Aquatic species populations in Utah face a wide variety of threats to their short-and-long-term conservation. Threats affecting many species identified in the 2015 WAP include urban development, water use, fire, and invasive species. Other threats may acutely affect only a single species yet need remediation to ensure the species' persistence. We need basic information on the ecology of species and status of populations to address any threats. Additionally, we need dedicated biologists with knowledge of both the species and the habitats on which they depend. Regional native aquatic species biologists are core personnel in the implementation of the WAP. They are species experts, respected voices on planning teams, and have invaluable on-the-ground knowledge of the landscapes and aquatic habitats of Utah. They identify threats and formulate actions. With that expertise, we can successfully identify opportunities and work with willing partners to achieve our conservation goals.

The goal of this project is to ensure the future of native fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mollusks in Utah by reducing threats to the species and their habitats, thereby preventing the need for future species listings under the Endangered Species Act. This project will improve statewide sensitive species information and fill data gaps identified in the Utah WAP. These goals will be achieved through the following objectives: * Implement priority actions identified in the WAP or other management plans to reduce threats to species and their habitats, * Inventory, monitor, and manage SGCN species, * Implement available conservation plans as they pertain to SGCN species, * Enhance and maintain populations of regional SGCN species. * Develop habitat management guidelines as needed for key species based on existing literature, ongoing UDWR studies and project monitoring results. * Maintain, enhance, and use regional sensitive species databases *Develop other planning documents (e.g., repatriation and salvage) that further our ability to protect key species throughout the state *Specific tasks related to each species in each region are available in the attached document.

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This project supports the implementation of the 2015 Utah Wildlife Action Plan in the aquatics section. As such, it also supports the implementation of many Conservation Plans, Conservation Agreements and Strategies and Recovery Plans: Range-wide Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Roundtail Chub, Bluehead Sucker, and Flannelmouth Sucker Conservation and Management Plan for Three Fish Species in Utah Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Southern Leatherside in the State of Utah Rangewide Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Northern Leatherside Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Least Chub in the State of Utah Virgin Spinedace Conservation Agreement and Strategy Boreal Toad Conservation Plan in the State of Utah Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Columbia Spotted Frog in the State of Utah Conservation Agreement and Conservation Assessment and Strategy for the Relict Leopard Frog Conservation Strategy for Gila Monsters in Southwestern Utah Conservation Agreement for Springsnails in Nevada and Utah Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Sub-globose Snake Pyrg We also review and our data inform USFS, BLM, DoD, and FWS management plans.

Many habitats for SGCNs identified in the Utah WAP require a natural fire regime.

Many SGCNs identified in the Utah WAP require good water quality and quantity.

UDWR has the needed Section 6 agreement with the USFWS to conduct work on threatened and endangered species. We also obtain all needed permissions to conduct work on private lands and to conduct any habitat restoration (e.g., stream alteration permits, NEPA, etc.) on a project by project basis.

Much of the work proposed under the block grant is inventory/monitoring to support conservation actions, funded through the block, above the block ESMF proposals, and other funding sources (federal partners, non-profits, competitive grants, WRI, etc.). These monitoring data help prioritize conservation actions and help us respond to data requests during listing determinations by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. In an effort to be fiscally responsible, while staying up-to-date on species status, the Division is developing a Native Aquatic Species Strategy and Sampling plan. The specific methods we use to implement monitoring and conservation actions depend on the habitat and target species. Most of these methods are outlined in the guiding documents, including the conservation plans and strategies. For many of the listed projects, we seek additional funding through ESMF and other state, federal, and private sources. Those funds are generally for field staff, trucks, and other implementation costs. However, without this essential grant, we would lack the capacity to carry out most, if not all, of the duties of the Native Aquatic Species Conservation Program.

Species monitoring is a key component of the proposal. Information on SCGN population status and response to conservation actions is vital to guide management and inform Species Status Assessments. Methods and timelines vary by species. In an effort to be fiscally responsible, while staying up-to-date on species status, the Division is developing a Native Aquatic Species Strategy and Sampling plan. Our goal is to have the majority of our monitoring and inventory surveys fall within the block grant, but in some cases we may apply for future funding if a high priority species requires monitoring or survey work that does not fit within the block grant funding.

The Wildlife Conservation Program frequently partners with federal land management agencies, other state agencies, local governments, conservation NGOs, and private citizens.

Accomplishment of this program will contribute greatly to the understanding and management of SGCN species as well as key habitats. At the completion of the funding year, UDWR will have improved knowledge of the status of SGCN species populations and their key habitats. Greater understanding of the threats to these species will provide guidance for threat abatement and future conservation programs. Data collected will permit UDWR to monitor trends in populations and habitat conditions. The program will also improve the quantity and quality of key habitats for some SGCN species through implementation of available habitat management plans. Monitoring the effects of habitat alteration projects during the program will improve future habitat manipulation programs. As a result, conflicts associated with human activities and these species/habitats may be reduced or mitigated; by meeting project objectives, conservation of SGCN species may be achieved without the need for listing under ESA or State protection.

Appropriate implementation of the Utah WAP will maintain healthy wildlife populations on the landscape while allowing sustainable uses of natural resources in most cases.