The need for this project is to replace old existing and worn out pipeline with the new HDPE Fusible Pipe, this project will tie into an existing pipeline within the Ebbs Canyon Spring that supplies water to the Youngsfield WMA. This new pipeline is critical, it will replace and older non-functioning pipeline, the much needed upgrade will be replaced with all new HDPE 200 PSI SDR11 fusible pipe that will provide strength and storage along with functionality to the pipeline project. We would like to install two (2) rubber tire troughs at the end of the pipeline. Water and water storage is critical in this allotment, having additional water present for summer/fall months is critical for all wildlife and especially mule deer, elk and wild turkeys that spend a lot of time in this area in the early spring, summer and fall months. Opportunities to spread livestock grazing throughout this allotment becomes critical, the need to move cattle around helps with overgrazing critical areas, controls noxious weed ad grass species, provided less fuel for wildfires in the area and allows for an improved overall healthy watershed.

This project will provide additional water to livestock grazing allotments along with providing year round water source for wildlife on the north end of the Pahvant Wildlife Management Unit. This project will partner with the UDWR, Wild Goose Grazing Permittees, Fillmore Forest Service to accomplish this task. Objective are to distribute additional water sources within the allotment allowing cattle to utilize the allotment more efficient. This will also allow additional water for wildlife to utilize during the critical times of year. The need to replace and maintain older pipelines is critical to making this project a success, upgrading the holding capacity for water by installing two (2) new water troughs is also a critical need within the Upper Ebbs Spring Allotment. Other objectives allow for livestock to graze the allotment more efficiently, less travel from water sources will allow for improved weaning weights and better herd health, less disease problems from unclean water and livestock concentration around smaller water sources. Improved watering opportunities during critical times of year for wildlife, such as mule deer fawns, and elk calves along with wild turkey chicks all of which will benefit from this project. Not only the game animals that we identify but all wildlife species as well will benefit from improved water sources, including non game species, bats, small mammals, birds, both migrating and non migrant as well as upland game species such as blue grouse and as mentioned wild turkeys. We would also benefit the predatory animals as well. Anywhere we can obtain and develop water resources for our wildlife and livestock along critical areas of the landscape it is a win win for everyone. Water becomes increasingly valuable when we don't have it, so when the opportunity presents it self to develop and maintain existing pipelines and watering facilities we need to make sure we take advantage of the opportunity. Working with the Federal and State Agency's along with Grazing Permittees, Sportsman Organizations and other partnerships makes for a great working relationship for future projects.

This proposed pipeline is past due from being maintained, this location is critical mule deer habitat, and transitioning areas from the winter range to summer range. Project location site is also heavily used by elk and wild turkeys during the year, water developments and infrastructure are critical to both wildlife and livestock in this area. The need to improve upon this pipeline is overdue, the lack of proper storage capacity is greatly needed, therefor the need to install two (2) 1,800 gallon water troughs are greatly needed. The pipeline is in need of repair and upgraded to newer material size and strength. This pipeline project will support over 260 cow/calf pairs in the most critical time of year, this will also pay dividends to our wildlife species as well that utilized this area of the Pahvant Mtn Range. We have had years of data showing collared mule deer using this area, and the existing habitat treatments that surround this area. We have been working towards this project for several years, all partnership have come together to make this project happen, with support from the Fillmore FS, UGIP, UDWR and the Wild Goose Grazing Permittees are exited to finally have the opportunity to replace and upgrade this pipeline and water trough system in the Upper Ebbs Canyon Allotment. In addition to the above listed objectives the below goals/objectives are identified in the Elk Statewide Plan: B. Habitat Management Goal: Conserve and improve elk habitat throughout the state. Habitat Objective 1: Maintain sufficient habitat to support elk herds at population objectives and reduce competition for forage between elk and livestock. Strategies: C. Habitat Improvement - a. Utilize Habitat Council, Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative, Wildlife Conservation Permit funds, and other funding mechanisms to restore or improve crucial elk habitats. b. Increase forage production by annually treating a minimum of 40,000 acres of elk habitat. c. Coordinate with land management agencies, conservation organizations, private landowners, and local leaders through the regional Watershed Restoration Initiative working groups to identify and prioritize elk habitats that are in need of enhancement or restoration. i. Identify habitat projects on summer ranges (aspen communities) to improve calving habitat and summer forage. ii. Encourage land managers to manage portions of forests in early succession stages through the use of controlled burning, logging or other methods. Controlled burning in areas with invasive weed and/or safety concerns should be supported only when adequate planning and mitigation measures have been identified. iii. Promote Fire Use (let-burn) policies in appropriate areas that will benefit elk, and conduct reseeding efforts post wildlife. In addition to the above listed objectives the below goals/objectives are identified in the Mule Deer Plan for the Pahvant Unit #21: Habitat Protection, Improvement and Maintenance - Work with public land management agencies to develop specific vegetative objectives to maintain the quality of important deer use areas. - Coordinate with federal and state partners in designing projects that will improve fire resiliency and protect areas of crucial habitat. - Cooperate with federal land management agencies and private landowners in carrying out habitat improvement projects. Protect deer winter ranges from wildfire by reseeding burned areas, creating fuel breaks and reseed areas dominated by cheatgrass with desirable perennial vegetation. - Reduce expansion of Pinion-Juniper woodlands into sagebrush habitats and improve habitats dominated by Pinion-Juniper woodlands by completing habitat restoration projects. - Seek opportunities to increase browse in burned areas of critical winter range. - Continue to utilize water sources that can benefit wildlife species where applicable, promoting year round water availability, seeps, springs, wetlands and mesic areas. In addition to the above listed objectives the below goals/objectives are identified in the Turkey Statewide Plan: General Suitable habitat includes three key ingredients: trees, forbs and grass. Regardless of the type of environment, this combination must exist for turkeys to thrive. Trees provide food, daytime loafing and escape cover, and- --most importantly -- nighttime roost sites. Grasses and forbs provide food for adults and are especially important to poults as an environment in which they can efficiently forage for insects. Brood Rearing: During the first eight weeks after hatching, there are three essential components of brood rearing habitat. First - Poults need an environment that produces an abundance of insects. Second - Poults need habitat in which they can frequently and efficiently forage throughout the day. Third - Poults need an area that provides enough cover to hide, but allows the adult hen unobstructed vision for protection from predators. Therefore, the fundamental component of brood rearing habitat is herbaceous vegetation interspersed with trees. Herbaceous vegetation is key because it provides an ideal foraging environment for Poults. Fall and Winter: Wild turkeys seek two imperative habitat ingredients in the fall and winter --food and roosting cover. Vegetation that turkeys utilize during the fall and winter is highly varied. Turkeys increase their use of forested cover during the fall and winter and decrease their use of open areas. Mast (pine nuts, acorns, berries) is the primary food source during fall and winter. Habitat value increases with higher proportions of mast-producing species in the forest and their degree of maturity. In mountainous environments, spring seeps are an important source of fall and winter food. Seeps provide invertebrates, mast and green vegetation. Because such water does not freeze, it provides a microclimate that allows foraging throughout the winter.

1) Utah Partners in Flight Avian Conservation Strategy Version 2.0. Utah Partners in Flight Program, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 1594 West North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, UDWR Publication Number 02-27. i--xiv + 302 pp. *This plan list priority species of Brewer's sparrow and sage sparrow and specifically points out a conservation strategy both to "Manage large blocks of land for contiguous Shrub-steppe habitat and avoid activities that cause fragmentation." Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Statewide Management Plan for Mule Deer 2025-2030 States: Habitat Objective 2: Improve the quality and quantity of vegetation for mule deer on a minimum of 600,000 acres of crucial range by 2030 Implications: Habitat will need to be improved on at least 600,000 acres of crucial mule deer range to meet the population objectives in this plan. If habitat improvement projects cannot be completed because of inadequate funding, environmental restrictions, or unfavorable climatic conditions, population objectives may not be achieved. Additionally, because habitat treatments often require a number of years before they provide optimal benefits to mule deer, and if large catastrophic wildfires and energy developments continue to negatively impact crucial mule deer ranges, the population and habitat goals of this plan may not be achieved within the 6-year life of this plan. Strategies: A. Utah's Watershed Restoration Initiative (WRI) a. Utilize WRI as a tool to improve deer habitat with all partners across the state b. Continue to support and provide leadership for WRI, which emphasizes improving sagebrush-steppe, aspen, and riparian habitats throughout Utah c. Work with land management agencies, conservation organizations, private landowners, and local leaders through the regional WRI teams working groups to identify and prioritize mule deer habitats that are in need of enhancement or restoration (Figure 6). Emphasis should be placed on crucial habitats which include summer range habitats such as improving aspen, winter ranges sagebrush habitats, and improving riparian areas. d. Work with partners such as NRCS and university extension to increase landowner participation in the Watershed Restoration Initiative Program this may include the private landowner or grazing permittee seeking funding at their own accord. Landowner/Permittee will need to understand the application and funding allocations along with the length of the contract time frame before applying for funding. e. Initiate broad scale vegetative treatment projects to improve and restore mule deer habitat with emphasis on drought or fire damaged sagebrush winter ranges, ranges that have been taken over by invasive annual grass species, and ranges being diminished by encroachment of conifers into sagebrush or aspen habitats, ensuring that seed mixes contain sufficient forbs and browse species f. Encourage land managers to manage portions of pinyon-juniper woodlands and aspen-conifer forests in early successional stages using various methods including timber harvest and managed fire g. Support post-fire rehabilitation on crucial mid/low elevation deer ranges which are susceptible to weed invasion and loss of critical browse h. Continue to support conservation permit, wildlife habitat account, federal aid and other funding sources which provide critical funding for habitat improvement efforts i. Explore opportunities to engage with non-traditional users to fund habitat improvements j. Continue to seek new funding sources for habitat improvement projects k. Financially support early planning (NEPA) and/or clearances needed to implement habitat treatments. 3) Deer Herd Unit Management Plan, Deer Herd Pahvant "A major proportion of both summer and winter habitat for deer on this unit is on private land. Therefore, it is paramount to work with private landowners to maintain both summer and winter habitat. "Reduce expansion of Pinion-Juniper woodlands into sagebrush habitats and improve habitats dominated by Pinion-Juniper woodlands by completing habitat restoration projects like lop & scatter, bullhog, and chaining." "Work toward long-term habitat protection and preservation through agreements with land management agencies and local governments, the use of conservation easements, etc. on private lands and working toward blocking up UDWR properties through land exchanges with willing partners." 4) Utah Statewide Elk Management Plan *"Continue to provide incentive programs for landowners that will encourage elk populations on private land such as the CWMU, Landowner Association, and Walk-In Access programs." * "Increase forage production by annually treating a minimum of 40,000 acres of elk habitat.' * "Coordinate with land management agencies, conservation organizations, private landowners, and local leaders through the regional Watershed Restoration Initiative working groups to identify and prioritize elk habitats that are in need of enhancement or restoration. i) Identify habitat projects on summer ranges (aspen communities) to improve calving habitat. ii) Encourage land managers to manage portions of forests in early succession stages through the use controlled burning and logging. Controlled burning should only be used in areas with minimal invasive weed and/or safety concerns." 5) The proposed projects will address some of the habitat management strategies outlined in the deer and elk management plans for herd unit 21B (Fillmore Pahvant Unit ) including: *Continue to improve and restore sagebrush steppe habitats critical to deer according to DWRs Habitat Initiative. *Maintain habitat quantity and quality at a level adequate to support the stated population objectives while at the same time not resulting in an overall downward trend in range condition and watershed quality. *Work cooperatively with land management agencies and private landowners to plan and implement improvement projects for the purpose of enhancing wildlife habitat and range resources in general. *The project also helps fulfill the state mule deer management plan section IV Habitat Goal: Conserve and improve mule deer habitat throughout the state with emphasis on crucial ranges. *The proposed projects will address the following goals and objectives of the Division of Wildlife Resources most recent strategic management plan: *Resource Goal: expand wildlife populations and conserve sensitive species by protecting and improving wildlife habitat. *Objective 1: protect existing wildlife habitat and improve 500,000 acres of critical habitats and watersheds throughout the state. *Objective 3: conserve sensitive species to prevent them from becoming listed as threatened or endangered. *Constituency Goal: Achieve broad-based support for Division programs and budgets by demonstrating the value of wildlife to all citizens of Utah. *Objective 2: improve communication with wildlife organizations, public officials, private landowners, and government agencies to obtain support for Division programs. *UDWR SR critical big game winter range are important browse communities that need to be enhanced and improved. The Division will employ a variety of methods to achieve this including prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, reseeding and seedling transplants, also mechanical treatments. Priority areas will include sagebrush-steppe and mountain browse communities. Falls within the rangeland focus area for WRI wildlife species for mule deer and elk. 6) This plan is consistent with the Fishlake National Forest Plan for wildlife habitat enhancement and fuels management to improve habitat, reduce fuel loading, and protect against catastrophic wildfire. *Other project have been completed by the Forest Service and UDWR in past years within the Ebbs Canyon. Along with the Meadow Creek, Half Way Hill and Baker Canyon Fire Rehab Projects completed on Forest Service, BLM and Private Properties. 7) Project within the are also benefit the management plans objectives of the lower Sevier River Watershed, as this will reduced sediment run off and create a healthy rangeland communities. 8) Management Plans are also in conjunction with NRCS overall goals of healthy rangelands and communities, improving watersheds and reducing erosion and sediment. The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment 10) USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Strategic Plan *Project addresses habitat threats for priority species within a PFW priority area (Plateau Focus Area) for restoration work. 11) Utah Wild Turkey Management Plan. 2023. *Enhance wild turkey habitat -- quality and quantity -- by 100,000 acres statewide by 2029. *Work cross-boundary with public and private landowners to enhance turkey habitat.

Fire or fuels loading will not be a factor with this project, pipeline will be buried under ground, and not be effected buy a wildfire, although with the chance of a localized wild fire some of the fittings and the wood lodgepole structures associated with the metal trough could burn. Watering troughs will be made of galvanized metal and or large tire troughs that may withstand the intense heat of a wild land fire in this area. Most of the vegetation is kept short due to livestock grazing and trailing into and out of the watering areas. In addition the opportunity to spread out water within this project will allow better grazing utilization and thus lowering the overall fine fuels that will help spread a wildfire.

This project will improve water quality and quantity due to the fact that we will be collecting water through a head box and delivering it overland through a pipeline that will prove to be more efficient than allowing the water to run down a stream, collect sediment, debris and lose water due to evaporation. The quality of the water will be improved as it will be held in water troughs that will allow livestock and wildlife to drink clean clear water verse allowing water to be lost or made unavailable in a stock watering pond or overflow. The Water Right is held by the Fillmore Forest Service, approval has been granted to connect to the existing pipeline that comes from Upper Ebbs Spring. In addition the Fillmore USFS Field Office is on board with improving this pipeline and the installation of two (2) 1,800 water tanks. Water Right #67-977, UDWR Project Manager will consult with Eric Anderson on the this project before implementation will take place and coordinate with the Fillmore Forest Service Office.

The opportunity to partner with the local Federal and State Agencies will allow up to implement this project through a "Maintenance Agreement" which the USFS Fillmore Office has allowed us to do. Some additional NEPA and or survey work maybe needed for the installation of the pipeline and troughs. This are was burned in 2016 in the Ebbs Fire and was mechanically treated allowing for some NEPA and Arch Clearances to be completed. If warranted moving forward additional survey work maybe completed in by utilizing the UDWR Archaeologist (Arie Leeflang) in conjunction with the Fillmore Forest Service Archaeologist. In discussion with Brian Monroe (Fillmore District Ranger) we will be able to complete a CE for this project and conduct some survey work and move forward with implementation.

This project will be implemented with the help of the Wild Goose Grazing Permittee's, UDWR, and the Fillmore Forest Service. The installation of a new pipeline will deliver water from the Upper Ebbs Spring to tow (2) 1,300 gallon rubber tire troughs. We will connect into the existing Upper Ebbs Spring source, this will be done by the use of heavy equipment, backhoe, mini ex, skidsteer and a D-8 Cat, which is set up to install and carry the spools of pipe, the pipe will be installed below the surface and ripped in with the dozer. This project will be installed within the Upper Ebbs Allotment, the UDWR and Wild Goose Grazing Permittee will contract with a company that has experience working with this type of HDPE pipe and is set up with the proper equipment to have it installed. Wild Goose Grazing Permittees, UDWR and the Fillmore Forest Service will help the contractor install the pipeline and watering troughs along with working along side the contractor to make sure the project runs smoothly. Fillmore Forest Service is supportive of this project and is in favor of helping out the permittee to address the need of distributing water within the allotment. UDWR is also in favor as additional watering locations will be functionable and benefit wildlife populations of mule deer, elk, and wild turkeys within the Pahvant WMU. ***Attached in the Documents Tab is a Contract for this type of work that has been awarded and will be installed on the Fillmore Pioneer and Youngsfield WMA's...Please take a look for additional information on the specific methods that have worked for us in the past.

Monitoring of this project will be done by the Wild Goose Grazing Permittees, and the Fillmore Forest Service, they will be able to inspect the pipeline, valves, floats and fittings along with the watering troughs to make sure all connections are tight and working properly. Also the permittees will be assigned to monitor the collection box or spring development and remove any sediment that may effect the pipeline, water will be turn off in the fall/winter allowing for the pipeline to drain and not freeze. Grazing Permittee, and the Forest Service will also monitor the livestock distribution as it pertains to the grazing allotment moving cattle when needed to allow for grass, forbs and shrubs to not be over utilized. UDWR will also monitor the need to keep the troughs clean and free from debris and small mammals along with allowing access for wildlife and cattle to the watering locations. Opportunities may arise to make further improvements on the pipeline, if this is needed grazing permittee will continue to work with UDWR and USFS to improve areas of need. Also the need to control noxious weed species if present in the areas around the watering troughs may need to be addressed due to livestock concentration. Motoring the escape ramps making sure they are in good working order and functioning to allow for small rodents and birds to escape the water troughs.

Partners for this project will consist of UDWR, UGIP, Fillmore Forest Service and the Wild Goose Grazing Association, along with vested Sportsman Groups. We have been successful in working with the fore mentioned partners to implement good projects within this allotment in the past few years, additional support has been leveraged through great partnerships looking for projects that will provide benefits to the local community, that protect the livestock grazing and wildlife within Millard County. Great efforts and strides have been made by Sportsman Organizations to improve the overall goals and objectives to increase and sustain wildlife through these types of projects. Past water enhancement project such as the Church Hills Project (WRI #5748) and the Holden Springs Water Enhancement Project (WRI#7061) and the Mineral Range Water Enhancement Project (WRI #6737) have been funded through the UDWR Habitat Council, FNAWS, NWTF, RMEF, SFW, MDF, and Safari Club International. Great partnership make great projects, this water development project is another project to provide much needed water along the west side of the Pahvant Mtn Range.

Future Management of this project will be to ensure that the project is installed correctly, that the pipeline and watering troughs are set correct and all fittings are secure. The need to fix or repair items associated with this project will be left up to the Wild Goose Grazing Permittees in the future, they along with the Fillmore USFS will be working together to improve this allotment and improve the distribution of cattle during the grazing period. Wildlife escape ramps will be installed as we complete the project to allow for small mammals and birds to escape from the water trough.

This project will be a great asset to help benefit the livestock portion of the project, by increasing the need for water in critical areas of this allotment it will be able to increase the overall utilization of the allotment as far as grazing additional areas that have not been grazed, reducing impacts of grazing on other over grazed areas. Water is critical within this allotment improved water will allow for longer use of the allotment time during drought situations, and in the fall of the year when water source have run dry, additional storage through the water troughs will allow the livestock to maintain body weights and allow for better weaning weights for the producer due to traveling longer distances for water. Wild Goose Grazing Permittee graze approximately 260 cow/calf pairs in this allotment from June 15th to October 15th. Expansion of the water troughs increasing them in size will allow for additional storage, and easy access to water larger groups of cattle at once. The pipeline portion just allows better distribution of water decreasing the cost to the permittee of hauling water by truck to different locations. Wildlife will defiantly benefit from the additional water within this area, limited water sources are available, by increasing water troughs and distribution this will allow for increased fawn and calf survival as well as overall population health within our mule deer and elk populations. Opportunities for water in the spring/summer/fall will allow wild turkey's and their chicks the opportunity to forage for insects and bugs having multi sources of open water from the overflow dirt ponds and water troughs. Other sustainable resources will include but not limited to hunting both big game and small game, hiking , wood cutting both cedar post and cedar fence stays. Horseback riding and mountain biking, as well as the need to enjoy the outdoors camping and spending time with family. Millard County has a ATV/UTV Jamboree each year and the overwhelming access points run though this area and receive a lot of use.