The need for this project is to provide consistent and reliable water sources to support wildlife on the San Pitch Mountains administered by the Manti-La Sal National Forest. This initiative seeks to supplement seasonal or unpredictable water supplies with guzzlers that will be available year-round, thereby enhancing habitat suitability and reducing competition for limited water resources. Restoring and providing water availability for wildlife is crucial for improving access to habitats where water is currently scarce or unavailable. This will help distribute wildlife more evenly across the landscape, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission. The availability of free-standing water is a critical factor that limits the distribution and abundance of many wildlife species in the arid landscapes of the southwestern United States (Rosenstock et al., 1999; Morgart et al., 2005). In the San Pitch Mountains of central Utah, there is a limited number of free-standing water sources on U.S. Forest Service (USFS) administered land. During the summer months, competition for these scarce resources becomes particularly intense among ungulates in high-elevation habitats. The drought years of 2020-2022 were especially concerning, as many natural springs and water sources dried up as early as June and July. This situation forces wildlife into areas with high concentrations of non-wildlife species resulting in increased competition for limited resources. Consequently, this restricts wildlife utilization of high-elevation summer habitats. In response to these challenges, the USFS completed a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process in 2021 to identify eight strategic locations for additional water sources across the high elevations of the San Pitch Mountains. We were awarded funding by WRI in 2024 for phase one which funded three guzzlers. We are seeking funding for phase two with the intent to install guzzlers at three more of the eight identified locations in Fiscal Year 2026. This investment will not only enhance habitat conditions for wildlife but also promote healthier populations by reducing competition for water resources and encourage expanded habitat utilization.

1. Enhance habitat utilization during prolonged seasonal drought conditions. 2. Reduce disease transmission by providing additional water sources, which alleviates the competition among wildlife for limited natural water resources. 3. Ensure a constant, reliable water supply to improve priority habitats designated as the most critical summer habitats in the San Pitch Mountains. 4. Promote and optimize habitat improvements currently underway to enhance summer range conditions for ungulates in the San Pitch Mountains. 5.Encourage terrestrial habitat improvements in future projects planned for the next five years.

Persistent seasonal drought conditions have elevated this project to a top concern for USFS and DWR wildlife biologists. The project identifies three guzzler locations that were observed to be the most impacted areas for wildlife usage during the prolonged drought from 2020 to 2022. Historically, the San Pitch Mountains have relied on limited natural water sources and artificial troughs not designed for wildlife, forcing animal populations to compete in high-traffic areas for scarce surface water. These three proposed guzzler locations will help distribute habitat utilization and provide constant, reliable water sources for the species that inhabit this escarpment. This initiative aligns with current plans to initiate a NEPA process aimed at improving terrestrial vegetative habitat concerns across the summer range of the San Pitch Mountains, which is expected to be completed by FY28.

This project is part of the Deer Herd Unit Management Plan. Current winter range surveys indicate that the mule deer winter range in this area is in poor condition. The proposed projects aim to implement several habitat management strategies outlined in the plan, including: 1. Protecting, maintaining, and improving deer habitat through direct range enhancements to support and sustain herd population management objectives. 2. Collaborating with federal, private, and state partners to improve crucial deer habitats through the Watershed Restoration Initiative (WRI). Management Strategies 1. Enhance and restore sagebrush steppe habitats that are critical for deer. 2. Collaborate with federal land management agencies and private landowners to implement habitat improvements, such as removing pinyon/juniper trees, reseeding, and providing water sources. 3. Conduct habitat improvement projects on both winter and summer ranges to maintain habitat quality and quantity at levels sufficient to support population objectives, while preventing a downward trend in range condition and watershed quality. Goals and Objectives According to the State of Utah Mule Deer Management Plan, Section IV, the habitat goal is to conserve and improve mule deer habitat throughout the state, with an emphasis on crucial ranges. This project will address the following objectives from the Division of Wildlife Resources most recent strategic management plan: 1. Maintain existing wildlife habitat and enhance the quality of critical habitats and watersheds statewide. The Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) for the Forest recognizes the necessity to: 1. Maintain or improve wildlife habitat diversity. 2. Enhance habitat carrying capacity for elk and deer. 3. Protect and improve habitats for threatened or endangered species. 4. Provide habitats for viable populations of existing vertebrate and invertebrate species on the Forest. By implementing direct habitat improvements, we can maintain big-game winter range capacity and offset encroachment from other activities. Increased emphasis will also be placed on non-game habitats and non-consumptive wildlife uses. Regulatory Compliance Executive Order 13443 encourages the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities. This project is designed to maintain or improve wildlife habitat in alignment with this directive. The Clean Water Act (CWA) mandates that each state implement its own water quality standards. Utah's Water Quality Antidegradation Policy requires the maintenance of water quality to protect existing beneficial uses in streams designated as Category 1 High Quality Waters. All surface waters within the outer boundaries of the Dixie National Forest are classified as High-Quality Waters, ensuring they are maintained at their current high quality. New point sources will not be permitted, and non-point sources will be managed through the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs). The State of Utah and the Forest Service have established a Memorandum of Understanding to utilize Forest Plan standards and guidelines, including the Soil and Water Conservation Practices (SWCPs) as BMPs. The proposed action is designed to avoid changes or fill additions to waters within the project area, aligning with management area directives. Forest Plan Management Areas The proposed activities fall within several Forest Plan Management Areas (MAs): MA 1 - General Forest Direction: Focus on improving habitat capability through direct treatment of vegetation, soil, and water, while maintaining fuel conditions for fire suppression objectives. MA C01A3 - Wildlife and Fish Resource Management (Deer and Elk): Develop water sources in areas with historical shortages during dry seasons. MA C01B1 - Wildlife and Fish Resource Management (Golden Eagle): Avoid activities that may cause nest abandonment. MA C0105 - Wildlife and Fish Resource Management: Maintain or improve habitat diversity for viable populations of existing vertebrate wildlife. MA C0201 - Wildlife and Fish Resource Management: Enhance habitat capability through direct treatment of vegetation, soil, and water. MA C0101 - Wildlife and Fish Resource Management: Balance wildlife use with grazing capacities and habitat. MA D02 - Range Resource Management: Manage range resources within productive capacities for grazing and browsing animals, coordinating activities to enhance forage production. MA D0301 - Range Improvement and Maintenance: Provide necessary structural and non-structural range improvements as specified in allotment management plans. MA A1601 - Recreation Management: Manage wildlife and fish habitats in harmony with recreational use, ensuring that structural and non-structural improvements meet visual quality objectives.

Fire and fuel management are not currently addressed within this project; however, this initiative represents the first phase of providing water in habitats that are part of a larger terrestrial habitat project. This future project (San Pitch Big Game Restoration Project) aims to improve the vegetation and fuels loads in surrounding areas that have not received treatment in decades, if ever.

Water quantity will be increased, and water quality may improve by distributing competing species to more abundant water sources, thereby reducing competition for the limited resources currently available.

All necessary NEPA compliance has been completed for these three locations. Water Rights Steps have been taken to ensure this project complies with Utah Code Title 73-3, Section 1.5 regarding the capture and storage of precipitation. Rainwater harvesting certificates have been obtained and approved for each site identified in the project. According to Utah Code 73-3-1.5(3), after registering for the capture and storage of precipitation, individuals may collect and store rainwater in a container that meets the State Construction Code or an approved code under Title 15A, State Construction and Fire Codes Act, provided that: (a) If using only one container on a parcel, the total capacity must not exceed 2,500 gallons; or (b) If using multiple containers on a parcel, the combined capacity must not exceed 2,500 gallons. Sites with water containment exceeding 2,500 gallons will utilize existing water rights held by the United States Forest Service. Local downstream water users have been notified and consulted regarding this project.

A partially buried 1,800-gallon polyethylene wildlife catchment tank will be installed at each site, measuring 3.5 feet high, 8 feet wide, and 16 feet long. All guzzler units will be placed in locations pre-designated by the local wildlife biologist, approximately one/two miles from the nearest known water sources. Each water catchment system will consist of one tank with an attached rainwater catchment apron. Rainwater collected on the apron will drain into the tank through a 2-inch diameter above-ground pipe. Each tank will feature an opening in one corner for wildlife access, partitioned from the main tank, and equipped with wildlife escape ramps to prevent drowning or entrapment. The drinker tanks will be partially buried to reduce visibility and facilitate access for smaller animals. To exclude livestock from the water and surrounding forage, all water units will be enclosed with fencing. Each exclosure will cover approximately 1/4 acre and will be constructed with pole fencing. The water units will be painted in a camouflaged pattern of dark gray, dark green, and rusty brown to blend with the surrounding environment, minimizing visual impact and reducing the likelihood of disturbing wildlife. These three guzzlers will be staged at lower elevations and transported to designated installation areas via aerial operations.

Wildlife crews from both the USFS and the State of Utah will monitor these sites year-round, addressing maintenance and upkeep needs. Additionally, trail cameras will be installed to assess wildlife usage and track seasonal rain collection trends.

Wildlife Utah division of Wildlife Resources.

These three guzzlers are part of a project approved through NEPA to install eight new guzzler sites on the San Pitch Mountains. We are seeking funding to complete three sites proposed for the central part of USFS-administered land near Chicken Creek and Levan Peak. The remaining locations are situated in a series of canyons trending northward, concluding at the Red Cliffs. Additionally, future NEPA clearance and project efforts are underway to enhance terrestrial vegetative habitat across the high elevations of the San Pitch, improving conditions surrounding these guzzlers. This vegetative habitat work is scheduled to commence in FY27.

The Manti-La Sal National Forest aims to improve, enhance, and expand wildlife habitat on public lands. Increasing the availability of surface water will boost the distribution and abundance of economically important game species, such as mule deer, elk, chukar, Merriam's turkey, and sage-grouse. Water developments will also benefit non-game wildlife, particularly birds, bats, and amphibians. Utah is one of the driest states in the country, averaging just 12 inches of precipitation annually. The San Pitch Mountain sites have been chosen for water development due to their limited availability of surface water. While wildlife currently relies on springs, streams, and livestock-developed sources such as tanks and troughs, persistent drought conditions have significantly reduced water availability. As a result, wildlife is increasingly concentrated around the few remaining reliable water sources resulting in underutilization of habitat in high elevation during crucial summer months.