ConocoPhillips DOGM Earthday Award Nomination

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Project: Price River Drainage Wet Meadow Enhancement

Wet meadows are critical habitat for many species, including sage-grouse.

Important during nesting and brood rearing periods.

Concern: Loss of critical wet meadow habitat

Occurring though erosional downcutting of water courses around meadows

Concern: Loss of critical wet meadow habitat

Occurring through erosional downcutting of water courses around meadows

Leads to lowering of water table & desiccation of wet meadows, and subsequent alteration of vegetation

Project Goal: Protect and enhance critical wet meadow habitats within the Price River Drainage

Methodology:

• Grazing Management: Short Duration – High Intensity Rest Rotation system.

• Vegetative treatment – treat uplands to reduce brush cover and increase grass/forb cover which will maximize water infiltration and slow overland flow.

• Active in-channel projects to slow run-off, build sediment, and maximize ground water infiltration

• Vegetation Inventory

• ConocoPhillips provided initial $30,000 to map vegetation at a detailed level within the Drunkards Wash Field.

• Helped directly identify wet meadow areas needing treatment.

• Have found additional $44,000 for mapping more acres of critical wildlife habitat. Completed in March 2005 with > 700,000 acres mapped.

Grazing Management:

• Working with land owners and NRCS to develop grazing plan and cross fence pastures to improve grazing practices.

Vegetation Treatment:

• Treat upland surrounding wet meadows using mechanical & chemical methods

• Reduce shrub cover and increase grass & forb coverMaximize water infiltration & slow overland flow

Ely Chain

Lawson AeratorPipe Harrow

In-channel structures:

• Passive dikes: temporary hold water from heavy run-off events, allow sediment to drop out, increase ground water infiltration, and meter channel flow.

ConocoPhillips Contributions:

• Vegetation Survey $30,000• Surveying, engineering, materials, and equipment $55,000

Overall project budget $228,000 (not including vegetation mapping project)