BLM Utah Fisheries and Riparian Resources Programs and Projects

The primary objective of the BLM Utah Fisheries and Riparian Resources program is to provide suitable habitat for fishes, amphibians and other aquatic species found in wetlands, lakes, streams administered by the BLM in Utah. The BLM Utah has ~3,390 stream miles of fisheries stream habitat and ~15,230 acres of lakes and reservoirs (Wright and Prichard, 1993). The health of these lands is critical for the survival of seven federal endangered or threatened and eleven BLM sensitive Conservation Agreement and Strategy aquatic species. The BLM UT Fisheries and Riparian Resources Program, in close partnership with other federal, state, and non-governmental organizations, is responsible for protecting and restoring BLM-managed aquatic habitat for aquatic organisms, including native fish, game fish and aquatic invertebrates. Priorities for the Fisheries and Riparian Resources Program in upcoming years focus on habitat restoration, invasive species prevention and control, and increasing sportfishing opportunities on public lands. Utah BLM administered land is less than 1% riparian or wetland (215,840 of 22,142,000 acres). The health of these lands is critical for the survival of federal endangered or threatened aquatic species and eleven BLM sensitive aquatic species. A priority for the Utah BLM is to improve the health and productivity of public lands through investing in our public lands to enhance wildlife habitat, restore watershed and riparian areas, and enhance partnerships to maximize resources that result in healthier landscapes. The objectives for this umbrella announcement will allow for the development of partnerships that provide for one or more of the following types of objectives: â¿¢ Provide technical support for aquatic and riparian resource assessments during land use planning, utilizing landscape or regional assessments such as the Rapid Ecoregional Assessments, Beaver Restoration Tool, Riparian Condition Assessment Tool, Aquatic Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring Data, High Resolution Riparian Land Cover Mapping, fish habitat data, geomorphic change detection data, Conservation Success Index and Native Salmonid Population Viability Analysis. â¿¢ Provide technical support for aquatic and riparian restoration planning, implementation and monitoring utilizing existing landscape or regional assessments such as the Rapid Ecoregional Assessments, Beaver Restoration Tool, Riparian Condition Assessment Tool, Aquatic Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring Data, High Resolution Riparian Land Cover Mapping, fish habitat data, geomorphic change detection data, Conservation Success Index and Native Salmonid Population Viability Analysis. â¿¢ Develop and assist with implementation of on-the-ground cold and warm water fisheries habitat restoration projects for native fish and other species â¿¢ Develop and assist with implementation of on-the-ground habitat restoration projects which will also support riparian restoration in Greater Sage-Grouse priority habitats â¿¢ Develop working lands/conservation ranching initiatives which support conservation of native fish and riparian resources using land management practices which support healthy, balanced ecosystems.