Need for Project: The expanding stands of phragmites and tamarisk reduce nesting/foraging habitat for local and migrating waterfowl and shorebirds as well as disrupts the biological diversity within the native plant community. Pending availability of adequate water and other conditions individual stands of phragmites can expand upwards of ten feet per year. These thick monotypic stands of phragmites do not promote the appropriate plant and invertebrate communities, thus offsetting the critical food chain balance needed for all wildlife. Tamarisk changes the ph balance of the soil within its drip edge killing off of native plants and creating favorable habitat for invasive non-native species like phragmites to thrive. Mature trees can consume upwards of 200 gallons of water per day, negatively effecting downstream ecosystems including the Great Salt Lake. Neither phragmites nor tamarisk provide benefits to local or migrating wildlife and are both very destructive to the local ecological systems. In addition to degrading ecological systems, they can also impact recreational users by limiting opportunities to view and observe wildlife, access areas for participation in waterfowl hunting, wildlife photography, fishing and more. Coyote Willow is extremely shade intolerant and is one of the dominant plants in the Kingfisher Wetlands. Due to its shade intolerance, Coyote Willow expands towards full sun and away from the shade produced by maturing Cottonwood and other trees. This leaves large patches of dead willow under shade trees like Cottonwood. The large Cottonwood trees are current or potential natural nesting structures for cavity nesting birds like Wood Ducks. Therefore, it is preferred to keep them as part of the riparian ecosystem. The live willow is beneficial to a wide range of wildlife and is encouraged to expand into open areas of full sun. The dense patches of dead willow, some as high as five feet block the sun, thus choking out plant growth and creates a potential fire hazard. Therefore, these dead areas inside an otherwise biologically diverse ecosystem need to be addressed. Uses of mechanical removal or control burn are the only viable methods to remove the dead willow and other leaf litter. Due to the potential fire hazard to nearby structure this project will utilize a mechanical means to mulch the leaf litter, reducing the fire threat and improving the ecosystem. Since the remaining phragmites at Kingfisher are intertwined with the troublesome willow, this approach will allow volunteer crews to safely access the remaining phragmites stands for mowing and herbicide treatment. The project areas are adjacent to other public and private lands managed by Weber County Parks & Recreation, Utah Department of Wildlife Resources, Bureau of Reclamation, Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, USFWS-Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and private lands owners. Kingfisher Wetlands is an urban wetland with commercial buildings to the West and residential neighborhoods to the North. Conversion to a more diverse and beneficial group of wetland species is the desired outcome. As these project areas are upstream, the shoreline of, or adjacent to forming delta areas of water ways which aids in the distribution of invasive plant seeds through the Weber River, Bear River and Willard Bay Outlet Channel, negatively effecting downstream ecosystems, agriculture and ultimately ended up in the Great Salt Lake ecosystem, which is the most critical stopover point in the Pacific Flyway for millions of migratory birds. It is critical to survey and eradicate these seed sources wherever possible. This type of investment is not just appreciated it's expected by adjacent landowners, managers and the community at large. Various outdoor enthusiasts such as waterfowl hunters, anglers, bird watchers, and hikers also benefit from this project as it improves wetland habitat and increase public access, use and enjoyment. By removing phragmites, tamarisk and excessive leaf litter from wetland ecosystems this project will increase the quality and quantity of water available, improving the habitat for insects, invertebrates, amphibians and fish. Waterfowl like Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Canada Goose, Mallard, Redhead, swan species and wading birds like White-faced Ibis, American coot, predators like American White Pelicans and American Bitterns feed on the fish, amphibians and invertebrates allowing these birds to meet critical life cycles. Improving Kingfisher Wetlands, being a riparian zone, also benefits Mule Deer, California quail, and Mourning Dove that are often seen in the wetland and surrounding area. Mourning Doves are often seen feeding on sunflowers growing along the shoreline of the Willard Spur. Over the last six years, Wasatch Wigeons Association (WWA) has been applying a treatment method of mowing twice a year with follow-up herbicide treatment in late summer with continued and documented success. As our mitigation efforts reduce the acreage of phragmites & tamarisk in one area, there are thousands more acres that need to be targeted for treatment. WWA is limited in capacity by personnel and specialized equipment to control these invasive plants without additional support. This funding would allow for the purchase of herbicide, purchase, rental, maintenance of critical specialized equipment, and purchase of other necessary supplies to address the threat of these invasive, non-native species and fire risk.

WWA overarching goal is to restore Utah wetlands to their former beauty and ecological productivity. Objective #1: Restore our project areas to 10% or less phragmites and tamarisk, and the reestablishment of native plant species through existing seed banks, transplanting, seeding or other methods to reintroduce native plant species to the project area prior to returning the area to the owning organization. Objective #2: Educate the local communities about invasive non-native plant species through hands-on conservation and public engagement in expos, class rooms, youth fairs and other opportunities as they arise. Objective #3: Sustain our previous project areas through active monitoring which utilizes a multitude of various practices and methods to keep an invasive species below an established action threshold until complete elimination were possible.

Decreased quality of critical wetland habitat utilized by local and migratory wildlife and decrease in recreational access. This project will address current threats to key aquatic habitats (open water & emergent). This project's focus is on two invasive non-native plant species (phragmites and tamarisk) that threaten key wetland habitat. Kingfisher Wetlands: Multiple years of effort have seen great success in reducing phragmites stands from approximately 8 acres at start, to less than one acre currently in this riparian wetland along the Weber River. This year's project will continue these efforts to avoid any re-establishment of phragmites as well as reduce potential fire hazard from excessive coyote willow and other species of leaf litter. Not conducting this project will allow phragmites stands to expand and increase the fire risk. This project directly ties to the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District Goal- * Supply high quality drinking water which meets regulations and to protect the watersheds of our Source Rivers and groundwater supplies Willard Spur: Multiple years of effort have seen tremendous success in reducing phragmites and tamarisk, and re-vegetation of wetland emergent (Alkaline and Hardstem bulrush) in this key (Fresh water arm of the Great Salt Lake) wetland. Its imperative this effort continues, so previous gains won't be lost by phragmites and tamarisk re-establishment. This project will not just continue the work being conducted it will expand the acreage of phragmites being mitigated. The portion of this job site on BOR property ties directly to U.S. Department of the Interior Departmental Manual (7/15/2020) Series: Environmental Quality Programs Part 524: Invasive Species Management Chapter 1: Invasive Species Policy Purpose: This chapter establishes Department of the Interior (DOI) policy that directs Bureaus/offices to manage the risk of invasive species in their activities, and minimize that risk where applicable and practicable, in cooperation with others as appropriate. This includes helping prevent the introduction, establishment, and spread of invasive species; promoting early detection and rapid response; and providing for eradication and control to minimize adverse impacts, such as impacts to the environment, human health and safety, cultural resources, recreation, infrastructure, and the economy. The portion of this project managed by UDWR ties directly to 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. 2.2.7 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 has, and will continue to address these SGCN and threats and promote the actions listed above. It also has and will continue to work collaboratively with several Government and non Government organizations (see partners section of proposal). BRMBR unit 3G This project has only been conducted for two seasons, but has seen significant success (est. 80% reduction in phragmites foot print). FY26 should be the final season for this project that will result in clearing of phragmites for approximately one miles of shoreline along the Bear River in the BRMBR. This project ties directly to the BRMBR HMP objective #2 Reduce amount of area occupied by Phragmites along water delivery canals and wetland dikes to < 10% of linear area by 2031. BRMBR unit 2C The start of this project is crucial to restore this 702 acre key water bird feeding and nesting habitat lost to the aggressive expansion of phragmites. Over the last two seasons local waterfowlers have called out for this project to be conducted as recreational access has significantly decreased along with key habitat utilized by all wetland wildlife. The increase in phragmites to approximately 486 acres has also blocked viewing opportunities for bird watchers from around the world who frequent the refuge through the year. This project ties directly to the BRMBR HMP objective #1 Reduce amount of area occupied by Phragmites to < 20% of total area in each wetland management unit by 2031.

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: Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, American White Pelican, White-faced Ibis (pgs. 14-19). 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, improper grazing. Threats to riverine habitats: same as above. 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. 2.2.7 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 has, and will continue to address these SGCN and threats and promote the actions listed above. It also has and will continue to work collaboratively with several Government and non Government organizations (see partners section of proposal). 1998 Update for North American Waterfowl Management Plan Goal: Restoring and maintaining waterfowl populations' pg. 7. 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. pg 13 Seek landscape solutions that benefit waterfowl, pg 14 Duck population objective 62 mil with fall flight of 100 mil maintaining current diversity of species pg 17 US Shorebird Conservation Plan; Intermountain West Regional Shorebird Plan 2000 Great Salt Lake most important inland shorebird site in North America pg 4. Great Basin Bird Conservation Region, BCR: breeding snowy plover, long billed curlew, American avocet, black-necked stilt, And 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' pg 13. Strategy f. Support the removal the tamarisk, whitetop and other invasive exotic plants from important shorebird sites. Division of Wildlife Strategic Plan: Conserve, Protect and Enhance Wildlife and Ecosystems; Enhance Recreational Experience; Maximize Productivity and Satisfaction: Goal A, B, C and F. Objectives A-4, B. 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. United States Fish &Wildlife Services (USFWS), Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (BRMBR) Habitat Management Plan (HMP): The portions of this project conducted on the BRMBR are in direct support of the refuge's Invasive Species Management Plan. The objectives are 1) Reduce amount of area occupied by Phragmites to < 20% of total area in each wetland management unit by 2031. 2) Reduce amount of area occupied by Phragmites along water delivery canals and wetland dikes to < 10% of linear area by 2031. This is also in direct support of the refuge's HMP and refuge's resources of concern, such as white-faced ibis, cinnamon teal, tundra swan as well as migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Goal #1 in the HMP is to "restore and manage Bear River deltaic wetland habitats and river corridor units...to provide migration and breeding habitat for a diversity of waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds". Weber Basin Water Conservancy District The portions of the project conducted on the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) land managed by Weber Basin Water Conservancy District (WBWCD) tie to portions of the district's mission: * Conserve and develop water resources to provide for the demands of our customer agencies and to use those resources responsibly for the greatest benefit of the public. * Manage, construct, operate and maintain the federal Weber Basin Project and District facilities to deliver reliable, safe and ample water supplies to our customer agencies. * Supply high quality drinking water which meets regulations and to protect the watersheds of our Source Rivers and groundwater supplies. This project ties to this mission by decreasing the depletion of water by invasive species mitigation which provides more water for the Great Salt Lake. With the lake levels at historic lows, any water that we can save from being depleted is a win for the lake, our drainage basin and the environment. U.S. Department of Interior (DOI): The portions of this project conducted on federal land managed by BOR (WBWCD) and USFWS (BRMBR) ties to the DOI Strategy Plan for Fiscal Year 2018-2022: MISSION AREA 1: Conserving Our Land and Water GOAL #1: Utilize science in land, water, species and habitat management supporting decisions and activities STRATEGY #1: Apply science to land, water, and species management STRATEGY #2: Provide stewardship of land, surface water, streams and shorelines STRATEGY #3: Provide stewardship of wildlife, bird, fish, and plant species GOAL #3: Foster partnerships to achieve balanced stewardship and use of our public lands MISSION AREA 3 Expanding Outdoor Recreation and Access GOAL #1: Expand hunting, fishing, and other recreation on DOI lands and waters STRATEGY #1: Promote hunting, fishing, and other recreation on DOI lands and waters GOAL #2: Enhance public satisfaction at DOI sites STRATEGY #1: Enhance the enjoyment and appreciation of our natural and cultural heritage WWA's work on BOR land also ties to: U.S. Department of the Interior Departmental Manual (7/15/2020) Series: Environmental Quality Programs Part 524: Invasive Species Management Chapter 1: Invasive Species Policy Purpose: This chapter establishes Department of the Interior (DOI) policy that directs Bureaus/offices to manage the risk of invasive species in their activities, and minimize that risk where applicable and practicable, in cooperation with others as appropriate. This includes helping prevent the introduction, establishment, and spread of invasive species; promoting early detection and rapid response; and providing for eradication and control to minimize adverse impacts, such as impacts to the environment, human health and safety, cultural resources, recreation, infrastructure, and the economy. WWA ties to this strategic plan and department policies through invasive plant species mitigation of phragmites and tamarisk which in-turn also opens up miles of shoreline for recreational access by hunters and fishermen. WWA project planning is first conducted internally, and then a written or verbal proposal is given to the current or potential partner. Project details are then fleshed out and documented in either a contract, MOU or SUP (see attached). The Willard Spur project area crosses multiple property boundaries being BOR, UDWR, USFWS and private lands. WWA works with each property manager originally, and then communicates the intent of working multiple property lines simultaneously. A group email is used to communicate project events, changes in dates or request for adjustments to original plans. For the additional properties north of the project area, no attempt has been made to contact them as it will be years before the project will approach those properties. The adjacent property owners/managers will be communicated with and proposals for future work on these properties will be made once the current project is within years of reaching those properties. WWA has a long standing partnership with Weber County in regards to Kingfisher Wetlands. The contract is reviewed updated and signed and extend for 10 years. WWA is now a DOI-Partner and has adopted unit 2C at the BRMBR. This is a result of extensive field work and communication with BRMBR management team. All project plan details are included in an MOU.

Phragmites form dense monotypic stands that can be 12-14 ft tall. These stands hold very high levels of dead leaf litter, living biomass that can produce extremely hot, fast moving, and tall flame lengths if ignition occurs. Coyote Willow is extremely shade intolerant, causing it to expand towards areas of full sun, leading to die off under large shade trees like Cottonwood. This relationship between Coyote Willow and Cottonwood trees has left Kingfisher Wetlands with acres of dead willow with some patches reaching five feet in height. With kingfisher wetlands and the Eastern portion of the Willard Spur project area near urban, rural and commercial structures, and industrial infrastructure, the threat of fire and the potential for neighboring structure damage is high. Reducing the cover of phragmites and willow leaf litter through this project will greatly reduce the threat and risk of fire damage within the wetlands and adjacent properties. Kingfisher Wetlands experienced back to back arson fires during June of 2022, burning approximately two acres of Kingfisher. The first fire jumped the service road and burned an additional two acres of the adjacent hill side. Structures subject to fire risk at or adjacent to Kingfisher (KF) and their distance KF has one blind and one two story observation tower subject to fire. KF is 0.03 miles from Weber County outdoor archery range KF is 0.07 miles from the Weber County archery range building KF is 0.1 miles from a grain mill KF is .41 miles from the closest residency This project will target the continued removal of phragmites stands and the excessive piles of leaf litter by approximately 50%, significantly reducing the fire risk to structures within KF and nearby commercial, industrial and residential building.

Quantity: Due to the plant's high biomass, phragmites evapotranspiration is higher than most native plant species. A study conducted by Omar Alminagorta PH.D. (Water Resources Engineer) concluded: based on climate conditions around the Great Salt Lake and other assumptions that under average conditions phragmites consumes 32" (~869 000 gallons of water for one acre of land).between May and October. Reducing the percentage of phragmites within a given wetland will help improve water quantity to the GSL. Phragmites also accretes soil and litter at much higher rates than most native plants. Rapid soil accretion, high amounts of litter, and very high density of stems, alters water distributions reducing downstream flow and, in some cases, resulting in loss of wetland habitat further downstream. Slower flows will also result in increased evaporation. The removal of tamarisk will open the shoreline landscape adjacent to the wetlands, reduce predator cover in the wetlands and will reduce excessive water demand from the wetlands, making it a more viable habitat to support macro invertebrates for shorebirds and other water birds. By reducing the excessive water loss from tamarisk consumption (up to 200 gal per mature tree, per day), the natural hydrologic storage capacity of wetlands will increase and it will help prevent the wetlands from drawing down too quickly. The shoreline will continue to improve as salts from tamarisk leaf litter will be reduced, returning the soil to its natural ph balance and allowing native seed banks to germinate, thus creating food, nesting and shelter habitat for wetland wildlife. Quality: Kingfisher Wetlands is a 16 acre riparian wetland which flows into the Weber River with multiple stands of phragmites and coyote willow. Phragmites accretes soil and litter at much higher rates than most native plants. Rapid soil accretion, high amounts of litter, and very high density of stems, alters water distributions reducing downstream flow and, in some cases, resulting in loss of wetland habitat further downstream. Coyote Willow is extremely shade intolerant and is one of the dominate plants in the Kingfisher Wetlands. Due to its shade intolerance, Coyote Willow expands towards full sun and away from the shade produced by maturing Cottonwood and other trees. This leaves large patches of dead willow under shade trees like Cottonwood. The large Cottonwood trees and snags are current or potential natural nesting structures for cavity nesting birds like Wood Ducks. Therefore, it is preferred to keep them as part of the ecosystem. The dense patches of dead willow, some as high as five feet, block the sun, choking out plant growth and creating a potential fire hazard. Therefore, these dead areas inside an otherwise biologically diverse ecosystem need to be addressed. As a riparian wetland Kingfisher helps filter sediment, pollutants, nutrients, pathogens and metals from runoff flowing into the Weber River. This basic function of all riparian zones is even more important when we consider Kingfisher receives water from two seeps and run off from an old reclaimed landfill that has been previously capped. The protection and maintenance of this important riparian wetland is necessary for the health of the Weber River system and all downstream users, wetlands and ultimately the Great Salt Lake ecosystem.

Bureau of Reclamation lands previously cleared of cultural concerns by BOR in accordance with MOU. WWA follows National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and documentation according to the National Discharge of Pesticide Permit. Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator License # 4002-18663

The mitigation of invasive plant species is a long term multiple year project requiring committed funds and manpower to accomplish. Tamarisk WWA uses different methods for tamarisk removal based primarily on accessibility to the project area. 1. Mechanical removal of tamarisk including root system, in areas accessible by heavy equipment. Tamarisk can be pulled out by use of heavy equipment. This method will reduce the new shoots to approximately 25%. Follow up herbicide treatment of new shoots with glyphosate (aquatic approved Aqua Star) is conducted for 2-3 seasons. 2. Mechanical cutting of tamarisk and herbicidal treatment of stump, in areas not accessible by heavy equipment. Tamarisk can be cut by use of chainsaw or other cutting device exposing the inner tissue (Cambium) of the plant. Herbicide with glyphosate (aquatic approved Aqua Star) is applied to the exposed tissue (Cambium) effectively killing the plant. Phragmites WWA uses a combination of mechanical and herbicide treatments to eradicate phragmites from our project areas. Each treated acre of Phragmites will require a four or more year commitment; initial and three follow up treatments. 1. Mechanical mowing in spring (Feb --May) to clear ground and allow remaining seed bank to germinate. This also allows seed banks of native plants to germinate and compete against the remaining phragmites. a. Year 2-4: this becomes a mow by sight or plant to plant method to reduce damage to desirable species such as Salt grass (Distichlis spicata), Olney Three-square (Scirpus olneyi) and Alkali Bulrush (Scirpus paludosus) that start to retake the area. 2. Mechanical mowing in summer (June-July) to stress plant and prevent or at least reduce seed development. a. Year 2-4: this becomes a mow by sight or plant to plant method to reduce damage to desirable species such as Salt grass (Distichlis spicata), Olney Three-square (Scirpus olneyi) and Alkali Bulrush (Scirpus paludosus) that start to retake the area. 3. Late summer/early fall Herbicide treatment with glyphosate (aquatic approved Aqua Star) a. This is the period when the plant has stopped active stem growth and transfers nutrients to the rhizomes. b. Spot treatment application of herbicide will be accomplished with backpack sprayers, truck mounted sprayer, track machine mounted sprayer, boat mounted sprayer and by ATV mounted sprayer to reduce damage to desirable species such as Salt grass (Distichlis spicata), Olney Three-square (Scirpus olneyi) and Alkali Bulrush (Scirpus paludosus) that start to retake the project area. c. Late summer/early fall herbicide treatment also avoids treatment during nesting season.

WWA's monitoring strategy 1. Crews working project areas monitor previous worked sections for new phragmites or tamarisk growth and establishment of new native vegetation growth. 2. We frequent these areas for recreation and community engagement activities. 3. When new growths of the targeted invasive species are identified in a previously worked section we devise a plan to incorporate the finding into the current or next year's work plan. 4. Photos of area are taken during each season to document project progress and success. Photos showing progress of area will be uploaded to the WRI data base. 5. WWA works with subject matter experts in UDWR, FFSL, and USFWS on techniques and methods for re-vegetation and promotion of native seed bank germination. 6. After reaching Objective #1 in area managed by one of our government partners we will turn the area back over to those agencies for incorporation into their invasive species program. 7. Crews are engaged in various activities (nest box program, tours, etc.) at Kingfisher wetland. These activities take the crews into all areas of the wetland. When new growth of invasive species are identified a plan will be devised to incorporate addressing the issue into the current or next year project plan 8. After reaching Objective #1 in areas we control (I.e. Kingfisher wetlands) we alter our annual methods to mowing in spring only and spot treat phragmites growths in fall. 9. Areas where phragmites goes drought strict prior to late summer treatment season WWA will monitor and treat once early signs of drought identified.

Chad Cranny, Utah DWR Invasive species coordinator Colton Anderson, Utah DWR, Willard Spur WMA Manager Todd Ferrario, Division Director, Weber County (Parks & Recreation) Jennifer Wright, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Biologist, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Michael Dunphy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Manager, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Matthew Meier, Staff Engineer, Weber Basin Water Conservancy District Bureau of Reclamation Lynn De Freitas, Executive - Director Friends of the Great Salt Lake. Willard Gun Club Willard Bay Gun Club These partners do not contribute direct funds for this project, these agencies and groups are contributing to the treatment and reduction of phragmites and tamarisk by allowing us to conduct our mission on their prospective properties. USFWS will be contributing use of key equipment, fuel and herbicide to the project areas on the Bear River Migratory Bird refuge. WWA will provide volunteer labor and know how. Also, many of these partners contribute to finding volunteers by promoting individual project events. Multi-agency and adjacent/upstream treatments are imperative due to phragmites wind and water dispersal. All agencies support this proposed project (see letters of support). Collaboration with these partners pertaining to treatment effectiveness, treatment locations, and strategies has been and will continue to be critical to project success.

This is a multi-year project that will only be successful with continued efforts. WWA would like to apply the same management strategies DWR has applied since 2006 as their efforts have seen successful containment of Phragmites in their management units with slight modification due to equipment availability. Collaboration with researchers will continue to stay current with Phragmites and tamarisk management and strategies that will improve ecosystem function. During the efforts in the UT WMAs, there has been an effort to educate other agencies, local cities, organizations and private landowners on how to treat Phragmites and the need to do so within the entire drainage area of the Great Salt Lake. WWA plans to continue these efforts and partnerships in order to enhance and preserve the wetland ecosystem around the GSL. We will continue internal education of our officers and the general publics as opportunities arise. WWA will continue to open new project areas with our partners as we routinely finish current projects and turn them over to property managers for routine weed control.

Kingfisher Wetlands This unique riparian wetland is located in the urban area of Ogden, Utah. The Weber River trail system passes between the wetland and the river. The local community can also enjoy a trail loop through the wetland. It is WWA's intent to fully restore this wetland as a waterfowl nursery that the local community can enjoy by viewing wildlife in its natural settings. We have installed a two story observation tower allowing people to observe and photograph wildlife with little to no disturbance. Willard Spur This job site increases access for waterfowl hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and photography. Carp fishing videos have been filmed in the shallows along side of our job areas. The clearing of phragmites from the upper channel allows anglers to access otherwise inaccessible stretches of the channel. Removal of excessive phragmites stands opens access to areas of the wetland previously inaccessible. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Unit 3G This job site improves access along 3/8 miles of the Bear River for anglers. This job site when completed will improve upland game hunting by increasing winter habitat for pheasants. Anglers utilizing the area at the same time as our volunteer crews have thanked them for opening access to the areas. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Unit 2C The tall phragmites stands block the view of tourist enjoying the refuge tour road and wildlife photographers from opportunities to photograph wildlife. The thick stand of phragmites has choked the boat launch area making it difficult for multiple boats to be launched or recovered. These thick stands also block access to open water areas of the unit for waterfowl hunting. Determined waterfowlers utilize personnel watercraft to punch holes through the stands to open access, resulting in damge to their personnel watercraft. By removing phragmites this project will increase the visibility of wildlife from the refuge tour road and parking lots areas, increase access throughout the unit to launch/recover boats and for waterfowl hunting.