The forthcoming 2025--2035 Utah Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) expanded upon prior versions to include additional native taxa. The 2015--2025 WAP listed 141 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), whereas the revised plan lists 257 SGCNs. In addition to mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, two new taxa are included: insects and plants. The revised SGCN list reflects Utah species in true decline and that require quick and effective conservation interventions. The WAP guides research, management, and conservation initiatives for native wildlife species across the state. Whether such initiatives move forward may depend on resource availability (time, people, and financial). Although often resource-intensive, long-term monitoring programs are critical in determining wildlife population trends, uncovering the factors influencing those trends, and assessing the effectiveness of conservation efforts. If not based on reliable monitoring data, recovery planning for threatened species may be ineffective and squander precious resources. Partners can play an important role in supporting the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) to meet its objectives for native species conservation. One such partnership has supported the state in its efforts to conserve the western toad (Anaxyrus boreas), one of five amphibian SGCNs. For a decade, Utah's Hogle Zoo and Sageland Collaborative, in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Utah Geological Survey (UGS), have monitored the western toad and its habitat by conducting field surveys and engaging community scientists. These surveys document presence/absence, breeding evidence, and habitat condition and change. Such data form a key part of recovery planning for this species. Other benefits of this program include engaging hundreds of Utahns in public-land conservation, raising community awareness about a native species, and increasing transparency about the work of state wildlife managers. Community engagement can be particularly valuable for improving public perceptions of and conservation support for amphibians and reptiles, which typically have lower social capital relative to birds, mammals, and other vertebrate taxa (Olson & Pilliod 2022). Eastern populations of the western (boreal) toad belong to the subspecies Anaxyrus boreas boreas and occur in high-altitude wetlands in Colorado, Wyoming, southeastern Idaho, northern New Mexico, and most of Utah. Within this region, several populations have undergone significant declines, including those in the southern Rocky Mountains (Muths et al. 2003; Pilliod et al. 2010); New Mexico, where the species is considered extirpated (IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group 2022); and southwestern Utah. The western toad is presently ranked as Critically Imperiled (S1) in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming; Imperiled (S2) in Idaho; and Vulnerable (S3) in Utah (NatureServe 2025). The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management classify it as a Sensitive Species. Although population declines have been attributed largely to infection with the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), this species faces several threats, including altered hydrology and habitat degradation resulting from agriculture (e.g., livestock grazing), land-use change, pollution, and other factors. Concern over existing and predicted impacts from climate change is also growing given the western toad's occurrence at higher elevations (5,000ft +). Increasing temperatures and variation in precipitation may significantly alter montane wetland habitats (Muths et al. 2020). If the prevalence of Bd increases with increases in temperature, amphibians adapted to montane climates, such as western toads, may develop increased susceptibility to chytridiomycosis (Muths et al. 2020). Further challenging the recovery effort for this species is interpopulation variability in response to stressors. For example, western toad populations are inconsistent in their resistance and tolerance to Bd (Hardy et al. 2025; Pilliod et al. 2010), indicating a degree of population-level immunogenetic variation that influences the impact of chytridiomycosis in this species. Populations in the southern Rocky Mountains are considered more susceptible to Bd than more northerly populations, such as those in Utah and Wyoming (Hardy et al. 2025). Such variation precludes the development of broad-scale management and conservation measures and emphasizes the importance of understanding local and regional contexts. Guided by priorities set by Utah DWR regional biologists and other partners, this project will continue statewide monitoring of western toad populations in at least four of the five administrative regions. New to the monitoring effort in 2025 is electronic data collection using ArcGIS Survey123. Literature Cited Hardy, B.M., Muths, E., Funk, W.C., and Bailey, L.L. 2025. Quantifying intraspecific variation in host resistance and tolerance to a lethal pathogen. Journal of Animal Ecology (online early). IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. 2022. Anaxyrus boreas. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T181488862A197445871. Accessed 1 January 2025. Muths, E., Corn, P.S., Pessier, A.P., and Green, D.E. 2003. Evidence for disease related amphibian decline in Colorado. Biological Conservation 110: 357--365. Muths, E., Hossack, B.R., Campbell Grant, E.H., Pilliod, D.S., and Mosher, B.A. 2020. Effects of snowpack, temperature, and disease on demography in a wild population of amphibians. Herpetologica 76: 132--143. NatureServe. 2025. NatureServe Network Biodiversity Location Data, accessed through NatureServe Explorer [Web application]. NatureServe, Arlington, VA. Available at https://explorer.natureserve.org. Olson, D.H. and Pilliod, D.S. 2022. Elevating human dimensions of amphibian and reptile conservation, a USA perspective. Conservation Science and Practice 4: e12685. Pilliod, D.S., Muths, E., Scherer, R.D., Bartelt, P.E., Corn, P.S., Hossack, B.R., Lambert, B.A., Mccaffery, R., and Gaughan, C. 2010. Effects of amphibian chytrid fungus on individual survival probability in wild boreal toads. Conservation Biology 24: 1259-1267.

The aims of this project are to support the Utah DWR, contribute to the recovery and conservation of the western toad in Utah, and promote public engagement in wildlife conservation in Utah. Measurable objectives include: * With partners, evaluate and determine priority monitoring sites for 2026; * Organize and lead surveys of western toads and other amphibians at prioritized sites; * Identify habitat changes that may significantly affect populations of western toads and other amphibians at monitoring sites; * Estimate occupancy and detection probability of the western toad using a standardized survey protocol; * Increase recruitment and engagement of community scientists by at least 10% over the prior year; * Define indicators to measure the contribution of community scientists to this project; * Assess the impacts of participation in this project on community scientists; and * Identify ways to improve and grow this project's community science component.

Project will be conducted statewide at DWR-recommended survey sites in at least four administrative regions. Priority sites are montane wetlands at elevations of 5,000ft and above with prior evidence of breeding. Other priorities include potentially important sites that have to date not been surveyed or not surveyed systematically. Most fieldwork will occur May to September 2026. Recruiting community scientists will begin in January and continue through the field season.

This project aligns with the goals and objectives of the most recent "Conservation Agreement for the Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas) in Utah." A species recovery plan for the western toad is expected in 2026. GOAL 1: Address, classify, and mitigate current and future threats to western toads, and identify new threats Objective 1: Implement regular status assessments and promote collaboration and data sharing between organizations as threat calculations and rankings are updated. This project directly supports Objective 1:1 through the ongoing collection and sharing of monitoring data on the western toad populations and habitats. Data are compiled and submitted to the Utah DWR Native Herpetology Coordinator, DWR regional biologists, and the Utah Natural Heritage Program. Objective 2 : Preserve and restore western toad habitat and continue efforts to discover new populations and suitable habitat. This project supports Objective 1:2 through the annual monitoring of western toad habitats and environmental variables, as well as surveying new sites where this species may occur. GOAL 2: Maintain, investigate, and implement workable long-term propagation and translocation strategies Objective 1: Broaden breeding, translocation, and repatriation efforts to include multiple high-risk western toad populations throughout the state as warranted. This project helps meet Objective 2:2 by identifying suitable sites for reintroduction, supplementation, and translocation. Additionally, Utah's Hogle Zoo is a key partner overseeing the captive propagation and management of Utah western toads. GOAL 3: Maintain existing interagency and Western Toad Conservation Team (WTCT) partnerships and seek out new collaborations Objective 1: Build partnerships and strengthen existing relationships within the WTCT This project requires considerable collaboration among and input from DWR regional biologists, the DWR administrative team, and several other partners. The process of setting priorities and sharing findings as part of this project strengthens relationships among stakeholders and facilitates communication. As such, this project supports Objective 3:1.

Not applicable

Water chemistry data at each surveyed wetland will be recorded using a Hanna Instruments HI98129 meter. Collected annually, water-quality measurements inform the state's management of wetland habitats and reveal any concerning trends.

Not applicable. This project does not require compliance as it involves observational research and does not involve activities that would alter or damage natural environments. Hogle Zoo staff members involved in marking toads with PIT (passive integrated transponder) tags have a current Certificate of Registration.

General * Consult with DWR biologists and other partners to identify and rank priority survey sites * Develop field-season schedule based on these priorities * Classify sites as requiring "expert-led" surveys or suitable for "independent" surveys * Compile detailed instructions for volunteers conducting independent surveys * Develop and advertise position descriptions for seasonal conservation technicians and student interns Community Science Training and Engagement: Jan to Sept 2026 * Build communications strategy for volunteer (community science) engagement * Evaluate and update prior training materials and strategies for the annual community science training event * Recruit volunteers through multiple channels (e.g., social media, E-mail, event tables) to attend the training event and sign up for community science opportunities * Conduct annual training event in March/April 2026 * Develop and administer pre- and post-participation volunteer questionnaires * Prepare and make available independent volunteer "toad backpacks" containing survey equipment and relevant instructions * Track independent surveys and verify submitted data from community scientists * Coordinate groups of volunteers participating in expert-led surveys and track volunteer hours Western Toad Population and Habitat Surveys: May to Aug 2026 * Train UHZ interns and seasonal technicians in safety and health field protocols (including disinfectant protocols), amphibian survey techniques, and supervision of community scientists * Systematically and slowly search sites using observer sweeps of habitat typically within 30-40m of the edge of a water body. * Collect data on western toads and associated habitats using the standardized monitoring form previously developed alongside DWR, USFS, and UGS (in early 2025 partners updated the monitoring form and converted it to digital format using ArcGIS Survey123). Data collected include general survey information (e.g., date, start and stop times, observers); weather conditions; amphibian data (e.g., species observed, biometrics, PIT tag identification, location); habitat characteristics (e.g., vegetation type and cover, primary substrate, water depth, potential for breeding); hydrologic factors (e.g., water chemistry); and habitat disturbance * Use a subset of survey data to estimate occupancy and detectability of the western toad * Manage data on western toad occurrence, habitat metrics, and community scientist engagement * Prepare summary data to share with partners and for presentation at annual conservation meeting. Final data will be disseminated to regional biologists as well as the annual Western Toad Conservation Team meeting * Contribute to the western toad partner agreement, conservation planning, and repatriation efforts by managing and evaluating survey and habitat data, participating in planning meetings, working to improve processes and protocols, and supporting the DWR and partners with other needs related to research and recovery of the western toad

Project outcomes will be monitored according to the metrics set for this project, including number of surveys conducted, number of sites surveyed, number of community scientists who participated in the project, total field hours, and the generation of preliminary but reliable estimates of occupancy and detectability for this species. No additional post-season field monitoring is required to determine project success. In collaboration with the DWR and other partners, UHZ plans to continue annual western toad population and habitat monitoring to ensure a robust data set is available for understanding the occurrence of this sensitive species and the habitat conditions for aquatic breeding sites.

For the past several years, Utah's Hogle Zoo has partnered with the Utah DWR, Sageland Collaborative, Utah Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. UHZ has been honored to host annual planning meetings of the Western Toad Conservation Team (most recently in December 2024), as well as meetings of the executive leadership team of the DWR. In recent years, UHZ and Sageland Collaborative have organized several meetings and discussions regarding data gaps and survey needs. On Jan. 6, 2025, for example, UHZ organized a meeting with DWR regional biologists, the Native Herpetology Coordinator, and other stakeholders to discuss survey site priorities for the coming field season.

Data collected through this project by UHZ, independent community scientists, DWR biologists, and other partners provide critical information to recovery planning for the western toad in Utah. The findings are also entered into a statewide UGS database that could be used to develop more robust predictive models for species occupancy and habitat suitability across Utah. UHZ looks forward to ongoing collaboration with the Utah DWR and other partners to adapt efforts and approaches to ensure maximum impact for conservation of the western toad in Utah. This includes cooperation on strategy and protocol development for post-release monitoring of captive-reared toads. This project will also continue to support statewide planning efforts to restore and maintain key aquatic habitats and repatriate this imperiled species to suitable habitats.

Not applicable

07/01/2025

06/30/2026

2026

Methods associated with each of this project's four major tasks are explained below: Task 1: Recruited and trained community scientists We recruited community scientists through several channels, including Utah's Hogle Zoo (UHZ) volunteer network, community scientists who participated in prior years, universities, outreach tabling events, and social media. On April 18 and April 23, UHZ and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) co-led a community-scientist training event at Utah's Hogle Zoo. Attended by 71 people, the training sessions covered the background and purpose of the western toad program and the standardized field methods used to survey western toads, other amphibians, and their habitats. Trainers provided instructions, with accompanying demonstration as appropriate, on how to determine the life stage of observed toads, accurately record water-quality and other environmental variables, and reliably adhere to safety and disinfection protocols. The training sessions also covered how to use the online data form (ArcGIS Survey123), developed in 2025 by the Utah DWR Wildlife Heritage Program. To ensure that volunteers were comfortable with the survey protocols and gained some field experience, community scientists were asked to first participate in a biologist-led toad survey before conducting independent surveys. This season, UHZ revised its Western Toad Conservation Program webpage and added links to the 2025-2035 Utah Wildlife Action Plan, updated training videos as a 6-part YouTube series, updated Western Toad Surveyor Packet resource, the Zoo's Eventbrite community-science website, and Utah HerpSearch (a community-science project led by Sageland Collaboration and the Utah DWR). The Zoo also distributed via email six newsletters that featured project updates, sign-up instructions for volunteer opportunities through the Eventbrite collection, and key highlights and outcomes from toad surveys this season. Total newsletter audience reach was 26,000 people. Additionally, the Zoo promoted community-science opportunities through two Facebook posts, three Instagram stories, and two Google posts. The social-media posts accumulated 1,584 engagements as well as 61,759 engagements in paid reach (i.e., unique accounts of individuals who saw the posts at least once). Instagram stories averaged 1,500 views each, and the updated YouTube training videos were viewed 100 times. Task 2: Conducted western toad and habitat surveys (2025-2026) Survey teams comprised UHZ biologists, seasonal conservation technicians, student interns, and/or community scientists. Some surveys were also conducted with colleagues from the DWR and U.S. Forest Service (USFS). During single- and multi-day surveys, we recorded these data using a standardized Survey123 form: 1) water-quality and other environmental variables; 2) presence of western toads and other amphibians; and 3) for all observed toads, life stage, sex, biometric measurements, detection location, distance from water, and PIT-tag number. We also took photos of the habitat and dorsal and ventral views of captured toads. Using GPS units and navigation apps, survey teams recorded observer tracks (i.e., paths taken by observers as they searched for toads) to document exact search routes, speed of movement, and survey duration. For surveys conducted during FY26 (July 1, 2025--June 30, 2026), UHZ employees, including full-time staff and seasonal technicians, contributed 763.25 hours of field time, and Zoo interns contributed 490 hours of field time. For the FY27 period, UHZ staff have to date contributed 236 field hours, and interns have contributed 221.25 field hours. Community Science Engagement For the 2026 field season (May to mid-August), UHZ promoted 80 biologist-led survey opportunities for community scientists. Volunteers also had the option to conduct independent surveys by using field equipment available in a Hogle Zoo "toad backpack." Backpacks could be checked out from either the Zoo Guest Services office or Tracy Aviary's Nature Center at Pia Okwai. Hogle Zoo was forced to cancel one multi-day field trip owing to an uncontrolled wildfire and flash-flood warnings at the site. After accounting for trip and individual volunteer cancellations, a total of 40 volunteers participated in 54 community-science openings (excluding 4 independent surveys). For the FY26 period, community scientists contributed 732 field hours. To date for FY27 toad surveys, community scientists have contributed 562 hours. Priority Survey Sites During the planning stage for this project, we collaborated with Utah DWR biologists from the five regions to establish a list of priority survey sites, classified as one of three types: actively monitored, exploratory, and previously non-surveyed. Non-surveyed sites typically were proximate to known toad populations and suspected to have high-quality amphibian habitat. Exploratory sites were areas that were surveyed in the past by biologists but had not been checked in several years. Notable Results Some notable outcomes from the FY26 period include: * During joint DWR-UHZ surveys, one egg strand was detected at Left Fork Kanab Creek, the captive release site at the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Although the egg strand was degraded, this was evidence of reproduction at this site for the second consecutive year. Adult toads were also observed outside of the exclosure fencing, indicating that toads had moved both upstream and downstream of the release site. * Multiple life stages (egg, tadpole, juvenile, and adult) were detected at Little West Fork Duchesne's upper and lower beaver complexes. * At a previously non-surveyed site, we observed one adult female toad at a beaver complex along Stillwater Fork in the northern Uintas. * We coordinated with and assisted Utah State University (USU) researchers to collect skin swabs from several western toad populations. The swabs will be tested for chytrid fungus by USU researchers. Some initial notable outcomes for the FY27 period include: * At Dry Creek Stock Pond 3 on Monroe Mountain, we observed 13 toadlets, thus confirming that toads reproduced following the Monroe Canyon fire in 2025. * In August 2026, we detected 8 young-of-year toadlets at Silver Lake, Big Cottonwood Canyon. This observation confirmed that some of the tadpoles detected by the DWR earlier in the summer had successfully developed to that life stage. REGIONAL SUMMARIES: FY26 Central and Northeastern Regions The Utah DWR prioritized amphibian surveys at Strawberry Reservoir and its tributaries for the first part of the FY26 season (July-August 2025). For the latter part of this season (May-June 2026) and the first part of FY27 (July-August 2026), our survey effort shifted to Lake Creek, Little West Fork Duchesne, and Currant Creek drainages. Given the June 2025 discovery of toad breeding activity in the Lake Creek area, and that Little West Fork Duchesne is a focal site for habitat restoration and resource investment by the Utah Aquatic Collaborative Alliance and two DWR administrative regions, we planned a greater survey effort for this area, including 3 multi-day surveys and 21 single-day surveys (one multi-day trip was cancelled due to wildfire and flood risk and five single-day surveys were cancelled or not completed due to weather, road access, or time constraints). Surveys that cover most or all of Little West Fork Duchesne typically require multiple observers over multiple days. In June 2026, the combined effort of the DWR, UHZ, USU, and community scientists led to several promising observations, including 1 egg strand; ~1,000 tadpoles (~25% were desiccated); 2 adult female toads at the lower beaver complex; and 2 adult male toads and 1 juvenile toad in the upper beaver complex. We also conducted a night survey at the upper complex to better understand variability in toad detectability at night vs. day. Likely owing to the cold, windy conditions during the night survey, no toads were detected. In summer 2025 at Lake Creek Beaver Complexes 1-4, UHZ and DWR teams observed tadpoles, yet this year no toads were detected at these sites. Surveys at five exploratory and two non-surveyed satellite sites of Little West Fork Duchesne (specifically, the Lake Creek area and West Fork Duchesne River) yielded no observations of toads. However, boreal chorus frogs and tiger salamanders were observed at various life stages. Central Region In addition to surveys within and around the Little West Fork Duchesne River, UHZ and the DWR completed a survey at Silver Lake, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Bryant's Fork South, Strawberry Reservoir. At Silver Lake, observations included 6 juvenile toads, several eggs strands, and tadpoles, as well as evidence of habitat recovery owing to post-construction habitat improvements such as willow plantings. At Bryant's Fork South, we observed 4 adult (3 female, 1 male) and 2 juvenile toads. Compared to summer 2025, the water level at Strawberry Reservoir continued to drop. Although we observed that the lower beaver ponds contained less water and/or were less well-maintained relative to prior years, we also noted at least two new beaver dams in the middle and upper sections of the stream below the culvert. These natural beaver dams may create suitable breeding habitat for toads. Northeastern Region In June, UHZ and DWR jointly surveyed tributaries of Currant Creek Reservoir. Significant survey effort was dedicated to South Fork Currant Creek and sections of the main fork of Currant Creek that had gone unstudied for more than 10 years. While no toads were detected here, the habitat was assessed for its suitability as a potential toad reintroduction site. Owing to dense woody vegetation and a small number of ponds, the upper sections were deemed poorly suitable. The middle and lower sections, however, showed signs of recent beaver activity. Compared with other sites in this area, Pass Creek, a tributary of Currant Creek, had prime habitat for western toads, with long stretches of active beaver ponds, complex willow habitat, and access to upland hibernacula. The habitat at Right Fork Currant Creek, with its complex network of beaver ponds, was also deemed suitable for toads. Similarly, although toads were not detected during single-day exploratory surveys at beaver complexes along the West Fork Duchesne River and Upper Pass Creek, the habitat conditions appeared favorable for supporting western toads. Northern Region In this region, we targeted our survey effort on Hayden Fork and Stillwater Fork, which are headwater stems of the Bear River, a toad stronghold, and east of Whitney Reservoir, a historic toad breeding site. Despite their favorable location, Hayden Fork and Stillwater Fork have not been surveyed before. We focused on the beaver complexes and wetlands adjacent to the main river channel. At an active beaver pond at Stillwater Fork, an adult female toad was observed and PIT-tagged. Surveys continued along Stillwater Fork where there was suitable habitat, although no other toads were detected. Similarly, we did not observe toads at sites along Hayden Fork, even though much of the habitat appeared suitable for toads. At Hayden Fork, there was evidence of both inactive beaver ponds and active beaver ponds. The former occurred along stretches of habitat where low water levels and channelization have reduced the quality of habitat for amphibians. Despite these conditions, in general the region boasts extensive favorable habitat for western toads and other amphibians. For example, we observed tadpoles and adults of both boreal chorus frogs and tiger salamanders at this site. Southeastern Region No surveys were conducted in 2026 in this region. Southern Region Each summer at the Paunsaugunt Plateau, 17 monitoring sites are surveyed for western toads. Through a combined effort among UHZ, DWR, USFS, and USU researchers, all 17 sites were surveyed again in June over the same period as in prior years. To ensure broad geographic coverage, for some monitoring sites we followed a parallel search strategy, whereby teams of multiple monitors searched different areas simultaneously. At Left Fork Kanab Creek, the western toad reintroduction site, 6 adult toads (3 male, 3 female) and 2 juveniles were observed during one survey. In a second survey, which included more observers, 8 adult toads (2 male, 6 female) and 4 juveniles were observed (2 toads were re-captures). At Left Fork Kanab Creek, recent beaver translocations have facilitated the formation of new ponds between the historic upper and lower ponds. Water volume in all ponds was greater than that recorded in recent years. The presence of a mule deer and fresh ungulate scat within the exclosure indicate a breach in the fence that should be repaired as early as possible. Hogle Zoo independently surveyed 7 of the 17 monitoring sites, including Skunk Creek Ponds 1-4, Blubber Creek Ponds 1-2, and Podunk Guard Station. Water levels were extremely low at all seven sites. Of notable concern was Podunk Guard Station; the wetland here, which is usually flooded south of the river, was completely dry, with no signs of beaver activity. REGIONAL SUMMARIES: FY27 NOTE: Although this report covers the FY26 fiscal period, we summarize the FY27 survey efforts and results to date, as this information may be useful when assessing priorities for the 2027 field season. Northern Region Surveys that began during the FY26 period continued into July (FY27). In July, UHZ returned to Hayden Fork, where we again did not observe western toads but detected young-of-year and adult boreal chorus frogs at several sites. The habitat conditions were similar to those recorded in June, although drier, which is expected in later summer. Southeastern Region Owing to closures associated with the Black Canyon Fire, scheduled surveys of the Potter's Pond area were cancelled. Our plans for an August survey at the East Mountain breeding site were also scuttled after the Zoo learned that this site and most nearby ponds had been dry since June. Central and Northeastern Regions UHZ completed 16 full-day surveys in the West Fork Duchesne, Lake Creek, and Currant Creek areas. No toads were detected. We could not survey all target sites given unsafe weather conditions (e.g., thunderstorms and wildfires) and the travel distance of the more remote sites to the Zoo. In future, we will organize multi-day camping trips to survey this area. Inclement weather also prevented us from returning to Little West Fork Duchesne in July or August to collect additional baseline data prior to planned habitat-restoration treatments there. Southern Region On Thousand Lake Mountain in July, UHZ researchers and community scientists, along with the DWR and USU, completed surveys at three monitoring sites and at six exploratory sites. Monitoring sites, including Snow Lake, Rocky Slough, and Hidden Lake, were completely dry, and no toads were detected. To support the USU chytrid study, of which Utah's Hogle Zoo is a co-sponsor, the field team relocated to the west side of the mountain and surveyed areas known to support high densities of western toads. Here,10 toads were detected before surveys were cut short due to inclement weather. In this area, wetlands and ponds were drier than normal, with the exception of ponds north of Neff's Reservoir, and cattle had disturbed most sites. In July, we completed surveys at two monitoring sites on Boulder Mountain. We observed one untagged male adult toad at Grass Lake and one PIT-tagged female adult toad at the spring between Grass Lake and South Grass Lake. (No toads were PIT-tagged on Boulder Mountain this year in accordance with DWR protocols.) The water level at Grass Lake was notably low, and the upper pond of South Grass Lake was dry. However, a few springs scattered in the Grass Lake area were flowing at the time of our survey. Grass Lake is the only remaining site on Boulder Mountain where toads, albeit very few, are consistently detected. On Monroe Mountain, we conducted occupancy surveys in line with the DWR's double-occupancy methodology for this location. All target sites were surveyed, except for Hunt's Lake, which was still inaccessible as a result of the 2025 Monroe Canyon Fire. This year, toads were detected only at Dry Creek Stock Ponds 2 and 3, including 13 juveniles at Stock Pond 3, and 2 adults (1 male, 1 female) along a stream between Stock Ponds 2 and 3. Although these water bodies were unaffected by the 2025 wildfire, damage from cattle and ATVs was evident. We observed a dead cow in Stock Pond 3, and an ATV trail between the two ponds likely crossed a toad travel route. Across all sites on Monroe Mountain, water levels were atypically low, and many of the assigned polygons for occupancy surveys were 100% dry. Task 3: Managed and presented interagency data on western toads The Survey123 data form was revised in January 2026 to address data-entry difficulties experienced during the 2025 field season. Notably, the independent surveyor form and the biologist-led form were merged into a new single form to simplify data processing on the back end. In the new form, the first question asks whether a biologist or community scientist is leading the survey, and the subsequent bank of questions is based on the response. During the 2026 field season, the UHZ field team evaluated this new form and suggested further edits to the DWR. All data submitted through the Survey123 form are available to the DWR within ArcGIS Online. The data are then shared in spreadsheet format with the state's regional biologists and also presented at the annual native aquatic conservation team meeting. Task 4: Coordinated interagency meetings and communications In the Fall each year, Utah's Hogle Zoo meets virtually with the DWR Herpetology Coordinator and each regional biologist. In 2025, these meetings were held in October and November. A change from previous years, UHZ met with each region individually vs. all regions at once. This format permitted more in-depth discussion, as well as adequate time to share habitat photos, survey tracks, anecdotal survey observations, and recommendations for the next field season. Following these meetings, UHZ compiled all survey priorities and goals for summer 2026, discussed this with the DWR Herpetology Coordinator, and then shared with the regions the final schedule in early 2026. The timing of these one-on-one meetings, which occurred a few months earlier than in prior years, allowed Hogle Zoo more time to plan its busy summer field calendar and improve its community-science programming.

With the help of community scientists, Hogle Zoo visited priority sites to collect key data on western toads throughout the 2025 and 2026 summer field seasons. We conducted systematic monitoring and exploratory research, both independently and alongside partner organizations. Between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026 (FY26 fiscal period), the UHZ team conducted 123 surveys at 97 sites, and community scientists conducted 4 independent surveys. During FY26, time dedicated to surveys of western toads and their habitats was nearly 2,000 hours (UHZ staff: 763.25; student interns: 490; community scientists: 732), excluding volunteer time for independent surveys. An essential element of this program is public education and engagement, through community science outreach, in support of the DWR (in coordination with USFS) in its efforts to monitor, protect, and recover species of conservation concern (in this case, western toads) and sensitive aquatic habitats across Utah.

To support recovery planning for the western toad and address data gaps, we recommend: * Strengthening communications and coordination among the DWR, Utah's Hogle Zoo, and other conservation partners regarding research and recovery priorities. Evaluate and identify crucial areas for the FY27 and FY28 field seasons (e.g., measuring additional environmental parameters at breeding sites, early-season surveys for egg collection, biotelemetry research to answer key biological questions, etc.). * Continued collaboration to support and help grow the Zoo's popular community-science program as it relates to western toads and, as appropriate, other Utah Species of Greatest Conservation Need. * Hosting one or more in-person training events in various locations across Utah to help recruit more volunteers outside of the Salt Lake Valley. * As it pertains to recovery and reintroduction of western toads, co-develop a sampling strategy for collecting eggs from Eastern Clade populations in 2027 and beyond, as well as a reintroduction strategy in support of the recovery effort statewide. For future field survey and habitat restoration efforts, we recommend: * An assessment of the prioritization scheme currently used to classify sites as priority or exploratory, to ensure that the primary investment of time and other resources is allocated to sites for which annual monitoring is most important. * Additional surveys at satellite sites near known toad populations in the Little West Fork Duchesne watershed. Continued monitoring of Little West Fork Duchesne, especially after planned habitat-restoration activities, will contribute to the scientific understanding of if or how restoration treatments affect toad populations. * Increased survey effort within the Cottonwood Canyons, to not only help close information gaps on toad populations here but also reach and engage more community scientists (owing to the proximity of the Cottonwood Canyons to urban centers). * Further exploration of Right Fork Currant Creek, especially upstream of the sites surveyed this past field season, and of other tributaries of Currant Creek Reservoir. * Increased survey effort along the Hayden Fork and Stillwater Fork waterways, given the widespread suitable habitat in this region. Recommend targeting habitat adjacent to the main river channels where we observed beaver activity and healthy wetlands. Here, western toads may use larger waterways to move among sites, which boast favorable amphibian habitat not easily detected in satellite imagery. * In case of catastrophic wildfire or drought, investigate other sites on the Paunsaugunt Plateau with suitable habitat for toad reintroductions (e.g., along the East Fork Sevier River where beavers are active). * Surveys of the East Mountain breeding site in Spring 2027, or as soon as roads are open and safe. * Given local conditions such as isolated and limited water availability and evidence of inconsistent breeding at East Mountain, consider egg collection and reintroduction at this breeding site (similar to releases at Blacksmith Spring in the Northern Region this year). By late summer, should East Mountain be ill-suited to support the survival of captive-reared toads, they could be released nearby at Lowry Water (or other locations where few or no surveys have been conducted to date). * Construction of exclosure fencing and restoration treatments along streams at key locations in the Southern Region, including nearly all sites on Monroe Mountain; Snow Lake, Rocky Slough, and Hidden Lake on Thousand Lake Mountain; and Grass Lake and South Grass Lake on Boulder Mountain. Regarding survey methodology, we recommend: * Reviewing and standardizing the collection of biometric and habitat data, especially given the variation among approaches used by DWR biologists and regions. Variables that must be quantitatively measured (and thus can be reliably compared across observers and sites) should replace more subjective assessments, to ensure that trends over time are reliable. * Advancing the consistency and rigor of data collection to improve estimates of survey effort per site and population trends over time. A quantitative scale of observer skill should be developed and incorporated into the data analysis. * Repeat surveys of the Little West Fork Duchesne drainage using a parallel search strategy for efficient and broad coverage. * A dedicated effort to assess variation in detectability of western toads at night. Ideally, a systematic study to estimate detection probability during the day and at night would inform future monitoring efforts and improve population estimate