The Two Waters WMA provides crucial winter habitat and crucial summer habitat for elk. The Bitter Creek WMA and surrounding area provide crucial summer habitat and winter habitat for mule deer. Both WMAs contain migration corridors that are utilized by mule deer. Since its purchase, the Bitter Creek WMA has seen changes in water availability. Previously, Bitter Creek was a perennial stream but it has degraded and water in the system has largely decreased. Although exact causes are hard to pinpoint, there is potential for increasing the availability of water on the Bitter Creek WMA through the repair of a historic water catchment pond, as well as the construction of in-stream structures that could hold water later into the season and improve the riparian area. Downstream on Bitter Creek in the Two Waters WMA, there is a high concentration of tamarisk that needs to be controlled. The ecological site description for the Bitter Creek area in Chipeta Canyon is identified as Mountain Loamy Bottom (Basin Wildrye) [R048AY410UT] with a minor component of Wet Fresh Meadow (Willow-Sedge) [R048AY008UT]. While there is no state and transition model, the ESD suggests that the dominance of big sagebrush is due to overgrazing, and that with disturbance, it should return to a state with grasses and forbs that would provide better summer forage for mule deer and elk.

This project is composed of a few different components and each objective will be discussed individually. Chipeta Canyon Water Catchment Pond: Water availability in the Book Cliffs is a consistent problem that can be improved. There is evidence of a historical water catchment pond on the Bitter Creek near Chipeta Canyon. Returning this pond will improve the amount of water available in the immediate vicinity. In-Stream Structures: Near the mouth of Chipeta Canyon, Bitter Creek flows for the majority of the year. Downstream of the confluence of Chipeta Canyon and Johns Canyon, Bitter Creek becomes incredibly incised and will most likely degrade further unless actions are taken to address the headcuts apparent in the system. We propose installing a series of Zeedyk structures and BDAs to help aggrade the stream and stabilize headcuts where appropriate. Tamarisk Removal: Tamarisk has become very prominent in the Two Waters WMA which is downstream from the Bitter Creek WMA. Visual estimates using aerial imagery estimate that as much as 1/3rd of the vegetation along the riparian corridor along Bitter Creek in the WMA is tamrisk. Much of the tamarisk has become very mature and will require a significant amount of work to remove. It is anticipated that future phases of this project will include plantings of riparian vegetation to improve the habitat in the Two Waters WMA. Sagebrush mowing: Much of the brush present on the Bitter Creek WMA is very large, old Basin big sage brush and does not provide appropriate habitat for mule deer. Using a mower and seeding the area will provide a significant improvement to the local habitat.

The BLM Fire/Fuels team is performing fuel reduction treatments in the area and is in the process of completing NEPA for a large area in the Book Cliffs. Completing the sagebrush mowing on the DWR property this year will compliment the work being done by the BLM. In addition, we anticipate being able to use some of the sagebrush for use in the construction of in-stream structures. Tamarisk is a problem that is best dealt with as soon as possible. The mature stand of tamarisk present on the WMA will only get worse. The DWR is under great political pressure to make improvements for mule deer and mule deer habitat. In 2019, the Utah Wildlife Board directed the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to confer with federal and state land managers, tribal government, private landowners, livestock operators, and sportsmen to develop a working group to find short and long term solutions to decreased survival, reproduction, and body condition of Book Cliffs deer and elk populations. In the years since, this emphasis on mule deer has increased. The local biologist has identified this area as one where he believes we can see improvements to mule deer habitat, based on results of a similar project in another area. By completing the DWR lands now, we can begin to see benefits to deer and other wildlife as soon as possible. According to the Utah Mule Deer Statewide Management Plan, "Deer use high quality forage during the spring and early summer to aid in fat and protein deposition (Cook et. al. 2013). The higher the quality of spring and summer forage, the better the antler growth in bucks, the better does are prepared for lactation and estrus, and the more fat reserves deer can build up for use during winter." This area is included in the "crucial mule deer habitat restoration priority areas" shown in Figure 6, of this plan. GPS collar data from Utah's Wildlife Tracker show that mule deer use the Chipeta canyon area in June and July.

The Utah Elk Statewide Management Plan has the following applicable objectives and strategies: Habitat Objective 2, strategy d -- Initiate broad scale vegetative treatment projects to improve elk habitat with emphasis on calving habitat and winter ranges. The Utah Mule Deer Statewide Management Plan has the following applicable objectives and strategies: Habitat Objective 2, strategy d -- Initiate broad scale vegetative treatment projects to improve mule deer habitat...ensuring that seed mixes contain sufficient forbs and browse species. The Utah DWR Deer Herd Management plan for the Book Cliffs has objectives to maintain and/or enhance forage production through range improvements and vegetative manipulation techniques. The Utah DWR Bison Herd Management plan for the Book Cliffs addresses concerns of competition between bison and livestock. This project will help mitigate conflict between bison and livestock by providing improved grazing opportunities for both. While bison do not currently use this area, making these improvements will provide ideal habitat for bison. As bison continue to spend more time on the east side of the book cliffs, this area could become really important for bison. The Utah Wild Turkey Management Plan (2014) identifies three critical habitat ingredients: trees, forbs, and grass. This project will promote the growth of healthy grasses and forbs to benefit turkeys. The plan also identifies wet meadows as important for breeding and brooding areas. This project will protect and improve wet meadow conditions. Due to the abundance of trees and shrubs on the canyon sides, there should continue to be sufficient nesting cover nearby. This project will promote better foraging and brood rearing areas. Current basin big sage conditions mostly provide cover that is too tall for good foraging, but too short for good nesting habitat. The following goals, objectives, and strategies from the wild turkey management plan are relevant to this project: --Conduct habitat projects to address limiting factors. The Utah Bat Conservation Plan (2008-2013) identifies open water as critical for bats as it provides drinking water, which they obtain by skimming the water surface. This requires a large area of open water. Construction of a watering pond will accomplish this. The plan also identifies surface water and the luxuriant vegetation surrounding water as important foraging sites because they favor insect abundance. By promoting better riparian habitat, and by improving the meadow conditions through removal of sagebrush and seeding, this project will provide better foraging for bat species in the area. The Utah Wildlife Action Plan identifies threats to species and habitats, as discussed below: --Droughts - this threat is identified for elk, wild turkey, big free-tailed bat, and spotted bat, as well as for the Aquatic-Scrub/Shrub and Riverine habitat types. The installation of BDA's and stream structures helps to store water later into the summer, helping to mitigate against drought conditions. Fixing the catchment dam in Chipeta canyon and the development of a watering pond will provide extra water sources for all species, and better foraging areas for the bats. --Channel Downcutting (indirect, unintentional) - this threat is identified for the Aquatic-Scrub/Shrub and Riverine habitat types. This stream has become incised and separated from it's flood plain in many areas. The construction of BDA's will help aggrade the stream and, in some areas, may help create a new floodplain inside the incised portions. --Livestock Farming and Ranching - this threat is identified for American Bison. Conflicts over forage utilized by both livestock and bison have been present in the book cliffs since they were introduced. The DWR carefully manages bison numbers to stay below the established objective. This project will help mitigate the conflicts between the two by providing additional forage for bison and livestock. --Inappropriate Fire Frequency and Intensity - This threat is identified for elk, mule deer, and wild turkey. In this instance, the basin big sage community is in need of a disturbance to set it back to an earlier stage of ecological succession. This project will mimic that disturbance. --Problematic Plant Species - Native Upland - this threat is identified for Mule Deer. In this case, the problematic plant species in question is basin big sage. It is problematic because in it's dominant state it doesn't allow for diverse understory grasses and forbs, which are important for mule deer during the summer when they are in this area. --Invasive Plant Species - Non-native - this threat is identified for big free-tailed bat as well as the the Aquatic-Scrub/Shrub and Riverine habitat types. Removing tamarisk along bitter creek directly addresses this threat. Removal of a non-native species that tends to develop a monoculture stand will allow for more diversity of plant species, and increased native species. The increased diversity should allow for better foraging habitat for big free-tailed bat. --Inappropriate Grazing - Livestock (Current) - this threat is identified for wild turkey and big free-tailed bat. Until 2023, the Chipeta Canyon area has had heavy livestock grazing. The ecological site description suggests that this is the cause of the dominance of sagebrush on the Chipeta Canyon site. Historic grazing may be the cause of channel incision and a degradation of the riparian system. Every part of this project should benefit wild turkey by promoting better foraging habitat. Improved wet meadow and riparian habitat, and increased forbs should promote increased insect numbers, which provide food for both turkeys and bats. The Utah State Resource Management Plan has several applicable objectives and policies & guidelines: -- The State promotes fuel breaks, thinning, chaining, prescribed fire and the selection of fire-resistant vegetation in green-stripping and burned areas. --Protect existing wildlife habitat and improve 500,000 acres of critical habitats and watersheds throughout the state by 2025. -- Improve vegetative health on public and private lands through active management of invasive plants and noxious weeds. -- The State will pursue opportunities to conduct and assist other partners with fuel reduction work including mechanical treatments and prescribed fire. -- The State will seek to protect, conserve, and improve Utah's fish and aquatic wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend. -- Restore floodplain connectivity for threatened and endangered species that rely on these locations.... -- The State supports implementing active management and restoration projects on federal lands to restore sinuosity, vegetation, and floodplain function which mimic the natural hydrologic system in suitable areas. -- Improve vegetative health on public and private lands through range improvements, prescribed fire, vegetation treatments, and active management of invasive plants and noxious weeds. -- The state of Utah supports proactive management of noxious weeds. -- The State of Utah supports adequate funding to combat the spread of noxious weeds. In addition, the state supports the removal of noxious weeds from affected areas and rehabilitation of effected areas post treatment. -- Active management should be used to improve and enhance riparian resources to provide for appropriate physical, biological, and chemical function. -- The State supports the removal of invasive species from riparian areas on public lands. -- The State supports the use of mechanical treatments, controlled burns, livestock grazing, and other tools to control invasive plants and other plant species that compromise wetland health, in accordance with best available practices. -- Expand wildlife populations and conserve sensitive species by protecting and improving wildlife habitat. -- Conserve, improve, and restore 500,000 acres of mule deer habitat throughout the state with emphasis on crucial ranges. -- Produce and maintain the desired vegetation for wildlife and domestic livestock forage on public and private lands. The Uintah County Resource Management Plan has the following applicable objectives: -- Manage lands to maintain or increase forage allocation for livestock grazing. -- The county expects the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to participate in managing forage and grazing allotments in relation to wildlife populations. -- The county favors the best management practices that are jointly sponsored by cattlemen's, sportsmen's, and wildlife management groups such as chaining, logging, seeding, burning, and other direct soil and vegetation prescriptions that are demonstrated to restore forest and rangeland health, increase forage, and improve watersheds in grazing districts and allotments for the mutual benefit of domestic livestock and wildlife. -- Encourage the protection and preservation of water quality and fish habitat.... -- Support efforts to protect water quality and the quality of the associated fisheries -- Support efforts to improve fish habitats.... -- Restore floodplain connectivity for wildlife that rely on these locations.... -- Encourage the restoration of floodplain connectivity for improved flood control in suitable areas -- Reduce or eliminate noxious weed infestations.... -- Manage noxious weeds to enhance wildlife habitat and farmland. -- Work cooperatively with other agencies and entities to reduce or eliminate noxious weed species and minimize or prevent the establishment of new infestations and new weed species. -- Employ a variety of (integrated) weed management techniques including prevention, biological controls, chemical controls, and mechanical controls. -- Conserve and protect riparian areas through application of best management practices. -- Support the eradication of invasive species, e.g., Phragmites, tamarisk, and Russian olive, which can degrade habitat value and impact groundwater levels. -- Support application of aquatic-approved herbicides to remove undesired vegetation -- Maintain or improve water quality to protect the health and well-being of county residents.... -- Support projects that improve water quality and increase quantity and dependability of water supply. Book Cliffs Working Group Action Plan has the following applicable objectives: -- Vegetation Treatments a. Identify additional areas to complete vegetation management projects with emphasis on projects with the potential of increasing forage on or near summer range. b. Complete a 10 year plan for vegetation improvements. c. Propose at least two vegetation improvement projects annually to the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative and Grazing Improvement Program. -- Bison 1. Distribution b. Complete vegetation and water developments to further distribute bison use.

Reducing tamarisk and decadent sagebrush will help to decrease the fuel load in the area. Improving the water availability will also create a substantial firebreak. BLM fuels is currently working on NEPA to do additional mowing on adjacent BLM lands to provide fuel breaks in the book cliffs.

Repairing the historic dam will increase the amount of water available for wildlife. In-stream structures will raise the water table in the stream and should hold more water in the soil later into the season.

Stream Alteration Permits will be obtained to perform in-stream work. Arch surveys will be performed as appropriate for the project.

This project is composed of a few different components and each objective will be discussed individually. Chipeta Canyon Water Catchment Pond: The footprint of the pond is evident when on the ground. The damage done to the dam is obvious and will be repaired with fill dirt and rock. A skidsteer will be used for repairs on the dam and excavate any needed fill dirt from the bottom of the current footprint of the dam. Bentonite will be used to seal the bottom of the pond. In-Stream Structures: Where appropriate, excess sagebrush will be removed and used in the construction of BDAs and PALS. For the wet meadow portion of the project near the Chipeta Canyon Water Catchment Pond, Zeedyk structures will be constructed. Tamarisk Removal: Tamarisk will be removed by hand crew which will use chainsaws to cut the tamarisk close to the ground and then apply herbicide on the exposed stump. We anticipate hiring a youth crew to take care of the tamarisk. Due to the variable density of the Tamarisk, we hope to be able to cover a large portion of the WMA this FY. Decadent brush mowing: Sagebrush will be mowed and seeded to provide better habitat for mule deer and elk.

The WMA portions of the project are regularly visited by DWR staff. Visits will continue and will help determine future needs. Photo points will be established in each of the different treatment types to monitor and document changes in vegetation community and stream structure. Photos will be uploaded to the WRI page as appropriate.

The DWR has been coordinating with the BLM to complete additional mowing acreage on BLM lands once NEPA has been completed.

It is anticipated that it will take multiple years to eliminate the tamarisk from the Two Waters WMA. Future improvements on the Two Waters WMA could include seeding and planting of more beneficial vegetation and riparian species. Additional phases of BDA's will likely be implemented, both on DWR and on BLM lands in Chipeta canyon. DWR personnel will monitor the mowed area to determine if weed treatments are necessary. Due to large boulders scattered throughout the valley bottom, it will be impossible to mow all the sagebrush, so there will continue to be a seed source available and the sagebrush may re-dominate the site, particularly if grazing becomes heavy again.

There is a permittee who can let livestock graze on the Bitter Creek WMA. Improving forage in the area will benefit livestock and wildlife that frequent the Bitter Creek WMA. Improving the water availability will also benefit wildlife and livestock.

10/01/2024

12/01/2024

2025

A harrow and seeding project was performed on roughly 25 acres of the Bitter Creek Wildlife management area in October of 2024. The maintenance crew of the NER performed the harrow utilizing a skidsteer with an attached broadcast seeding attachment. A tamarisk removal cut-stump project was started on the Two Waters WMA which is downstream of the Bitter Creek WMA and was performed on roughly 3.0 acres. The American Conservation Experience provided a crew for 16 days on-site to perform the removal.

The Bitter Creek WMA provides a significant amount of winter and summer habitat for mule deer and elk. At the request of the Wildlife Biologist in the Book Cliffs, the habitat section investigated the best way to improve the best way to improve habitat in the area. The harrow and seeding method was determined to be the best method for the area after evaluating a few other methods, to reduce the amount of decadent sagebrush in the area, while improving the amount of beneficial forbs and grasses for the wildlife that frequent the area. The original planned footprint of the harrow was about 45 acres but after a better look at the machinery we would need to bring in and the associated access, slope, permanent fencing, and vegetation type, we decided that the best approach was to use a skidsteer that would not pop tires on the vegetation, and a harrow that could handle the heavy use that would be needed to harrow over the taller sagebrush and shrubs. Total project time was about 2 weeks, which consisted of traveling to the site and performing the harrow. Downstream from the harrow site is the Two Waters WMA which has a significant population of tamarisk that has been left untreated for many years. To start treatment of the area, the American Conservation Experience was contracted to perform a cut/stump treatment. They spent 16 days on site, and removed about 3 acres of tamarisk during that time. An original component of this project was the improvement of a water catchment pond that could help provide an additional water supply source for wildlife, but it was determined that cost would be minimal, and that aspect of the project could be performed in house at a later date.

The water catchment pond will be installed, the removal of tamarisk will be evaluated to determine if it is cost effective considering the substantial funds that will be needed to remove all of it. The harrow will be monitored for effectiveness in the future. Federal agencies are planning on performing in-stream structure installations, and future mowing in the area, which will compliment the harrow that we already performed.