Utah Lake and its shores are ecologically and recreationally valuable, providing critical riparian, emergent, and wetland habitats that support diverse wildlife, including migratory birds, amphibians, and fish. These ecosystems play a significant role in maintaining water quality by filtering pollutants, stabilizing shorelines, and supporting nutrient cycling. The lake itself is also vital for outdoor recreation, agriculture, and aesthetic enjoyment. However, with Utah County's rapidly growing population, demands on water resources, recreational spaces, and ecosystem services are increasing, making the need to address habitat degradation around Utah Lake more urgent than ever. One of the most pressing ecological challenges is the proliferation of Phragmites australis, an invasive species that has spread aggressively along Utah Lake's shores. This species presents significant threats to the health of the lake's ecosystems by: 1.) Displacing native vegetation that is essential for wildlife, resulting in degraded habitat quality. 2.) Increasing water loss through higher evapotranspiration rates, which exacerbates water scarcity. 3.) Encroaching on wetlands, reducing their ability to support diverse plant and animal communities. 4.) Elevating fire risks due to dense, dry biomass that acts as a fuel source. 5.) Creating public health concerns by potentially increasing mosquito populations, including those carrying West Nile virus. 6.) Tolerating harsh conditions such as fire, drought, flooding, and nutrient pollution, making it exceptionally difficult to control without a sustained and aggressive management program. Thanks to funding from the Watershed Restoration Initiative (WRI), a comprehensive vegetation management program has successfully reduced Phragmites cover along Utah Lake's shoreline by approximately 80%. This progress has alleviated some of the ecological pressures, including reduced fire risks and improved habitat quality. However, without swift follow-up actions, the shoreline remains vulnerable to re-invasion by Phragmites. To secure the long-term benefits of previous efforts, revegetation with native species is essential. Native plants will stabilize soils, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and create diverse habitats that support greater biodiversity. Restoring and maintaining native vegetation along Utah Lake's shores is critical for several reasons: 1.) Ecological Resilience: Native plant communities are better adapted to local conditions and more resilient to environmental stressors, supporting long-term ecosystem health. 2.) Wildlife Habitat: Reestablishing native vegetation will enhance habitat quality for numerous species, including migratory birds and other wildlife dependent on riparian and wetland areas. 3.) Water Quality Improvement: Healthy wetlands filter pollutants and reduce nutrient runoff, improving water quality in Utah Lake. 4.) Preventing Re-invasion: A robust native plant community is essential to outcompete invasive species and prevent Phragmites from reclaiming the shoreline. 5.) Community and Recreational Benefits: Enhancing the ecological health of the lake also supports recreational opportunities, agriculture, and the aesthetic value of the area, benefiting both residents and visitors. The progress made in managing Phragmites demonstrates the effectiveness of an aggressive vegetation management program, but continued action is necessary. This project seeks to build on that success by implementing a comprehensive revegetation strategy that prioritizes native species. Doing so will ensure that the ecological, recreational, and water quality benefits of Utah Lake are preserved and enhanced for future generations.

The primary goal of this project is to restore and enhance the ecological health and resilience of Utah Lake's shoreline and wetlands by controlling invasive species, promoting native vegetation, and improving habitat quality. This effort will support biodiversity, water quality, and long-term sustainability for both wildlife and human use. Objective 1: Native Vegetation Restoration 1.) Actions: ~ Plant native riparian, emergent, and wetland species in areas previously dominated by Phragmites. ~ Use site-specific species based on soil, hydrology, and habitat needs. ~ Contribute to an ongoing vegetation mapping effort with the ULA's Utah Lake Preservation Fund project. 2.) Outcomes: ~ Restore 10 acres of shoreline and wetland habitat with native vegetation by the end of 2026. ~ Achieve at least 80% survival rate of planted native species after the first year of implementation. ~ Aid Utah State University field botany team in vegetation mapping to create a cohesive and effective remote sensing model of Utah Lake's vegetation communities. Objective 2: Invasive Species Management 1.) Actions: ~ Conduct follow-up treatments to prevent Phragmites re-invasion. ~ Monitor and manage other invasive plant species that may threaten restoration areas. 2.) Outcomes: ~ Maintain Phragmites coverage at or below 10% in treated areas. ~ Reduce the presence of other key invasive species by 30% by project completion. Objective 3: Habitat Improvement and Biodiversity Enhancement 1.) Actions: ~ Establish diverse plant communities that support habitat needs for migratory birds, amphibians, and other wildlife. ~ Incorporate habitat features such as nesting platforms and natural cover for wildlife. 2.) Outcomes: ~ Increase species diversity in the next 5 years, as measured by annual biodiversity surveys, with at least 15% more wildlife species utilizing restored areas. ~ Create or improve approximately 20 waterfowl hen houses will be constructed and established in the Provo Bay to encourage reproduction and supply vital habitat. Objective 4: Community Engagement and Public Benefits 1.) Actions: ~ Conduct public outreach and education about the ecological importance of Utah Lake. ~ Involve volunteers and stakeholders in planting and monitoring efforts. ~ Create mapping resources for hunting boundaries on Utah Lake. 2.) Outcomes: ~ Host at least 5 community engagement events focused on restoration and conservation. ~ Involve at least 200 volunteers in restoration activities. ~ House an online hunting resource on the utahlake.gov website for boundaries for various hunting activities. This project aligns with and contributes to several public benefits identified by UWRI, including: 1.) Watershed Restoration: By controlling invasive species and restoring native vegetation, the project will enhance watershed health and improve water quality in Utah Lake. 2.) Wildlife Habitat Conservation: Restoring diverse plant communities will support a wide range of species, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem function. 3.) Fire Risk Reduction: Managing Phragmites reduces fire hazards along the shoreline, protecting both natural resources and nearby communities. 4.) Community and Recreational Benefits: Improved habitat and water quality will enhance recreational opportunities and contribute to the scenic and aesthetic value of Utah Lake."

"Utah Lake is at the confluence of multiple HUC 12 watershed resources making it a vital watershed for the central region of the state. Phragmites proliferation, if left unchecked, will eventually decrease the biodiversity found within the rich habitats of the Utah Lake watershed as well as valuable wetlands. As a result, the entire ecosystem and watershed will be facing a critical threshold. According to the Division of Wildlife 'Wildlife Action Plan', this project benefits both key species and habitats of greatest conservation needs (June Sucker and invasive plant species in shoreline habitat). By removing phragmites and adding more complex wetland vegetation, better spatial heterogeneity is provided for spawning and rearing June Sucker. Catfish also are benefitted by this project because a wider range of debris created by new trees and vegetation in Utah Lake will provide ample cavity nesting. The Division of Wildlife ""Wildlife Tracker"" found that many pronghorn, American white pelican, mule deer, and even a mountain lion use restoration habitat within the project area. Pronghorn and mule deer are able to benefit from this project as it will provide a variety of forage availability in contrast to monocultured phragmites. Many avian species will benefit from this project. For example, white-face ibis will have better access to feeding grounds and increased macroinvertebrate populations. American white pelicans also could benefit from increased access to feeding ground and increased fish site visitation. The planting of various tree species (Fremont cottonwood, boxelder, willow, etc..) will aid in providing bald eagles with wintering perching habitat around the shoreline. With the addition of 20 hen houses to Provo Bay, reproductive success of many waterfowl species, such as American Coot and mallard, should increase while also providing crucial habitat for said species. The success of this project additionally improves watershed health as well as the biodiversity of the wetlands, shoreline, and lake by eliminating an entire monoculture of noxious weeds. By eliminating this monoculture, the window for revegetation is opening, but quick action is required to decrease propagule pressure and the chance of reinvasion. Phragmites is a pioneer species that significantly proliferates once established and can easily overcome the ecological thresholds of newly disturbed grounds if native vegetation is not present. Resilient native vegetation not only creates desirable habitats for wildlife but also improves water quality and reduces the consumption of water; effectively enhancing both quality and quantity of Utah Lake's water supply."

"Utah Lake Management Plan - The Utah Lake Authority, with input from jurisdictional partners and lake stakeholders has developed the Utah Lake Management Plan, approved in January 2024. Therein, under the Ecosystems Pillar, one of the goals listed is: "Manage and collaborate on the restoration of healthy and resilient populations of native and ecologically desirable vegetation in and around Utah Lake to improve wildlife habitat, aesthetic appeal, and accessibility for compatible recreation." There are several objectives listed under this, including: continuing Phragmites treatment, studying, piloting, and implementing programs to restore healthy and resilient native vegetation, and more. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J3v0SJKpitX9oXHJufwk761k2lYpNEej/view Utah Lake Master Plan - *Although this plan is out of date, it was the FFSL management plan for Utah Lake and it informs the planned revision of the FFSL management plan that began in 2024. The Utah Lake Commission [1,2 (two objectives)] and Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands [3,4 (two objectives] adopted the Utah Lake Master Plan in June 2009. It specifically lists removal of Phragmites around Utah Lake as a high-priority goal. The Master Plan also lists the importance of insect control to benefit public health--a direct result of this removal effort. https://ffsl.utah.gov/state-lands/utah-lake/utah-lake-plans/ State of Utah Noxious Weeds List - The 2022 State of Utah Noxious Weed List includes Phragmites, tamarisk and russian olive, all of which are primary targets of this treatment program. https://ag.utah.gov/plant-industry/noxious-weed-control-resources/state-of-utah-noxious-weed-list/ Utah County Noxious Weed Control Policy - The Utah County Weed Board specified in the 2023 policy, "The Utah County Noxious Weed Control Program will function and enforce in accordance with the State of Utah Noxious Weed Act and Utah County Code 7.11 to organize, supervise, and coordinate a noxious weed control plan for Utah County including chemical, mechanical, and biological control practices." Utah County is a crucial partner in the effort to control noxious weeds at Utah Lake, as shown in their partnership on this program and grant application. https://www.utahcounty.gov/Dept/PubWrks/Data/WeedControl/2023UtahCountyNoxiousWeedControlPolicy.pdf Utah County Resource Assessment- The Utah County Commission, Alpine Conservation District and Timpanogos/Nebo Conservation District have identified Phragmites as a noxious weed at the recommendation of the Utah County Weed Board. This board meets regularly to strategize treatment of numerous types of noxious weeds in Utah County. This is outlined in the 2013 County Resource Assessment. Restoration of the shoreline of Utah Lake is a high priority of this board. https://e3dc6848-b67e-4bdc-8f65-ab3f93bd2b24.filesusr.com/ugd/9bdf1b_75a87ff734cc4e0fb4a3c64df643daa3.pdf Utah Wildlife Action Plan (WAP)- The stated purpose of the 2015 Utah Division of Wildlife Resources WAP "...is to manage native wildlife species and their habitats to help prevent listings under the Endangered Species Act." The threatened June Sucker, endemic to Utah Lake, benefits from these habitat improvements. The plan further states ""Habitat restoration, carp removal, and flow releases in the Provo River to maintain flows while spawning have benefited June sucker." chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/WAP/Utah_WAP.pdf Phragmites removal is also a priority of several municipalities, including the City of Saratoga Springs, Provo City, Lehi City and Vineyard City. Their goal is to reduce this invasive species as it grows closer to existing homes and planned developments. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food has identified Phragmites as one of their top priorities for invasive species control, within the Invasive Species Mitigation program, which has often been a partner in this grant. The June sucker Recovery Implementation Program has identified Phragmites at Utah Lake to be detrimental to habitat and has been supporting efforts to remove Phragmites around the lake. This project lies within the wetland type which is one of the key habitats identified in the WAP. This area supports a variety of wildlife species including many that are listed in the WAP such as fish, Neotropical birds, raptors, and wading and shorebirds. June sucker, an ESA listed threatened fish endemic to Utah Lake, may also receive benefit from a long-term Phragmites removal effort of which this project is the first step.

One of the ecological threats posed by Phragmites australis is its dense growth and accumulation of dry biomass, which significantly increases the risk of wildfire. This invasive species forms monocultures with tall, dead stems that persist year-round, creating a continuous fuel source capable of carrying fire across large areas, including wetlands, shorelines, and adjacent upland zones. The proposed project will reduce fire risk by: 1.) Eliminating Hazardous Fuels: Through ongoing Phragmites removal, we will significantly decrease the biomass available to fuel fires. 2.) Breaking Fuel Continuity: By restoring native plant communities, which have lower fuel loads and more diverse structure, the project will disrupt the continuous fuel beds created by phragmites. 3.) Re-seeding with Fire-Wise Species: Native species selected for re-seeding and planting will include fire-resistant plants such as sedges, rushes, and other wetland-adapted species that do not contribute significantly to fire spread. Proximity to at-risk features: 1.) Communities at Risk: Several residential areas around Utah Lake, including portions of Saratoga Springs, Provo, and Vineyard, are within close proximity to the treated areas. 2.) Reducing fire risk along the shoreline will help protect these communities from wildfire spread. 3.) Permanent Infrastructure: Critical infrastructure such as roads, power lines, and recreational facilities (including public parks and trails) will benefit from reduced fire risk. 4.) Municipal Watersheds: The project area is part of the broader Utah Lake watershed, which provides water resources for agricultural, municipal, and recreational uses. Protecting this watershed from fire-related damage is essential for maintaining water quality and supply. 5.) Wildlife Habitat: Restoring native vegetation will protect critical wildlife habitats, including nesting and foraging areas for migratory birds, amphibians, and other species that depend on wetland and riparian zones. Value of Protected Features: 1.) Community Safety: By reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires, the project will enhance public safety for thousands of residents living near Utah Lake. 2.) Water Quality Protection: Preventing fire in the wetlands will reduce the risk of post-fire erosion and sedimentation, which can degrade water quality in Utah Lake and downstream water bodies. 3.) Habitat Conservation: Fire-resistant native vegetation will maintain critical habitat for wildlife, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. 4.) Recreational Opportunities: Protecting trails, parks, and other recreational areas from fire damage ensures continued access for outdoor enthusiasts and supports local tourism and quality of life. The project's long-term management plan includes monitoring vegetation regrowth and maintaining fire breaks through periodic treatments to prevent the re-establishment of hazardous fuels. This proactive approach will help sustain reduced fire risk over time.

As the third largest freshwater lake in the western United States, Utah Lake contains approximately 902,400 acre-feet of water when full. As a result, the Utah County Resource Assessment Plan marked Utah Lake as a high priority. It points out that the lake provides water not only to its county residents but also to Salt Lake and Davis Counties. As such, it is a very important part of the watershed both in quantity and for its quality. According to Utah's Division of Water Quality, replacing Phragmites with other native species provides better uptake of nutrient pollution; and a reduction in nutrient concentrations with a direct correlation to algal bloom reductions. This assertion is confirmed by a local study: (http://etgreatsaltlake.weebly.com/), which finds that Phragmites consumes more than double the water of native wetland vegetation. Short-Term Impacts on Water Quality & Quantity of this Project: 1.) Water Quality Improvement through Vegetation Establishment: ~The removal of invasive phragmites and replacement with native vegetation has the ability to reduce nutrient loading and sediment runoff into Utah Lake. Native plants such as sedges, rushes, and grasses have deeper root systems that stabilize soils, reducing erosion and filtering pollutants from runoff. This process will help mitigate the influx of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which contribute to harmful algal blooms (HABs). 2.) Runoff and Sediment Control: ~The reestablishment of riparian buffers with native plants will slow the flow of stormwater runoff, allowing sediments and pollutants to settle before entering the lake. This natural filtration reduces turbidity and improves overall water clarity. 3.) Flood Mitigation: ~ In the short term, restored wetlands will act as natural sponges, absorbing excess stormwater and reducing the risk of localized flooding during heavy rainfall events. Long-Term Impacts on Water Quality & Quantity of this Project: 1.) Increased Water Quantity through Reduced Evapotranspiration: ~Phragmites is known for its high rates of evapotranspiration, which can significantly reduce available water in wetland systems. By replacing Phragmites with native vegetation, which has lower water consumption, the project will help conserve water and increase water availability over time. 2.) Enhanced Soil Infiltration and Groundwater Recharge: ~ Native plants with deep, fibrous root systems improve soil structure and permeability, enhancing the infiltration of water into the ground. This promotes groundwater recharge and reduces surface runoff, contributing to long-term water availability. 3.) Erosion Control and Shoreline Stabilization: ~Over the long term, the establishment of native plant communities will stabilize the lake's shoreline, preventing erosion caused by wind, waves, and fluctuating water levels. This will maintain the integrity of the shoreline and reduce sediment loading into the lake, further improving water quality. 4.) Sustainable Nutrient Cycling: ~Native vegetation supports natural nutrient cycling processes by taking up excess nutrients and incorporating them into plant biomass. This reduces nutrient availability in the water column, decreasing the likelihood of eutrophication and HABs.

This type of treatment does not require archeological surveys or cultural surveys. However, DWR's Archeologist has an opportunity to review the project area to provide comments on general areas to avoid during the smashing phase of the treatment.

Annual Management: 1.) A contracted helicopter will be used to treat the project area with Glyphosate in late summer, spot treatments take place simultaneously using Marsh Masters with boomless sprayers as well as using an Ag-UAV with a spray system for more isolated areas surrounded by desirable native vegetation. 2.) Remove and treat stumps of Russian Olive with glyphosate and stumps of Tamarisk with triclopyr or imazapyr from strategic areas in the Fall/Winter. 3.) Utah County crews will mow and smash as much of the biomass as possible in the treated area during the winter using Marsh Masters outfitted with roller choppers or cutter mowers. 4.) Continual monitoring of regrowth and treatment as needed will be done during the year. 5.) Continual maintenance will occur and spot treatment of any regrowth along the shoreline will continue. Vegetation Restoration: 1.) Approximately 40,000 plugs, 900 pounds of seed, and 100 trees will be planted and dispersed throughout the northern half of Utah Lake's shoreline. 2.) Plugs will be planted throughout the spring and 3/4 of plug portions will be planted by North Fork Native Plants technical crews while the remaining 1/4 of plugs will be planted during various volunteer events. 3.) Seed will be spread throughout the summer and fall by the Utah County Weed crews with a seed spreader mounted onto Marsh Masters. 4.) Trees will be planted in the fall during Utah Conservation Corps and contractor events by utilizing motorized augers and hand tools. 5.) Continual monitoring of growth status and condition of plants will be conducted throughout the year.

Results from monitoring will inform adaptive management strategies, allowing for adjustments in treatment methods, plant selection, and follow-up activities. This iterative approach will ensure that the project remains on track to meet its objectives and adapt to changing conditions. Monitoring Schedule and Assignments: 1.) Phragmites Control and Follow-Up Treatments: ~ Responsible Party: Utah County Public Works Weed Control Department. ~ Schedule: Annual assessments of spraying and mechanical treatments, with follow-up treatments conducted as needed. ~ Data Collection: Treatment data will be recorded for each spray event, documenting location, coverage, and treatment type. 2.) Photopoint Monitoring: ~ Responsible Party: ULA and hired consultant ~ Schedule: Pre- and post-treatment photos are taken at established photo points and compared annually to evaluate visual changes and treatment success. 3.) Line Transect Monitoring: ~ Responsible Party: ULA and hired consultant. ~Schedule: Monitoring will continue annually at 23 line transects (14 treatment, six reference, and three control points). ~Purpose: This long-term data will provide a clear understanding of restoration progress, including changes in Phragmites cover and native vegetation establishment. Data Collection and Reporting: 1.) All treatment and monitoring data will be compiled annually into reports. Photopoint comparisons, transect data, and drone imagery will be analyzed to evaluate progress and effectiveness. Data Upload and Sharing: 1.) Reports, photos, and monitoring data will be uploaded to the project page on the Watershed Restoration Initiative (WRI) platform, ensuring transparency and accessibility for stakeholders. Collaboration: 1.) Monitoring efforts will be conducted in collaboration with UDAF and other partners to maintain consistency and accuracy in data collection. Data from line transects and other monitoring points will be shared with WRI for evaluation and reporting purposes.

The Utah Lake Authority partners with the Watershed Restoration Initiative, Utah County, Utah Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Provo Bay Delta Waterfowl chapter, and 387 individually owned parcel owners. How we work together: 1.) All landowners are contacted (430 parcels) and currently 387 individually owned parcel owners have engaged with ULA staff and signed an agreement to partner and receive treatments and/or provide access on or through their property. 2.) The Utah Lake Shoreline restoration project has also established partnerships with State, County and local governments to complete annual projects on the shoreline so that as many encroached areas as possible can be treated. 3.) The Utah Lake Authority made up of 17 municipal governments, the County and 4-state agencies, is the project lead and grant applicant. The Utah Lake Authority contributes staff time and funding towards the project. 4.) Utah County manages the full-time and grant funded staff who carry out the physical aspects of the project, it also provides in-kind labor, equipment and complete all equipment maintenance. 5.) Utah Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands provides annual project funding and maintenance, application insight, as well as permitting for lakeshore access. 6.) Utah's Department of Ag and Food has established and funded five years' worth of monitoring data and protocols that will continue to be utilized. 7.) The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources provides habitat feedback and information on best practices to ensure project success as well as being a WRI application partner during the planning phase of the upcoming projects. 8.) Provo Bay Delta Waterfowl chapter provides experienced labor and maintenance by building waterfowl hen houses with provided supplies and establishing the houses in the Provo Bay. 9.) Some landowners agree to conduct the treatments themselves or graze the Phragmites independent of this effort. Reminder communications are sent out by ULA staff during the treatments to all landowners as well.

The Utah Lake Authority has a long term vested interest, regardless of land ownership, in maintaining the shorelines of Utah Lake and has identified this as a priority in the Utah Lake Master Plan and will be prioritized in the Utah Lake Authority Management Plan. As the owner of the lakebed, the Utah Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands is also dedicated to long term lake management. As described in the methods section, the ULA's long-term plan includes monitoring and managing the treated areas into the future to ensure the shoreline remains clear of Phragmites. Additionally, the Utah Lake Preservation Fund has provided $1.5 million for Utah Lake's restoration in the next two years. This funding will be used across five different objectives: land preservation, revegetation, invasive species management, vegetation mapping, and lake-wide vegetation planning. UAV imagery will be analyzed along the lakeshore and areas with invasive regrowth will be prioritized for re-treatment. This provides a site-specific plan to be created for aerial and spot treatments.

1. Recreation Enhancement ~ Improved Access and Aesthetic Value: The removal of dense Phragmites stands will open up previously inaccessible areas along Utah Lake's shoreline, enhancing recreational opportunities such as hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, and fishing. ~ Water Quality and Recreation: By reducing nutrient runoff and improving water quality, the project will make the lake more suitable for water-based recreation and reduce the frequency of harmful algal blooms (HABs), benefiting boaters, swimmers, and anglers. ~ Fire Risk Reduction for Recreation Areas: Reducing fire hazards through invasive species control will protect recreational infrastructure, including public parks, trails, and campgrounds near the lake. 2. Grazing Opportunities ~ Forage Availability: The re-establishment of native grasses and sedges will provide improved forage quality for livestock in areas adjacent to Utah Lake. Unlike Phragmites, which offers no forage value, native species will create sustainable grazing opportunities. ~ Improved Livestock Distribution: By restoring wetlands and riparian zones with native plants, the project will support more even distribution of livestock, reducing pressure on overgrazed areas and promoting sustainable grazing practices. 3. Wildlife-Related Activities ~Improved Wildlife Habitat for Hunting and Birdwatching: Restored habitats will support a greater diversity of waterfowl and game species, enhancing opportunities for hunting, birdwatching, and wildlife photography. The improved quality of wetland and riparian areas will attract more species, making the lake a destination for wildlife enthusiasts. ~ Fishing Opportunities: Healthier wetlands and improved water quality will enhance fish habitats, supporting recreational fishing and boosting fish populations. 4. Long-Term Sustainability and Ecosystem Resilience ~ Ecosystem Services: By fostering native vegetation, the project will enhance ecosystem services such as water filtration, soil stabilization, and carbon sequestration, contributing to the long-term sustainability of Utah Lake. ~ Support for Agricultural Sustainability: Healthier riparian zones and wetlands will improve the overall watershed, benefiting agricultural users who depend on clean water for irrigation and livestock.