In order to implement the proposed big game habitat/range improvement/fuel reduction treatments in the Harts Draw/Peters Point area, it is necessary to complete archaeological clearances in the project area. Forest Service crews completed 700 acres of survey in 2022, and will continue to support the project by surveying 900 additional acres and completing SHPO and tribal consultations. Limitations on annual in-house Forest Service survey capacity necessitate using a contract to complete surveys on the additional proposed treatment acres in a timely manner. The Forest Service will also compete the required NEPA environmental analysis.

Survey, record, report on archaeological/cultural survey in the Harts Draw project area (2661 acres of proposed pinyon-juniper mastication/chaining retreatment). 700 ac completed by USFS crews in 2022 1057 ac under state contract (WRI) in FY 25 900 ac USFS crews - spring/summer 2024

Local land management agency personnel have been wanting to do vegetation treatment in the Harts Draw/Peters Point area for many years. BLM competed pinyon-juniper mastication/bullhog treatments on adjoining land on Peters Point several years ago. Much of the area to be treated on Forest Service land has been previously chained, and the encroaching conifers are currently a good size for mastication treatment, averaging 8-10 ft tall (too large for lop and scatter). There is still a decent understory of seeded and native grasses, forbs and big sagebrush. The risk of delaying treatment is the trees get larger, more costly to treat and suppress more of the understory, reducing habitat value. WildlifeTracker data for the area show that while deer and elk move through the project area on NFS lands, there is a concentration of use (especially from elk) on the adjacent recently-treated BLM land and private agricultural land. The treatments on USFS would create more usable habitat, potentially reducing pressure on adjacent lands while also reducing fuel hazards. Funding the archeological surveys on USFS land is an important first step for upland vegetation treatments, and without such funding now this important work will be delayed.

MANTI-LA SAL FOREST LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN of 1986, as amended. Conduct appropriate studies to provide information necessary for an adequate review of the effect a proposed undertaking may have on cultural values. Protect ...cultural and paleontological resources on National Forest System (NFS) lands which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places the National Register of Historic Landmarks, or may be determined to be eligible for the national registers. 36 CFR 800.4, 36 CFR 296, & FSM 2360. Future phases of the project will address several management goals and objectives in the Forest Plan regarding wildlife habitat and riparian/watershed condition improvement, and minimizing hazard from wildfire. The proposed vegetation treatments will be designed to meet goals in DWR mule deer and elk herd unit plans, the State of Utah Resource Management Plan and the San Juan County Resource Management Plan.

Current phase will not directly impact fire/fuels but is necessary first step in implementation of fuels reduction treatments.

Current phase has no direct impacts on water quality/quantity.

Archaeological clearance, tribal consultation and SHPO concurrence are necessary for compliance with NEPA and other regulations. The Forest Service would complete the required environmental analysis.

Survey protocols and units would be designed in collaboration with the USFS and state partners.

In addition to the long-term DWR range trend monitoring site established on Peters Point (study #14-8) and monitored since the 1980s, there are four Forest Service rangeland health monitoring sites within the project area. All of the studies confirm the continued increase in pinyon-juniper cover and concurrent decline of sagebrush vigor, herbaceous vegetation and ground cover. Acoustic detectors were utilized in the spring of 2023 to determine occupancy and use by pinyon jays.

DWR. Will continue coordination with BLM Canyon Country District as they complete archaeological clearance on additional lands in the greater Indian Creek/Harts Draw area.

Treat a minimum of 2657 acres within the 6052 acre project area to improve wildlife habitat/big game winter range and rangeland health, and reduce fuel hazards

This federally managed land will continue to be managed for multiple resources, including wildlife habitat, range, hunting and other recreation. The proposed treatments would improve forage production and availability on important deer and elk winter/transition range and for the currently permitted livestock grazing.