Water Quality Although this area is not classified as a 303(d) impaired waterbody, it drains into the North Fork of the Virgin River, which is listed due to elevated E. coli levels. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has traced these elevated levels to fecal bacteria from livestock and wildlife. The presence of E. coli poses a threat to recreational use of the river and could potentially contaminate drinking water further downstream. Since upland health is key to riparian health, this project, along with Phase I and II, aims to improve riparian health and water quality. These areas are downstream of one of Utah's most visited spots, making the project even more critical. The goal of this project is to improve grazing distribution for both native and domestic ungulates, which will help mitigate water quality issues linked to the identified human health hazard in the North Fork Virgin. Improving habitat and water quality will also benefit threatened and endangered native fish species. Mapped Critical and Crucial Mule Deer Habitats Big game, particularly mule deer, use this area as crucial migration and stopover habitat, as documented by collar data from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) (see map in photo section). Mule deer and elk pass through this area in early fall and spring during seasonal transitions, and mule deer often give birth in this area, increasing the demand for nutritious forage for lactating females and their offspring. By improving range conditions, this project will enhance body condition for big game. This area supports one of the largest mule deer herds in the state, with approximately 15,000 animals. It is also part of a premier general season deer hunting unit in Utah, providing ample hunting opportunities for the public. The Zion Unit is also home to a significant elk population, offering one of the few over-the-counter any-bull elk hunting opportunities in the state. Improving and maintaining habitat conditions in this area is crucial for sustaining wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities, which in turn benefit local economies. Many rural communities rely on wildlife and wildlife habitat as a primary source of income. The project area is identified as a priority for restoration of crucial mule deer habitat under the Utah Statewide Mule Deer Management Plan (2025). "Crucial" habitats are necessary to sustain the local mule deer herd. Without intervention, the expansion of pinyon-juniper woodlands into sagebrush habitats would reduce the quality of habitat for mule deer. The project aligns with the goal of "working with local, state, and federal land management agencies and private landowners to identify and properly manage crucial mule deer habitats, especially fawning, wintering, and migration areas." The Zion Mule Deer Management Plan (2015) specifically advocates for "reducing the expansion of pinyon-juniper woodlands into sagebrush habitats" and improving habitats dominated by pinyon-juniper through habitat restoration projects like lop-and-scatter, bullhog, and chaining. The project also aligns with the Utah Action Plan for the Implementation of Department of the Interior Secretarial Order #3362 (2020), which calls for "targeted habitat treatment projects in deer winter ranges and stopover areas to bolster deer populations." The Zion Unit Elk Management Plan (2016) highlights the need for "restoration efforts on summer ranges to improve forest health and watershed productivity," and encourages cooperation among private landowners, livestock permittees, federal and state agencies, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. This project will help meet these needs and assist in achieving the goal of maintaining healthy elk populations while supporting recreational opportunities. Collaborating with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, private landowners, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and USFWS will ensure the sustainability of robust mule deer and elk populations, which are integral to the region's identity and economy. Non-Game Wildlife Non-game species, including the California Condor, have been documented in this area by Hawk Watch and local livestock producers. The UDWR Heritage Database indicates that this area provides summer habitat for the condor. According to a short informational film produced by the UDWR, the Kolob site is considered one of the best places to view these magnificent birds. Condors typically travel up to 160 miles in search of carrion, and the project's focus on creating open space will benefit condors by providing better foraging opportunities. The project area falls within an identified Bird Habitat Conservation Area (BHCA) with lowland riparian habitat as a priority for conservation (BHCA #48: Virgin River). Priority bird species in this BHCA include Abert's Towhee, Lucy's Warbler, Bell's Vireo, Gray Vireo, and various waterfowl species. The Virgin River and its associated streams offer critical riparian habitat in a desert setting. By improving upland conditions, this project will directly benefit lowland riparian habitats. Additionally, the restoration of uplands will reduce the pressure on riparian areas, improving both water quality and habitat conditions. Improved Grazing Practices and Local Economies Collaboration with landowners across all ownership types in this area is essential. Much of the land is in a climax vegetative state and is susceptible to wildfire. Livestock often congregate in riparian areas, which can lead to overuse. By diversifying ecological states in the uplands, landowners will have more options for managing livestock, which will reduce pressure on riparian zones and benefit local economies. Additionally, the hunting opportunities associated with this area are closely tied to economic benefits, as they support local tourism and recreation-based industries. A Word on Pollinators Pollinators, particularly those in riparian habitats, benefit from improved upland areas. These habitats often provide some of the most forb-diverse environments, and enhancing upland conditions will directly improve pollinator habitat. Conservationists are also recognizing the importance of late-season forbs for migrating monarch butterflies, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) candidate species. Riparian areas provide crucial late-season nectar sources that help monarchs during their migration to winter habitats in Mexico and California. The North Fork Virgin is also home to roosting sites for monarchs, particularly in large woody plants, making this project even more significant for pollinator conservation.

1. Increase forage for livestock in treated areas by a minimum of 10%. 2. Increase mule deer usage of migration habitat and hold over time of migrating. This data can be determined through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Migration Initiative. 3. Increase or maintain elk use on the private ground, while reducing the negative impacts to private landowners and their operations. 4. Protect and enhance habitat for non-game species including California Condor by creating open space and helping make ranching profitable to avoid subdivision of the land. 5. Increase amount of flowing plants by 10%. 6. Decrease the probability of a wildfire near Kolob Reservoir which serves as water storage for Washington County (Washington County is the fifth largest county in Utah, and St George is the 8th fastest growing city in the USA, just saying).

Here's a refined and organized version of your text, enhancing clarity and flow: 1. Wildlife and Livestock Interaction Currently, landowners and livestock producers are tolerant of wildlife use of their property, especially mule deer and elk, which utilize these areas as transitional habitat during migration. By increasing forage production and overall land productivity, this project will help reduce conflicts between private landowners, livestock producers, and wildlife, while enhancing forage availability for wildlife and contributing to a diverse plant community. 2. Fire Risk Management Fire is a significant threat in this area due to the dense stands of pinyon and juniper (PJ). Left untreated, the area is primed for a large, intense wildfire. Continuing to implement treatments will mitigate this threat. High-intensity fires would not only impact wildlife but also threaten older-age ponderosa pine forests and private structures. With the current fuel loads and the extensive fuel buildup across the North Fork drainage and neighboring areas, a wildfire could quickly escalate into a catastrophic event, endangering private homes, the livestock industry in southwest Utah, and watersheds like the Virgin River. This fire would have long-term negative effects on wildlife and fish populations that depend on clean water and healthy riparian areas. 3. Erosion Control and Soil Health Sheet and rill erosion are contributing to sedimentation from late-phase II pinyon-juniper sites, which lack adequate understory. By applying mastication treatments, mulch will cover the bare soil while seeds are being established. This process will reduce soil erosion, limit moisture loss, and increase the soil's moisture retention capacity. Early results from treatment areas where seeds have been successfully established show promising improvements in soil health and vegetation growth (see photos for details). 4. Vegetational Diversity and Ecosystem Resilience This project aims to enhance and maintain a diverse suite of vegetational communities. A healthy landscape supports a variety of vegetational states within an ecological site, which benefits a broad range of wildlife species and human activities. Diverse landscapes are also more resistant and resilient to disturbances. Allowing the landscape to transition further into dominant PJ woodlands would reduce its resilience, making it harder for the ecosystem to recover from disturbances. This project aims to reverse that trend by promoting habitat diversity and ecosystem health. 5. Benefits to Mule Deer and Elk This project will have both direct and indirect positive impacts on high-interest game species, particularly mule deer and elk. Mule deer frequently use this area as a staging ground during migration, helping them enter winter range in better condition. This project will allow mule deer to spend less time on sensitive winter ranges. Elk also use this area from fall to spring unless weather forces them to lower elevations. According to consultations with wildlife biologists, having these animals remain in the treatment area longer is beneficial, as it provides an opportunity for better management compared to when they move into Zion National Park, where management is more difficult. The area's importance to big game populations is critical to maintaining sustainable wildlife populations. 6. California Condor Habitat Enhancement The California Condor, a species of greatest resource concern, has been documented in the area, particularly around Kolob Reservoir (15 miles west). The open space created by this project will increase the visibility of condors as they search for carrion. The expected increase in herbivore use will likely result in more carcasses being available to condors. According to Hawk Watch, which monitors condor populations in Zion, any improvements for ungulates will also benefit condors. By improving habitat for these large herbivores, this project will contribute to the recovery of condor populations. 7. Importance of Mesic Lands for Wildlife Private mesic lands and surrounding rangelands play a crucial role in the health of wildlife populations. Research indicates that 60-80% of wildlife depend on mesic habitats, such as wetlands and riparian areas (Thomas et al. 1979, Patten 1998, Belsky et al. 1999, Peck and Lovvorn 2001). Sustainable wildlife conservation cannot be achieved without engaging private landowners. This project, which works directly with private landowners, is vital for the long-term health of local wildlife populations. 8. Critical Migration Corridor and Bird Habitat This area has been identified as a critical migration corridor for mule deer, underscoring the importance of this project in maintaining habitat integrity. Additionally, the project falls within an identified Bird Habitat Conservation Area (BHCA) focused on riparian habitats, which are essential for bird species like Abert's Towhee, Lucy's Warbler, Bell's Vireo, Gray Vireo, and various waterfowl species. By improving upland conditions, this project will benefit lowland riparian habitats and provide critical resources for these bird species. 9. Native Fish Conservation Native fish in the Virgin River, including the Virgin Spinedace (Lepidomeda mollispinis mollispinis), Desert Sucker (Catostomus clarkii), Speckled Dace (Rhinichthys osculus), and Flannelmouth Sucker (Catostomus latipinnis), are of special concern. The Virgin Spinedace and Flannelmouth Sucker are both significantly reduced from their original habitats and are managed under conservation agreements. Improvements in water quality and riparian vegetation will benefit these species both on-site and downstream. Protecting these fish species from extinction is critical, especially for those already listed under the ESA and those at risk of listing. 10. Development Threats and Landowner Sustainability Development pressures in this area are at an all-time high, which poses a threat to the ecology of the watershed. If landowners cannot remain profitable through sustainable land use, they may be forced to sell their property for development, further increasing the risk of recreational development in sensitive areas. Supporting landowners in maintaining profitable and sustainable operations is essential for preserving the landscape and its ecological health.

1. Utah Forest Action Plan Goal: Restore healthy and resilient trees and forests across Utah. Relevance: Your project's efforts to manage pinyon-juniper encroachment and enhance the overall health of the landscape support Utah's objectives for sustainable forestry practices and wildfire risk reduction. Support: By continuing collaborative efforts with agencies like NRCS and WRI, your project aligns with the plan's call to incentivize forestry management on private lands and reduce wildfire risk. 2. Utah Mule Deer Statewide Plan (2025) Goal: Enhance crucial mule deer habitats, focusing on fawning, wintering, and migration areas. Relevance: The project falls within crucial mule deer migration and transitional habitats. It supports the plan's objective to work with landowners and agencies to manage livestock and enhance mule deer ranges. Support: The restoration efforts and improved grazing practices will directly benefit mule deer populations by providing high-quality forage and habitat in both summer and winter ranges. 3. Deer Herd Unit Management Plan, Deer Herd #29, Zion Goal: Manage mule deer habitats on both private and public lands. Relevance: Your project is situated within this Deer Herd Unit and addresses critical habitat needs, particularly by reducing pinyon-juniper expansion into sagebrush habitats. Support: The project supports long-term habitat protection and improved habitat restoration (e.g., lop & scatter, bullhog treatments), key strategies in this plan. 4. Utah Statewide Elk Management Plan Goal: Enhance elk populations and their habitats, including summer ranges and calving areas. Relevance: The project will improve elk habitats by increasing forage production, addressing fire risks, and restoring critical elk habitat areas. Support: The project aligns with the plan's focus on habitat restoration, controlled burning, and logging to improve calving habitat and forest health. 5. Zion National Park, Virgin River Comprehensive Management Plan/Environmental Assessment Goal: Protect water quality and the natural function of riparian areas along the Virgin River. Relevance: This project will improve upland conditions to reduce livestock pressure on riparian areas, ultimately benefiting water quality and riparian habitats critical to the Virgin River's ecological health. Support: By addressing land and water management in the surrounding area, the project will support goals of enhancing water quantity and ecological processes. 6. TMDL for Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the North Fork Virgin River Watershed Goal: Address E. coli pollution sources, particularly from livestock and wildlife. Relevance: By improving grazing distribution and upland conditions, this project will reduce the concentration of livestock in riparian areas, helping address the E. coli contamination issue in the Virgin River. Support: The project aligns with efforts to improve water quality and mitigate human health hazards in the watershed. 7. Virgin River Watershed Management Plan Goal: Address key concerns such as water flow, endangered species, and recreation. Relevance: By improving upland habitat and addressing wildfire risks, the project will support the overall health of the Virgin River watershed and its wildlife. Support: The project aligns with the plan's goal of maintaining healthy ecosystems and improving water quality, particularly for threatened species. 8. USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Strategic Plan Goal: Address habitat threats for priority species. Relevance: The project addresses critical habitat restoration needs for several species of concern, including the California condor and native fish. Support: By improving habitat for ungulates and restoring riparian areas, the project benefits both terrestrial and aquatic species in the watershed. 9. Utah Catastrophic Wildfire Reduction Strategy Goal: Reduce wildfire risks through the management of invasive species. Relevance: The project's efforts to reduce pinyon-juniper encroachment and treat fire-prone areas directly align with the state's wildfire reduction strategy. Support: The project helps reduce fire hazards and protect key wildlife habitats. 10. Intermountain West Joint Venture Habitat Conservation Strategy Goal: Support sagebrush habitat conservation and remove encroaching conifers. Relevance: Your project's focus on removing pinyon-juniper and restoring sagebrush habitats aligns with regional conservation goals for sagebrush steppe ecosystems. Support: The project contributes to large-scale habitat restoration efforts across the Intermountain West. 11. Utah Wildlife Action Plan Goal: Address threats to key habitats and species, such as Gamble Oak and Mountain Shrub. Relevance: The project addresses fire risks and restores important shrub habitats that are critical for wildlife species in the region. Support: By reducing fire risk and improving habitat diversity, the project supports broader conservation goals outlined in the Utah Wildlife Action Plan. 12. State of Utah Resource Management Plan Goal: Conserve, restore, and improve habitat for mule deer and other wildlife. Relevance: Your project will directly contribute to the conservation of valuable wildlife habitats, especially for mule deer, by removing pinyon-juniper encroachment and improving habitat conditions. Support: This project will help achieve state goals to improve habitat quality across 500,000 acres of crucial mule deer range. 13. Washington County Resource Management Plan Goal: Manage vegetative treatments for maximum forage yield and rangeland health. Relevance: The project supports these goals by promoting healthy rangelands and improving forage production for both wildlife and livestock. Support: The project enhances rangeland health, benefiting both landowners and wildlife.

Wildlife and Habitat Protection Critical Habitat for Mule Deer and Elk: The project directly supports habitat restoration for mule deer and elk, both of which rely on lowland sagebrush and mountain brush habitats. The 2015-2025 Utah Wildlife Action Plan identifies inappropriate fire frequency and intensity as a major threat to these key habitats. By reducing the wildfire threat, this project helps safeguard the habitat these species depend on. Sagebrush and Mountain Brush: These habitat types are crucial for wildlife, particularly for migration corridors and winter ranges. This project will reduce fire risks in these areas, protecting critical sagebrush-steppe and mountain brush habitats. Water Resources Protection Springs and Wetlands: The project will help protect springs and wetlands from the adverse impacts of high-severity wildfires. A wildfire could: Decrease water infiltration into soils, leading to erosion. Increase sedimentation and decrease the ability of the landscape to absorb and store water. Lower spring flows and reduce water quality. By mitigating the fire threat, this project helps preserve water resources and supports the ecological health of the area. Broader Benefits Ecosystem Resilience: The reduction of wildfire risk ensures the area can better withstand future disturbances and maintain a stable ecosystem. The focus on maintaining diverse vegetation and fuel breaks promotes long-term habitat stability for wildlife, helping maintain healthy populations of mule deer, elk, and other species. Long-Term Sustainability: By reducing the fire risk and enhancing the ability of the land to recover from disturbances, this project will contribute to the sustainability of the region's ecosystems, water resources, and wildlife populations over the long term. Conclusion This project is not only a fire risk reduction initiative but also a proactive conservation effort that addresses several ecological threats. By reducing wildfire severity and promoting habitat health, it will benefit both human communities and wildlife populations in the area, ensuring the long-term resilience of both natural and managed landscapes.

Hydrological Benefits Increased Stream Flows: Reducing pinyon and juniper trees will lead to increased and prolonged stream flows. As these trees consume large amounts of water, their removal will allow more water to remain in the system, ultimately benefiting the local watershed. Soil Moisture and Spring Flow: Several studies highlight the positive effects of pinyon/juniper removal on water retention. Kormas et al. (study on drainage areas) found that juniper-dominated catchments lose more water to evapotranspiration and experience earlier snowmelt, whereas sagebrush steppe vegetation retains water more effectively. Deboodt et al. (2008) showed that juniper trees can use up to 30 gallons of water per day, and by removing junipers, late-season spring flow increased by 225%, groundwater levels were higher, and soil moisture availability increased by an average of 41 days. Baker et al. (1984) found a 157% increase in stream flow following pinyon/juniper treatment over 147 hectares. Roundy et al. (2014) observed that mechanical treatments to remove pinyon and juniper extended the time that soil water remained available, with up to 18 additional days of soil moisture availability. Snowpack and Moisture Retention: Research by Roth et al. (2017) indicates that the snowpack is deeper and lasts longer in open areas compared to areas with dense juniper coverage. In low and mid-elevation sites, snow remained for 4-26 days longer, improving the water availability later into the season. Soil and Vegetation Benefits: Young et al. (2013) also found that removing juniper trees improved soil moisture availability and encouraged more favorable soil climates for desired vegetation, ultimately leading to better water retention. Water Quality Improvement Erosion Control and Reduced Sedimentation: The reduction of pinyon and juniper trees, followed by mulching and seed establishment, will stabilize the soil and reduce erosion. This will result in fewer sediments flowing into the North Fork Virgin River, improving water quality. Reduction in E. coli Levels: By removing livestock from riparian areas and providing alternative forage sources in upland areas, the project will help reduce livestock-related contamination of the water, especially in terms of E. coli. The data gathered during the two growing seasons when livestock are excluded will help identify the specific sources of E. coli, improving future management and mitigation strategies. Improved Infiltration and Water Quality: Numerous studies show that increasing soil infiltration rates and reducing overland flow enhances both water quantity and quality. This project will likely see similar improvements in soil water infiltration, reducing the likelihood of sediment and contaminants entering water systems. Long-Term Ecological and Hydrological Outcomes Increased Snowpack and Extended Snow Duration: As observed in previous studies, tree removal promotes the accumulation and retention of snow, which gradually melts, providing a more stable source of water during the growing season. This results in improved water availability during the late spring and summer months when water is most needed. Enhanced Vegetation Growth: With the reduction in pinyon/juniper encroachment, native grasses, shrubs, and other beneficial vegetation will have a better opportunity to grow. These plants help to retain soil moisture, increase groundwater recharge, and further improve the water cycle by limiting evaporation and promoting water infiltration. Conclusion By reducing pinyon/juniper cover in this area, the project is expected to yield substantial hydrological and water quality improvements. These outcomes include enhanced stream flows, increased soil moisture retention, prolonged snowpack, and reduced erosion and sedimentation. Based on existing research, these benefits are anticipated to have lasting positive effects on the local watershed, wildlife habitats, and overall ecosystem health.

It's reassuring to know that this project will meet the necessary standards and specifications from both the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands (FFSL). By following the NRCS guidelines, the project will be implemented in a way that ensures the protection and enhancement of both environmental and cultural resources. The adherence to NRCS standards means that all necessary environmental and cultural evaluations and clearances will be conducted, addressing potential concerns and ensuring compliance with regulations. This will help minimize any risks or impacts to sensitive habitats, wildlife species, and cultural resources within the project area. The involvement of site managers who will author, oversee, and inspect the project further ensures that it is properly implemented and maintained. Their oversight will be critical in ensuring the success of the treatment measures and the long-term sustainability of the project outcomes. Additionally, using State of Utah contracting allows for clear lines of accountability and enables local expertise to guide the project's execution. With these safeguards in place, it is clear that this project will be both beneficial to the land and wildlife, as well as compliant with all necessary regulations and standards.

This treatment plan, which includes aerial seeding, mastication, and grazing management, is well thought out and comprehensive for addressing the key ecological challenges in the area. Aerial Seeding: The aerial seeding of a diversified mix of grasses and forbs will be done before mastication in early fall, ensuring that the soil is primed for seed establishment during the cooler and more optimal growing season. The use of aerial seeding via either fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter will be determined by terrain and logistics, ensuring the most efficient method for the area. Sourcing the seed from the Great Basin Research Center (GBRC) is a good choice, as their selections are tailored to the local environment and should perform well in the long-term. Mastication: Mastication will be executed using mobile, tracked or wheeled, hydraulically or PTO-driven mechanical mulching/shredder (Bullhog) equipment, which is designed to handle live trees up to 26 inches in diameter. This equipment will break down pinyon and juniper trees effectively while maintaining the ecological integrity of the site. The use of qualified, experienced operators ensures that the treatment will be carried out with precision, minimizing unintended impacts on the land. Grazing Management: Implementing a two-year grazing deferment is a key component of the strategy, allowing the soil and vegetation to recover from the disturbance and preventing overgrazing of sensitive areas. Monitoring grazing and securing grazing agreements before the project begins ensures that livestock use will be managed appropriately throughout the duration of the project and beyond. Photos of similar completed projects provides a valuable reference to stakeholders, allowing them to see successful outcomes and visual examples of the methods being applied in the project. By combining these methods in a carefully coordinated manner, this project has the potential to meet the goals of restoring habitat, improving water quality, reducing wildfire risk, and enhancing ecological resilience in the area.

NRCS will contract practice 645-Upland Wildlife Habitat Management, which will require two years of rest from livestock grazing and a stubble height of 16" following two growing seasons of rest from livestock grazing. A grazing management plan will be included but will not be a contracted item. A UDWR range trend site will be proposed determine effects from livestock and wildlife utilization. Producer has agreed to have a site established. This will provide long term data and trend of the site. Using the data from the migration initiative collared deer movements can be monitored. This will show if there is hold over in these treatment areas, if hunting pressure is affecting the deer, if weather changes timing, or duration of migration, and use of private lands verses public lands. Area Forester will establish photo points at random locations within the treatment and monitor yearly for a minimum of 5 years and greater at landowners' consent. Working with NGO's that are actively monitoring condor activity in the area, we will share what information is available and appropriate in the completion report.

This collaborative approach will significantly enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the project. Here's a breakdown of the key partnerships and contributions: Private Landowners and NRCS Collaboration: Private Landowners will provide crucial support by allowing access to their land and collaborating with the NRCS. This partnership ensures that the project addresses the ecological and land management needs of private property owners while fostering good relationships. NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) will play an essential role by helping landowners plan and implement the project, particularly by leveraging the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which can provide funding for land stewardship practices like vegetation restoration, grazing management, and fuel reduction. The involvement of NRCS ensures that conservation practices meet standards and align with broader landscape-level goals. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR): UDWR will contribute critical data related to the migration initiative, ensuring that wildlife movement patterns, especially for species like mule deer and elk, are integrated into the project design. UDWR's potential involvement in establishing a vegetation trend monitoring site will help track the effectiveness of the treatment over time, monitoring changes in plant communities, habitat suitability, and overall ecosystem health. Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands (FFSL): The Area Forest (FFSL) will be responsible for contracting, implementing, and continuing the planning for the project. FFSL's involvement guarantees that the treatment is executed to state standards and integrates with larger wildfire risk reduction efforts. Washington County Fire Warden: By working with the Washington County Fire Warden, the project can potentially be integrated into a larger strategy for wildfire prevention. Collaborative discussions to combine this project with other fuel-reduction efforts will help build a comprehensive landscape-scale fire management plan that benefits the entire community and ecosystem. Synergy for Long-Term Success: This collective partnership approach will: Maximize Resources and Funding: The joint effort will leverage a variety of funding sources, including NRCS's EQIP program, state fire prevention grants, and wildlife conservation funding, making the project more financially viable. Align Objectives Across Stakeholders: Each organization brings valuable expertise and data, ensuring that the project addresses a broad range of ecological, land-use, and fire management concerns. Enhance Sustainability: The partnership's long-term commitment will ensure that the project is not just a one-time intervention but a sustained effort to restore and protect the area over time. With these organizations working together, the project stands to make a lasting impact on both the local ecosystem and the surrounding community.

The private property is part of a livestock grazing operation. Because of the lack of forage in the uplands and the poor forage condition that is a direct result PJ invasion. The mastication and seeding will provide at the very least an alternative pasture for livestock and wildlife out of the riparian pastures. The private landowner will also be entering into a NRCS contract and be obligated to implement practices and allow monitoring and meet future obligations of that contract. Landowner will sign an agreement state 2-year rest in the seeded areas.

This project offers a multi-faceted approach to addressing key environmental, economic, and recreational goals. Here's a breakdown of the various benefits and how they contribute to long-term success for both local communities and wildlife management: Livestock Production and Forage Management: Improved Forage for Livestock: Increasing forage availability through vegetation restoration and habitat improvement will provide better grazing conditions for cattle. This will allow for more efficient livestock management and help reduce the risk of overgrazing, benefiting both private landowners and the ecosystem. Balanced Grazing and Wildlife Habitat: By improving the land's productivity, there will be more forage available for both livestock and wildlife, reducing potential conflicts between landowners and wildlife while promoting healthier ecosystems. Wildlife Habitat and Hunting Opportunities: Deer and Elk Herds: The Zion unit's wildlife is vital for both hunting and wildlife viewing, making it a significant asset for the state of Utah. With around 15,000 mule deer and a notable population of elk, the area supports one of the premier general-season deer hunting units in the state. These hunting opportunities are critical for sustaining the local economy and maintaining rural community incomes tied to hunting and wildlife-based tourism. Turkeys: The presence of turkeys further supports both hunting and recreational wildlife viewing. Youth hunting opportunities with reduced hunting pressure contribute to wildlife management goals and community engagement with conservation. Economic Impact of Hunting and Wildlife Viewing: By improving and maintaining wildlife habitat, the project supports tourism and recreational activities that directly benefit local economies. Hunting, wildlife viewing, and associated tourism create job opportunities, encourage spending in rural communities, and help maintain cultural and environmental ties to the land. Water Quality and Zion National Park: Zion National Park's Role: With Zion National Park being one of the most visited places in the U.S., the proximity of this project to the park makes it essential for improving water quality in the Virgin River. The Narrows Trail attracts millions of visitors, and reducing water quality issues in this area is crucial to preserving the park's appeal and ensuring the health of ecosystems downstream. Support for Zion's Visitor Experience: As water quality improves through the project's efforts, it will enhance the visitor experience for tourists who rely on the park's natural resources for recreation. Clean water is a fundamental aspect of the park's appeal for visitors, particularly those participating in recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and photography. Recreational Use and Viewscape: High-Use Non-Consumptive Recreation: The area is a popular site for non-consumptive recreational activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, camping, and photography. By maintaining a diverse range of vegetative states, the project supports the area's natural beauty, ensuring that the viewscape remains pristine and visually appealing for recreational users. This is important for sustaining the long-term popularity of the area among tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Landscape Resilience: Managing for a diverse landscape helps to protect the viewscape and ensures that the area's visual and ecological integrity is preserved for future generations. This is particularly important for areas with high recreational visitation, where the natural scenery is a key part of the overall experience. Conclusion: This project is a win-win for both wildlife and local communities. It strengthens the economy through tourism and wildlife-based recreation, while also improving the health and resilience of the landscape, protecting water quality, and enhancing habitat for a variety of species. By fostering collaboration between landowners, agencies, and stakeholders, the project provides a comprehensive approach to land and wildlife management that supports the needs of both people and wildlife in the region.