Utah Issues
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Volunteer with the Grand Canyon Trust and help us extend our reach and positive influence on the ground.
We need your help with gathering browse data, documenting grazing impacts, and conducting beaver habitat surveys, biological inventories, and springs assessments.
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Cottonwood and willow are key anchors of riparian areas and provide critical support for an extraordinarily high number of native animal and plant species. Similarly, aspen communities are second only to riparian areas as biodiversity centers in the West.
Infusing conservation into southern Utah forest management
Grand Canyon Trust is exceptionally effective in bringing conservation and restoration efforts to the Dixie, Fishlake, and Manti-La Sal National Forests because of our role in the Three Forests Coalition. We initiated this coalition in November 2003 as a model of communication and strategic action. By engaging the diverse and collective strengths and skills of the 14 member organizations, we’ve brought more than a dozen comprehensive alternatives to the table. We are engaged in five major projects in these forests.
Beaver Project
We focus on re-establishing thriving beaver populations and restoring historic habitat for these animals on the three forests and adjacent private lands. Beavers are the keystone “engineer” for restoring healthy streams and wetlands as well as for enhancing the resilience of forests in the face of climate change. Learn more...
Aspen, Willow, and Cottonwood Project
In 2008 we gathered on-ground measurements documenting that excessive browsing by ungulates (cattle, elk, sheep, and deer) is preventing recruitment among aspen, willow, and cottonwood. The future of these three plant groups depends on reducing the browsing pressure, which will require fundamental changes in current forest management. In 2009, we are working with forest supervisors and staff to institute and monitor management changes. Learn more...
Tushar Allotments Project
In 2007 the Trust, in conjunction with the Three Forests Coalition and Fishlake National Forest, launched a 2-year, multi-stakeholder collaboration to address impacts on two particularly stressed cattle allotments. The collaboration’s recommendations for change were completed in April 2009. Our work entails developing science-based solutions that will guide grazing management practices throughout the three forests. Learn more...
Reference Areas Project
We have identified and documented, and are now in the process of formally establishing, “reference areas” — gold-standard sites — for seven key habitat types: Ponderosa pine, aspen, sagebrush, meadows, springs, riparian areas, and beaver habitat. Reference areas will help establish higher habitat conservation and restoration goals. In early 2009, supervisors agreed to work with the Trust on establishing reference areas for these habitats. Learn more...
Springs Project
In 2009, we began a 3-year project to improve policy for protection and restoration of springs on the three forests. We will be working with the Forest Service to develop a national protocol for assessing springs and associated wetlands. Learn more...
Your donations and membership dues make our research, monitoring, and restoration work in Utah possible.
