County council backs small pinyon‑juniper restoration pilot on Emery County land

The Emery County Public Lands Council voted to support a small, proof‑of‑concept pinyon‑juniper removal and reseeding project on county‑owned property intended to improve sagebrush edge habitat for pinyon jays and mule deer.

Evan Reese, Habitat Biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife, described the proposed work as a small pilot involving roughly 10 acres of county property adjacent to Bear Creek Campground. The plan calls for coordination with BLM fuels crews, mechanical mastication of dense pinyon‑juniper stands, and seeding and mulching to establish shrubs and grasses in treated pockets.

"We're looking to get something else growing in there and open up some pockets," Reese said, explaining the project would include pre‑ and post‑treatment surveys to monitor pinyon‑jay use and to minimize negative impacts on birds while improving big‑game habitat.

Council discussion focused on timing, grazing impacts during reseeding, and assurance that the work would be staged and conditional. After discussion a motion to recommend support and to inform the county commissioners was made and seconded; the chair called for a voice vote and the motion passed.

Funding and implementation: BLM fuels would provide treatment costs on federal lands; the county parcel work would be funded through watershed restoration grants if the application is successful, with implementation expected in 2027 if funded. The Division of Wildlife said it will keep the council informed of funding applications and will consult further with grazers and other stakeholders prior to implementation.

What's next: the council's recommendation will be transmitted to the commissioners and proponents will return with more details on timing, grazing restrictions during establishment, and monitoring plans.

Sources: Presentation and on‑record motion and vote recorded at the Emery County Public Lands Council meeting.