Hope River Property is an incredible piece of land that is very important for wintering Mule deer and elk. It is also occupied by a good number of deer and elk the rest of the year as well. The property is 2,600 acres and is large enough to have a big impact on local wildlife. The landowner will utilize a comprehensive restoration effort to prioritize a multi-faceted approach to rebuilding resilient landscapes for wildlife and aquatic species. There is a need for 2.5 miles of boundary fence. Trespassing livestock are negatively impacting the property and habitat. The fence is the first step to habitat improvements. This is going to be a multi-year project on the property.Grazing is being reduced on the property, specifically on the upland mountain portion, where a recent fire has changed the landscape/ Complementing these efforts, the creation and restoration of wetlands will reestablish natural hydrologic regimes to improve biodiversity and provide critical mesic habitat for migratory birds and small mammals. The next priority will be a survey and design for wetland restoration. This area was historically a wetland and the previous landowner drained and filled it. The current landowner would like to restore this wetland. The winter of 2023 had a very negative impact on the deer herd in this hunt unit, killing 100% of the fawns and over 60% of the adults. This property is extremely important to improve the habitat because it is in critical deer winter habitat. Recent collar data has shown that deer and elk from the Henefer Echo WMA travel onto this property to survive the winter. Additionally, a large fire burned a large portion of this property in 2024. Restoring big game habitat after a fire often begins with aerial seeding and the planting of native shrubs like sagebrush and native grasses to stabilize soil and provide cover and forage for species like mule deer elk, upland game species, and other mammals and birds. Several big game food plots need to be planted on the property to help grow the herd. The property is located near the Henefer-Echo Wildlife Management Area, so many of the animals that use this property will likely provide a public benefit by also frequenting the public land. Improved habitat for year-round use will result in more deer on the landscape, which will then naturally move to the Henefer-Echo WMA. The landowner would like to utilize boulder clusters to enhance fish habitat; these clusters create complex hydraulic conditions, such as velocity gradients and scour pools, which offer essential refuge zones and migratory paths for native fish like trout. Together, these interventions--from upland reforestation to instream structural improvements--ensure a balanced ecosystem that supports long-term population viability across diverse species.

The objectives of this project are: 1- A survey of the boundary may be necessary to build the fence in the correct location. 2- To construct a fence to prevent trespassing livestock grazing from adjacent landowners. Currently, the adjacent land is overgrazed. There is no boundary fence to prevent trespassing livestock. Adding several sections of let-down fence will also be constructed in key migration locations. Working with the local big game biologist to look at deer collar data will assist with installing the let-down fence in the most beneficial locations. This new fence will be wildlife-friendly and follow BMP standards by UDWR. 3- Planting several big game food plots will be an excellent addition to the property. The seed mix consists of native grasses, forbs, and woody browse species that will benefit wildlife throughout the year. Soil samples will be taken, and soil amendments will be spread on the food plots to give the seed a fair chance at success. Finally, the seed mix will be drilled with a rangeland drill. 4- Surveying and designing an impaired wetland near the river. The first year will require a survey and design of the desired wetland. There is an Artesian spring that will feed the wetland as it did historically. Another project in the future will be necessary to fund the wetland restoration. 5- Design and start permitting process for relocating the Weber River channel, creating a working floodplain, and increasing fish habitat for spawning, rearing, and winter survival of Green Suckers, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Mountain Whitefish, and Utah Suckers. 6- Install converging rock clusters in three river sections to improve fish habitat during low water seasons.

Population Recovery of the Mule Deer Herd The primary objective of this project is to stabilize a mule deer population that recently experienced a severe winter mortality event. Data from 2023 indicated a total loss of the year's fawn recruitment and a 60% mortality rate among adults within this specific winter range. Because this site provides the essential caloric and environmental requirements for winter survival, restoration is necessary to build and stabilize the population. Collar data has shown that mule deer and elk from the Henefer-Echo WMA move onto this property during the fall and winter. Post-Fire Habitat Rehabilitation The 2024 wildfire significantly altered the property's landscape by removing vegetation that served as critical forage and thermal cover. In winter range environments, the complexity of woody vegetation, native grasses, forbs, and timber provides a thermal buffer that reduces metabolic stress on ungulates. The loss of this cover has left the area vulnerable to erosion and invasive species colonization. This project aims to accelerate the recovery of native plant communities to restore the site's functionality as a refuge during the winter months. Wetland Functionality and Restoration The historical degradation and subsequent loss of the on-site wetland have reduced the property's overall hydrological capacity. Wetlands are vital for maintaining the water table and providing high-quality mesic habitat in otherwise arid regions. By re-establishing this wetland, the project will improve water filtration and provide a consistent moisture source for riparian vegetation. Restoring this feature is a key component in increasing the land's carrying capacity and diversifying the available niches for local wildlife. Conservation of the Green Sucker Monitoring data has shown a consistent downward trend in the population of green suckers within this reach of the river. As a benthic species, the green sucker is highly susceptible to changes in water quality and the loss of specific substrate types for spawning. The project seeks to address the underlying causes of this decline by reducing siltation and improving the structural diversity of the riverbed. Enhancing these aquatic conditions is necessary to support the life cycle of this species and maintain the integrity of the local fish assemblage. Floodplain Reconnection and Hydrological Health A central goal of this initiative is to restore the lateral connectivity between the river and its adjacent floodplain. Years of channelization or incision have prevented the river from accessing its natural flood storage areas, leading to increased flow velocities and reduced groundwater recharge. Reconnecting the floodplain allows for the natural dissipation of energy during high-flow events and promotes the deposition of nutrients. This process is fundamental to maintaining a healthy riparian corridor and creating the slow-water habitats required by various aquatic organisms. Integrated Ecosystem Management By addressing these various ecological components simultaneously, the project implements a holistic management strategy. The interplay between upland winter ranges, restored wetlands, and a functional river-floodplain system creates a more stable environment for both terrestrial and aquatic species. This systematic approach ensures that restoration efforts are not isolated but rather work together to improve the overall ecological health and resource value of the property for the long term.

Improvements on the property are being done to improve habitat conditions for all wildlife species. A management plan for this property is currently being drafted and all proposed activities align with plan. Utah Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) 2015: Goal: "To manage native wildlife species and their habitats to help prevent listings under the Endangered Species Act." Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) that have been observed on the areas include : Northern Leopard Frog, Ferruginous Hawk, Long-billed Curlew, Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, Burrowing Owl, Short-eared Owl, White-faced Ibis, and Sharp-tailed Grouse. Key aquatic habitats listed in the plan include riverine, emergent, and open water. Priority threats to emergent habitats include: channelization, drought, water allocation policy, Agricultural, municipal, and industrial, water use, and invasive plant species. Threats to open water habitats include: same as above, but also; sediment transport imbalance, roads, improper grazing, diversions, housing and urban areas. Threats to riverine habitats: same as above, but also, presence of dams and inappropriate fire frequencies. Efforts are in place to secure water rights, protect water sources from exploitation and diversions, and secure appropriate buffers to urban and industrial development. Threats that are directly related to the WAP plan for this project include the control/eradication of invasive plant species. WAP plan objectives and actions: Objective #1 for Invasive Plant Species - Non-native Locations/habitats that currently do not have non-native plant problems remain free from the introduction and spread of invasive non-native plants. Actions to achieve objective: 2.2.2 Survey, inventory established, and new populations of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.3 Eradicate established populations of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.4 Contain established populations of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.9 Avoid establishment of new invasive/problematic species through education, planning, management, and/or regulation. Develop public information and educational programs aimed at encouraging attitudes and behaviors that are positive for wildlife conservation. Objective #2 for Invasive Plant Species - Non-native Invasive plant dominance/presence is reduced or eliminated in locations or habitats where such an outcome is realistic (ecologically and economically). 2.2.2 Survey and inventory established and new populations of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.3 Eradicate established populations of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.5 Conduct mechanical control of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.6 Conduct biological control of invasive/problematic species. 2.2.7 Conduct chemical control of invasive/problematic species. 2.3.15 Conduct riparian vegetation treatments to restore characteristic riparian vegetation, and reduce uncharacteristic fuel types and loadings. 7.2.1 Support Utah's Watershed Restoration Initiative. --This project will support the prevention of SGCN being listed, key habitat improvement & restoration, invasive species management, ecological threats, and promote the actions listed above. This project will work collaboratively with several agencies (Federal, State, and County), private landowners, NGO's, and research universities. Additionally, this project will target specific areas where overgrazing in the uplands have created an invasive weed issue. The project will help restore native vegetation to be utilized by Mule Deer, Elk, Mountain Cottontail, Gray Partridge (Hungarian), and Chukar. North American Waterfowl Management Plan Goal: Restoring and maintaining waterfowl populations. Biological foundation linked to waterfowl abundance. Planning, implementation, evaluation and local scale are measurable and appropriate to the geographic scale. Expanding habitat conservation coordination across landscapes with other initiatives. Vision: Enhance the capability of landscapes to support waterfowl and other wetland associated species-biologically based planning and ongoing evaluation. Seek landscape solutions that benefit waterfowl. US Shorebird Conservation Plan; Intermountain West Regional Shorebird Plan 2000 Great Salt Lake most important inland shorebird site in North America. Great Basin Bird Conservation Region, BCR: breeding snowy plover, long-billed curlew, American avocet, black-necked stilt, stop over species: least sandpiper, western sandpiper, marbled godwit, long-billed dowitcher, American avocet, red-necked phalarope, Wilson phalarope. Goal: Maintain and enhance diverse landscapes that sustain thriving shorebird populations. Objective 2; Develop Best Management Practices BPM for the maintenance of shorebird habitats. Strategy b. work with cooperating agencies and organizations to prepare a prioritized list of habitat maintenance needs annually and provide input into State and federal budget processes. Strategy f. Support the removal the tamarisk, whitetop, and other invasive exotic plants from important shorebird sites. Objective 3: Strategy b. Integrate restoration and enhancement actions for shorebirds into existing waterfowl and wetland management plans. Strategy c. Conserve and protect the hydrological integrity of ephemeral wetlands through habitat improvements and improved water management techniques. --Our project addresses this goal by expanding habitat coordination and improvements across an entire watershed to support waterfowl, shorebirds, and other species that utilize wetlands. These waterfowl species found on this property are Sandhill Crane, Canada Goose, and Mallard. A few other species utilize the property in the fall such as wigeon, pintail, teal and goldeneye. Division of Wildlife Strategic Plan: Objective C6 - Increase hunting and fishing opportunities, Objective R2 - Maintain existing wildlife habitat and increase the quality of critical habitats and watersheds throughout the state, Objective R5 - Conduct management work to help prevent species of concern from being federally listed as threatened or endangered, and work to delist those species that are currently listed, Objective R7 - Decrease the number of wildlife-related incidents (including property damage, crop depredation and threatened or endangered species listings) that negatively affect private property owners. --Our project will work to conserve, protect, manage, and enhance wildlife/ecosystems, and enhance/increase recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife watching and photography. We will also work with private landowners to ensure properties will not be negatively affected by wildlife (damage, listing, etc.) FFSL's Great Salt Lake Comprehensive Management Plan: Calls for control of invasive Phragmites. (Table 3.3) Wetlands lists invasive species as a resource issue and targeting and treating invasive Phragmites as an objective for both FFSL and DWR. --Project will directly target the control of invasive Phragmites. USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Strategic Plan: --Project addresses habitat threats for priority species within a PFW priority area (Big Water Focus Area) for restoration work. BRMBR Final Habitat Management Plan (HMP): GOAL 1. Restore and manage Bear River deltaic wetland habitats and River Corridor units to emulate historic natural hydrology, where possible, to provide migration and breeding habitat for a diversity of waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds. GOAL 4. Maintain and expand partnerships that contribute to the conservation and enhancement of Refuge habitats, the Bear River watershed, and the GSL Ecosystem. --Project will directly assist in reaching the goals of the HMP by collaborating with multiple partners to remove invasives, restore, and preserve wetland habitat within the watershed for a diversity of wildlife species. Utah Noxious Weed Act: "Pursuant to Utah Noxious Weed Act (Utah Code 4-17-101 et seq.) and Utah Administrative Code R-68-9-6, it is the duty of every property owner to control and prevent the spread of noxious weeds on any land in his/her possession or control". --Our project is directly related to this Act by assisting private landowners in controlling a variety of noxious weeds on their properties.

A 360-acre fire burned the west side of the property in 2024. A seed mix was applied in the winter of 2024 with a drone. Less than desirable seed germination and growth were observed in 2025 due to an extremely hot and dry spring and summer. The landowner is currently drafting a weed management and fire rehab plan to bolster forage and cover on the property. Future seeding efforts will focus on areas burned and heavily utilized by mule deer and elk. A robust seed mix will be created for the property to benefit these species.

Reducing the trespassing livestock will leave more terrestrial plants on the landscape, which will reduce erosion and hoof shear. The post-fire seeding could stabilize the soil and reduce erosion but this past summer and fall indicated that germination was poor. Additional monitoring of the seeding in the coming years will be necessary. The wetland restoration of the project will use an artesian spring as the water source. The quantity of water coming out of the spring is roughly 60 gallons/minute. The Weber River portion of the project will not affect much of the quality or quantity of water initially. This phase of the project will be a relocation design for the channel. The converging rock clusters will create pools in that thalweg area of the channel, creating pools and holding cover during the lowest-flow portions of the year. It will create habitat for fish during these times.

An archaeological clearance will need to be conducted prior to fence installation and in the wetland restoration area. The wetland restoration will be compliant with the Army Corps of Engineers.

The fence will be installed by a reputable company and Best Management Practices will be followed in order to have the least impact on the land. The fence will consist of a smooth wire on both the top and bottom with two strands of barbed wire in the middle. Also, several sections of let-down fence will be installed to allow free movement of wildlife when adjacent landowners' livestock are not present. The locations of the let-down fence will be determined by working with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and looking at collared deer movements that occur on the property. Soil samples will be taken and sent to Midwest Laboratories in Omaha, NE. The soil will be analyzed and a recommendation will be issued based on the soil composition and findings. A soil amendment mixture that will be most beneficial will be applied to the land where the seed drilling occurs. Finally, the seed will be drilled with a rangeland drill. Next, an engineer will be hired to survey the property. The survey data will then be used to design the restoration of the wetland. Once the design is finished, a cost estimate will be produced. A scope of work will be sent out to engineering firms for the channel relocation design. This will include a 90% completed design and agreement for all the permitting. Future phases of this project will be to finish the permitting and implement the design. The converging rock clusters will provide important low-flow habitat for aquatic organisms. They are generally constructed with two large 4'-5' boulders dug into the bottom of the river and one large boulder keyed into these other boulders. This last one is placed upstream and low enough that at bankfull levels the boulder has 3-4" exposed. This array is then duplicated in a triangle shape using three or four clusters. A pool will be excavated downstream. At low flows, the pool will be important to fish and at high flows will not affect the flow of the river and cause erosion on the banks.

Monitoring will occur during the fence installation to ensure the fence is installed correctly, in the right place, with let down fence also installed in the most beneficial locations. The wetland aspect of the project will consist of the survey and design, so monitoring won't be necessary this year for that. Monitoring after the seed is drilled will occur to see how germination rates are and to determine which species grow the best on the property. The monitoring of vegetation growth is very important because seed mixes can be altered in the future based on what species tend to grow the best on the property.

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Private landowner Possibly USFWS, RMEF, MDF, DU, and SFW.

To maintain the integrity of these restoration zones, the newly established boundary fence will be subject to a rigorous monitoring and maintenance schedule. This ensures the exclusion of unauthorized livestock and the immediate repair of any structural breaches. To facilitate seasonal migrations and daily wildlife movement, the perimeter is designed as a wildlife-permeable barrier. Specifically, the infrastructure includes "let-down" fence segments located along known migratory corridors. These sections will be lowered during peak wildlife transit periods and re-secured only during the specific intervals when adjacent landowners are actively grazing livestock, thereby minimizing the risk of wildlife entanglement and ensuring unhindered access to critical winter range. The restoration of the property's wetland features will be executed in a multi-year phased approach. Year One will focus on a comprehensive hydrological site assessment, topographical surveys, and the development of a final engineering design. This phase ensures that the planned impoundments or diversions are aligned with the site's natural water table and soil saturation levels. Year Two will transition into the construction and implementation phase, involving the physical re-contouring of the site and the establishment of native riparian vegetation. Post-implementation management will be centered on maintaining the ecological integrity of the site through rigorous noxious weed monitoring. An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy will be utilized to identify and treat invasive species early, preventing them from out-competing established native plants. The long-term success of the upland and riparian seeding efforts depends on active management during the establishment phase. Future management will prioritize the suppression of invasive competitors through targeted herbicide application and mechanical treatments. By reducing the presence of noxious weeds, the project will minimize resource competition for moisture and nutrients, providing the preferred native seed mix and planted specimens with the optimal conditions for survival. This management strategy focuses on facilitating natural succession; by controlling aggressive non-native species, we ensure that the native plant community can achieve the canopy closure and root density necessary for long-term site stability. Monitoring efforts will include transect sampling to evaluate germination rates and plant vigor, allowing for adaptive adjustments to the management plan as the habitat matures. The subsequent phases of the river relocation initiative will focus on navigating the regulatory permitting process and securing the necessary capital allocations for project execution. Once administrative requirements are met, the project will move into the implementation of the engineered design. A primary feature of this realignment is the strategic installation of converging boulder clusters. These structures are engineered to concentrate flow and maintain scour, ensuring the persistence of deep-water pools even during seasonal low-flow regimes. Post-construction management will prioritize the geomorphic monitoring of these boulder configurations to assess their stability and structural integrity during high-discharge events. Furthermore, the site will undergo biological surveys to evaluate the utilization of these newly created thermal refugia by native fish populations. By monitoring both the physical movement of the rock structures and the subsequent biological response, the project will ensure that the relocated channel provides the high-quality, perennial aquatic habitat required for sensitive species such as the green sucker.

Removing livestock grazing periodically from the mountain property is a sustainable use of Natural Resources when enhancing wildlife habitat. Planting beneficial seed that will grow into beneficial wildlife habitat is also a sustainable use of Natural Resources. Nationwide there is an annual decrease in wetlands due to development, agricultural and other uses that don't align with wetlands. Creating wetlands when possible is a sustainable use of Natural Resources.