Management of Blackhawk Waterfowl Management Area (WMA) is focused on supporting waterfowl production and migratory bird habitat, with heavy use during spring and fall migration and year-round use by a wide range of wetland-dependent wildlife within the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. Habitat quality and management effectiveness are currently being limited by expanding invasive vegetation, a lack of established native shrub and wetland plant communities, and access constraints that restrict the ability to manage water and habitat at critical times of year. Funding is needed to control invasive species, restore and enhance wet meadow and emergent vegetation through native and shrub plantings, stabilize channels to reduce erosion and sedimentation, and improve operational capacity to complete and maintain these habitat improvements. This includes support for a seasonal technician, acquisition of a 4-wheeler and trailer to improve access to levees, channels, and water control structures, construction of a dedicated sprayer for invasive species treatment, and purchase of skid steer attachments and materials to support planting, material handling, and habitat work. Wetland managers across the Great Salt Lake system work collaboratively and routinely share staff and equipment when possible; however, many management actions must occur within narrow, science-based biological windows to be effective. During peak management periods, staff and equipment are often committed simultaneously to other priority sites, which limits availability and can delay invasive species treatments, planting, and maintenance at Blackhawk WMA. Dedicated on-site equipment and capacity are therefore needed to ensure work can be completed at the appropriate time and in accordance with best management practices. These actions are necessary to maintain productive habitat for nesting, brood-rearing, migration stopover, and wintering wildlife, and to support the future opening of Blackhawk WMA to public hunting and other recreational uses as part of the broader Great Salt Lake wetland system. They will also help ensure the site remains resilient under increasing pressure from population growth, land development, altered hydrology, and rising recreational demand in the region.

Invasive and noxious vegetation will be treated through targeted herbicide applications followed by restoration to improve wetland and channel habitat quality at Blackhawk WMA. Treatments will focus on priority areas where invasive species are limiting native plant diversity, water movement, and habitat function. Following treatment, native wetland vegetation will be re-established through reseeding and shrub planting to improve habitat structure, stabilize channels, and support nesting, brood-rearing, and migratory wildlife. Seasonal staff will assist with invasive species treatments, planting, monitoring, and maintenance to reduce reinvasion, as well as routine monitoring and upkeep of levees, canals, and water control infrastructure to support effective water management. Improved access through a 4-wheeler and trailer will allow staff to safely conduct monitoring, treatment, and maintenance activities year-round. A dedicated sprayer and skid steer attachments will support invasive species control, planting, material handling, and habitat improvement projects. These actions will improve the timing, effectiveness, and long-term resilience of habitat and water management at Blackhawk WMA.

The project location will be Blackhawk Waterfowl Management Area (WMA). Blackhawk is a priority wetland within the Great Salt Lake ecosystem that provides important habitat for migratory birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife along the Wasatch Front, but habitat quality is currently being limited by invasive vegetation, degraded plant communities, and access constraints. This makes Blackhawk a strong candidate for restoration, and improving habitat now will increase wildlife use and prepare the site for future public access specifically for hunting as the area is opened to the public in the coming years. Work at Blackhawk occurs in multiple seasonal windows. Spring treatments focus on early-emerging invasive weeds such as thistle and Dyer's woad, while summer through early fall is the critical window for invasive species control and revegetation in wetland and channel areas. Missing these windows reduces success and increases reinvasion risk. These periods also coincide with peak workload across Great Salt Lake wetlands, when shared equipment is heavily used, making dedicated equipment and seasonal support necessary now to complete the work at the appropriate time and scale.

The proposed project meets objectives in existing habitat management plans and aligns with priority threats and conservation actions in the 2025--2035 Utah Wildlife Action Plan (UWAP). Threat: Invasive and Problematic Species Priority Threat: Invasive non-native plant species Action 1.1.1 -- Conduct riparian vegetation treatments to restore characteristic vegetation and reduce uncharacteristic fuel types and loadings. This project addresses this threat through invasive species treatment and restoration of native wetland and shrub vegetation. Threat: Natural System Modifications Priority Threat: Channel alteration and vegetation simplification Action 1.1.6 -- Restore aquatic habitat complexity and drained wetlands through structural diversity and targeted native planting. This project stabilizes eroding channels and restores wet meadow and emergent vegetation to improve habitat structure and function. Threat: Changes in Precipitation and Hydrological Regimes (Drought) Objective #2 for Droughts: Aquatic SGCNs and key habitats persist on the landscape despite increasing drought conditions. Action 1.2.1 -- Develop a list of priority locations for resource and habitat protection. This project improves wetland resilience and water management capacity to sustain habitat under drought conditions. Key Habitat: Wetlands and Saline Lakes / Great Salt Lake Ecosystem This project supports UWAP goals to maintain and restore priority wetland habitats and prepare Blackhawk WMA for future public hunting opportunities.

Fire is not a primary management tool at Blackhawk WMA due to its proximity to Salt Lake City International Airport and surrounding infrastructure, where smoke, visibility, and safety concerns limit the use of prescribed fire. However, invasive vegetation control and restoration of native wetland plants will reduce fine fuel loading and fuel continuity in areas that dry out in late summer and fall, lowering the risk of unplanned fire and improving overall site safety. Fuels management at Blackhawk will therefore occur primarily through invasive species treatments and vegetation management rather than the use of prescribed fire.

Invasive vegetation control and native wetland plantings will reduce erosion, sediment input, and channel restriction, improving water quality and water movement through the site. Water levels and flow conditions will be monitored regularly to ensure water is being delivered and retained where needed to support wetland habitat.

All project activities will occur on an existing, state-managed wildlife area and consist of routine habitat management and restoration actions. Any ground-disturbing activities in areas that have not been previously disturbed will be coordinated with UDWR cultural resource staff and an archaeologist as needed prior to implementation.

This project will be carried out using a combination of habitat management and restoration techniques to improve wetland function and habitat quality at Blackhawk WMA. Invasive weeds will be treated at the appropriate times each year, including early-season treatments in the spring for species such as thistle and Dyer's woad and follow-up treatments in summer as needed to maximize effectiveness. Native wetland vegetation and woody shrubs will be planted in priority areas, particularly near water sources, to improve habitat structure, stabilize soils, and reduce erosion. Minor repairs to eroded channels, levees, and access routes may also be completed as needed to support water delivery and habitat management. The seasonal technician will assist with invasive species treatments, planting and establishment of native vegetation, water management support, trash and site maintenance, and general habitat improvement activities on the WMA. The technician will be trained in plant identification, herbicide application and sprayer use, equipment operation and maintenance, and field safety procedures to ensure all work is conducted effectively and in compliance with UDWR standards.

Habitat response and project success will be monitored using photo-point monitoring and rapid vegetation assessments at treated and restored sites. Changes in invasive plant cover and native vegetation establishment will be documented annually to evaluate treatment effectiveness and guide follow-up actions. Weed monitoring will be conducted by recording the amount and acreage of herbicide applied, along with treatment locations and dates. All treatments, planting, and access improvements will be mapped and tracked to document project extent and progress. Monitoring will be conducted by the area manager, wildlife specialist, and seasonal technician and will be used to update priorities and inform future habitat management work at Blackhawk WMA.

This project was developed with input from other UDWR waterfowl managers regarding priorities, methods, and equipment needs. FFSL previously partnered on planting and reseeding at Blackhawk and is supportive of continued restoration efforts.

Future management at Blackhawk WMA will follow UDWR directives and objectives and will be guided by ongoing habitat planning and monitoring results. Habitat, invasive species, and water management actions initiated through this project will be maintained through routine management and adaptive follow-up treatments as needed. Seasonal technicians and staff will continue to be used to support habitat and wildlife enhancement efforts and to maintain project outcomes over time.

This project will improve habitat conditions that support sustainable hunting and grazing at Blackhawk WMA by increasing native vegetation, improving forage quality and distribution, and increasing wildlife use of the area. Grazing may be used in targeted areas, where appropriate, to help manage invasive vegetation and support habitat and management objectives.