Several NRCS-funded projects are currently positioned for aerial seeding, and combining acreage across these efforts will significantly reduce per-acre costs. By expanding the seed flight footprint, we can maximize logistical efficiency and stretch restoration dollars further. The targeted areas are ecologically important for both wildlife and livestock, but have suffered from severe juniper encroachment and long-term degradation (In some cases loss of understory or Rabbit Brush overtaking areas). Aerial seeding will help reintroduce native grasses, forbs, and shrubs, improving forage availability, soil stability, and habitat structure. This coordinated approach not only supports private landowners but also contributes to broader landscape-scale recovery.

We plan to implement aerial seeding across multiple land units, using mechanical disturbance methods--chaining/Harrowing, mowing, and mastication--to improve seed-to-soil contact and promote successful establishment. These treatments will prepare the ground by reducing woody encroachment and creating microsites favorable for germination. The primary goal is to significantly increase the presence of native grasses, small shrubs, and forbs across the targeted areas. (That being said we will be using introduced species as well. This will vary from site to site as seen in the seed mix section.) By enhancing native vegetation cover, we aim to improve habitat quality, soil stability, and overall ecological resilience on participating properties. This effort supports both private landowners and regional wildlife, contributing to long-term restoration outcomes across degraded rangelands.

The planned restoration areas have secured NRCS funding. By getting the seed through the GBRC Great Basin Research Center to obtain the seed mix, we're able to reduce overall costs and include a broader diversity of native species than would be possible with Private landowner funds alone. This collaboration allows for more ecologically appropriate and resilient plant communities to be established. The targeted lands are in a degraded state, with reduced vegetative cover and compromised soil health. Resetting the ecological trajectory through seeding will significantly improve site conditions--enhancing soil stability, reducing sedimentation and erosion risks, and restoring hydrologic function. Increased native vegetation will also boost forage availability for livestock and improve habitat quality for wildlife, supporting both agricultural productivity and biodiversity. This effort reflects a shared commitment to long-term land health and sustainable stewardship across public and private landscapes.

UTAH MULE DEER STATEWIDE MANAGEMENT PLAN "One of the major problems facing mule deer populations in Utah is many of the crucial deer ranges are in late successional plant community stages dominated by mature stands of pinyon-juniper or other conifer trees, and old even-aged stands of shrubs such as sagebrush. Many crucial deer winter ranges are covered with older shrubs with little or no recruitment of young plants, or are being replaced by annual grasses like cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), which increase fire cycles. Additionally, many forest aspen habitats are being replaced by conifers that provide little forage for mule deer. In order for mule deer populations to thrive in Utah, it is essential that extensive habitat treatments be completed to revert sagebrush habitats back to young, vigorous, shrub-dominated communities, and restore aspen communities to early seral stages. Habitat treatments vary by site but generally include chaining, bullhog, and pinyon-juniper lop and scatter on winter range and prescribed fire and logging on summer range (Larsen et al. 2023). Figure 6 shows the habitat restoration priority areas for mule deer in Utah." We look to decrease the late seral stages that are represented on many of these private lands that hold wildlife in critical times such as winter and summer. By removing old decadent woody growth we invigorate the ecosystem to produce young tender palatable forage in an abundance. This allows more bites for every animal on the landscape. Not only Mule deer but elk and turkey as well as domestic livestock.

Mowing, chaining, and mastication are being used strategically across multiple project areas to reduce hazardous fuel loads and establish effective fuel breaks. These treatments target dense woody vegetation--particularly juniper encroachment--to lower wildfire intensity and create defensible zones where fire can be more safely managed. In addition to mechanical treatments, appropriate grazing management plans will be implemented to control fine herbaceous litter. By managing the buildup of grasses and forbs through timed grazing, the risk of fast-moving surface fires can be reduced while still supporting forage availability and ecological function. "Together, these actions form a proactive fire mitigation strategy that balances vegetation recovery with landscape-scale resilience. Multi Agency Coordination is routine when it comes to wildland fire management in Utah. Rarely does wildfire burn on only one jurisdiction, mandating the need to coordinate cost and effort across property lines. The Utah Wildfire Oversight Committee (UOC) and its subcommittees work year round to ensure Utah is well served by its dedicated wildland fire workforce." (Forestry Fire and State lands Fire Program Overview and Strategic Plan 2022.) We look to make the landscape safer by doing these projects that create breaks in thick dense woody vegetation. This is what I call "Using your fire sense"

water quality across degraded rangeland systems. Many of the targeted properties contain natural spring sources that serve as critical water points for both wildlife and domestic livestock. These springs have experienced concentrated use, leading to vegetation loss, soil compaction, and elevated sedimentation risk. By increasing the distribution and density of native forage species--particularly perennial grasses, forbs, and small shrubs--across the broader landscape, animal pressure can be redistributed away from sensitive spring zones. This strategy supports passive restoration of riparian and wet meadow systems by reducing trampling, nutrient loading, and erosion near water sources. Aerial seeding, combined with mechanical disturbance (e.g., chaining, mowing, mastication), is designed to enhance seed-to-soil contact and promote rapid vegetative establishment. One of the key ecological functions of increased vegetative cover is interception of rainfall. When precipitation contacts plant surfaces before reaching the soil, kinetic energy is dissipated, reducing splash erosion and minimizing detachment of soil particles. This process also enhances infiltration and slows overland flow, further mitigating sediment transport. Overall, the restoration approach aims to reset ecological trajectories by improving vegetative structure, stabilizing soils, and enhancing hydrologic function--ultimately contributing to improved water quality, reduced erosion risk, and more sustainable forage distribution across the landscape.

Under the terms of the NRCS contract, the landowner will adhere to the prescribed grazing management plan, which includes a mandatory two-year rest period for the seeded areas. This rest period is intended to allow for successful establishment of native vegetation, minimize disturbance, and promote long-term ecological recovery following aerial seeding and mechanical treatment. (SHPO) State Historic Preservation Office. concurrence has been formally granted for ground-disturbing practices associated with this restoration effort, specifically mastication, chaining, and mowing. This approval ensures that all planned mechanical treatments are in compliance with cultural resource protection standards, as coordinated through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the State Historic Preservation Office. With this clearance in place, the project can proceed confidently, knowing that archaeological and historical resources have been appropriately reviewed and safeguarded. This step reflects a commitment to responsible land stewardship that integrates ecological restoration with cultural sensitivity.

Aerial seeding is planned across multiple Properties, with the contract being issued through the State of Utah to secure a qualified vendor. The selected contractor may utilize fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter, or drone-based delivery systems depending on terrain, acreage, and logistical efficiency. Seed will be sourced from the Great Basin Research Center (GBRC), ensuring high-quality, regionally appropriate native species. Funding for the seed is being provided through Farm Bill allocations contributed by participating private landowners Through the NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service, reinforcing the collaborative nature of this restoration effort. Following aerial seeding, mechanical treatments will be implemented to enhance seed-to-soil contact and reduce competition from woody vegetation. These include: Mowing of decadent sagebrush to stimulate new growth and open the canopy. Mastication of dense pinyon-juniper stands to break down biomass and improve soil exposure. Chaining in select areas to remove mature trees and redistribute organic material across the soil surface. This integrated approach is designed to reset ecological trajectories, improve forage availability, and support long-term recovery of sagebrush-steppe systems.

Under the terms of the NRCS contract, the landowner will adhere to the prescribed grazing management plan, which includes a mandatory two-year rest period for the seeded areas. This rest period is intended to allow for successful establishment of native vegetation, minimize disturbance, and promote long-term ecological recovery following aerial seeding and mechanical treatment. Photo trend plots will be used to see the success of the seedings after the 2 year period of no grazing.

This restoration initiative is supported through NRCS Farm Bill funding, with private landowners contributing their allocated dollars toward seeding and woody vegetation removal. All mechanical treatments--such as mastication, chaining, and mowing--will be conducted in accordance with NRCS standards and specifications to ensure ecological integrity and compliance. Seed for private land units will be sourced from the Great Basin Research Center (GBRC), providing regionally adapted native species that support long-term vegetation recovery and habitat enhancement. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) will facilitate the contracting process through state procurement channels. A DWR/NRCS partner biologist will oversee project implementation, ensuring that treatments are completed to specification and ecological goals are met. Beyond technical execution, private landowners play a vital role in shaping the restoration narrative. Their firsthand knowledge of land history, past management practices, and ecological change provides critical context for understanding current conditions. These insights help paint a broader picture of landscape dynamics and guide adaptive strategies for restoration success.

As part of the NRCS-funded restoration framework, participating private landowners will be required to monitor their properties for invasive weed emergence following seeding and mechanical treatments. This post-treatment monitoring is critical to ensuring long-term vegetation success and preventing reestablishment of undesirable species. If invasive weeds are identified, NRCS--working in coordination with the county weed advisor--will assist the landowner in developing a site-specific weed management plan. This plan may include strategies such as spot spraying, mechanical removal, or adaptive grazing prescriptions, all tailored to the species present and the ecological goals of the project. This collaborative approach ensures that restoration investments are protected and that landowners have the technical support needed to maintain healthy, resilient plant communities over time.

This restoration effort is designed to enhance forage availability for both livestock and key wildlife species--including elk, mule deer, and wild turkey--by increasing the cover and diversity of native vegetation across degraded rangelands. Mechanical treatments such as chaining, mowing, and mastication will reduce woody encroachment, particularly from pinyon and juniper, which have suppressed herbaceous growth and limited forage production. These disturbances will be followed by aerial seeding with native grasses, forbs, and small shrubs selected for their palatability, drought tolerance, and ecological compatibility. By improving plant composition and structure, the project aims to: Boost forage quality and quantity for livestock under managed grazing systems Support seasonal habitat needs for wildlife species, including bedding, nesting, and foraging zones Restore ecological balance by promoting perennial cover and reducing invasive species pressure Enhance soil health and water retention, which further supports vegetation growth and resilience This integrated approach benefits both agricultural productivity and wildlife conservation, aligning private land stewardship with broader landscape-scale restoration goals.

10/14/2025

11/05/2025

2026

The seed for this project was sourced through the Great Basin Research Center (GBRC) seed warehouse, which provides the state with a broader selection of native seed for conservation efforts. In total, eight producers contributed their Farm Bill dollars to support this initiative. Over half of the acres seeded were located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property. Agriland Aviation, a company based in Texas and Alabama, applied the seed at a cost of $6.85 per acre. Prior to full-scale application, a seed drop test was conducted at the Parowan Airport to confirm swath width and seeds per foot. Once validated, flights proceeded with BLM fire agents stationed both in the field and at the airport to oversee operations. Key contributors to monitoring included Shawn Peterson, Martin Esplin, and Steve Barker, whose involvement was invaluable--particularly as fuel staff remained active during the 2025 government shutdown. Seeding operations began on October 14th with the East Paragonah project, where chains had already been placed to trace the project perimeter. Operations experienced brief delays due to wind and weather conditions, but Agriland Aviation proved reliable and completed the work on schedule. Final flight lines were delivered via email on November 5th.ight lines were emailed to me on the 5th of November. In total approximately 12,689 acres were aerially seeded. Please see the seed section for a list of seed mixes.

This project was a collaborative effort involving numerous landowners and contributors. Seed was aerially applied across state, private, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) properties. The seeding represents only the initial phase of a broader restoration effort. All seeded projects have completed cultural resource reviews in accordance with State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) requirements. A significant portion of the funding for this work was provided through Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm Bill dollars.

Future management of seeded rangelands will include a two year rest period to meet Natural Resources Conservation Service and Bureau of Land Management requirements. This rest allows seeded species to establish, with monitoring conducted during and after to assess vegetation cover and species composition. If goals are not met, adaptive treatments will be applied. Mechanical interventions vary by project a list of practices that are planned for this project are. Mastication to reduce woody biomass, chaining to remove larger shrubs and trees, and harrowing in mosaic patterns to enhance habitat diversity for wildlife and livestock. These treatments are expected to improve soil stability, water infiltration, and forage availability while reducing invasive species risk. Key Watershed Restoration Initiative projects that were seeded in this proposal include Bowery Creek, Dalton Wash, East Paragonah Cattle Phase II, Redhills Mastication, Escalante Valley, Big Flat Bullhog, Sandstone Butte, and Woods West. Stand alone Natural Resources Conservation Service projects will be managed independently, either by agency staff or private contractors, with some utilizing Great Basin Research Center equipment rentals. one of which completed their harrow work last week during the Thanks Giving holiday. For detailed treatment prescriptions and financial planning, see the Finance tab or the specific Watershed Restoration Initiative project descriptions That are mentioned in the above paragraph.