The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has secured approximately $37.2 million in federal grants for habitat improvement projects benefiting fish and wildlife in southeastern Utah. Announced by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Upper Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation Program, DWR received funding for five key projects, including:
- Scofield Tributaries Project ($2.8 million): Reduces sediment and erosion to improve habitats and water quality.
- Huntington Creek Project ($2.6 million): Enhances aquatic habitat for native species like the Colorado River cutthroat trout through restoration structures.
- Willow Creek Subbasin Restoration ($2.3 million): Removes invasive species to benefit native fish and improve water quality.
- Price River Voluntary Water Leasing ($1.4 million): Supports agreements to maintain instream flows for watershed health and native fish.
- Lower Price River Project ($28.1 million): Constructs a dam to create a reservoir, aiding endangered fish through strategic water releases.
In addition, other projects associated with DWR received funding for wetland enhancements and habitat restoration. Collaborative efforts among agencies aim to address the drought crisis and foster resilience in Utah’s ecosystems.
