The Stewart Lake WMA in Jensen, UT receives a fair amount of use, especially during the pheasant hunt, as it is one of the pheasant release sites in the Northeastern Region. Other users include those using the WMA to access the Green River for fishing, and birders who enjoy the are for it's variety of native bird species. Because of this use, several maintenance items are necessary to improve access for DWR personnel as well as visitors to the WMA. Road and parking improvements need to be made to facilitate the user experience. Fencing and access points need to be maintained or replaced to control unauthorized motor vehicle use. The inlet canal to Stewart Lake needs to be dredged to successfully fill the lake. DWR personnel periodically clean the inlet, but aren't currently able to access and clean everything that is desired. Road improvements are needed to allow DWR personnel to effectively clean the canal. This will lead to improved ability to control water levels in the WMA for endangered fish species who use the lake as nursery habitat. A positive side benefit will be the creation of looped trail that could eventually be developed into an interpretive nature trail. Another administrative access road near the outlet is in need of repair to allow DWR aquatic staff to access areas other areas of the WMA. Russian olive and tamarisk removal efforts need constant maintenance. This proposal is a spot treatment follow-up to removal efforts last year. Planting of additional native shrubs will improve habitat conditions for native wildlife and will improve the visitor experience for those using the WMA.

Improved access to the WMA through road and parking area improvements. Improved control of unauthorized uses through fence reconstruction and maintenance. Improved access for DWR personnel to clean the inlet canal for the benefit of endangered fish. Improved access experience by creating a closed loop trail near the main entrance of the WMA. Reduce abundance of Russian olive and tamarisk through spot herbicide treatments. Improve habitat for native wildlife by planting native shrubs. Improve habitat for introduced (pheasants / CA quail) by reducing weeds and planting perennial seed mix.

Location Considerations The inlet canal and flood control structures were constructed at Stewart Lake specifically as part of, and essential to, the selenium remediation program. Maintenance of this inlet canal is vital to managing the wetland according to this remediation plan. The Upper Colorado River Recovery Project--Razorback sucker larval trigger study plan specifically identifies Stewart Lake as an important component of this plan. Monarch butterfly appear to be using the green river corridor as a migration pathway and use Stewart Lake for breeding. Being able to better fill the lake may help promote milkweed growth, which monarch's need for breeding. Seed milkweed and other pollinator species on NW project area to add to insect production for upland nesting brood food sources.(See Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan; NL-S2) The Utah Wildlife Action Plan identifies key habitats for wildlife and threats and risks to those habitats. This project addresses the following threats to Aquatic scrub/shrub and Open Water habitat. Droughts: By being able to better fill the wetland, this project could help mitigate the effect of drought on these important habitats and the fish and wildlife that depend on them. Invasive Plant Species - Non-native: Removal of Russian olive and tamarisk Water Allocation Policies: Specific water allocation policies created the selenium problem at Stewart Lake. The inlet canal was created as a way of addressing the threats that resulted from those policies. Cleaning the canal to allow better filling of the lake is essential to addressing the selenium problem Fire and Fire Suppression: This threat is only for the Aquatic scrub/shrub habitat. The wetland at Stewart Lake needs to be burned periodically to control cattail growth. Fires can extend beyond the wetland area and damage or kill adjacent shrubs and trees. By planting additional shrubs and trees outside the area typically burned, this project will offset impacts that have occurred in the past. Brush Eradication/Vegetation Treatments: This threat is only for the Aquatic scrub/shrub habitat. In addition to damage from fire, Russian olive and tamarisk removal have occurred in this habitat. While they are invasive and non-native, Russian olive do provide some benefit to wildlife, especially when other native options aren't available. By planting additional native shrubs and trees this project will promote healthier habitat and offset impacts made by non-native removal efforts. Timing Considerations The inlet canal hasn't been thoroughly cleaned in years. The growth of vegetation in the canal itself interferes with the ability of managers to fill the lake for the benefit of native fish and other wildlife. Waiting to make these improvements and allowing that vegetation to continue growing will only lead to higher expense later on. Russian olive and tamarisk removal efforts were implemented in the fall of 2023. It is essential to follow up with additional work in the fall of 2024 so that growth of these noxious weeds can be controlled and the value of the previous work can be maintained. If not controlled immediately, the remaining plants will very quickly (with just a few years) completely fill in what was removed initially.

The Stewart Lake WMA Management Plan is not yet completed, but this project will address several areas of this plan geared towards proper habitat maintenance within the WMA to benefit fish & wildlife. Activities from this project provide direct benefits to recovery actions undertaken by the UCREFRP through the Larval Trigger Study Plan. This is a collaborative multi-agency (FWS, UCREFRP, BOR, UDWR) and multi-year management plan focused on Flaming Gorge Dam releases to connect middle Green River floodplain habitats to entrain larval razorback sucker and aid in their recruitment and recovery. Decisions for this study plan occur through the Flaming Gorge Technical Workgroup, which includes partners listed above as well as several additional stakeholders. Under Endangered Species Act compliance, recovery actions at Stewart Lake have largely been responsible for the September 2018 decision by FWS to consider razorback sucker for downlisting from endangered to threatened, making it even more crucial for Stewart Lake management to succeed. Bonytail chub are also entrained in Stewart lake, similar to razorback sucker, and we have documented some adult fish spawning in the wetlands in 2023. The project supports selenium remediation efforts in the BOR selenium remediation plan and EIS. It is vital to flush the wetland with as much water as possible to oxidize and reduce selenium concentrations. By improving access for maintenance personnel to clean the inlet canal, the DWR will be better able to provide water to the wetland. The project also supports objectives and strategies outlined in the management plans listed below: RANGE-WIDE CONSERVATION AGREEMENT FOR ROUNDTAIL CHUB, BLUEHEAD SUCKER AND FLANNELMOUTH SUCKER - Restore altered channel and habitat features to conditions suitable for the three species. - Provide flows needed for all life stages of the subject species. - Maintain and evaluate fish habitat improvements throughout the range. STATE OF UTAH RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN - The State will seek to protect, conserve, and improve Utah's fish and aquatic wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend. - The State will seek to provide for the varied demands of fish and aquatic wildlife recreationists. - The State supports ensuring the persistence of the diversity of native fish and aquatic wildlife in Utah. - Restore floodplain connectivity for threatened and endangered species that rely on these locations in areas outside human habitation while preserving the health and safety of residents. - Cooperate across administrative boundaries to maintain or improve water quality where possible. Cooperative efforts include sharing data and collaborating on project planning and implementation efforts. - The State supports using a combination of active water management where necessary and maintaining or restoring natural hydrology when possible to support wildlife habitat and healthy functioning of aquatic ecosystems. - 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. - Increase current populations or establish new populations of wildlife in all suitable habitat within the state as outlined in approved management plans. - Work with local governments and federal agencies to identify and conserve critical wildlife habits. - The state of Utah supports proactive management of noxious weeds. UINTAH COUNTY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN 8.4.2 Encourage the protection and preservation of water quality and fish habitat. 8.4.9 Support efforts to improve fish habitats. 9.4.1 Restore floodplain connectivity for wildlife that rely on these locations in areas outside human habitation while preserving the health and safety of residents. 9.4.2 Encourage the restoration of floodplain connectivity for improved flood control in suitable areas. 17.4.1 Reduce or eliminate noxious weed infestations and minimize the establishment of new weed species. 17.4.3 In areas where weeds have been treated, revegetate and restore with desirable native plant species. 17.4.4 Manage noxious weeds to enhance wildlife habitat and farmland. 17.4.10 Employ a variety of (integrated) weed management techniques including prevention, biological controls, chemical controls, and mechanical controls. 22.4.1 Maintain or improve water quality to protect the health and well-being of county residents and the desirability of the county as a place to visit and recreate. Bureau of Reclamation Selenium Remediation Record of Decision The Bureau of Reclamation EIS ROD requires selenium concentrations in water and bottom sediments at Stewart Lake to be reduced to acceptable levels. In order to reach those goals, a drain/dry cycle is required to allow selenium to oxidize during dry periods greater than 180 days. Following drying, a flush of water coinciding with high river flows will uptake selenium and move it out of the Stewart Lake system. Upper Colorado River Recovery Project--Razorback sucker larval trigger study plan The larval trigger study plan involves timing releases from Flaming Gorge Reservoir with razorback sucker larval presence to entrain them into flooded wetlands. Being able to maintain the inlet canal will allow us to better flood the wetland. Ashley Creek TMDL The Ashley-Brush Watershed, from the confluence with the Green River upstream for 8 miles is classified as impaired due to Selenium and TDS. Stewart Lake is part of the system that is impaired by Selenium. The BOR has a selenium remediation plan for Stewart Lake, which is complementary to Razorback sucker management. This project should help meet the goals of both that plan, as well as the Ashley Creek TMDL. Range-wide Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Three Species (2006) This document outlines the importance of enhancing and maintaining habitat for flannelmouth sucker, roundtail chub, and bluehead sucker, including providing flows needed for all life stages. Stewart lake is an important component in the reproductive cycle of native fish in the green river system. Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus): A Technical Conservation Assessment Recommendations for Utah include: - Establish a "no net loss" policy for riparian habitats. - Maintain current habitat availability. - Establish riparian stepping-stone habitat. - Improve existing habitat quality/decrease habitat degradation. - Maintain/improve natural flow regimes in riverine/riparian systems. Intermountain West Joint Venture Coordinated Bird Conservation Plan: ~ This plan has strategies for preserving and increasing high quality wetland habitat, including adjoining uplands, including aggressively controlling invasive species to maintain productivity, and restoring and enhancing wetlands to mimic natural wetland systems. Intermountain West Waterbird Conservation Plan (2006): ~ this document identifies conservation issues and threats to waterbirds, including water quality, exotic species (e.g. Russian olive, tamarisk). It also identifies Sandhill crane as a species of high concern in BCR 16 (where Stewart Lake is located). Utah Wild Turkey Management Plan (2014): ~ Identifies insufficient winter habitat as a high priority. Winter habitat is characterized by food and roosting cover. By planting native berry-producing shrubs, this project should help provide food for turkeys. Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan (2019-2069) - NL-S1: Identify high priority breeding areas for monarch conservation on natural lands throughout the West and promote protection, restoration, and/or enhancement in these areas. - NL-S2: Identify high priority migratory pathways and clustering locations and promote protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of these areas, including riparian corridors. - NL-S4: Promote the use of local native plants and seeds for habitat enhancement and restoration projects, particularly for monarch conservation efforts. Utah Wildlife Action Plan: ~ This project addresses the following threats to species of greatest conservation need as outlined in the Utah Wildlife Action Plan: --Brush Eradication/Vegetation Treatments: This threat has been identified for Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo. While Russian olive and tamarisk are invasive, noxious weeds, they do provide some habitat, especially when appropriate native species are absent. This project will offset the removal of these non-native species with the planting of native species. --Droughts: This threat has been identified for every species listed on this proposal. Being able to effectively clean the inlet canal will allow better management of Stewart Lake for these native species, and provide water to this important wetland and the species that use it. --Invasive Plant Species - Non-native: This threat has been identified for each of the fish species, as well as ring-necked pheasant, California quail, and Northern leopard frog. The invasive species in question here are Russian olive and tamarisk. While Russian olive can provide some benefits to upland game birds, the tamarisk does not. Both species are classified as noxious weeds and can crowd out native species that provide better habitat. --Natural Rarity: This threat has been identified for razorback sucker and bonytail. These species are endemic to the Green and Colorado river system and Stewart Lake provides critical nursery habitat for young individuals of these species. By providing better inlet flows, this project will help with the management of an area that is critical for these rare species at a vulnerable point in their life cycle. --Water Allocation Policies: This threat has been identified for all of the fish species, all of the waterfowl species, and for Northern leopard frog. Prior to 1981, the primary sources of water to the lake were Ashley Creek and flood water from the Green River. Water allocation policies removed the Ashley Creek water from Stewart Lake and replaced it with subsurface irrigation drains. This is the main contributing factor to elevated selenium levels in the lake. As part of the remediation plan, these subsurface irrigation drains were extended to the Green River and an inlet canal was built to provide water directly from the Green River. Maintaining this inlet canal to provide water is the way Stewart Lake has been built to offset the impacts of the water allocation policies that created a selenium problem in the area. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Strategic Plan: Objective C1: Increase opportunities for and participation in fishing, hunting and other wildlife-related activities. Objective C4: Increase understanding of our customers and potential customers and take reasonable steps to address their needs, wishes and priorities. Objective C5: Improve our understanding of how the broader public views and values wildlife -- and how it contributes to their quality of life -- and take reasonable steps to address their needs, wishes and priorities. Objective R2: Maintain existing wildlife habitat and increase the quality of critical habitats and watersheds throughout the state. Objective R4: Decrease risks to species and their habitats through integrated implementation of the Wildlife Action Plan, species recovery plans, conservation agreements and other management plans (species, AIS, disease, etc.). Objective R5: Conduct management work to help prevent species of concern from being federally listed as threatened or endangered, and work to delist those species that are currently listed.

Stewart Lake is periodically burned to control cattail growth in the lake. These frequent burns facilitate the selenium remediation efforts and allow for higher water levels and better habitat for native fish. Maintenance of the inlet canal is complementary to these efforts. Road improvements will allow fire personnel better access to the property.

Stewart Lake is under a reclamation plan to reduce selenium levels in the lake. This is accomplished by alternately filling and then draining the lake. By improving access for DWR personnel to clean the inlet canal, water levels in Stewart Lake can be better regulated, thereby helping to improve reduce selenium and improve water quality.

As this project is entirely on DWR lands, NEPA is not necessary. Since all disturbance activities are on previously disturbed areas or are on the footprint of current infrastructure, archaeology surveys are not needed.

DWR maintenance staff will complete road and parking improvements, including installation of a horse access gate, using DWR and/or rental equipment. The canal cleaning access road will be cleared of brush and fill material added as needed to provide a good surface for equipment access to the canal. Removal of the old fence and installation of a new fence will be contracted. Dedicated hunters have donated material that can be used in constructing the new fence. Follow-up control of Russian olive and tamarisk will be conducted by contractors. Native tree and shrub plantings will be done by DWR staff and volunteers. The priority for species to plant are: Freemont cottonwood, peachleaf willow, buffaloberry, and skunkbush sumac. Other species we may aquire include boxelder, woods rose, and golden currant. NW area will be herbicide sprayed with boom sprayer targeting perennial pepperweed, canada thistle, tamarisk re-growth, and annual kochia. NW area will be dormant seeded with a variety of seed mixes using a rangeland drill.

DWR aquatics staff are regularly at Stewart Lake and will monitor the canal and road improvements and make recommendations for canal cleaning and maintenance as needed. DWR habitat staff will, at least yearly, check fence lines and parking areas and make repairs as needed. Russian olive and tamarisk removal will be monitored through established photo points and will be re-treated as necessary. NW area will continue line point intercept vegetation monitoring along with photos from two permanent selected sites on north and south of project area. Monitoring reports and photos will be uploaded to WRI page as they are produced.

This project takes place entirely on DWR lands, however, the adjacent landowner (to the East) has also been involved in removing Russian olive on their property. Dedicated hunters have donated materials which will be used to build the fence. Dedicated hunters and other volunteers may be utilized to help with plantings or fence construction. Pheasants Forever will manage the NW project area, approximately 30 acres.

Once the inlet canal is dredged and an access road built along-side, a regular schedule will be developed where DWR personnel will periodically clean the canal. DWR personnel will periodically evaluate condition of fences and roads and make improvements/repairs as necessary. DWR personnel will monitor plantings throughout the year and provide supplemental water during the first year or two as necessary. Several project staff members are interested in developing a nature trail on the property. Once this project is complete we will be better able to evaluate whether or not this is a feasible option.

The access improvements, and maintenance of water levels in the lake, will provide benefits to both consumptive and non-consumptive users of wildlife as they enjoy the property for hunting, fishing, and birding.

09/03/2024

04/10/2025

2025

Re-sprouts from Russian olive and tamarisk that were cut last year were sprayed with Imazapyr herbicide. Old fence removed and new fence built by DWR staff, rather than a contractor as was initially planned. DWR staff cleaned the inlet canal and cleared access road. Road base was added to access road and parking lot and spread out by DWR staff. DWR staff planted 165 buffaloberry, 50 skunkbush sumac, 50 golden currant, and 25 box elder. Weeds on the Northwestern portion were sprayed with a mix of 2,4 D Amine and Glyphosate.

Spot spraying of Russian olive and tamarisk respouts began on 9/3/2024. Native shrubs were planted in late September and October 2024. DWR staff provided supplemental water to plants throughout October 2024. Canal cleaning and road maintenance took place in December 2024. Old fence was removed, and new pipe fence build in March and April 2025. DWR staff provided supplemental water to plants in May and June of 2025. Weed spraying on the Northwestern portion of the project took place on 6/25/2025.

Further spot spraying will be done for the next few years to control Russian olive, tamarisk, and other weeds. DWR staff will continue to provide water to plants throughout the summer of 2025. Seeding on the northwestern portion of the project will finish that phase.