Water resources on portions of the Henry Mountains are scarce. Guzzler construction would capture and provide water storage during precipitation events in areas with low water resources, allowing for greater bison distribution and increase utilization of the range. Other wildlife would also benefit from access to more water. Current wooden post and rail enclosure fencing continuously breaks down and needs repairs. When the fences are in disrepair, bison and cattle are able to access and trample the spring source and riparian areas. Replacing the the current fencing with a buck and rail fence designed to withstand livestock and wildlife pressure, will protect the spring source and riparian areas.

Construct 8 guzzlers to provide water capture and storage for use by bison and other wildlife in areas with limited water resources. Guzzlers will consist of 1,800 gallon dome topped Boss Tanks with built-in drinkers along with constructed aprons to increase water capture. Deteriorating enclosure fences will be replaced with buck and pole fences designed to withstand livestock and wildlife pressure at 5 spring locations.

Guzzler sites and spring enclosure fencing are located within year-long crucial bison habitat on the Henry Mountains.

BLM Richfield Field Office Resource Management Plan, 2008: Maintain, restore, protect, and enhance habitats to support healthy populations of diverse fish and wildlife species, recognizing crucial habitats as management priorities. UDWR Southeast Region Bison Unit Management Plan, Henry Mountains, Unit#15, 2022: The DWR, BLM, and SITLA have partnered to create suitable bison habitat on the Henry Mountains. The DWR is committed to promoting habitat improvement projects and working with interested parties to increase the value of the Henry Mountain rangelands for the betterment of wildlife.

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Guzzlers would increase water quantity and availability for wildlife use would increase. Heavy duty enclosure fencing would increase protection of spring sources and riparian areas.

BLM will apply for water collection permits. Arie Leeflang, DNR Cultural Resources Program Specialist, has offered to do the cultural clearances. The RFO has a Programmatic Guzzler EA which is being used for NEPA compliance. Wildlife clearances will be completed when necessary. Enclosure fences are covered under BLM CX's and are allowed to be maintained. If metal fence uses posts, instead of a jack fence, a cultural technician will be on hand to monitor fence construction.

BLM will partner with UDWR SER to purchase, transport, and construct the guzzlers. Talks to have sportsman's group (BHA & SFW) volunteers to help have been initiated and a request for dedicated hunters will be issued to help with construction. Removal of current fencing and construction of buck and poll fencing will be contracted out. Fence design plans and a statement of work will be provided by BLM engineering staff to facilitate contracting goals, along with monitoring of fence construction.

BLM and UDWR will monitor the guzzlers for functionality and for any future maintenance needs. BLM will monitor fences for any future maintenance needs.

BLM, UDWR, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife.

Future maintenance needs will be performed by BLM and/or UDWR.

These additional water sources will also help to distribute livestock and wildlife across the unit, reducing negative impacts to existing water sources and vegetation. Protecting spring sources and riparian areas will improve and sustain water quality and riparian vegetation/habitat.