The sagebrush biome is a critical ecological system, providing habitat for numerous species and playing a significant role in the rural economies of the American West. However, the introduction of fire suppression efforts in the 1900s has caused major ecological shifts, with sagebrush ecosystems now under threat. The loss of sagebrush is accelerating at an alarming rate--1.3 million acres per year--and it is predicted that the remaining healthy habitat could be gone by midcentury if current trends continue. Sage-grouse populations, a key indicator of ecosystem health, have dramatically declined, as have other sagebrush-dependent species like sage sparrows and sage thrashers. This highlights the urgency of restoring and maintaining these ecosystems. A crucial part of restoration is mimicking natural disturbances, such as fire, which these ecosystems are adapted to, but in a controlled manner, especially considering the risk of uncontrollable wildfires in populated areas. The proximity of sagebrush habitats to wet meadows, streams, and wetlands, which support a high diversity of bird and wildlife species, adds another layer of complexity. The loss of these critical mesic habitats, which many species depend on during various stages of their life cycles, further exacerbates the decline in biodiversity. The Asay Creek Watershed, in particular, has been identified as impaired due to several factors such as degraded soils, struggling vegetation, frequent flooding, and nutrient loading. These signs indicate a loss of ecological function, and wildlife populations, such as greater sage-grouse and mule deer, are often the first to show the effects of these disturbances. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, including careful management of fire, restoration of mesic habitats, and efforts to reverse the degradation of watershed function. This will help ensure the long-term viability of the sagebrush biome and the diverse species that depend on it. The location to of this project is of concern to local fire officials. The encroachment of pinyon and juniper have not only degraded wildlife habitat, but increased the threat of catastrophic wildfire. By do this project the Garfield County Fire Warden, has expressed that this will allow for fire officials to engage wildfire safely, and protect private property, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Mammoth Creek Fish Hatchery.

GOALS - Create a patchwork of wooded and open habitat types adjacent to Asay Creek. - Increase shrubs, grasses, and forbs. OBJECTIVES - Decrease pinyon and juniper by 90% within mastication treatment polygons -Reduce sub alpine and white fir by 30% - Increase shrubs, grasses, and forb cover by 70% within mastication treatment polygons. - Decrease rabbitbrush by 70% within mowing polygons

As mentioned in the "Need for Project" section, the urgency of addressing sagebrush habitat loss is critical. Each year, an estimated 1.3 million acres of sagebrush vanish, a rate that, if continued, will leave the remaining healthy habitat gone by midcentury. This rapid loss of sagebrush habitat underscores the pressing need for immediate and effective conservation and restoration efforts to maintain the functionality of this crucial ecosystem for future generations. Sagebrush Conservation Strategy The new multi-agency Sagebrush Conservation Design (SCD) aims to provide a comprehensive, spatially explicit framework for sagebrush conservation. This collaborative effort is based on leveraging advanced remote sensing technologies to identify and assess sagebrush habitat conditions, threats, and restoration opportunities across the biome. Through the SCD, a model was developed to prioritize conservation areas, identifying Core Sagebrush Areas (CSAs), Growth Opportunity Areas (GOAs), and Other Rangeland Areas (ORAs). Our project is situated adjacent to a designated GOA, which represents a high-priority area for sagebrush conservation. While the project site itself is categorized as an ORA, working alongside these priority areas will help expand sagebrush habitat and improve overall ecosystem health. This close proximity further emphasizes the importance of the project's location in advancing conservation efforts. Bird Habitat Conservation Area This project area also falls within and near an identified Bird Habitat Conservation Area (BHCA), specifically #44 Panguitch Valley, which is critical for shrub-steppe habitat restoration. Species such as greater sage-grouse, Ferruginous hawk, sage sparrow, and Brewer's sparrow are priorities for protection in this region. The restoration practices planned for this project align with these conservation goals, directly benefiting these sagebrush-obligate bird species and contributing to broader habitat restoration efforts in the area. Landscape Conservation Forecast Modeling Although no specific data exists for the area within the Landscape Forecasting tool, the information provided through SCD and associated models offers valuable insight into the broader landscape and its ecological trends. This will help further refine restoration priorities and ensure effective, targeted actions are taken. Wildfire Risk Assessment The Utah Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal has identified the project area as being at high risk for extreme wildfire. Implementing the proposed restoration practices will help mitigate this risk by reducing fuel loads and increasing herbaceous vegetation, which can act as a firebreak, potentially reducing the intensity of wildfires in the area. Wildlife Tracker Data The Wildlife Tracker data provided limited insights into species movement and habitat use, but it does indicate some sage-grouse presence near the project site. The area directly across the highway has been identified as a potential habitat for sage-grouse, suggesting that restoring sagebrush habitat on the project site could enhance its suitability for these birds, especially considering the proximity of wetted habitats along Asay Creek, which are important for sage-grouse brood rearing. The project area is part of the Panguitch Sage-grouse Management Area (SGMA), which is identified as a priority region for sage-grouse conservation under the Utah Sage-grouse Management Plan. The restoration goals of the project align with the key objectives of this plan, which include improving sagebrush steppe habitats and creating suitable brood rearing habitats. Greater Sage Grouse Habitat As mention above this priority sage grouse habitat. This area is also potential habitat for the most southern greater sage grouse populations in the world. Improving/creating quality summer habitat is crucial for sage grouse populations to grow and continue to avoid the demises of endanger species listing. Research has shown that sage grouse need continuous sage brush habitats (Olsen et al, 2021). Sage grouse also need forbs and grasses for brood rearing habitat (Dahlgren et al. 2015). This project is surrounded by some of the largest Leks in southern Utah. Though this area is not used, it has been documented to birds will expand into restored areas (Olsen et al. 2021). Crucial Mule Deer Habitat Mule deer population have undergone several substantial range-wide population declines in the 1960's, 1980's, and late 1990's and early 2000's, mostly due to unfavorable climatic events such as droughts and harsh winter conditions. Factors like habitat fragmentation, habitat quality, and other anthropomorphic factors have compounded these declines by suppressing population rebounds. Currently, many regional and local populations are below management objectives set by state wildlife agencies. The project area in this proposal is part of the Panguitch Mule Deer Herd Unit and the project area includes identified crucial mule deer habitat, as outlined in the Statewide 2025-2030 Mule Deer Management Plan. Mule deer rely on these identified crucial habitats for critical seasonal activities, such as fawning, wintering, and migration. Restoration practices focused on maintaining and improving these habitats will support healthy mule deer populations, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the species in the region. The Herd Unit Plan specifically states a management strategy for increasing mule deer populations should focus on, "Reduce expansion of Pinyon-Juniper woodlands into sagebrush habitats and improve habitats dominated by Pinyon-Juniper woodlands by completing habitat restoration projects like lop & scatter, bullhog, and chaining.". The Plan further states, "Future habitat work should be concentrated on opportunities to increase browse and perennial forbs in areas of critical winter range through mechanical treatment and reseeding." The current proposal will directly address these goals and objectives from the Statewide and specific Herd Unit plan as stated. Elk This area is mapped as summer/calving and winter habitat. The elk population on the Panguitch Lake unit is robust, and with habitat improvements especial with landowners that value wildlife and want to manage their property for wildlife is key for species and population growth. This treatment will increase the amount of grasses and forbs need for milk production for lactating cow elk. With this and other treatments this will allow biologist opportunities to increase population objectives. Garfield County Resource Management Plan The goals of this project align well with the objectives outlined in the Garfield County Resource Management Plan (RMP). The RMP emphasizes the importance of vegetation and water as renewable resources that can be leveraged to improve land health, restore streams, stabilize riparian areas, and mitigate the effects of wildland fire and climate change. The RMP also identifies the restoration of sagebrush steppe habitats and the removal of invasive conifers, such as pinyon/juniper, as critical to maintaining healthy sagebrush ecosystems. This project addresses these needs by actively working to restore historical sagebrush-dominated ecological sites, reduce the encroachment of invasive species, and promote biodiversity and watershed health. Conclusion This project is a timely and essential action in the face of rapidly declining sagebrush habitat. Through a combination of strategic partnerships, state and federal priorities, and localized efforts, the project aims to restore and protect key habitats for sagebrush-obligate species like the greater sage-grouse and mule deer. With its alignment with multiple conservation strategies and management plans, this project will play an important role in halting the loss of sagebrush habitat and ensuring its continued ecological function for years to come.

Integration of Strategic Plans and Conservation Objectives This project aligns with numerous regional, state, and national conservation plans aimed at addressing the urgent threats to sagebrush ecosystems, wildlife populations, and habitat quality. The collective goals outlined in these strategic documents reinforce the need for action to restore and protect critical habitats, manage fire risks, and support wildlife populations in the Upper Kanab Creek area and beyond. Below is a summary of how the project aligns with key conservation objectives: USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Strategic Plan Priority Species and Areas: This project addresses habitat threats for priority species within the Plateau Focus Area, a designated priority area for habitat restoration work. By targeting habitat restoration, this project contributes directly to preserving species that rely on sagebrush ecosystems, such as sage-grouse and other sagebrush-obligate species. Utah Partners in Flight Avian Conservation Strategy (Version 2.0) Lowland Riparian Habitat: The strategy identifies the lowland riparian habitat as critical for the breeding habitat of several species of songbirds. This project's focus on sagebrush restoration, along with adjacent riparian habitat improvement, supports the creation of better breeding conditions for these species. Intermountain West Joint Venture Habitat Conservation Strategy Public-Private Partnerships: The strategy encourages support for existing public-private partnerships to implement sagebrush habitat conservation. This project works within a framework of such partnerships, including local, state, and federal agencies, to restore sagebrush habitat, improve fire resiliency, and enhance ecological health across the region. Utah Wild Turkey Management Plan Habitat Improvement: The plan outlines the need to improve wild turkey habitats, especially following catastrophic events like wildfires. This project will help stabilize populations and provide habitat improvement through the restoration of sagebrush, riparian, and mesic habitats, addressing limiting factors for wild turkey populations. Panguitch Mule Deer Management Plan (2020) Crucial Habitat Restoration: Although the project does not directly target winter range or highway mortality, it aligns with goals to improve crucial habitats and reduce pinyon-juniper encroachment in transition or summer ranges. The project will help enhance mule deer habitat by improving forage availability and expanding quality habitat in the region. UDWR Elk Management Plan for Panguitch Unit Forage Improvement: The project supports habitat projects that increase forage for both big game and livestock by addressing pinyon-juniper encroachment and increasing forage quality. This directly supports the goals of the Panguitch Elk Management Plan to maintain and protect critical elk range. Great Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan Encroaching Conifer Removal: The Great Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan emphasizes the need to remove encroaching conifers to expand greater sage-grouse habitat. This project addresses this need by removing pinyon-juniper trees and restoring sagebrush habitats, directly benefiting sage-grouse and other species that rely on healthy sagebrush ecosystems. Local Working Group Collaboration Color Country Greater Sage-Grouse Local Conservation Plan: This project works with the Color Country Adaptive Resource Management Local Working Group to address the primary threats to sage-grouse populations, including fire, vegetation management, and invasive species. These collaborative efforts ensure the project aligns with the larger goals of sage-grouse conservation. Utah Catastrophic Wildfire Reduction Strategy Fire Risk Management: The strategy calls for reducing fire risk by managing and removing invasive species. This project reduces wildfire risk by restoring sagebrush habitats, improving fuel load management, and addressing pinyon-juniper encroachment, which can fuel catastrophic wildfires. Utah Wildlife Action Plan Mountain Sagebrush and Fire Management: The Utah Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) identifies mountain sagebrush as a key habitat and highlights inappropriate fire frequency as a threat to lowland sagebrush. This project aims to reduce fire risks and serve as a fire buffer to adjacent high-risk areas, thus contributing to the long-term health of sagebrush ecosystems. State of Utah Resource Management Plan Pinyon-Juniper Encroachment: The Statewide Resource Management Plan stresses the importance of removing pinyon-juniper encroachment to conserve sagebrush habitats and protect wildlife. The project directly addresses this goal by implementing habitat restoration projects that focus on managing invasive species and improving vegetative health. Garfield County Resource Management Plan Vegetative Treatments: Garfield County encourages the use of vegetative treatments for improved forage and rangeland health, and this project aligns with these objectives. The planned treatments will help restore vegetation, improve wildlife habitats, and provide quality forage for both wildlife and livestock. Upper Sevier River Watershed Management Plan The Upper Sevier River Watershed Management Plan calls for the restoration of sage-grouse habitats by treating sagebrush grasslands and controlling pinyon/juniper expansion. This project contributes to these goals by improving habitat quality for sage-grouse and other wildlife species. Utah Conservation Plan for Greater Sage-Grouse Sage-Grouse Habitat Protection and Restoration: The plan focuses on protecting and increasing sage-grouse habitats and implementing active riparian and mesic restoration projects. This project contributes to these goals by restoring sagebrush ecosystems, improving riparian habitats, and enhancing nesting and brood-rearing habitats for sage-grouse. Garfield County Resource Management Plan (2019) The project aligns with county objectives to promote vegetative treatments that maximize forage production, rangeland health, and wildlife habitat. Actions support county goals of maintaining adequate forage, water, cover, and security for wildlife, while coordinating habitat improvements across jurisdictions. Utah Forest Action Plan 2020 The third FAP goal is to achieve better responses to forest threats at the right scale and to engage all landowners, forest managers, stakeholders and communities in planning, implementation and collaborative learning. FFSL will build on existing landscape-scale restoration programs and initiatives in partnership with the Forest Service. UPPER SEVIER RIVER Total Maximum Daily Load and Water Quality Management Plan Results of the habitat assessment from the SVAP survey discussed in this document indicate that the primary impairments of stream habitat are related to streambank erosion, excessive sediment, and nutrient enrichment in the Sevier River. The result of these impacts has been the decline of a once productive fishery and the aquatic life necessary to support the fishery. Streambank restoration: The re-establishment of woody, deep-rooted vegetation such as willows and sedges is recommend for the majority of the Sevier River from its headwaters to Circleville Canyon. The potential for bank stabilization and erosion control is high since the water table is typically high through out the year. Practices could include willow pole planting, willow mats, temporary juniper revetments, and other soft bio-engineering techniques. These restoration projects would have to be coupled with grazing management, development of offsite water sources, and permanent or temporary electric fencing to allow for recovery of riparian vegetation. In some cases which were identified during the SVAP survey bank erosion was so severe that the installation of hard structures such as rock barbs or weirs rock may be necessary to direct flow away from revegetating stream banks.

As stated above, A quick assessment of the Utah WRAP explorer (screen shot in photo section) shows the project area is mostly high risk category for extreme wildfire and suggests taking action by implementing practices to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire. Our project will accomplish this by reducing fuels and increasing herbaceous vegetation. Historical fire suppression over time, combined with substantially smaller populations of perennial grasses and forbs, likely facilitated pinyon-juniper encroachment into sagebrush rangelands. As trees dominate sagebrush ecosystems fuel amount, structure, and continuity change, altering fire behavior and effects in these systems. Total fuel loads in encroached sagebrush ecosystems can be almost six times more than sagebrush ecosystems that have not been encroached, which causes significant changes in how fires burn. The change in fuel type and arrangement in encroached sagebrush ecosystems results in more fires that burn more easily through the crowns of trees instead of patchy, low-lying fires that stay close to the ground. This shift in fire type influences fire frequency, behavior and severity, which are all key components of a fire regime. In encroached shrublands, the low-lying fuels (e.g., shrubs and grasses) and canopy fuels (e.g., larger shrubs and trees) have better connectivity, creating a ladder of fuels. The result is increased frequency, scale, and severity of fires. This project will address locations where encroachment has taken place into historical shrub dominated sites (both natural and through Indigenous management). Through implementation of this project we will increase the scale at which canopy and ladder fuels are reduced on the landscape, creating an increased pattern of habitat and vegetation types across the larger area. The communities of Mammoth Creek, Elk Ridge, Todd's Junction, Duck Creek, UDWR Mammoth Creek Fish Hatchery and Town of Hatch in the current state are threaten if a wildfire was to start in this area. Each of the listed areas are within a 5 mile buffer of the project area. Most are closer, with no defensible space, or anchor areas for fire fighters, wildfire could destroy homes, state infrastructure, and most important take lives of residents and fire fighters.

Asay Creek and its tributaries are not currently listed as impaired, but less than a mile downstream, after the confluence with the Sevier River, the water quality is classified as impaired. The Sevier River, including Mammoth Creek to Mammoth Spring, has an approved Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for phosphorus and is "303(d) listed," indicating it is identified as an impaired waterbody in the State of Utah and reported to the EPA. The impairment is attributed to elevated levels of phosphorus. To address this issue, several conservation strategies have been outlined in the Upper Sevier Watershed Plan. These strategies include streambank restoration and stabilization, riparian fencing and improved grazing management, and enhancing habitat through increased channel meanders. Stream restoration work, including livestock fencing, will be part of the next phase of the project. Currently, the focus is on upland areas to reduce pressure on riparian zones once the stream restoration work is underway. Although water temperature is not officially listed as an impairment, it is a concern, particularly during peak summer months, as temperatures are unnaturally high. This is due to streambed geomorphic changes such as over-widening, shallowing, and simplified in-stream features. Our stream restoration efforts aim to improve these geomorphic features, which could help reduce water temperature. Additionally, increasing riparian vegetation through our restoration efforts will provide shading along the stream, further contributing to the reduction of water temperature

Compliance with state and federal requirements. Section 106 archeology, and any other necessary compliance will be completed before any restoration work will begin.

Aerial Seeding: Aerial seeding will be conducted in the fall with a diversified mix of grasses and forbs, prior to mastication. Given the challenging terrain, the choice of using fixed-wing aircraft or a helicopter will be determined by the contractor in collaboration with project partners. Seed will be sourced from the Great Basin Research Center (GBRC), and the seed mix will be developed with input from project partners, GBRC staff, and landowners to ensure that multiple land use objectives and project goals are effectively met. Mastication: Mastication will be carried out using at least three (preferably multiple) tracked or wheeled, hydraulically or PTO-driven mechanical mulching or shredding machines. The mulching equipment, such as Bullhog, must be capable of shredding live trees up to twenty-six (26) inches in diameter, measured twelve inches above ground level on the uphill side, in accordance with the specifications outlined in the state contract. Some of the mix conifer will be masticated as part of this project. Rabbitbrush Treatments: Treatments for rabbitbrush using Tordon herbicide in meadow areas will be contracted out to a qualified service provider.

USFWS Will work with partners to complete some of the monitoring described as well as doing their own photo point monitoring. Also, as part of the USFWS landowner agreement USFWS biologist will visit the site at minimum once per year to assess needs, success, failures, and need for any follow-up treatments/maintenance for the duration of the 10-year Landowner Agreement. FFSL FFSL will monitor and establish photo points within the project area and monitor the sites with bi annually (Spring/Summer) photos. After five years the the sites will be visit annually. FFSL will also monitor wildlife collar data to watch if wildlife patterns change over the course of the project.

NRCS Unfortunately we were not able to get the an NRCS application in for this land because of timing. The FFSL/NRCS partner has been made aware of the project and there is potential for a sign up to complete the stream work. FFSL Forestry, fire and State lands employees worked with the Garfield County Fire Warden to develop the project. Because of the relationship that the warden has with the landowner we have been able to proceed with a project which has been a challenge in the past. USFWS USFWS has been involved from the start. USFWS has met with partners and landowners to start developing a plan. USFWS will be involved with planning, coordination, funding and implementation. USFWS will also develop a written agreement with the landowner to be signed. PRIVATE LANDOWNERS Private landowners have been willing to allow for suggestions. They will under contract and expected maintain prescribed practices for the life of the practice (10 years). MULE DEER FOUNDATION Project partners and the landowner met with a MDF rep, Tyler, to go over project plans and get input.

The private landowners will enter into a Landowner Agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). As part of this agreement, the landowners commit to maintaining the restored habitat in place for at least 10 years. During this period, they will collaborate with USFWS biologists to monitor and assess the success of the restoration efforts, as well as identify any needs for adaptive management. Grazing will not be permitted in seeded areas. All the treatment areas (the whole property because of fencing) will be rested from grazing for two growing seasons. This project will also support landowners in better managing their livestock, improving both range and riparian management and conditions in the long term. Hunting of big game is managed through a draw process, as outlined in the respective elk and mule deer unit management plans. Currently, no sage grouse hunting is allowed. While the majority of the project area is private land, fishing and hunting are allowed by invitation, or by seeking permission from the landowner.

Forage Production and Distribution Forage productivity has significantly declined over the past century, with the expansion of pinyon and juniper (PJ) encroaching on more productive sage/grass/forb communities. As PJ is thinned, the increase in understory vegetation will provide enhanced foraging habitat for both wild and domestic ungulates. Mechanical thinning directly addresses PJ expansion and promotes the vigor and production of sagebrush, grasses, and forbs. This project also has the potential to improve the distribution of domestic livestock into new areas, thereby reducing grazing pressure on other regions. The amount of forage available to both livestock and wildlife is expected to increase substantially as a result of these efforts. Local Economy This project will positively impact the local rural economy by boosting both recreational and agricultural opportunities. Many aspects of the local culture and identity are deeply connected to natural resources, including hunting, non-consumptive land uses, and agriculture. By enhancing recreational opportunities and providing employment through project implementation, this initiative will support the economic vitality of the community. Furthermore, it will increase the landowner's ability to remain sustainable and profitable, helping to prevent the sale of property for development in an area already under pressure from recreational development. This region is a general season deer hunting unit and is a popular hunting destination. Additionally, Asay Creek is a highly sought-after location for recreational fishing.