Ogden Valley News | 2002-05-15 | Page 18

Page 18 THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume VI, Issue III May 15, 2002 Wheeler Creek Riparian Improvement Project The Purpose of this Scoping Document This document is to inform you that the Ogden Ranger District is proposing to make improvements to the Wheeler Creek Spring ripanan zone and surrounding area. The proposed project will take place in the Dairy Ridge Cattle and Bountiful Sheep Allotments T8N, R4E, Sec 13, SW ¼., Rich County, Utah (Vicinity Map attached). We would like to hear of your comments, concerns, and suggestions regarding this proposed project at this site on the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Ogden Ranger District. What is Being Proposed? The proposal is to improve the condition of the Wheeler Creek riparian area. We are proposing to install a fence exclosure that encloses approximately 3 acres of the Wheeler Creek riparian area, install a culvert and a cattle guard on Forest Development Road # 071 at Wheeler Creek, and install a water trough out of the riparian area for livestock watering. This is proposed to protect vegetation, springs, and fish/wildlife habitat from impacts of dispersed recreation use, road maintenance issues, and domestic livestock grazing. Why Are We Proposing This Project? Dispersed recreation use adjacent to Wheeler Creek has reduced vegetation within/adjacent to the riparian area. The existing road crossing of Wheeler Creek is contributing sediment to the stream. There is a need to provide alternate water source for the permitted livestock in the area and reduce use within the riparian area. Riparian areas are important habitat for western wildlife species. Riparian areas provide habitat for more species of birds than all other western rangeland vegetation combined. Riparian areas strongly influence how watersheds function, areas in good condition slowly release water to stream channels, thus increasing seasonal quantity and quality of water. Vegetation diversity is an important characteristic of a riparian area in good condition; these plant species aid in stabilizing streambanks, water table, and increase summer flow. Continued impacts to the riparian area will decrease vegetation and structural diversity of vegetation and reduce the value of the area to support fish and wildlife. Preliminary Issues 1. Any adverse effects to the environment at this location and the surrounding area (water quality, vegetation, threatened, endangered, and 8588 East 100 South Huntsville UT 84317 745-3130 sensitive plant, wildlife, or fish species). 2. The effects upon existing cattle and sheep livestock allotments (water accessibility, alternate water sources, and pushing routes). What is the Decision to be made? As a result of the analysis, a decision will be made whether or not to authorize the improvements to the Wheeler Creek area. If yes, the decision will include: • Fencing materials and design • Site location for alternate water sources and cattle guard • Measures to mitigate environmental impacts Who Will Make the Decision? The Ogden District Ranger, Ruth Monahan, is the official responsible for making the decision whether or not to authorize the proposed use, and if so, at what level. The decision would be implemented during the summer of 2002. We want to hear from you . . . We welcome any comments, in person, by phone or in the mail. We would like to know whether you have additional issues you believe need to be addressed or specific concerns with the proposal. Specific questions regarding the proposal should be directed to Daniel Jauregui, Wildlife Biologist, at (801) New and exciting Perennials & Annuals for 2002 Once in Huntsville - 1 mile east on the road to Monte Cristo When Do We Need Your Response? To be most useful, we would appreciate receiving your comments by May 24, 2002. You may call or respond in writing. Comments should be directed to: Ruth Monahan District Ranger Ogden Ranger District 507 25th Street, Suite 103 Ogden, UT 84401 [phone] The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibitions bases apply to all programs.) Person with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program information should contact the USDA Office of Communications at [phone] (voice) or [phone] (TDD). To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250 or call [phone] (voice) or (800) 8551234 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity employer. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed Sunday Come see our selection of We invite you to come in and see our large selection of Trees, Shrubs, Annuals, & Perennials 625-5112; FAX [phone], or email [e-mail]. A comment form is provided to ease responding but feel free to use any format you prefer. Submissions you make and identifiers therein will be available for public review, and may be released in their entirety if requested pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act. ** We will honor coupons and ** specials from other nurseries. that are grown in our climate. We also have: Must bring their coupons in. Vegetable Seeds - Plants Fertilizers Insecticides Soil Amendments Planters & Pots Hanging Baskets Gift Shop & Balloon Bouquets $5.00 OFF any purchase over $30 One coupon per customer Expires May 31, 2002