NRCS collaborates on habitat restoration projects for mule deer and elk in Utah

The Utah Office of Tourism's Habitat Council meeting on April 9, 2025, spotlighted critical wildlife management initiatives aimed at enhancing habitats for mule deer and elk across the state. Key discussions centered on the Starvation and Dairy Fork Wildlife Management Areas, where collaborative efforts among various landowners are underway to improve ecological conditions.

Kyle Cook, the NRCS biologist, detailed plans for habitat restoration, including cultural surveys and funding requests for mastication—a process to thin out juniper, pinyon, pine, and oak brush. This initiative aims to create a mosaic of habitats that will serve as summer range and transitional areas for local wildlife. Cook emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy aspen stands, which are currently threatened by encroaching species.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing efforts to combat erosion in the Dairy Fork area, exacerbated by recent wildfires. Proposals were made for constructing rock structures to slow water flow and mitigate erosion, alongside plans to plant additional shrub seedlings to bolster winter forage for deer and elk.

Participants discussed the success of previous planting efforts, noting an impressive 80% survival rate for sagebrush in certain areas. However, challenges remain, particularly with seedling survival due to grazing pressures from deer and other wildlife. The council is exploring protective measures, such as exposure fencing, to better understand and address these issues.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to wildlife conservation and habitat restoration, with collaborative strategies aimed at ensuring the sustainability of Utah's rich natural resources. The council anticipates further developments as funding requests are processed and restoration projects progress in the coming years.