultural resource inventory assessment of the site. 4. ACOE Nationwide Permit Preparation and submission of an ACOE nationwide permit based on site specific project information.

We will retain an environmental/civil engineering firms with extensive experience working on wetlands to perform the following tasks: 1. Civil/Hydraulic Engineering Support: Site evaluation and data collection, evaluate vegetation, hydrology, soils and drainage. Topographical survey data has been previously collected and will be made available. Design/Drafting, creation of a digital terrain model for the recommended locations for water control structures, water delivery channels, levees and impoundments based on topographical data. Creation of construction plans and technical specifications, plans and specifications will be suitable for construction estimates, bidding, and construction and permitting as needed. Start Day is July 2024.. 2. Permitting Support (may not be necessary): Aquatic Resource Evaluation prepared in accordance for Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) Wetland Delineation Manual for the project's sites. Endangered Species Evaluation prepared in accordance with the ACOE permit application. Archeological Evaluation prepared in accordance with and in consultation with the State Historical Preservation Office. Preparation and submission of an ACOE nationwide permit based on site specific projection information. We will foster the ACOE permit through submission and requests for information and clarification from ACOE. Completion Day: May 31, 2025. Once Engineering Phase is completed and all permits acquire we'll move onto the construction phase.

Vegetation and water monitoring will be conducted by the University of Utah Graduate Students enrolled in Professional Master of Science and Technology Program, Dr. Meghan Dovick, Program Director and Instructor. The University of Utah Graduate Students will collaborate with scientists from Utah Geological Survey and Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands Invasive Species Coordinator to gather data on water quality, sediment quality and vegetation to create a baseline assessment of site conditions before construction. Potential Phragmites treatments areas and their efficacy will be identified by TNC and FFSL staff. Bird monitoring has been ongoing for 5 years and will continue in this Project area. The bird survey team which will conducted by a Certified Wildlife Biologist with Tracy Aviary and/or Sageland Collaborative, will follow methods outlined in the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions Point-Transect Method and will gather data to understand bird use of the area during breeding season developing a baseline of bird use before construction.

Chad Cranney with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Wetland Manager provided language for the proposal mainly "Relation to Management Plans" and "Fire/Fuels" sections. The following partners will participate Manes Flats Wetlands Design Review Committee: Dave England DRW Farmington Bay, Adam Wright Davis County Public Works, Brian Bloemen Syracuse City, Coryna Hebert Ducks Unlimited, and Destiny Allgood USFWS. The Committee will be co-chaired by TNCs' Mike Kolendrianos and Chris Brown. Dr. Meghan Dovick with University of Utah, Claire Spangenbery and Hugh Hurlow with Utah Geologic Survey will conduct Vegetation and Water monitoring for the project site. Colby Pace with Half Circle Cross Ranch and Kip O'Brien with KO Ranch will be Agriculture consultant for the project. Tracy Aviary and/or Sageland Collaborative will conduct the Bird Surveys.

This Project is part of TNC and FFSL's shared long-term management goal to restore habitat for birds throughout the GSL ecosystem. The Engineering Phase, TNC will oversee the management, in partnership with FFSL. TNC will work with FFSL and Farmington Bay WMA to update the "Management Plan for The Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve" for the newly constructed wetlands that includes long-term goals, how to evaluate success based on results of monitoring, and is adaptive. Long-term management strategies will be based on research and tested techniques.

TNC utilizes a winter, spring and summer grazing program that will help manage phragmites and also increase the grazing opportunities for the local ranching community. The project will restore and create wetlands for waterfowl, which will directly increase opportunity for hunters that use the preserve and adjacent areas, the project site is enrolled in Utah DWR Walk-In-Access program..