As the perimeter fence around Bob Wright Gordon Creek WMA has continued to degrade. Trespassing cattle from the surrounding grazing allotments have been an increasing issue. Efforts over the past several years to plant and irrigate the WMA have been severely reduced by trespass livestock grazing. Furrows for flood irrigation have been stomped out by cattle, early established vegetation has been degraded, and irrigation infrastructure including flood irrigation pipes have been destroyed. In order to provide high-quality forage for mule deer, elk, and other benefiting species, trespass livestock need to be eliminated to the extent possible. The WMA is in crucial winter range for mule deer and elk. Being able to better control cattle trespassing will protect the vegetative communities present on the WMA.

1) Reduce trespass livestock on the Gordon Creek Wildlife Management Area 1a Allow for successful establishment of vegetation in irrigated pastures 1b protect irrigation infrastructure 1c provide forage on the WMA for mule deer, elk and wild turkey 2) Reduce competition between mule deer and livestock for forage and space 3) Increase deer population and reproductive success through increased forage availability 4) Improve density, vigor, diversity, and seedling establishment of vegetation including cool-season grasses and shrubs.

The fence surrounding the Bob Wright fields has been aging for several years and we have been maintaining it. We feel we are approaching the threshold where we need to be considering replacing this fence as opposed to trying to piece it back together. With that, we also hope to move the fence in specific locations where drifting snow damages it on an annual basis to reduce annual maintenance needs.

Project is relevant to the Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) by targeting mule deer. Mule deer is a species listed in the WAP. Statewide Management Goals for Mule Deer- Population Management Goal, Population Objective, Strategy b. Support all habitat objectives and strategies in this plan to protect and improve deer habitat. Statewide Management Goals for Mule Deer- Habitat Goal, Habitat Objective 2, Strategy b. Work with land management agencies, conservation organizations, private land owners, and local leaders through the regional WRI working groups to identify and prioritize mule deer habitat that are in need of enhancement or restoration. c. Initiate broad scale vegetative treatment projects to improve mule deer habitat with emphasis on drought of fire damaged sagebrush winter ranges, ranges that are being encroached by invasive annual grass species, and ranges being diminished by encroachment of conifers into sagebrush or aspen habitat. d. Continue to support and provide leadership for UWRI, which emphasizes improving sagebrush-steppe, aspen and riparian habitats across all landownerships. Statewide Management Goals for Elk- Population Management Goal, Population Objective 1, Strategy d. Support habitat improvement projects that increase forage for both big game and livestock.

Fire breaks may be created with the green vegetation that is provided with irrigation that is not damaged or eaten by trespass livestock. These irrigated areas have potential to reduce fire risk . Fire/Fuels risk reduction is minimal.

Adequate fencing will ensure livestock remain in the areas that they are permitted to be in, this will help keep some livestock off of the WMA and out of riparian areas.

Any required arch surveys prior to fencing will be carried out in house. A survey will also be carried out prior to fencing to ensure fences are on property lines.

The DWR will be purchasing the fencing materials and hire a contractor to remove and install the new fences to our specifications. Fence specs will include both 4 strand wire as well as two strands of wire with a top rail.

DWR Maintenance personnel will monitor the fence and complete any needed maintenance annually.

We will work with Carbon county on the instillation of the cattleguards as well as adjacent landowners prior to construction of the fence.

Annual maintenance on the fencing will occur by DWR personnel. Continual communication will need to occur with the adjacent livestock permittees on any issues. Maintenance on cattleguards will, in general, be performed by Carbon County and the gas industry, but the DWR may assist with cleaning cattleguards on an as-needed basis. Total replacement of the fencing will be analyzed in 20-30 years post construction.

The implementation of these fencing projects will ensure that the properties and resources are managed in alignment with the habitat management plans, addressing the properties needs and access management plans.