The PAPO and WGFD will implement a sagebrush fertilization project on approximately 3,000 acres of sagebrush habitat within mule deer winter range on the Pinedale Anticline Project Area (PAPA). Fertilization is intended to offset direct and indirect habitat losses on and adjacent to natural gas development sites in the PAPA by increasing sagebrush production, enhancing available winter forage, and potentially increasing palatability and nutrient quality. Sagebrush and herbaceous production will be closely monitored on an annual basis during the next several years to determine the success of the treatment. If proven successful, future fertilization projects within mule deer winter range may be considered.

• NEPA Documents – EA/FONSI/DR
• Project Status: 1,000 acres of sagebrush will be fertilized fall 2011, remaining 2,000 acres may be treated fall 2012 pending monitoring results
• Total Project Cost: $215,700
• PAPO Funded: $215,700
• Total Project Acres: 3,090
• Partners/Cooperators
  • BLM Pinedale Field Office
  • Wyoming Game and Fish Department

• NEPA Documents
• Project Status: Completed with annual monitring for five years
• Total Project Cost: $46,000
• PAPO Funded: $46,000
• Total Project Acres: 600
• Partners/Cooperators
  • BLM Pinedale Field Office
  • Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Each of these bags held approximately 450 pounds of urea (fertilizer).		Approximately 30 tons of fertilizer was applied to achieve the 40 and 80 pound rates on approximately 468 acres.
The “Bobcat” was used to load the hopper or spreader that the helicopter used.		The “Bobcat” was used to load the hopper or spreader that the helicopter used.
Over 100 trips were made to complete the project.		Broadcasting the fertilizer.

Sommers-Grindstone is a multi-component project designed to protect and improve habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including pronghorn and sage-grouse. The project components include:

1. Acquisition of a conservation easement on approximately 7,600 acres of private land.
2. Acquisition and development of public fishing access for foot and boat travel on approximately 4.5 miles of the Green River.
3. Conveyance of mineral rights to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and possibly other entities for protection.
4. Development of a conservation agreement to protect existing sagebrush communities and provide for the modification of fences.

Benefits to agriculture include capital infusion into the livestock operation, provides financial freedom to pass the ranch down to a younger generation of ranchers and preserves the ranch in a state that will allow ranching and wildlife to remain on the landscape.

This project was co-funded with JIO funds.

• Conservation Easements Rapid Assessment of Mitigation Value - 06/07/11
• Wildlife Values Report
• Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust News - 07/06/11