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Council endorses small DWR pinyon‑juniper restoration project, conditions support on grazing protections
Summary
The Emery County Public Lands Council unanimously recommended the County Commission support a Division of Wildlife Resources pinyon‑juniper removal and reseeding project (~10 acres) near Bear Creek Campground, provided the work does not negatively affect grazing rights and livestock movement corridors.
The Emery County Public Lands Council unanimously recommended that the County Commission support a Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) pinyon‑juniper removal and reseeding project on roughly 10 acres near Bear Creek Campground.
Evan Rees of DWR presented the proposal, which would use mechanical mastication and reseeding to improve mule deer and rangeland habitat and to support pinyon jay habitat amid potential endangered‑species considerations. Rees said the project would include pre‑ and post‑treatment monitoring and noted temporary grazing impacts during seeding and rest periods.
Council members said they support the habitat objectives but asked that any county recommendation include protections for grazing permittees and explicit maintenance of livestock movement corridors. "Support with the stipulation that it does not negatively impact grazing rights," Council member Kim McFarlane moved; the motion carried unanimously with a second from Leon.
The council also recommended that County Commissioners be informed of the project so Planning and Zoning and grazing permittees can consider timing and mitigation measures. DWR staff said monitoring and a limited footprint were intended to minimize long‑term impacts to forage.
The council’s action is advisory; the final decision on formal support and any conditions will rest with the County Commission.
