Landscape Conservation Forecasting (LCF) conducted by The Nature Conservancy indicates that present-day ecological systems across much of the Escalante Ranger District are highly departed from their reference conditions due to past management activities. Historical landscape management on Forest Service lands--including decades of fire suppression and periods of heavy logging--has contributed to a shift toward mid- to late-successional vegetation and excessive fuel accumulations within Mountain Shrub, Mountain Big Sagebrush, and Ponderosa Pine ecosystems across the project area. Vegetation departures, such as conifer encroachment into riparian areas and mountain shrublands, combined with increasing pressure on limited water resources in this arid environment from surrounding communities, have reduced the availability of water sources historically relied upon by wildlife. Past and ongoing vegetation management projects in Upper Valley are addressing the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire and are improving wildlife forage capacity and overall habitat effectiveness through the removal of encroaching conifers. Building on these efforts, the proposed project seeks to enhance water resource availability and habitat resilience through the following actions: Disperse water resources throughout the Upper Valley by leveraging ongoing fuels treatments and strategically placing guzzlers adjacent to treated areas that now provide high-quality habitat. This will provide dedicated water sources for wildlife and promote more effective habitat utilization across a broader landscape. The project also includes redevelopment of an existing spring and installation of a trough. Dredge and reinforce historic sediment catchment ponds within the project area to restore their function, enabling renewed water capture and providing additional seasonal water sources for wildlife during periods of sufficient runoff. Remove encroaching conifers in both wetland and upland areas using mastication, along with phased hand and mechanical treatments, to promote the establishment of desirable native vegetation that more closely aligns with reference conditions identified in TNC data, including shrubs, forbs, and grasses.

-Reduce human-caused wildlife mortality: Focuses on minimizing incidents like roadkill and fence-related accidents. -Reduce and mitigate erosion: Targets soil stability within the upper valley area. -Increase natural fire opportunities: Aims to allow prescribed natural fires to occur on the landscape without them becoming uncontrolled wildfires. -Decrease wildfire probability: Sets a specific quantitative target of a 10% reduction in wildfire risk. -Diversify brush age and cover density: Manages vegetation structure to benefit both wildlife and domestic livestock. -Improve habitat quality and promote biodiversity: Focuses on general ecological enhancement. -Achieve significant forage production increase: Aims for a substantial 400% increase in the annual production of desirable forage. -Address issues related to drought specifically the lack of reliable water sources with in the project areas.

Upper Valley functions as critical mule deer summer range, a migratory corridor, and big game transitional habitat, linking the western canyons of Fifty Mile Mountain--including the Death Ridge Wilderness and Grand Bench--to the Aquarius Plateau. Over the past five years, extensive vegetation improvement projects have been implemented throughout Upper Valley, resulting in increased forage availability for a variety of wildlife species. While mechanical and hand treatments have significantly improved habitat conditions, water resources within these treated areas remain limited. Continued human disturbance has displaced wildlife into less desirable locations--areas that may provide adequate forage but lack reliable water sources. The proposed project builds on recent vegetation improvement efforts by expanding and enhancing water developments throughout Upper Valley, thereby supporting existing wildlife populations along this vital migratory pathway. The proposed water developments are intended to benefit a broad suite of wildlife species, including birds, bats, large mammals, and big game. Sensitive species such as Townsend's big-eared bat have been documented in the South Hollow area, and the project area also supports four northern goshawk territories and a substantial population of flammulated owls. Increased water availability is expected to enhance prey abundance and overall habitat suitability for these species. The Boulder--Kaiparowits mule deer population has been chronically under the population objective since 2016. Data from GPS collaring and body condition assessments indicate that habitat limitations--rather than population density--are the primary constraint within this unit. In Upper Valley, mule deer often travel long distances to access water, incurring significant energetic costs that negatively affect body condition and survival. In arid ecosystems, supplemental water has been shown to reduce population-level threats to mule deer (Krausman et al. 2006). Female mule deer, in particular, require daily access to free water to meet the energetic demands of pregnancy and lactation (Shields et al. 2012), and individuals in arid environments consistently select habitats in close proximity to water sources (McKee et al. 2015). Incorporating water developments into recently treated vegetation projects will increase habitat use and ensure that forage improvements translate into measurable benefits for mule deer and other wildlife species. Research from collared mule deer in Utah showed that nutritional condition is highly tied to survival (Hersey 2024). It was also found that mule deer using habitat treatment areas were in better nutritional condition than deer outside of the habitat treatments. The benefits extend beyond the individuals, however, as additional research by Lamb et al. 2023 shows that a mother's body condition has long-lasting effects on her offspring. Females with high body fat gave birth to heavier fawns that grew at a faster rate and had a higher survival rate than those born to mothers with low body fat. Lactation is also the most energetically costly life process in a mammal's life. Adult female mule deer need enough quality forage intake to support the lactation process. Consistent with findings by McKee et al. (2015), mule deer in arid environments select habitats near water sources year-round. By establishing additional water developments in underutilized areas, this project will redistribute wildlife across the landscape, reduce competition, and decrease travel distances to water. Reduced energetic expenditure will help maintain higher body condition, improving survival rates for adult females and fawns. Elk numbers in this portion of the Boulder are relatively low compared to northern areas, despite the landscape's capacity to support a larger population and provide additional hunting opportunity. Elk in adjacent areas frequently cause agricultural depredation, creating conflicts with landowners. Improving forage and water availability in Upper Valley is expected to help retain elk within suitable public lands, reducing pressure on agricultural lands while improving habitat effectiveness. Wildlife health and disease management is an increasing concern in Utah, particularly with respect to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Expanding water availability across the landscape helps reduce congregation at limited water sources, thereby decreasing the risk of disease transmission, including CWD and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) (Gillin and Mawdsley 2018). Under the Upper Valley Landscape Improvement Project, management activities are continuing across approximately 16,885 acres. This project is a priority given the signed decision on the Hungry Creek Vegetation Improvement Project. Additionally, the U.S. Forest Service has received targeted funding for reforestation within the ponderosa pine belt, specifically designated for implementation within the Upper Valley Landscape Improvement Project area.

The proposed project is consistent with and directly supports multiple state, federal, and local wildlife, habitat, and wildfire management plans, including the following: Utah Wildlife Action Plan (2015--2025; Publication No. 15-14) This project aligns with the Utah Wildlife Action Plan's objective to restore ecological function by reducing uncharacteristic and surplus older age-class vegetation. Proposed pinyon--juniper removal addresses vegetation departure within Mountain Sagebrush systems and reduces the threat of Problematic Native Plant Species by promoting younger, more resilient plant communities. Treatment methods are consistent with recommended mechanical vegetation treatments identified in the plan (p. 51). Utah Mule Deer Statewide Management Plan (2025) The project supports the plan's habitat goal to conserve, improve, and restore mule deer habitat with an emphasis on crucial ranges (pp. 20--23). Actions directly address: Habitat Objective 1 by protecting and enhancing summer range, migration corridors, and transitional habitats through vegetation and water improvements. Habitat Objective 2 by improving vegetation quality and quantity on crucial range via WRI-supported treatments, conifer removal, and riparian enhancements. Strategies that emphasize collaboration with land management agencies and the use of broad-scale vegetation treatments to address conifer encroachment, drought impacts, and degraded sagebrush habitats. Wildlife-friendly fencing objectives through spring exclosure repairs and improved water developments. Boulder/Kaiparowits Mule Deer Herd Management Plan, Unit 25C/26 (2025) This project directly supports habitat management objectives to increase the availability, abundance, and nutritional value of browse, grasses, and forbs by reducing pinyon--juniper expansion into sagebrush habitats. Proposed treatments--including lop-and-scatter and mechanical removal--are expected to restore sagebrush ecosystems critical to mule deer, particularly during winter and transitional periods (pp. 5-6). State of Utah Resource Management Plan The project aligns with objectives to actively remove pinyon--juniper encroachment due to its excessive water use and negative impacts on sagebrush communities, wildlife habitat, and forage availability. Implementation is expected to improve water quality and quantity while benefiting both wildlife and livestock forage (p. 148). National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Mechanical thinning across the landscape will create a mosaic of sagebrush and persistent woodland conditions, contributing to the strategy's goal of restoring and maintaining resilient landscapes. The project supports landscape-scale fuels management to reduce wildfire risk while improving ecological resilience. Resilient Landscapes Guidance (State of Utah) Vegetation and fuels management actions are consistent with guidance to expand mechanical treatments where feasible and sustainable. The project area lies within approximately 30,000 contiguous acres designated as Habitat Initiative restoration priority lands on the South Slope of Boulder Mountain, contributing to long-term landscape resilience. Utah Catastrophic Wildfire Reduction Strategy The South Hollow Project supports the strategy's mission to reduce the size, intensity, and frequency of catastrophic wildfires through prioritized fuels treatments. By reducing ladder fuels and canopy continuity, treatments will increase the likelihood of successful suppression and allow fire to function more safely as a natural ecological process (pp. 8, 15). UDWR Strategic Plan The project advances multiple goals of the Division of Wildlife Resources, including: Conserving and enhancing wildlife populations and ecosystems (Goals A and B); Improving wildlife-related recreational opportunities (Goal C); Reducing economic losses from wildlife impacts (Goal D); Strengthening partnerships and public involvement in wildlife management (Goal E). Utah Elk Statewide Management Plan The project supports habitat objectives by improving forage and water availability to maintain elk populations at objective levels and reduce competition with livestock. Enhanced water distribution and habitat quality will improve elk distribution and reduce agricultural depredation while fostering stakeholder support for elk management. Strategic Management Plan for Wild Turkey (UDWR 2014) Vegetation thinning and conifer removal will improve grass, forb, and shrub communities that provide critical foraging and brood-rearing habitat for wild turkeys, while also enhancing ponderosa pine foraging areas. Utah Upland Game Management Plan (Forest Grouse) The project addresses identified threats to grouse habitat by promoting early successional vegetation, improving understory density, and enhancing riparian function. Treatments that support mixed forest structure and adjacent shrub habitats will benefit dusky and ruffed grouse throughout seasonal use periods. Garfield County Resource Management Plan (2019) The project aligns with county objectives to promote vegetative treatments that maximize forage production, rangeland health, and wildlife habitat. Actions support county goals of maintaining adequate forage, water, cover, and security for wildlife, while coordinating habitat improvements across jurisdictions. Utah Forest Action Plan 2020 The third FAP goal is to achieve better responses to forest threats at the right scale and to engage all landowners, forest managers, stakeholders and communities in planning, implementation and collaborative learning. FFSL will build on existing landscape-scale restoration programs and initiatives in partnership with the Forest Service.

Due to prolonged fire suppression and past management practices, the South Hollow project area exhibits fire and fuels conditions that fall outside the historical range of variability. Large portions of the area currently consist of dense, continuous vegetation with tight crown spacing and abundant ladder fuels. These conditions substantially increase the area's vulnerability to large, high-severity wildfires capable of negatively affecting wildlife habitat, plant communities, fisheries, ecological processes, and watershed function. Under hot, dry, and windy conditions, future ignitions are likely to result in extensive fire spread across the watershed. Continuous fuels further hinder suppression efforts and increase risk to firefighting personnel and the public. Most of the vegetated project area is classified as Fire Regime Condition Class (FRCC) 2 and 3, indicating moderate to high departure from reference conditions. A sharp reduction in fire frequency following settlement and the subsequent exclusion of wildfire have facilitated the expansion of pinyon--juniper woodlands. These changes, combined with long-term cultural and management practices, have altered fuel profiles in ways that increase fire severity and disrupt natural successional pathways. FRCC ratings reflect both the current fuel conditions and the degree of departure from modeled reference fire regimes. Wildfires occurring within the South Hollow project area under 90th percentile or greater weather and fuel conditions are moderately difficult to suppress and have the potential for rapid growth. The greatest risk occurs when fires originating in shrubland fuels transition into adjacent tree-dominated stands, where shrubs and encroaching conifers function as ladder fuels, allowing fire to move into the canopy. Under these conditions, flame lengths in shrublands often necessitate indirect suppression strategies, increasing exposure hazards and reducing operational safety for firefighting personnel and the public. The South Hollow project area lies adjacent to Utah State Highway 12, a critical transportation corridor connecting the community of Escalante to western Garfield County. Multiple private structures within the valley are at risk in the event of a wildfire. The proposed treatments build on ongoing vegetation management efforts to reduce crown fire potential in Ponderosa pine systems through mastication, while strategically implementing lop-and-pile treatments along road corridors to create shaded fuel breaks that disrupt fire spread. In addition to mitigating crown fire risk in Ponderosa pine stands, the project addresses elevated fire intensity associated with conifer encroachment in Mountain Shrub and Mountain Big Sagebrush systems. Collectively, these fuels treatments are expected to reduce wildfire severity, improve suppression effectiveness, and enhance firefighter and public safety. By reducing the likelihood of high-severity fire, the project will also help protect and sustain existing water resources by maintaining or increasing available water quantities and minimizing damage to springs, riparian areas, and watershed function from uncharacteristic wildfire.

This project proposes a suite of integrated treatments designed to improve water quality and quantity throughout the South Hollow project area. U.S. Forest Service and State personnel will direct efforts to remove encroaching conifers, including pinyon and juniper, across targeted vegetation types. In addition, U.S. Forest Service, State, and contracted crews will install two 1,800-gallon Boss Tank guzzlers equipped with wildlife-friendly fencing, repair fencing protecting key hydrologic features, and dredge existing sediment catchment ponds along Forest Road (FR) 146. In a study from 2008, Deboodt, et. al (2008) mentions that juniper trees can use up to 30 gallons of water a day, when adequate moisture is present. It also states that Vegetative modeling has shown that 9 to 35 trees per acre can utilize all the precipitation delivered to a site in a 13-in annual precipitation zone. In their study researchers monitored two watersheds 12 years prior to treatment (cutting). After the treatment analysis indicated that juniper reduction significantly increased late season spring flow by 225%, increased days of recorded groundwater by an average of 41 days , and increased the relative availability of late season soil moisture to soil depths of .76 meters. It was also noted that managing vegetation for water yield may be obtainable at a much lower precipitation threshold than what was previously understood. Baker, et. al (1984) found a 157% increase in stream flows over a 147 ha pinyon and juniper treatment. Recent research by Roundy, et. al. (2014) has shown that mechanical treatments to remove pinyon and juniper increase time that soil water is available. Even four years after treatment, treated areas showed from 8.6 days to 18 days additional water availability at high elevation sites. The project area includes approximately 1,500 acres of lop-and-scatter treatments targeting problematic native plant species within Mountain Big Sagebrush, Mountain Shrub, and Ponderosa Pine ecological systems. Contracted crews will remove encroaching pinyon--juniper from shrubland areas and treat dense patches of unmerchantable white fir within ponderosa pine stands located between Willow Creek and FR 146. Hand treatments are expected to increase water availability by reducing conifer interception and evapotranspiration losses (Shinneman et al. 2023). This work complements ongoing vegetation improvement efforts across Upper Valley, including the Upper Valley Phase 2 Hand Treatment Project (WRI ID 6182), which encompasses approximately 3,700 acres of hand treatments. Collectively, conifer reduction treatments across Upper Valley are expected to increase springtime water availability and promote the growth of desirable shrub and herbaceous vegetation (Roundy et al. 2020). Tree removal by contracted crews will also reduce surface and ladder fuel loads, reinforcing fuels reduction efforts underway through affiliated projects across Upper Valley. Lop-and-scatter and lop-and-pile treatments will redistribute ladder fuels to the forest floor, increasing ground cover and creating mulch that reduces runoff and erosion while enhancing the density and diversity of grasses and forbs (Ashcroft et al. 2017). These treatments will decrease the likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire by reducing vertical fuel continuity and creating strategic fuel breaks. Reducing wildfire risk in this system will protect existing water resources--such as Willow Creek--from second-order fire effects including increased sedimentation, altered hydrology, and post-fire erosion. Extensive hand treatments will further promote regeneration of desirable shrubland vegetation and improve browse availability for big-game species. To ensure wildlife access to these improved habitats, up to five guzzlers will be installed in phases throughout the project area by U.S. Forest Service and State crews. Initial implementation includes installation of two 1,800-gallon guzzlers protected by wildlife-friendly fencing. Expanding water availability is expected to increase surface water access, improve wildlife distribution, and reduce localized impacts associated with heavy use of single water sources by species such as mule deer and elk. Habitat improvements will be paired with restoration and protection of existing water sources. This includes repair of wildlife-friendly fencing around Willow Spring, the Willow Creek exclosure, Garden Springs, and Liston Flat Spring. Fence repairs will protect hydrologic features from livestock trespass and associated overuse, promoting riparian recovery and improved water quality (Ranganath et al. 2009). Reducing grazing pressure at select wetland and riparian areas is expected to increase vegetative cover and diversity while mitigating nonpoint-source pollution associated with concentrated livestock use (Line et al. 2000). Sedimentation concerns within this highly erosive landscape will also be addressed through dredging of existing sediment catchment ponds. Restoring these structures will improve downstream water quality in Upper Valley Creek by capturing sediment before it is transported further downstream. During periods of heavy precipitation or snowmelt, these catchment ponds may also retain surface water, providing additional seasonal water sources for wildlife and further contributing to watershed resilience.

The Upper Valley Landscape Improvement Project decision was completed and signed on October 25th, 2017.

Restoration & Infrastructure Improvements Sediment Catchment Ponds/Head cuts and Gullies Pond spillways will be reinforced with rock and rip-rap to prevent erosion. To address gullies and head cuts, we will implement low-tech process-based restoration (LTPBR) techniques, including Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs) and Post-Assisted Log Structures (PALS), utilizing onsite natural materials whenever possible. Guzzler Installation: One 1,800-gallon boss tank and associated collection apron will be installed at a strategic location in the Upper Valley. To facilitate the transportation of tanks and materials, existing access roads will be refurbished. This guzzler will be enclosed with wildlife-friendly fencing--designed with specific wire heights and barbless strands--to exclude livestock while maintaining safe access for local wildlife. Spring redevelopment: The spring infrastructure will be upgraded by cleaning or replacing the collection box and installing new underground pipes to a trough. To safeguard the source, the spring head will be fenced to exclude livestock and wildlife. Vegetation Treatment: Mechanical Mastication (669 acres): Encroaching pinyon and juniper (PJ) trees will be treated across 669 acres using mechanical methods such as chipping, shredding, and mulching (mastication). This technique minimizes soil disturbance while creating a protective mulch layer to retain moisture and suppress invasive annuals. To maintain ecological diversity and provide essential thermal and security cover for wildlife, untreated islands and corridors of pinyon and juniper will be retained throughout the project area. This strategic "mosaic" pattern ensures that while encroaching trees are removed to restore sagebrush-steppe health, the site continues to serve as functional habitat for woodland-obligate species.

Vegetation and Habitat Monitoring Vegetation surveys will be conducted immediately following treatment and again at the five-year mark. These assessments utilize existing monitoring protocols to evaluate potential conifer encroachment, invasive plant establishment, and overall site condition. The project area currently contains established repeat photo points and range site survey locations, which utilize nested frequency methods to record vegetation density and percent cover. To document direct wildlife utilization of treated areas, pellet transects will be integrated into these monitoring efforts. Advanced Remote Sensing and AI Integration The UDWR Habitat Department will launch a pilot program utilizing drone-based repeat photography over a 3--5 year period. In a 2027 initiative to modernize monitoring, high-resolution aerial imagery will be processed through AI-driven interpretation to assess treatment effectiveness. We anticipate this technology will allow biologists to precisely track shifts in plant composition and the presence or absence of specific species, providing a robust dataset on Successive years of post-treatment recovery. Wildlife Population and Movement Studies The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) continues to conduct regular population estimates for mule deer and elk within the Boulder/Kaiparowits Unit (25C/26). Furthermore, the UDWR is engaged in long-term monitoring of survival rates, migration corridors, and body condition through the use of GPS collar data, ensuring that project outcomes align with regional herd management goals. The DWR also plans to ground dart and GPS collar mule deer within the area to better evaluate body condition and resource use. Silvicultural and Fuels Assessment Aspen Regeneration: Within designated aspen and conifer regeneration areas, stocking surveys will be performed following the first, third, and fifth growing seasons, in compliance with U.S. Forest Service Handbook standards. Adaptive management actions, as defined in the project's Decision Notice, will be implemented if necessary to ensure satisfactory stocking levels. Fuels Monitoring: Ten established Brown's transects will serve as the baseline for measuring fuel loading across the South Hollow project area. These transects will be repeated at one, five, and ten-year intervals post-treatment. Data comparisons will be used to gauge the long-term effectiveness of the fuel treatments in reducing wildfire risk and intensity.

Project design and location were coordinated between the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Utah Forestry Fire and State lands (FFSL) and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR), with additional discussions held with local residents and Garfield County officials to improve public safety and wildfire resilience on Boulder Mountain. The economic benefits associated with improved habitat conditions, including enhanced grazing capacity and hunting opportunities, have been discussed with city and county officials. Coordination with allotment permit holders has resulted in agreements that support multiple management objectives. Conversations have been held with sportsmen's organizations, including Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) and Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW), and their support for the project has been communicated. Discussions were also held during the Ruby's Inn Mule Deer working group meetings, where the group expressed its support.

South Hollow will be implemented using a phased approach, allowing for monitoring of sagebrush and mountain shrub community responses to inform future treatment phases. Phase 3 is planned to extend treatments northward. As monitoring indicates a need for re-treatment and implementation capacity allows, treated areas will be maintained to sustain healthy grass, forb, and shrub communities. The project area will be monitored for vegetation re-encroachment and, if necessary, proposed for re-treatment through volunteer-based efforts such as the Dedicated Hunter program or through a full WRI proposal, depending on the severity and extent of re-encroachment. These treatments will also support future management of natural fire ignitions by providing land managers with increased fire management flexibility. The project is located within the Upper Valley East grazing allotment, which is managed under a deferred-rotation grazing system in compliance with allotment management plans and annual operating instructions. Project implementers will coordinate closely with permittees to minimize operational impacts. Areas within the project have experienced low livestock utilization in recent years, and because no seeding is proposed, treated areas are not expected to require post-treatment rest from livestock use.

Wildlife Habitat and Recreational Value Canaan Mountain is a critical component of the Boulder Mountain hunting unit, a premier destination for harvesting mule deer, elk, turkey, grouse, dove, black bear, and cougar. Proposed habitat improvements will support these populations by increasing high-quality forage for ungulates and strategically dispersing water access across the landscape to reduce over-browsing in concentrated areas. Water Resource Development and Climate Resilience In alignment with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) objective to expand wildlife habitat on public lands, increasing surface water availability will enhance the distribution and abundance of both game and non-game species, including birds and bats. While wildlife historically utilize springs, streams, and livestock infrastructure, persistent drought conditions have severely limited these traditional water sources, subsequently reducing ungulate distribution. To mitigate these impacts, the construction of 1,800-gallon "boss tank" guzzlers in the Upper Valley, paired with the maintenance of exclusion fencing around sensitive spring heads, will secure year-round water access. These improvements ensure that hydrologic features remain functional and protected from soil compaction and over-utilization. Livestock Integration and Infrastructure Livestock may derive secondary benefits from these developments depending on the proximity of the guzzlers to active allotments. While the primary guzzler collection points will be fenced to exclude livestock, the installation of overflow tanks will be considered where appropriate and consistent with NEPA guidelines. These overflow systems allow harvested rainwater to be utilized by livestock, promoting more uniform grazing distribution and optimizing the use of available forage during the summer grazing months. Additionally, the redeveloped springs will convey water to troughs that will remain accessible to both wildlife and livestock. These shared watering points are critical for ensuring reliable water delivery throughout the summer season when natural ephemeral sources may be dry. Community Forest Products The regulated harvest of pinyon and juniper for fence posts, as well as white fir for Christmas trees, will continue to be permitted under the discretion of the District Ranger.