The project area is a isolated region east of the town of Wellington. Pinyon-Juniper trees have been steadily invading the upland/sagebrush habitats in portions of the project over the last decade. As these vegetation types increase in size and density, the risk of unplanned fire events increase with increasing fuel loads. Studies have shown that the invasion of juniper and other conifers into the sagebrush rangelands degrades sagebrush habitat types. The project area is within Phase I, and II PJ development. In Phase II PJ trees are co-dominant with shrubs and herbs and all vegetation layers influence ecological processes on the site. With increased traffic along Highway 6, small fires from vehicles have increased within the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Right Of Way (ROW), thus increasing threats to recreation areas and wildlife habitat within Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed areas near Highway 6.

The overall objectives of the project area is to alter the fire behavior, intensity and fire frequency within the UDOT ROW by decreasing the amount and arrangement of hazardous fuels. The treatments of the proposed project are designed to change the overall fire behavior; the project is expected to limit the size and intensity of large unplanned wildland fire events by implementing a fuel break within the Highway 6 ROW. Specific objectives are: * Reduce the risk of large fire events by changing fuel characteristics. * Break up continuous fuel beds by creating a linear design feature (fuel break). * Reduce the amount and height of hazardous fuels by lop and scatter and masticating vegetation 150 feet on each side of the proposed routes. * Reduce the risk of large fire events in WUI areas near Sunnyside and East Carbon. * Protect crucial habitat for a variety of wildlife species.

The more immediate threat is that with increased fuel loading from the invading trees and invasive grass near the highway, vehicle fires will occur at higher rates. Some portions of the project area are comprised of big sagebrush and Colorado Plateau mixed low sagebrush shrubland, an unplanned fire event would result in the long-term loss of these shrub communities, and the habitat values associated with this type. The longer-term threat/risk is the slow but continual increase in PJ trees and cheat grass that out compete the more desirable shrubs, forbs, and grasses. If the invasion continues unabated, then eventually the sagebrush shrubland habitats will be converted to a PJ type and cheat grass mono cultural stands, resulting in a long-term loss of sagebrush habitat and sagebrush obligate species.

The proposed project will meet multiple objectives found within different plans; Price RMP ROD: Emphasize the use of mechanical, chemical, and biological methods, as well as fire and livestock grazing, to achieve the desired plant community for fish and wildlife habitats. Promote the use of native plant species that are desirable for wildlife, livestock, watershed management, and other resource values while maintaining vegetation species diversity. Coordinate with federal, tribal, and State agencies to develop information, strategies, and plans to manage fish and wildlife habitat and facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities. Maintain or improve the connectivity and productivity of fish and wildlife habitats to support the UDWR population objectives. Fire and fuels; To reduce risks and restore ecosystems through fuels management, allow the following fuels management tools throughout the planning area unless otherwise restricted: wildland fire use; prescribed fire; and mechanical, chemical, seeding, and biological actions.

PJ trees have steadily encroached over the last decade into sagebrush habitat. As these trees increase in size and numbers, habitat values for wildlife and grazing are lost as available forage declines. In addition the increase the trees has also increased the hazardous fuel loading and the risk of an unplanned fire event has also been increased. As sagebrush ecosystems shift to mid tree dominance by PJ, fuel loads double. As they shift to full tree dominance, fuel loads double again. An unplanned fire event would result in the long term loss of sagebrush habitats, and the habitat values associated with this type. In PJ woodlands, the ability of understory plants to recover after disturbance rapidly declines after pre-fire tree cover reaches about 40 to 50% (Fire science brief, Fire Science Program). The fuel breaks are designed to help stop unwanted fires.

After a fire, the competition with understory vegetation can increase the amount of bare soil, which can lead to an increase in runoff, soil loss and erosion (Thurow and Hester 2015). Erosion can lead to a reduction in soil productivity and can also increase non-point source water pollution, thus having the potential to affect water quality within a watershed over time (Thurow and Hester 2015). Invasive species such as cheatgrass currently exists in the project area. Cheatgrass has a higher fire frequency meaning it burns more often which results in more soil erosion. Noxious and invasive weed species utilize large amounts of water and release toxins into the soil that inhibit growth of other plants, which can also reduce the water quality and quantity. The impacts from a fire would be at a local site level.

Project work will be completed only within the existing UDOT ROW. Areas of concern for wildlife and botany have been identified by BLM Price Office biologist. Timings and avoidance will be established on an as needed basis.

All methods of vegetation removal and maintenance will be conducted with UDOT staff and will occur within the median and shoulder of the UDOT ROW. Invading PJ would be masticated. Mowing of the median and shoulder would occur after or during the blooming stage, usually late June early July.

Vegetation monitoring for this project would be pre/post treatment photo points. Photo points including pre and post treatments, will be uploaded into the WRI database.

BLM, SITLA, Private, and DWR. BLM or the state will contact SITLA about the fuel break project. BLM met with UDOT and discussed the project in November 2023. It was agreed to move forward with the project and UDOT would implement the project.

The project area will have continued monitoring and possible maintenance of the fuel break areas.

There will be no change to current livestock grazing management. The project is designed to establish fuel breaks along an existing roadway to reduce the risk of more frequent fires and protect big game habitat and livestock forage. The roadways have been identified as areas where fires are sparked by vehicles. Improving conditions within this remote part of Highway 6 may also improve opportunities for wildlife viewing and other recreational activities.