Color Country Converging Restoration Landscape

Amid the sweeping vistas of the Color Country District, where the Mojave Desert, Central Basin and Range, and the Colorado Plateau meet, lies a landscape of extraordinary ecological diversity and natural beauty. The Color Country District's converging landscapes are not only recognized for their scenic and experiential value but also for their critical ecological significance. Home to unique flora and fauna, some of which are found nowhere else on earth, these areas face challenges from increased visitation, habitat fragmentation, and water scarcity. The BLM's investment in the Color Country District seeks to address these challenges through projects that increase water availability, restore riparian systems, and conserve critical habitats, including that of the greater sage grouse at the southernmost edge of its range.

By focusing investments in the Color Country District's Restoration Landscape, the BLM aims to leverage these funds to enhance ecosystem function, engage in meaningful partnerships, and ensure the long-term sustainability of these public lands for future generations. This concerted effort to restore and maintain the health of the Color Country District's landscapes exemplifies the BLM's mission to manage public lands for multiple use and sustained yield.

Projects are grouped into eight resource areas; however many of the projects cross multiple categories. Click on the link below to jump to associated projects.

•  Wetland and Riparian 
•  Invasive and Noxious Plants 
•  Wildland Fire Mitigation 
•  Wildlife Habitat Improvement 
•  Threatened and Endangered Plants and Animals 
•  Range and Wild Horse & Burro 
•  Resilient Recreation 
•  Stabilize, Manage, and Protect Heritage Resources 

Project List:  Quichapa Lake Hydrology and Vegetation Enhancement  |  Riparian Exclosures  |  Low-Tech Erosion Control 

In May 2024, BLM partnered with youth (18-30 years old) from American Conservation Experience (ACE) and Southern Utah University to apply herbicide treatment on approximately 12 acres of land adjacent to Quichapa Lake. The BLM also partnered in May with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to conduct bull hog (mulching with heavy equipment) treatments on around 30 acres of tamarisk.

In October 2024, the BLM again partnered with ACE to chainsaw and spray herbicide on approximately 1 acre of tamarisk using a cut stump and spray method. Simultaneously, the ACE crew planted 500 shrubs to enhance wetland function and wildlife habitat.

The Quichapa Lake Restoration Project aims to improve the lake's hydrology and vegetation. As a federally designated wetland, Quichapa Lake serves as vital habitat for migratory birds. The project focuses on removing invasive species, such as tamarisk (Tamarix sp.) and other noxious weeds, and replacing them with native vegetation. This initiative will improve water quality and availability, supporting the Central Iron County Water District's recharge efforts and enhancing wildlife habitat.

In August 2024, the BLM contracted with a small local fencing business to reconstruct the Mountain Spring riparian grazing exclosure. This project rebuilt an old nonfunctioning riparian grazing exclosure around the spring to protect and enhance riparian vegetation.

By fencing off this critical water source and vegetation, the project aims to minimize environmental impacts and safeguard the aquatic and plant communities. Additional riparian exclosures are planned in 2025. These exclosures are designed to allow access for native wildlife, such as mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), while also allowing water to flow freely. The introduction of these exclosures will promote the rejuvenation and stabilization of riparian plant communities, enhance the diversity of the vegetation and improve habitats for wildlife.

The BLM constructed low-tech water improvement structures in three different riparian and stream systems across the Landscape. The goal is to mitigate erosion during increasingly frequent high precipitation events. The BLM partnered with volunteers from Utah’s Dedicated Hunters program and youth (18-30 years old) from American Conservation Experience and Southern Utah University to construct the structures. The three locations are listed below.

Shurtz Creek - This treatment involves building low-tech water improvement structures that mimic natural wood accumulation processes in riparian and stream systems within the Shurtz Creek located just southeast of Cedar City, UT. These erosion control structures are designed for the long-term stabilization and recovery of highly erodible areas, such as drainages.

Buckskin - This treatment builds on work completed in 2023 which involved building rock structures (known as Zeedyk structures) within an incised channel likely caused by drought. A series of rock structures were built to span the channel bottom and disperse flow and sediment throughout the valley bottom. As the riparian area expands, it will become self-sustaining, capturing sediment, and continuing to lift the bed upwards to its original floodplain level. This process will promote wetland plant species development and prevent further degradation. This Restoration is crucial for wet meadow systems in sagebrush landscapes because they provide critical habitat for species like sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), which rely on riparian areas to rear their young and as a buffer against drought, climate change, and wildfire.

Bumblebee – At Bumblebee Spring low-tech stream channel restoration techniques were also used where the channel had become deeply incised. These techniques minimize streambank erosion and slow the flow and infiltration of water throughout the spring. The structures will help dissipate energy, capture sediment, and increase soil moisture, thereby providing habitat for various species and preventing further degradation.

Project List:  Iron County Weed Control  |  Dry Willow Broadleaf Control  |  Flatt Fire Weed Treatment  |  Iron County Weed Partnership  |  Youth Weed Assistance IIC-SUU Investment 

In Spring 2024, the BLM contracted with a small business to treat noxious and invasive weeds throughout Iron County, Utah. The target species were scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), hound’s tongue (Cynoglossum officinale), white top (Cardaria draba), Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica), and black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger). The project surveyed a total of 2,170 acres and treated 23 acres using herbicides. Removing noxious and invasive weeds conserves the native ecosystem and reduces the abundance and distribution of weeds across the landscape.

In Spring 2024, the BLM contracted with a small business to treat noxious and invasive weeds within the historic (2012) Baboon wildfire-affected landscape. Following the 2012 Baboon fire, invasive and noxious weeds, including Scotch thistle, had taken hold within the burned area. This project involved treating 202 acres of scotch thistle using BLM-approved herbicides.

In Spring 2024, the BLM partnered with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to contract with a small business to complete 233 acres of noxious and invasive weed treatments within the Flatt Fire burned area. The Flatt Fire started June 18, 2021, and was a fast-moving fire that burned 14,356 acres of pinyon juniper, sagebrush flats, cliffrose and bitterbrush communities. Following the fire, invasive and noxious weeds, including Scotch thistle, took hold within the burned areas. The presence of Scotch thistle is particularly concerning due to its ability to reproduce swiftly after disturbances such as wildfire, outcompeting native vegetation for resources.

This project is a collaboration with the Iron County Weed Department to enhance their noxious weed management activities, which includes education and outreach, Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR), prevention measures, physical and mechanical control methods, biological agents, herbicide methods, and cultural methods. This partnership supports the local Weed Boards Noxious Weed Control Program which supports BLM, County, and private lands. Specific project locations are Iron County wide.

The BLM expanded on an existing partnership with the Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative (IIC) program through Southern Utah University to mentor youth interested in natural resource careers. Together, BLM and partners develop opportunities for students to achieve real work experience to help prepare them for future success in a variety of resource modalities. Through the 2024 field season, The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) mentored multiple interns who contributed to various tasks, including applying herbicides to combat noxious weeds, repairing riparian exclosure/fencing, releasing tamarisk biocontrol beetles, and constructing low-tech erosion control structures. Looking ahead, additional youth internships are planned for 2025, encompassing opportunities in invasive weed management, wild horse and burro programs, range management, civil engineering, and water resources.

Project List:  Benson Vegetation Maintenance  |  Red Cliffs National Conservation Area Invasive Annual Grass Reduction  |  East Paragonah Cattle and Paragonah Allotment Vegetation Enhancements  |  Little Creek Watershed Restoration  |  Anderson Mountain Habitat Improvement  |  Neck Post- Fire Herbicide   

In November 2024, the BLM contracted with a small aviation business to aerially treat 272 acres with pre-emergent herbicide using a helicopter. The herbicide application was specifically aimed at controlling invasive annual grasses. This project builds on previous wildfire resilience investments completed through the Chipman Peak – Benson Vegetation treatment area. The overall goal is to build wildfire resilience by removing invasive annual grasses. With the removal of pinyon-juniper trees through mastication and lop and scatter. The landscape has shown positive responses, with an increase in perennial grasses and shrubs.

While this particular treatment focused only on a small portion of the original project area, where invasive grasses were problematic, these smaller spot treatments will ensure treatment longevity, keep highly aggressive invasive grasses in-check and ultimately reduce wildland fire intensity and duration.

In November 2024, BLM contracted with a small aviation business to complete the first phase of applying pre-emergent herbicide across 982 acres within Red Cliffs Conservation Area. Pre-emergent herbicides combat invasive annual grasses before they emerge. The targeted area had a high density of non-native annual grasses, leading to a higher risk of wildfires. The project's primary objective is to enhance wildfire resiliency by addressing invasive species and improving habitat for wildlife. This strategy will comprise a multi-step approach: initially applying the pre-emergent herbicide Plateau (imazapic) to target invasive annual grasses like cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), followed by the introduction of beneficial perennial species to improve the ecosystem reduce fire-prone materials and promote the growth of native vegetation. The project will also include the hand planting of Mojave Desert native forbs and shrubs to further support these restoration efforts. The next phase includes monitoring and hand planting of native Mojave Desert forbs and shrubs during November 2025.

This project includes the removal of pinyon and juniper trees in various locations and the application of pre-emergent herbicide to control the spread of invasive annual grasses. These treatments are designed to enhance vegetative communities and mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires in areas with high densities of pinyon and juniper trees. By decreasing the fuel load and severity of potential wildland fires with herbicide and other methods such as lop and scatter (which involves cutting and chopping the branches and trunks of pinyon and juniper trees) the landscape benefits from a comprehensive approach that reduces fuels, improves wildlife habitat and provides for overall range improvement.

In Fall 2024, the BLM contracted with a small business to reconstruct fenced between grazing allotments where previous vegetation treatments were conducted. The newly reconstructed fenced will prevent livestock drift between allotments and facilitate proper grazing management.

This is designed to enhance the health and diversity of sagebrush, oak, and mountain brush communities, along with riparian and stream habitats through the use of lopping and scattering techniques, dropping entire trees into streams, and masticating pinyon and juniper trees. These management actions will restore crucial habitat for species such as Bonneville cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii utah) and sage-grouse. Additionally, the project includes wet mowing of rabbitbrush and subsequent seeding where needed. These actions are designed to increase vegetation community diversity and resilience, bolster wildlife habitats, and diminish the risk of high-intensity, severe wildfires.

This proactive habitat restoration project will employ the lop and scatter method to remove pinyon and juniper trees, enhancing the habitat for greater sage-grouse. Situated between two priority habitat management areas for this species, the project is poised to expand available and desirable habitat used by sage grouse. The targeted area has been recognized as crucial for the preservation and restoration of sagebrush habitat essential to priority species. Without intervention, the encroachment of pinyon pine and juniper woodland threatens to diminish this landscape's resilience to disturbances and its capacity to recover, emphasizing the importance of this restoration effort.

This project involves the aerial application of a pre-emergent herbicide (Rejuvra) in areas affected by the 2019 Neck Fire to combat the spread of invasive cheatgrass. Located within a critical habitat management area for greater sage-grouse, this region has also experienced an uptick in wildfires, creating conditions that allow cheatgrass to thrive and dominate the sagebrush steppe ecosystem. The proliferation of invasive annual grasses is a known factor contributing to the decline of sage-grouse populations in the Intermountain West, as highlighted in several scientific studies.

Project List:  Sagebrush Restoration Planting  |  Wildlife Water Development landscape wide  |  The Gap Utah Prairie Dog Habitat Restoration  |  Red Cliffs NCA/Reserve Desert Tortoise Fencing  |  Antelope Bitterbrush Shrub Planting 

This project enhances the ecosystem within the Bald Hills Greater Sage-Grouse Priority Habitat Management Area by planting around 240,000 sagebrush seedlings in areas affected by fire. The goal is to create "islands" of sagebrush, ranging from 100 to 400 acres, across the landscape to improve habitat quality.  An additional planting of 56,000 seedlings is expected in Spring 2025, and 200,000 in Fall 2025.

This project is to install wildlife guzzlers, which are simple gravity-fed catchment systems that gather and store water from rain and snow and make it available for wildlife use. Guzzler installments are planned at six strategic sites within the Color Country Converging Restoration Landscape, specifically chosen to enhance the Escalante Desert and Upper Virgin Watersheds. By adding new water sources, the initiative will boost habitat use during seasonal droughts and lower disease spread among wildlife by reducing the competition for scarce natural water resources. Guzzlers not only support game species but also provide significant benefits to non-game wildlife, including various birds and bats. This project will complement and amplify the effects of ongoing habitat restoration efforts throughout the Restoration Landscape.

In November 2024, a small aviation business was hired to complete Phase 1 of this project, which included the application of herbicide across 450 acres of degraded Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens) habitat. This project will treat unoccupied and potential Utah Prairie Dog-mapped habitat within the Gap Management Unit in the Utah Prairie Dog West Desert Recovery Unit. This project includes herbicide treatment (Plateau) the first year (Fall of 2024), followed by drill seeding a Utah Prairie Dog habitat seed mix the following year to establish desired perennial grasses and forbs. Phase 2 is planned for Fall 2025.

This project focuses on enhancing and preserving range fence and desert tortoise mesh along the perimeters and key roadways within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Snow Canyon State Park. With the area attracting over a million visitors in 2021, and numbers expected to rise each year, these efforts are crucial to safeguarding the endangered Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) by minimizing tortoise road collisions and fatalities in southwest Utah.

This project involves cultivating antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) seedlings and manually planting them in designated restoration areas along the Parowan Front to enhance mule deer winter range. Planting of antelope bitterbrush seedlings across lands managed by both the BLM (2,000 seedlings) and State Wildlife Management Areas (2,000 seedlings) will enhance these habitat areas that are highly valued by the local community and Iron County for wildlife hunting and observation.  Antelope bitterbrush is highly favored by big game and livestock for its nutritional value and also serves as protective cover for various small animals and birds.

Project List:  Virgin River Restoration  |  Threatened and Endangered Plant Restoration 

The first phase of this project includes the removal of invasive species such as Tamarisk and Russian olive trees, (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and the planting of native riparian vegetation on BLM-managed lands. The focus is on the critical habitats along the Virgin River, home to species like the woundfin (Plagopterus argentissimus), Virgin River chub (Gila seminuda), and southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax trailii extimus), as well as the habitat for the yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) and three BLM sensitive fish species, including the Virgin River Spinedace (Lepidomeda mollispinis). This project aligns with the BLM's dedication to habitat restoration, fulfilling obligations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). It is part of the effort to implement the Virgin River Fish Recovery Plan and the Virgin River Spinedace Conservation Agreement and Strategy. 

In February 2024, restoration was completed on BLM land in collaboration with the Virgin River Program, UDWR, BLM, American Conservation Experience, and volunteers to plant 320 pole plantings of Coyote willow and 150 Fremont Cottonwoods on exposed banks along the Virgin River.

Each year, as part of the threatened and endangered species recovery, the Virgin River Program releases stocked endangered woundfin into the Virgin River. In July 2024, the timing and river flows lined up to allow the collection of 559 adult woundfin to be captured for broodstock supplementation. Adult Woundfin were held in a temporary tank at the Quail Creek Water Treatment Plant and transferred by plane to the Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center in New Mexico.  

In addition to implementing the Virgin River Fish recovery plan, the BLM also partners with the Virgin River Program to conduct education and outreach programs throughout the year. The goal is to create support for the Virgin River stewardship and conservation by increasing local awareness and involvement. This past year the program hosted field trips along the Virgin and Santa Clara Rivers for approximately 413 first through seventh grade students. Additionally, the program completed in-class presentations to 112 fourth grade students. They also hosted the Color Country Natural Resource Camp and instructed 26 high school students.  

For BLM habitat restoration projects, this project utilizes technical expertise of Zion NPS Vegetation Management and Nursery staff to propagate native and Threatened and Endangered plants such as the endangered Shivwits milkvetch for the northeast Mojave Desert and Colorado Plateau ecoregions.

Project List:  Blue Mountain/ Burn Knoll Water Development  |  Highway 56 Wild Horse Fence  |  Cottonwood Creek Study Area Fence Rebuild  |  Stateline Utah Nevada Fence Rebuild 

In August 2024, the BLM installed 9.8 miles of pipe at four different locations within this allotment. This water development project will provide for a wider distribution of water availability for livestock and wildlife use and improve Rangeland Health Standards. This will create more resilient rangelands by providing distribution of livestock use especially during drought years. Spreading the current livestock use across a wider area of rangeland will also promote more balanced utilization of perennial vegetation.

In September 2024, the BLM contracted with a small business to construct 5 miles of new fence. This initiative extended the current fencing along Highway 56, ensuring wild horses stay within designated management areas. The extended fencing is designed to safeguard other vegetation treatments from the impacts of grazing outside the desired area.

This project replaced a degraded fence around a 5-acre study area along Parowan front. The fence was originally constructed in the early 1960’s in an area with a high density of wintering mule deer.  Over time, the fence fell into disrepair and was not functioning properly; however, this is an important historical study fence to demonstrate range utilization on a critical mule deer winter range. By replacing the outdated, and in some areas non-functional fence, this renewed exclosure will continue to serve as a valuable tool that can inform future management decisions and ensure that they are of the highest scientific standards.

The BLM will reconstruct a wire range fence along the Utah/Nevada state line to reduce wild horse and burro crossings into Utah from Nevada. This fence will also benefit proper livestock grazing management. The fence will separate vegetation areas appropriate and designated for wild horse and burro use from areas that do not contain vegetation suitable for wild horse and burrow use.

Project List:  Breaks Mountain Bike Trail  |  Rocky Peak Campground Drainage Improvement  |  Pyramid Ridge Campground Expansion 

In Summer 2024, the BLM partnered with International Mountain Biking Association and Trail Solutions to constructed 3.4 miles of non-motorized, singletrack trail along the southern periphery of the Iron Hills National Recreation Trail System. The Breaks Trail will be managed for non-motorized, multiple use, and bi-directional travel by mountain bikes and foot traffic. The trail was intentionally constructed with a “more difficult” (blue) rating. It ascends over 1,000’ feet over the course of its 3.4 miles. The new trail originates adjacent to the BLM’s Pyramid Ridge Campground and Trailhead, providing convenient recreational access for visitors. It connects to additional trails in the Iron Hills System at each terminus. It will enhance the nationally recognized Iron Hills Trail System and with its proximity to Cedar City, UT provide both visitors and residents immediate access to outstanding recreation opportunities.

Rocky Peak Campground is located on a sustained 3–4-degree slope. Improving and upsizing existing drainage features and infrastructure will reduce campground maintenance by controlling erosion and sedimentation during heavy precipitation events. During Phase 1, BLM staff excavated existing drainage, repositioned culverts, and installed rock check dams along existing drainage. Phase two of the project consisted of installing two large-diameter culverts spanning the full diameter of the primary campground access road. Previously installed culverts were undersized and inadequate for handling runoff without frequent monitoring and maintenance. In combination, these drainage improvements will reduce future site maintenance and the likelihood of damage from significant precipitation events.

Pyramid Ridge Campground opened to the public in 2022 with 14 sites and quickly gained popularity. It provides convenient proximity to Cedar City and immediate access to the Iron Hills Trail System.  The latest expansion will add 12 campsites, two vault toilets, and a corresponding access road to the facility. All associated planning, construction, and improvements will be completed by BLM staff. Construction and surface improvements of the new access road, campsite footprints, and vault toilet locations commenced in November 2024. Project completion is anticipated by Fall 2025. Additional camping capacity will better accommodate existing and anticipated future demand for developed camping in Iron County and the Cedar City periphery, providing sustainable recreation opportunities for visitors and residents alike.  

Project List:  State Historic Preservation Office Partnership  |  Gold Springs Mining Site Stabilization 

The BLM is partnering with the Utah State Historic Preservation Office to develop comprehensive ‘historic context’ for the rich cultural heritage of the Color Country Converging Landscapes project area. Historic contexts are a key tool for land managers responsible for the identification, evaluation, and protection of significant cultural resources, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the area’s history and prehistory. These documents will facilitate not only project driven Section 106 compliance work, but also cultural resource preservation projects and efforts to share stories associated with our public lands. Work on the Historic Transportation Routes (1850s-1970s) and Archaic Native American Sites contexts kicked off in late 2024, and several more are expected to begin in early 2025.

The BLM, Utah State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and Utah Cultural Site Stewardship (UCSS) Program visited the Gold Springs Historic Mining Site in September 2024 to assess the Historic Gold Springs Mining structures. State Preservation Architect Jansen Bennett guided a team of BLM archeologists, Utah cultural resources staff, and UCSS site stewards through an architectural assessment of the buildings and provided suggestions to the BLM for preservation and stabilization. Stabilization work is expected to begin in Summer 2025.

 Utah Division of Wildlife Resources   Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative   Dedicated Hunter Program Volunteers   American Conservation Experience (ACE)   The Mule Deer Foundation  Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife Washington County Weed Department  Iron County Weed Department   Southern Utah University – Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative (IIC )  NPS Song Dog Native Plant Nursery  U.S. Forest Service  Virgin River Program Partners   NPS Lake Mead Integrated Pest Management Team  Washington County Water Conservancy District  Great Old Broads for Wilderness   Trails Solution   International Mountain Bicycling Association   Utah Department of Transportation  Utah Prairie Dog Recovery Implementation Team (RIT) Southwest Desert Adaptive Resource Management local working group (SWARM). NPS Zion Native Plant Nursery Utah State Historic Preservation Office