Restoring Utah’s Vital Habitats: Inside The Watershed Restoration Initiative

Utah's Watershed Restoration Initiative (WRI), a partnership-based program launched in 2006 by the Utah Department of Natural Resources, focuses on improving and restoring critical watersheds and habitats. During the 2023-24 fiscal year, the initiative made significant progress, enhancing 168,882 acres of land across the state.

The program aims to boost watershed health, increase water quality, and provide sustainable uses of natural resources, including restoring fish and wildlife habitats. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), a founding partner, plays a central role in planning and executing these projects. Tyler Thompson, WRI Program Director, emphasized the importance of these efforts for Utah's residents and its wildlife, crediting the initiative's success to extensive coordination and partnerships.

This past year, the WRI undertook 148 habitat restoration projects, including seeding 442,572 pounds of seed on landscapes affected by fires and other disturbances. Efforts restored 23,245 acres impacted by wildfires, improved 119 miles of streams, and created 835 jobs. Additionally, prescribed burns and tree removal helped reduce wildfire risks and enhance sagebrush and aspen habitats vital to wildlife.

One standout project involved using artificial beaver dams, a Utah-conceived technique that improves water quality, raises river levels, and reduces erosion. Shrub and sagebrush planting also provided essential cover and food for mule deer, sage-grouse, and other species.

Funding for the $48 million effort came from over 80 partners, including the DWR Habitat Council, Bureau of Land Management, and conservation groups. These funds, partially sourced from license and permit fees, supported the initiative’s vast scope.

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Since its inception, the WRI has improved nearly 2.7 million acres across Utah through over 2,800 restoration projects. To learn more about this ongoing work and its impact, visit the WRI website to explore project locations statewide.