Erosion control implemented by local rancher
by Mitch Poulsen
Bear Lake Regional Commission
October 8, 2008

Multiple land use agencies have recently completed the second of two projects in Rich County to improve water quality and fisheries habitat along the Bear River.

The Bear Lake Regional Commission and local landowner Norm Weston have been implementing Best Management Practices on property owned by Mr. Weston along the Bear River that will help to improve water quality and fisheries habitat in the Bear River and reduce loss of valuable pastureland. The project will also help protect the structural integrity of the Enberg Canal which is within feet of the Bear River.

For many years Mr. Weston has watched his land wash downstream when the temperatures rise in the spring and the snow begins to melt. Significant erosion of grazing pasture and impaired water quality directed Mr. Weston to seek funding opportunities that would remedy these problems. During regular spring run-off, it is not uncommon for the Bear River to erode massive quantities of soil and vegetation along adjacent stream corridors. Along Mr. Weston’s property, losses of three to five feet of land adjacent to the river are not uncommon.

Norm Weston isn’t the only one concerned about water quality in the Bear River. The State of Utah is concerned about the water quality and fisheries in this stretch of the Bear River. Monitoring conducted by the Utah Division of Water Quality suggest this stretch of river is impaired by low dissolved oxygen concentrations. Although not inherently adverse to human health, lack of dissolved oxygen in the water column is detrimental to fisheries and other aquatic species. Of particular concern is the Bonneville cutthroat trout which is listed as a species of concern to the State of Utah and native to this stretch of river.

To remedy the loss of valuable farmland and reverse the negative effects associated with erosion, natural resource agents from the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Utah Association of Conservation Districts and the Bear Lake Regional Commission combined expertise to design a solution that would improve physical and chemical conditions at the site. Using simple techniques to enhance vegetation growth along the river these groups presented a design and budget package that was approved by the State of Utah. Treatments proposed encouraged natural revegetation of the site and prevented further soil erosion.

Treatments applied at this site were simple and cost efficient. Willow plantings and native grasses were used primarily to stabilize soil and reduce sediment and nutrients from entering the stream from offsite sources. Other treatments were used to enhance seed growth and reduce soil erosion. Bales of straw were anchored to the toe of the slope and vertical streambanks were excavated to a more gentle slope.

The treatments that were implemented at this site will prevent soil erosion from taking place, prevent nutrient laden water from entering the Bear River and direct heavy flows away from sensitive locations. Not only will these treatments improve water quality but also provide habitat for Bonneville cutthroat trout. Native grasses and willows were replanted along heavily degraded areas and fencing was erected to exclude livestock access to the site. One season and occasionally two are necessary for grasses and willows to establish and become vibrant again. Within a few years time, this area should be full of natural vegetation that will improve the water quality and fisheries habitat for generations to come.

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