Some initial background on this project and location, this project will be implemented on the Oak Creek WMU, it is a limited entry unit for mule deer in Central Utah and is one of the most sought after draw tags in the state. This project will address the growing concerns with the lack of shrubs such as Wyoming Sagebrush, Antelope Bitterbrush and Stanberry Cliffrose focusing on the west side of the Oak Creek WMU. Mule Deer winter habitat has been greatly reduced due to past fires within this WMU, especially around the town of Oak City, Utah. Re-established fire scars have been reseed primarily with grasses and forbs and lacking a stable shrub component for wintering Mule Deer. This project will address the need to inter-seed an important shrub component back into the fire scars, this treatment will ensure and enhance existing and the future mule deer populations within the Oak Creek WMU.

The project objectives moving forward would be to implement over the next 3-5 years an opportunity to establish additional shrub component within the treatment areas identified. The need for additional sagebrush seed or seedlings to become established is critical for this mule deer population. The lack of shrub components, during the fall/winter months plays a major role in the health and sustainability of this herd, over half of the mule deer population will winter in this area above Oak City. Over the last several years we have watched this herd struggle with winter forage, lack of browse and shrub species and well as reaching a population carrying capacity in this area. These deer are solely dependent on agriculture hay fields for the nutrition they need in the fall, without additional forage during the winter months we may lose this population of mule deer on the Oak Creeks. Objectives and Goals of the project: -Area is critical mule deer winter range lacking browse/shrub species. -Planting browse and shrubs species that extend above the snow line benefits overall mule deer winter forage, allows for nutritional value when heavy winters occurs. -Provides cover in the spring/fall for young fawns -Reduction of crop depredation on agriculture fields.

This project has been on the forefront for several years, the Oak Creek deer herd has become more dependent on agriculture hay field during the fall/winter months more so than ever before. Due to past fire history in this area, the lack of sustainable browse and shrubs species has declined leaving the landscape and watershed void of species such as Sage Brush, Bitterbrush and Cliffrose all key components of wintering mule deer diet. With local public pressure from Oak City residents along with the resident agriculture producer, UDWR along with other entities such as SFW (Delta Chapter), Oak Creek LOA, BLM, USFS are looking for ways to help increase much need forage and sustainability for this deer herd. With recent monitoring from GBRC Range Trend collected in 2022, monitoring data shows a sharp decline of shrub and browse forage within the Bridge Canyon (21 A-6) trend site. On page 234 of the Range Trend Report it states "This unit has been heavily impacted by fire and much of the winter range has seen a conversion of the browse component to annual and perennial grasses. With the large expanse of area affected by wildfires within this unit, winter range is in poor condition across much of the unit". According to the current LANDFIRE Existing Vegetation Coverage model, 17.31% of the Oak Creek mule deer habitat is comprised of pinyon-juniper woodlands. Encroachment and invasion of these woodlands into sagebrush communities has been shown to decrease sagebrush and herbaceous cover, therefore decreasing available wildlife forage (Miller, Svejcar, & Rose, 2000). The overall deer winter range assessment in 2022 for WMU 21A was that the unit was in poor condition, with the Bridge Canyon site (21 A-6) was in very poor condition. Winter range conditions would likely improve if preferred browse and forb species were established on Bridge Canyon. This project has reached an ecological threshold and exceeded, due to the catastrophic fires that have occurred in this area. Information supported by UDWR District Biologist Mike Wardle towards this project states: The Fillmore, Oak Creek mule deer management plan sets a population objective of 2,000 deer. The most recent estimate in 2022 showed the population is under objective at 1,420. Fawn production and recruitment are closely tied to habitat quality and availability. Recent surveys have shown consistently lower ratios of fawns per 100 does in comparison to neighboring units. These low rates of recruitment are directly influencing the overall decline of mule deer on the unit. Further, the lack of natural browse has not only pushed high densities of deer into private agricultural properties, but also into the residential town of Oak City. The tolerance of many Oak City residents seems to deteriorate each year due to the impacts of deer wintering inside city limits. We do not have any collar data due to the fact that we have no mule deer that have been collared within this unit. We do have Big Horn Sheep collared but they do not spend as much time in the proposed treat areas. The need to complete this project is critical moving forward, the length of time it will take to see mature sagebrush, cliffrose and bitterbrush plants back on the landscape is time consuming and a lengthy process but it is one we are supportive of and the need to get started is past due.

The pinyon-juniper and big sagebrush areas lie within the Mountain Sagebrush Steppe Habitat type which is one of the key habitats identified in the WAP (Wildlife Action Plan). The proposed project will address some of the habitat management strategies outlined in the bighorn sheep, mule deer and elk management plans for herd unit 21 (Fillmore Oak Creek Unit ) including: *Continue to improve and restore sagebrush steppe habitats critical to deer according to DWRs Habitat Initiative. *Maintain habitat quantity and quality at a level adequate to support the stated population objectives while at the same time not resulting in an overall downward trend in range condition and watershed quality. *Work cooperatively with land management agencies and private landowners and or grazing permittee to plan and implement improvement projects for the purpose of enhancing wildlife habitat and livestock range resources in general. *The project also helps fulfill the state mule deer management plan section IV Habitat Goal: Conserve and improve mule deer habitat throughout the state with emphasis on crucial/critical ranges. *The proposed project will address the following goals and objectives of the Division of Wildlife Resources most recent strategic management plan: *Resource Goal: expand wildlife populations and conserve sensitive species by protecting and improving wildlife habitat. *Objective 1: protect existing wildlife habitat and improve 500,000 acres of critical habitats and watersheds throughout the state. *Objective 3: conserve sensitive species to prevent them from becoming listed as threatened or endangered. *Constituency Goal: Achieve broad-based support for Division programs and budgets by demonstrating the value of wildlife to all citizens of Utah. *Objective 2: improve communication with wildlife organizations, public officials, private landowners, and government agencies to obtain support for Division programs. *UDWR SR critical big game winter range are important browse communities that need to be enhanced and improved. The Division will employ a variety of methods to achieve this including prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, reseeding and seedling transplants, also mechanical treatments. Priority areas will include sagebrush-steppe and mountain browse communities. Falls within the rangeland focus area for WRI wildlife species for mule deer and elk. Utah Wildlife Action Plan, 2015 Publication Number 15-14, State of Utah, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources, Effective 2015-2025 -- Promoting and funding restoration that reduces the uncharacteristic and surpluses of older age class, including: Dixie/chain harrow, brush mowing or other treatments that reduce the older age class and stimulate the younger/mid age classes; herbicide or mechanical treatments single tree mulching/cutting of invading conifer. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Statewide Management Plan for Mule deer. Section IV Statewide management goals and objectives. This plan will address Habitat Objective 2: Improve the quality and quantity of vegetation for mule deer on a minimum of 500,000 acres of crucial range by 2013 (p11-12). Strategy C. Initiate broad scale vegetative treatment projects to improve mule deer habitat with emphasis on drought or fire damaged sagebrush winter ranges, ranges that are being taken over by invasive annual grass species, and ranges being diminished by encroachment of conifers into sagebrush or aspen habitats. Strategy f. Encourage land managers to manage portions of pinion-juniper woodlands and aspen/conifer forests in early successional stages. Fillmore Pahvant/Oak Creek Deer Herd Management Plan Unit #21 (2015) - Habitat Management Objectives -- Encourage vegetation manipulation projects and seeding to increase the availability, abundance, and nutritional content of browse, grass, and forb species. Strategies: Habitat Protection, Improvement and Maintenance - Reduce expansion of Pinyon-Juniper woodlands into sagebrush habitats and improve habitats dominated by Pinyon-Juniper woodlands by completing habitat restoration projects like lop & scatter, bullhog and chaining projects; maintain summer fawning areas by increasing beneficial habitat work in summer and transitional habitat areas.(p3-4) Utah Wild Turkey Management Plan Newly treated areas through fire or mechanical means will attract use by wild turkey which are abundant on Oak Creek Management Unit. Insects and new growth will be readily available to support turkey populations, also the availability of more water in the Church Hills, Clay Springs, Leamington Canyon, Whiskey Creek and Long Canyon areas. shrub/browse species allows for improved cover for nesting in the spring. UDWR Wildlife Action Plan This project is geared toward meeting the goals found within this plan for a variety of wildlife species from large to small. The entire proposed project area is found within a UWRI conservation focus area. *This plan is consistent with the Fishlake National Forest Plan for wildlife habitat enhancement and fuels management to improve habitat, reduce fuel loading, and protect against catastrophic wildfire. *Other project have been completed by the Forest Service and UDWR in past years within the Leamington Canyon, Fool Creek Peak, Long Canyon and Whiskey Creek HUC 12 area. *Project within the are also benefit the management plans objectives of the lower Sevier River Watershed, as this will reduced sediment run off and create a healthy rangeland communities. *Management Plans are also in conjunction with NRCS overall goals of healthy rangelands and communities, improving watersheds and reducing erosion and sediment. The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment *FFSL CWPP Process is a local Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is a collaborative plan created by the fire department, state and local forestry, land managers, community leaders, and the public. The planning process maps values at risk, and requires actions to reduce risk, such as prescribed burning, fuel reduction, or other measures that adapt a community to better confront their wildfire threat. *Area is also part of the Millard RWPP FFSL Plan which was implemented in 2014, there are Wildfire Codes and Ordinances associated with this plan. Project would also be relevant to NCS Goals and supported through the FS National Cohesive Strategies. CAT FIRE Objectives and Strategies: In 2013, the State of Utah developed the Catastrophic Wildfire Reduction Strategy (CAT FIRE) in response to the severe 2012 fire season. Reducing the catastrophic wildfire requires attention to three interdependent goals identified in the National Cohesive Wildfire Management Strategy -- Restore and Maintain Landscapes, Fire Adapted Communities, and Wildfire Response. These goals have been embraced throughout the development of the state's CAT FIRE strategy. Mitigation of hazardous fuels can change fire behavior making it easier to suppress. The effects of the mitigation, however, are not limited to life and property safety but will also affect forest health, water quality, vegetative species abundance, etc. As we continue to implement projects across the landscapes in Utah, the only way to truly be successful is to integrate existing programs, utilize local and federal partners and continue to educate the general public to create the desired shift towards more resilient communities and ecosystems. We have also added to the documents tab the Millard County Plan that addresses these types of habitat projects along with edits from the State of Utah Resource Management Plan. **Attached below is information from the Statewide Bighorn Sheep Plan: Bighorn sheep are uniquely adapted to inhabit some of the most remote and rugged areas in Utah. They exist in some of the most hostile climatic conditions ranging from the hot, dry canyonlands of southern Utah to the cold, snowy alpine regions of Utah's northern mountains. Bighorns are sometimes referred to as a wilderness species because of the naturally remote and inaccessible areas they inhabit. Bighorns prefer open habitat types with adjacent steep rocky areas for escape and safety. Habitat is characterized by rugged terrain including canyons, gulches, talus cliffs, steep slopes, mountaintops, and river benches (Shackleton et al. 1999). The diet of mountain sheep is comprised primarily of grasses and forbs, although sheep may also utilize shrubs depending on season and availability. Most Rocky Mountain bighorns typically have seasonal migrations with established winter and summer ranges, whereas most desert bighorns generally do not have distinct summer and winter migrations. Extensive historical bighorn habitat occurs throughout Utah (Figure 1). However, not all habitat is currently suitable for reestablishment of bighorn populations. Vegetative changes, human encroachment, and domestic sheep grazing make some areas unsuitable for bighorn restoration. Habitat management practices include voluntary grazing allotment conversions from domestic sheep to cattle, vegetative treatments, and water developments. UDWR considers grazing conversions and restrictions "involuntary" when the party negotiating for the conversion/restriction threatens to seek more burdensome grazing restrictions, reductions, or conversions in court or through other regulatory means unless the livestock grazer consents to the requested conversion/restriction. UDWR, in partnership with conservation groups and land managers has been extremely helpful in negotiating, funding, and participating in habitat projects. Habitat Degradation or Loss: Bighorn Sheep habitat can be degraded, fragmented, or lost to a variety of causes including human disturbance, energy development, and natural succession. Reductions in the quality or quantity of habitat can result in corresponding losses to bighorn populations (DeForge 1972, Hamilton et al. 1982). Human disturbance may cause bighorn sheep to change use areas and abandon certain habitats because of those disturbances. Loss of preferred habitat can compel bighorns into habitats that reduce productivity, decrease survival rates, and increase risk of pathogen transmission. Human disturbance is also thought to be a possible stress inducer, which may lead to disease problems in some populations (DeForge 1981, Bunch et al. 1999). Working with federal land management agencies to protect the habitat needed for healthy herds may improve herd health. Plant succession can also dramatically affect habitat quality. Encroachment by pinyon-juniper and other shrubs has resulted in the fragmentation and loss of large expanses of bighorn habitat. Vegetative treatments, including fire management and mechanical treatments, can restore and improve bighorn habitat to its condition prior to settlement times. Habitat Management Goal: Provide good quality habitat for healthy populations of bighorn sheep. Objective: Maintain or improve bighorn sheep habitat to enhance individual herd success and thereby promote the overall sustainability of bighorn sheep statewide. Strategies: a. Identify valuable bighorn sheep habitats and work with land managers and private landowners to protect and enhance these areas. b. Assist land management agencies in monitoring bighorn sheep habitat. Habitat monitoring by the land management agencies will be contingent on available funding and personnel. c. Work with land managers to minimize and mitigate loss of bighorn habitat due to human disturbance and development. d. Initiate vegetative treatment projects to improve bighorn habitat lost to natural succession or human impacts. e. Under the correct circumstances, encourage land management agencies to allow fires to burn when such action improves bighorn sheep habitat. f. Improve or maintain existing water sources and develop new water sources as needed to improve distribution and abundance of bighorn sheep. g. Support research and monitoring efforts to evaluate bighorn sheep use of water sources to ensure the water sources are having the desired effect. h. Work with land management agencies and private landowners to voluntarily implement agency guidelines for management of domestic sheep and goats in bighorn areas similar to those proposed by the WAWFA Wild Sheep Working Group. i. Support conservation groups' efforts to pursue willing conversions of domestic sheep grazing allotments by working with willing permittees in bighorn areas to minimize the risk of pathogen transmission. j. Inform and educate the public concerning the needs of bighorn sheep including the effects of human disturbance and the need for habitat improvements. k. Create preferred habitat for bighorn sheep in areas not proximate to domestic sheep and goats to attract bighorns away from risks of pathogen transmission.

The need to reseed and establish a improved community of grasses, forbs, shrubs and browse species is critical to support wildlife and livestock in the future. Through restoration efforts from the USFS, SITLA, Private Landowners, BLM, Grazing Permitees and UDWR this has been a great partnership in the past that obtained goals and objectives by working together to restore and maintain the area effected by the Devils Den Fire, Clay Springs Fire and most recent the Canal Fire. The past reseeding efforts were successful in allowing for the reduction in wildfire behavior due to the resilient seeded species of grasses and forbs that were planted after the above mentioned fires.. The Oak Creek Management Unit has burn several times over the past 10-20 years, fuel loading has transitioned to more of a grass and shrub community over time adding lower concentrated fuels due to annual rye and invasive cheatgrass invasion. With the implementation and reseeding efforts of perennial grasses and forbs in the past the established grasses, forbs and shrubs can compete and resist or control large scale fire behavior. Area's within this project will focus on re-establishment of the shrubs that are lacking due to the past fire history within the Oak Creek WMU. Fire and fuel loading is not as prominent as once was due to the lack of woody vegetation, reseeding efforts have minimized the risk of large scale higher flame length fires but existing fuels in the form of annual rye and cheatgrass can still pose a threat to the community of Oak City and the Wildlife Habitat.

Water Quality and Quantity should greatly increase due to the nature of old standing PJ trees along with some conifers in the top end of this project being burned in previous years by the Canal Fire, Devil's Den Fire and the Clay Springs Fire. After reseeding efforts and restoration efforts occurred we are more likely to see the improvement of springs, increase water flow to rangeland water troughs, increase grass and fob establishment due to loss of competition from the pinyon-juniper trees. Water should be better utilized by the perennial grasses, forbs and shrubs increasing the quantity down stream for water users and irrigation systems. Additional Water Quality/Quantity Information - WATER QUANTITY: Treatments will considerably lessen the risk of catastrophic large scale high severity fires that could result in long-term watershed degradation. By maintaining watershed function, long-term water quality will be maintained or enhanced. By removing PJ it is anticipated that water quantity will be enhanced (seeps, springs, bogs--improved) in the short and long term. Some research indicates that PJ removal in mountain sagebrush can increase soil water availability (Roundy et al. 2014). PJ removal activities should have a net positive effect on increasing water yield/availability as fewer conifer trees use water. Risk of fire will be reduced within multiple watersheds. Since the area suffers from a diminished understory of grass and forbs, the planned aerial seeding will be an important factor to establish future soil stability and reduce the risk of erosion. The species planted will help stabilize the soil and reduce erosion. Kormas et al (2017) in Rangeland Ecology found that drainage's dominated with juniper experience "snow water equivalent peaks higher, snow melts out earlier, and more water is lost to evapotranspiration in catchments when compared to sagebrush steppe vegetation". In a study from 2008, Deboodt, et. al (2008) mentions that juniper trees can use up to 30 gallons of water a day, when adequate moisture is present. It also states that Vegetative modeling has shown that 9 to 35 trees per acre can utilize all the precipitation delivered to a site in a 13-in annual precipitation zone. In their study researchers monitored two watersheds 12 years prior to treatment (cutting). After the treatment analysis indicated that juniper reduction significantly increased late season spring flow by 225%, increased days of recorded groundwater by an average of 41 days , and increased the relative availability of late season soil moisture to soil depths of .76 meters. It was also noted that managing vegetation for water yield may be obtainable at a much lower precipitation threshold than what was previously understood. Baker, et. al (1984) found a 157% increase in stream flows over a 147 ha pinyon and juniper treatment. Recent research Roundy, et. al. (2014) has shown that mechanical treatments to remove pinyon and juniper increase time that soil water is available. Even four years after treatment, treated areas showed from 8.6 days to-18 days additional water availability at high elevation sites. Roth, et. All (2017) stated snow pack is deeper and last longer in the open site at the low and mid sites (4-26 and 11-33 days, respectively). Additional research by Young, et. al. (2013) also showed a relationship between tree removal and soil climates and wet days on these sites, which while providing more available moisture for desired vegetation could also provide moisture for weeds. Numerous studies have shown that increased infiltration rates and less overland flow improve both water quality and quantity. Reducing pinyon and juniper trees, according the available research should increase snow pack, and time that snow pack is on the ground, increase spring flows, and increase soil moisture. It is expected that similar results will happen in this area after the treatment takes place. By maintaining watershed function, long-term water quality will be maintained or enhanced. Both the potential increase in herbaceous vegetation and the masticated or chained tree material should help stabilize the soils by reducing erosion and protect the water quality throughout the watershed. By removing PJ this should allow for more precipitation to contact the soil and increase biomass on the ground. In areas where hand thinning will be used there should be adequate vegetation to avoid soil erosion but this should increase the amount of water into the system instead of evaporating before it reaches the ground. Wet meadows and upland plants benefit by utilizing the increase soil moisture, providing for better resiliency during drought years. This provides for an increase in water quantity for herbaceous plants on sites where PJ is removed. Treatments on this project will be occurring in sagebrush and mountain mixed brush ecological communities. Restoring uplands within all of these ecological communities will reduce impacts from future wildfires along with reducing risks of future impairment to the watersheds. Within this project the need for water moisture quality and quantity is critical for the survival for the newly planted browse species. Past wildfires in this area have provided an establishment of perennial grasses and forbs, planting additional deep rooted browse/shrub species should allow for the plant to tap into soil moisture on the existing site not utilized by the grass/forb species. A better diversity of grass, forb and shrub component will be expected in the future across the watershed landscape.

Compliance for this project will be dependent on the Fillmore Forest Service, the first initial footprint or treatment will be smaller and consist of approximately 5 acres of within the identified treatment polygon. Moving forward with other phases of the project the Forest Service will need to conduct and EA or other survey as needed to fulfill the expansion of seeding sagebrush seedlings or planting sagebrush through mechanical means. UDWR Project Manager will continue to work with USFS Fillmore Office and or UDWR Archaeologist to make sure all necessary survey work has been completed before implementation will take place.

Several options for implementing this project have been discussed with the UDWR, BLM, USFS, Private Landowners LOA Members and the local SFW Chapter (Delta). We are in agreement that if we don't do anything the mule deer population will continue to struggle and possible start to decline on this WMU. Beginning this year, the method we would like to implement will be to grow from seed, Sagebrush, Stansberry Cliffrose, and Antelope Bitterbrush, this would begin in February of 24'. The seed source will come from GBRC, as they have collected seed from and around this area that will give us a better chance of success. We would like to contract with a grower to have approximately 5,000 PL-50 plants ready from planting in the fall (November) or spring (February) of 25'. The PL-50 plants then would be planted by hand with equipment from GBRC and the use of a tractor. The site locations for the plantings will be located on FS property about 5-7 miles northeast of Oak City. Browse and Shrub plantings will be planted in rows across approximately 5 acres to begin with, future plantings/seeding areas will be identified moving forward in future phases. Another method that we are looking at is reseeding a high amount of sagebrush through aerial application and or drill seeding. The opportunity to involved local Volunteers and Dedicated Hunters and Sportsman's Groups along with Agency Employees will be instrumental in making this project successful.

Monitoring for this project will depend on the weather, after implementation and seeding has occurred, we will need help from mother nature. Monitoring information will be obtained from pre and post photo-points, along with monitoring the success of the plants. We can do this trough a random sample by counting plants and evaluating the average live vs dead plants for survival. We may also find the need to monitor plants in the summer months adding additional water through a ATV sprayer if needed. Monitoring for small game damage such as foraging rabbits or ground squirrels/voles may be an issue during the early stages of this project. Monitoring the mule deer on the winter range to see if the herd is transitioning from the agriculture field to the treatment areas, and if ungulate use is occurring on the planted shrub and browse species. In addition, our monitoring will need to look at livestock grazing within the treatment site, and the use on how seasonal grazing may effect the newly seeded plants.

Partnerships for this project have been instrumental in moving forward with this project, they include but are not limited to the Division of Wildlife Resources, Sportsman for Fish and Wildlife (SFW Delta Chapter) Oak Creek Landowner Association, Bureau of Land Management Fillmore Field Office (FFO BLM) and the Fishlake National Forest Fillmore Field Office (FFO USFS). In addition to these partnerships we will be working with the Private Landowners, the City of Oak City, Livestock Grazing Permitees and other partners as this project develops.

Future Management for this project will consist of monitoring the seeded Sagebrush and other browse species for success. Working with the Forest Service on livestock grazing dates to allow for the best success of the seeded plants. Continue to work with private agriculture producers on wildlife damage concerns, look for other opportunities to be proactive in other way that may help improve this critical winter range for mule deer. Other management options may include working with the Oak Creek LOA, looking for new way to help off set some of the finical loss to agriculture lands that are being impacted by mule deer. Local Sportsman Groups may help plan a key role in management plans in the future, within mule deer herd unit plans additional factors might be used to off set herd populations/carrying capacity in this area. The overwhelming need to involve the town and community residents of Oak City is vital for us to move forward, key partnerships will need to be formed and a working relationship and tolerance for the mule deer will need to be resolved as this project will be ongoing and results maybe slower than expected.

This project will be a great asset to help benefit the Oak Creek mule deer population, by increasing the need for browse and shrub components in critical areas of this allotment it will be able to increase the overall body condition of the mule deer and the fawns going into the winter months. Livestock grazing will continue to be a focal point for the USFS, working with the grazing permittees on timing will be critical on the young browse species. Other sustained resources within the Oak Creek Unit would provided for hunting of big game such as elk, mule deer, big horn sheep along with small game such as wild turkey, chucker's, morning doves and blue grouse. Treatments like this have potential to increase wildlife numbers and potential hunting opportunities to future generations. A main goal of these treatments is to enhance wildlife habitat at a landscape scale. Millard County ATV Jamboree is held each year, riders from across the country enjoy riding trails in this area and enjoy camping and recreating, within the Oak Creek Canyon area. Other resources would include mountain biking, wood cutting, mining, agriculture related industries and farming practices. Also within this area is the opportunity to harvest Christmas trees, bird watching for wintering raptors and hawks, some snowmobiling may take place in the higher elevations. On the north end of the unit along State Rout 132 is Ash Grove Cement Company which mines cement from a pit, and is one of the leaders in the production of cement material in the United States. The Oak Creek WMU is unique in a way that it has several valuable resources that the Millard County residents enjoy each day.