Project Details

Provide evidence about the nature of the problem and the need to address it. Identify the significance of the problem using a variety of data sources. For example, if a habitat restoration project is being proposed to benefit greater sage-grouse, describe the existing plant community characteristics that limit habitat value for greater sage-grouse and identify the changes needed for habitat improvement.

Provide an overall goal for the project and then provide clear, specific and measurable objectives (outcomes) to be accomplished by the proposed actions. If possible, tie to one or more of the public benefits UWRI is providing.

Currently, there is an overabundance of standing dead conifers associated with the bark beetle epidemic resulting in hazardous fuel loads. A recent forest-wide assessment was completed to classify hazardous fuel conditions and identify potential areas of concern where values are at risk of being impacted by uncharacteristic wildfire effects (Hazardous Fuels Classification, 2019 and Region 4 Strategic Protection Area Framework 2019). This project targets an area classified in the Wildfire Crisis Strategy (WCS) to mitigate the risk potential for uncharacteristic wildfire effects. This is especially important within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area that contains the communities Aspen Acres, Christmas Meadow recreation residences, Holiday Park, Manor Lands, Monviso, Pine Plateau, Uinta Lands, Wilderness Acres, as well as Wild River, Thousand Peaks, Little Bear and Two Bears Ranches. Besides wildfire/fuels concerns, the project area contains portions of the North Slope and Chalk Creek mule deer herd migration corridors (see maps on Image/Docs page). The Bourbon project area is in UTDWR's designated crucial summer range for mule deer, elk, year-round black bear habitat and crucial moose winter range. Habitat management goals for deer in these units call for conserving and improving habitat with direct range improvements throughout the unit, with emphasis on crucial ranges. Conifer encroachment into sage and aspen, including utilization of prescribed fire specifically noted. (UTDWR GMU 6 & 8 plans; Statewide Deer Plan, Statewide Elk Plan). Units 6 & 8 both host general-season hunting opportunities for multiple species, and the North Slope of the Uinta's is a recreation destination (UWCNF has 9 million visits/year), with multiple trailheads, campgrounds, fishing, etc. in the immediate project area. Long-term habitat benefits will be experienced and appreciated by thousands of hunters and other recreationalists as a result of these treatments.

LOCATION: Justify the proposed location of this project over other areas, include publicly scrutinized planning/recovery documents that list this area as a priority, remote sensing modeling that show this area is a good candidate for restoration, wildlife migration information and other data that help justify this project's location.

TIMING: Justify why this project should be implemented at this time. For example, Is the project area at risk of crossing an ecological or other threshold wherein future restoration would become more difficult, cost prohibitive, or even impossible.

This project utilizes the standards, objectives and guidelines outlined below from the Wasatch- Cache Forest plan to Influence project development and placement on the landscape. It also utilizes Species specific management plans from the state of Utah DNR to guide vegetation management projects to provide long term habitat benefit for multiple species.
-2.5 Scenic Byways - (G2.5-1) Timber harvest, vegetation/fuel treatments, prescribed fire and wildland fire use are allowed when these activities are necessary to maintain or enhance the scenic setting for the long term.
- 3.1a Aquatic habitat emphasis - (G3.1A-1) Timber harvest, vegetation/fuel treatments, prescribed fire, and wildland fire use are allowed only for the purposes of maintaining, improving or restoring riparian and aquatic habitat to desired conditions or to protect property in the wildland urban interface.
- 4.1 Emphasis on backcountry non-motorized recreation settings - (G4.1-1) Vegetation/fuel treatment, prescribed fire, and wildland fire use are allowed to mimic historic conditions and to restore ecosystem functioning.
-4.4 Emphasis on dispersed motorized recreation settings - (G4.4-1) Timber harvest, vegetation/fuel treatment, road construction, prescribed fire and wildland fire use are allowed to mimic historic conditions, to restore ecosystem functioning, and to protect property in the wildland urban interface, and are designed to be compatible with motorized recreation, but must not detract from the recreation setting over the long-term.
- 5.1 Emphasis on maintaining or restoring forested ecosystem integrity while meeting multiple resource objectives -
(G5.1-1) Timber harvest, vegetation/fuel treatment, prescribed fire and wildland fire use are allowed to maintain or restore proper functioning conditions, for hazardous fuel reduction, to protect property in the wildland urban interface, and to provide for commodity and non-commodity outputs and services.
- (Subgoal 3d) Restore or maintain fire-adapted ecosystems (consistent with land uses, historic fire regimes, and other Forest Plan direction) through wildland fire use, prescribed fire, timber harvest or mechanical treatments.
-(G24) Management activities that negatively affect pollinators (e.g. insecticide, herbicide application and prescribed burns) should not be conducted during the flowering period of any known Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive plant populations in the application area. An exception to this guideline is the application of Bacillus thuringiensis.
- (G37) Use prescribed fire in wilderness only to meet wilderness management objectives. The objective of prescribed fire management in wilderness (FSM 2324.21) is to reduce, to an acceptable level, the risks and consequences of wildfire within wilderness or escaping from wilderness.
- (G3.1W-1) Vegetation/fuel treatment, prescribed fire, and wildland fire use are allowed for the purposes of maintaining, improving or restoring watersheds to desired conditions, and to protect property in the wildland urban interface.
- (G3.2U-1) Vegetation/fuel treatment, prescribed fire and wildland fire use are allowed for the purposes of maintaining, improving or restoring terrestrial habitat, for hazardous fuel reduction, and to protect property in the wildland urban interface.
- (G4.2-1) Vegetation/fuels treatment, prescribed fire, and wildland fire use are allowed to mimic historic conditions and to restore ecosystem functioning. 
- (G4.3-1) Timber harvest, vegetation/fuels treatment, road construction, prescribed fire and wildland fire use are allowed to mimic historic conditions and to restore ecosystem functioning as compatible with the backcountry recreation opportunity and natural setting desired.
- (G4.5-1) Timber harvest, road construction, vegetation/fuel treatment, prescribed fire, new recreation development, and new trail construction are allowed for the purposes of providing public enjoyment, safety, and protection of site investments. 
- (G5.2-) Prior to use of prescribed fire and wildland fire use, investments made for timber production, such as road systems and silvicultural improvements, and the value of the timber for wood production receive consideration. 
- (G6.2 -1) Timber harvest, vegetation/fuels treatments, prescribed fire, and wildland fire use are allowed to maintain or improve forage production or for hazardous fuel reduction. 
-(Objective 3.b.) Stimulate aspen regeneration and reduce other encroaching woody species in aspen by treating (fire use and/or timber harvest) approximately 3,200 acres average annually for a 10- year total of 32,000 acres. - Vegetation cover types will form a mosaic of plant communities representing a diverse mix of ages, sizes, and species. Fire use will play a role in reducing fuels, maintaining the historic dynamic of aspen regeneration and ratio of conifer to aspen and mountain brush vegetation patterns and age classes. Mechanical treatment of fuels along with limited use of prescribed fire will emphasize the safety of people and protection of property in the heavily populated and increasingly developed urban wildland interface adjacent to National Forest. 2. 2001 Roadless Rule: -Prohibits cutting, sale, and removal of timber in inventoried roadless areas, except: -For the cutting, sale, or removal of generally small diameter trees which maintains or improves roadless characteristics and to: -improve habitat for threatened, endangered, proposed, or sensitive species, or -maintain or restore ecosystem composition and structure, such as reducing the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire effects.

Statewide Elk Management 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:

A. Elk Habitat Classification and Assessment a. Identify and characterize elk habitat throughout the state. b. Provide information to educate counties, municipalities, and developers to promote zoning that recognizes elk habitats and movement corridors.

B. Habitat Management 
a. Coordinate with land management agencies and private landowners to properly manage and improve elk habitat, especially calving and wintering areas. 
b. Work with state and federal land management agencies and private landowners to use livestock as a management tool to enhance crucial elk ranges. 
c. It is recommended that activities related to project disturbances occurring in crucial elk habitats should occur outside of Dec. 1 to April 15 for crucial winter ranges and May 15 to July 15 for parturition.
 d. Where crucial elk habitat will be lost, if avoidance is not practical, mitigation should be encouraged. A voluntary mitigation ratio of 4:1, improving or conserving 4 acres for every 1 acre disturbed is recommended.

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.

Statewide Management Plan for Mule Deer
GMU 6 Chalk Creek and GMU 8 North Slope, as above. Acres treated on public land summer range will considerably increase overall acres implemented on the Chalk Creek unit, though the primary threat to deer herds on that unit as a whole remains direct loss and/or decline of winter range. Thinning projects and proactive fire regime management should benefit hunting opportunities both in improved herd productivity and huntable area.

Habitat Objective 1. Strategies: B. Habitat Management and Conservation
a. Work with local, state and federal land management agencies via land management plans and with private landowners to identify and properly manage crucial mule deer habitats, especially fawning, wintering, and migration areas
Habitat Objective 2: Improve the quality and quantity of vegetation for mule deer on a minimum of 500,000 acres of crucial range by 2024.
Strategies: 
A. Watershed Restoration Initiative
a. Continue to support and provide leadership for the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative, which emphasizes improving sagebrush-steppe, aspen, and riparian habitats throughout Utah
b. Work with land management agencies, conservation organizations, private landowners, and local leaders through the regional Watershed Restoration Initiative working groups to identify and prioritize mule deer habitats that are in need of enhancement or restoration. Emphasis should be placed on crucial habitats including sagebrush winter ranges and aspen summer ranges Improve the quality and quantity of vegetation for mule deer on a minimum of 500,000 acres of crucial range by 2024.
d. Initiate broad scale vegetative treatment projects to improve 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
e. 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.

2020 Utah Forest Action Plan objectives include:
Use all available management tools, including forest industry, to restore and maintain healthy ecosystems.  Utah's forested resources are used to meet public needs while being appropriately managed to provide sustainability for future generations. Treatments will utilize local industry to reduce overstocked/encroaching conifers,     providing public needs benefits of utilizing industry and improve water quality/quantity with decrease of wildfire risk, creating sustainability of aspen ecosystems for wildlife and future generations.

Northern Goshawk of Utah: Habitat Assessment and Management Recommendations: 
Early and mid-seral species should be increased using both mechanical means and fire. Policies should be adopted to manage for the production of large early seral species through clearings, thinnings, and weedings, using mechanical means or fire. Fire or mechanical treatments or both should be used to create conditions favorable to quaking aspen.

List management plans where this project will address an objective or strategy in the plan. Describe how the project area overlaps the objective or strategy in the plan and the relevance of the project to the successful implementation of those plans. It is best to provide this information in a list format with the description immediately following the plan objective or strategy.

The Bourbon project will have multiple fuel treatments to meet objectives, including but not limited to hand cut and pile, lop and scatter component, mechanical treatments such as mastication or timber sale activity and 2 prescribed fire units.  The hand cut and pile treatment will primarily focus along the system roads within the project area.  This will create a shaded fuel break to change the fire behavior during a wildfire event.  The lop and scatter unit is designed to reduce conifer expansion.  The prescribed fire treatments will reintroduce fire on the landscape over the course of 5--7-year period to reduce uncharacteristic passive and active crown fire behavior (see planning map, fire behavior summary and landscape summary report). The design features of this project will reduce the risk of large unwanted fires by decreasing and removing hazardous fuels.  This project will also promote ecological biodiversity in plant and tree species to improve wildlife habitat, forest structure and composition.  Monitoring for invasive species in different forest cover types as fuel treatments are completed will also be conducted to promote landscape resilience.  
The archaeological clearances have been completed, XXX acres of hand cut and pile, and 2,412 acres of lop and scatter fuels reduction treatments designed to protect historic forest infrastructure, human health, safety, and scenic values.  In areas of lop and scatter, project managers may either elect to burn the material or leave it on the ground to promote coarse woody debris to decompose and provide nutrients to the soils. 
These areas are heavily used during the course of the year for a variety of recreational activities and human use, such as camping, hiking, hunting, and snowmobiling.  This project will aid in protection within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area that contains the communities Aspen Acres, Christmas Meadow recreation residences, Holiday Park, Manor Lands, Monviso, Pine Plateau, Uinta Lands, Wilderness Acres, as well as Wild River, Thousand Peaks, Little Bear, and Two Bears Ranches. Besides wildfire/fuels concerns, the project area provides for critical wildlife habitat for elk, moose, deer, and wild turkey (see wildlife tracker map & habitat tab for species).  Range management benefits to this project for cattle and sheep allotments as well.  This project is in the Bear River Watershed which is predominantly in Fire Regime group III (35-200 years low to mixed severity) and IV (35-200 years stand replacement), with an intermixed Condition Class of 2 (moderate departure 34-66%, declining ecological integrity or 3 (high departure 67-100%, poor ecological integrity).

If applicable, detail how the proposed project will significantly reduce the risk of fuel loading and/or continuity of hazardous fuels including the use of fire-wise species in re-seeding operations. Describe the value of any features being protected by reducing the risk of fire. Values may include; communities at risk, permanent infrastructure, municipal watersheds, campgrounds, critical wildlife habitat, etc. Include the size of the area where fuels are being reduced and the distance from the feature(s) at risk.

One of the main objectives of this project is to increase water quantity and improve water quality. Streams in the area lack complexity and have relatively small riparian areas.  The recent beetle kill has provided an opportunity to improve stream and riparian conditions. There is currently a lot of large standing dead trees that can be placed/encouraged to fall into streams.  This will increase the amount of large woody debris in streams.  These trees will increase stream complexity by creating pools, diverting water into adjacent floodplains, slowing flows, and raising water levels. Removing encroaching conifer in riparian areas will also help increase the water quality and quantity in the system, while encouraging aspen and willow expansion. By slowing flows of water, erosion will be decreased during flood events. Slowing the water will also increase the quantity of water that can seep into the soil and benefit the system.  By slowing the flows and recharging groundwater aquifers, ephemeral streams can flow year-long and extend the amount of connective stream habitat for fish and wildlife (particularly cutthroat trout and boreal toad). When water is slowed down it also allows sediment to drop out of the stream flows and settle which will improve water quality for downstream users.  Large woody debris (LWD) will restore floodplains by depositing soil and providing water to create mesic meadows.  This water will also recharge area aquifers.  This water will then later re-enter creeks/streams downstream as cooler seeps, which is critically important to cold-water fish, e.g., salmonids. This colder water and subsurface movement will also reduce the amount of water loss to evaporation.

Describe how the project has the potential to improve water quality and/or increase water quantity, both over the short and long term. Address run-off, erosion, soil infiltration, and flooding, if applicable.

Description of efforts, both completed and planned, to bring the proposed action into compliance with any and all cultural resource, NEPA, ESA, etc. requirements. If compliance is not required enter "not applicable" and explain why not it is not required.

The proposed action is to utilize one or more of the following treatments within the (approximate 32, 261-acre treatment units to achieve condition that will result in primarily surface fire behavior (modeled under most fire weather conditions). Detailed treatment specifications will be outlined in the silviculture prescription and burn plan. 
1.Felling/removing trees (conifers and aspen) using hand crews with chainsaws. Ground-based mechanized equipment (e.g. masticator, skid steer, skidder, etc.) up to 5,252 acres
2.Cut material associated with mechanical treatments may be:
a.Left in place, scattered or moved (e.g. used as rehabilitation structures for roads, fisheries, hydrology, or wildlife improvements
b.Disposal of excess material (e.g. firewood, post and pole, other biomass product, or saw timber)
c.Hand or mechanically piled and later burned
d.Chipped or masticated
e. Decked for commercial sale use. 
3.Prescribed burning (broadcast) in up to 27,009 acres utilizing hand crews (drip torch, fuses, etc.) or aviation resources (Helitorch or plastic sphere dispenser) under predetermined conditions. Existing roads and natural features (cliffs) will be used as fire control lines. Fire lines may also be constructed by hand or by machine where there are no existing fire control lines. Hand lines will be utilized to protect values at risk and as potential control lines. Multiple ignition methods will be used such as hand lighting, terra torch, and aerial ignition (Heli torch and plastic sphere dispenser). Every prescribed burn will have a burn plan with appropriate conditions for burning, air quality permits from the state of Utah, and treatment acres.

Describe the actions, activities, tasks to be implemented as part of the proposed project; how these activities will be carried out, equipment to be used, when, and by whom.

Describe plans to monitor for project success and achievement of stated objectives. Include details on type of monitoring (vegetation, wildlife, etc.), schedule, assignments and how the results of these monitoring efforts will be reported and/or uploaded to this project page. If needed, upload detailed plans in the "attachments" section.

The Mule Deer Foundation will conduct the bulk of contracting & project oversight, including unit layout, proposals and in-field adjustments and compliance. They are also working with Little Bear and Monviso private landowners adjacent to the bourbon project area to complete cross border treatments in consultation with FFSL.  UWC staff have the lead on compliance and forest management direction from multiple programs. UDWR will be an integral part of this project through WRI and advice and collaboration on areas to target for big game habitat improvements. District staff will work with permittees to ensure safety of livestock. Forestry, Fire and State Lands will be working with private lands. Trout Unlimited is currently undertaking design and implementation of multiple stream crossing improvements in the area including removing old culverts that are potential fish barriers. Thus, improving habitat for various fish species including Bonneville Cutthroat trout. There is a Stewardship Agreement in place to work with Unita County for noxious weed spraying.  Past funding partners for similar work on the North Slope include UT Habitat Council Account, Federal Aid (PR), USFS-WRI, Internal Conservation Permit (ICP Bighorn), Utah Wild Sheep Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, Sportsman for Fish & Wildlife, and Utah Archery Association.

List any and all partners (agencies, organizations, NGO's, private landowners) that support the proposal and/or have been contacted and included in the planning and design of the proposed project. Describe efforts to gather input and include these agencies, landowners, permitees, sportsman groups, researchers, etc. that may be interested/affected by the proposed project. Partners do not have to provide funding or in-kind services to a project to be listed.

This project proposal is  a multiple phase approach that will continue to implement project restoration efforts. Additional projects will likely include more mechanical treatments such as lop and scatter, cut and pile, as well as prescribed burns. Follow-up treatments may be pursued if initial treatments do not meet the desired end state and objectives. Invasive and noxious weeds may be treated where appropriate and allowable. One of the objectives is to reduce conifer encroachment in upland meadow vegetation types.  Another is to reduce hazardous fuel loads associated with bark beetle epidemic in order to minimize risk of uncharacteristic wildfire.  This project will promote aspen regeneration and reduce conifer encroachment. Aspens are a more fire wise than conifers since they have a higher moisture content, have less chemicals, and provide less fuel during their dormant period.  Reducing uncharacteristic wildfire would be accomplished through fuel reduction treatments, prescribed fire and managing wildfire on the landscape.  Opportunities for in-stream, riparian and wet meadow restoration treatments will be sought to improve local hydrology and water quality where applicable. Usage categories within the project area are not expected to change over the long-term; public access, motorized and non-motorized use, timber and grazing opportunities and other current uses should not be negatively affected.

Detail future methods or techniques (including administrative actions) that will be implemented to help in accomplishing the stated objectives and to insure the long term success/stability of the proposed project. This may include: post-treatment grazing rest and/or management plans/changes, wildlife herd/species management plan changes, ranch plans, conservation easements or other permanent protection plans, resource management plans, forest plans, etc.

Vegetation and fuels treatments associated with this project will be developed and implemented to improve the sustainability of natural resources and provide sustainable materials within its boundaries upon implementation. These treatments will increase the species and age class diversity of forested lands across the Bourbon Project area, improving forest health, building resistance and resilience to disease and insects, and reducing the threat of uncharacteristic wildfires. This, in turn, will improve sustainable uses of Utah's natural resources, including future sustainable timber harvests, biomass utilization, grazing, hunting and fishing, camping, and the general function of a major watershed for downstream users of the Bear River, including northern Utah and the Great Salt Lake. Materials such as saw logs and non-saw fuelwood will be produced from this project. These products are a sustainable form of economic development for local industry.

This project also improves or protects habitat for the following species creating sustainable opportunities for public hunting, fishing, birding, and wildlife watching.
American Beaver - The project will help promote aspen regeneration through prescribed burns and mechanical treatments. The aspen will not only be a food source but will also be a resource for them to construct dams and lodges.
Mule Deer - Project would create and improve summer habitat. Aspen regeneration would create forage for big game.
Elk - Project would create summer calving habitat and foraging habitat. Aspen regeneration would create forage for big game.
Black Bear - Black bears live in a variety of habitat types. The project would create more diverse habitat that could be used for foraging.
Olive-sided Flycatcher -- Primarily found in meadows, rivers and streams, partially logged areas, recent burns, beaver ponds, bogs, and muskegs. These areas often have dead or dying trees, which provide exposed perches for singing, foraging, and watching for predators and rivals. One of the components of the project is meadow restoration, which will be primarily removing conifers from the meadow to stop encroachment. This will create suitable breeding habitat.
Boreal Owl - For nesting habitat, a mixed stand of conifers and aspens is preferred. The project will promote aspen growth and create this conifer/aspen mix.
Boreal Toad- This project will provide more down LWD in riparian areas and improve stream quality and quantity providing opportunities for the already present population of toads to expand. 
Bonneville cutthroat trout (BCT)have suffered range-wide declines in distribution and abundance and currently occupy about 35% of their historic range (May and Albeke 2005). BCT are considered a species of special concern in all states where they're found.
Northern leatherside chub (NLC) have also suffered range-wide declines in their distribution and abundance, although their full historic range in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho is still unclear (UDWR 2009). NLC are considered a species of special concern in all states where they're found. In Utah, NLC have only been found in the Upper Bear River drainage (Webber et al. 2009).

One of the main causes for their decline is habitat loss and degradation.  This project will improve stream conditions through meadow restoration, large woody debris additions (channel complexity), and reduced risk from catastrophic wildfire.  Active habitat restoration efforts as proposed by this project are the greatest protection against future ESA listing of BCT and NLC.

Potential for the proposed action to improve quality or quantity of sustainable uses such as grazing, timber harvest, biomass utilization, recreation, etc. Grazing improvements may include actions to improve forage availability and/or distribution of livestock.