Manti-La Sal Happenings

USDA Forest Service | Manti-La Sal National Forest

January 2025 Newsletter, Volume 5, Issue 1

USDA Forest Service image by Manti-La Sal National Forest

"Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise"
- George Washington Carver

Welcome to the Manti-La Sal National Forest Newsletter

The Look Back Special, Part 2!

In this month's newsletter, you'll find part two of our visual 'look back' of 2024! This issue features work completed by Engineering, Timber, Law Enforcement, Botany, Range, Fuels, and North Zone Recreation. Buckle up, your backstage pass to this forest awaits!

Engineering Highlights

A blue bar graph showing the miles of roads that engineering serviced — **This year, Engineering provided needed maintenance on 935 miles of road!**

Engineering crews on the Manti-La Sal National Forest do a wide variety of work that many of us take for granted! Getting to your favorite trail head and using a parking lot, renting a historical cabin with solar power, enjoying new or improved campgrounds, having a road fixed after mass flooding or landslide events, and designing and maintaining our roads and frequently used areas are just some of the tasks that Engineering is responsible for.

A map of Geyser Pass Culverts — Geyser Pass received gravel and three 32-foot culverts to help with water runoff

Three photos showing side by side road and rest area improvements — Geyser Pass received gravel and three 32-foot culverts to help with water runoff

A new gravel parking lot in the mountains by Maple Canyon — Improved parking at Maple Canyon has been enjoyed by climbers and other recreationalists this year

Improved Entrance to Bridges Campground — New entrance to Bridges Campground received work to make transition from pavement to dirt smoother, stable, and lasting with culvert integration

Engineering's road for Porcupine Campground — Porcupine Rim Campground and access road on the South Zone of the forest were completed this year, which allowed recreation crews to finish and open the new campground

Grading and graveling Porcupine Campground's road — Porcupine Rim Campground and access road on the South Zone of the forest were completed this year, which allowed recreation crews to finish and open the new campground

Engineering Rotomilling — When things get rocky, Engineering uses rotomilling to smooth roads that have become impassable

Rotomilling before and after — When things get rocky, Engineering uses rotomilling to smooth roads that have become impassable

Horn Mountain Cattleguard — Engineering installed new cattleguards on Horn Mountain, Nizhoni, and Mexican Mountain in 2024

Nizhoni Cattleguard — Engineering installed new cattleguards on Horn Mountain, Nizhoni, and Mexican Mountain in 2024

In some instances, the Manti-La Sal Forest Engineers will aid BLM in large scale projects. This year, our crews helped complete the Bull Hollow, Box Flat, Lower Pine Canyon and Lower Ferron projects with the BLM

Box Flat, Assisting BLM — In some instances, the Manti-La Sal Forest Engineers will aid BLM in large scale projects. This year, our crews helped complete the Bull Hollow, Box Flat, Lower Pine Canyon and Lower Ferron projects with the BLM

White Ledge Culvert Installation — Road improvements are ongoing across the forest; Log Canyon, Road 54140 near Buckeye, Beaver Creek, and Emerald Lake Dugway, and culverts for White Ledge (in partnership with Ephriam City) were completed in 2024.

Emerald Lake Dugway improvement — Road improvements are ongoing across the forest; Log Canyon, Road 54140 near Buckeye, Beaver Creek, and Emerald Lake Dugway, and culverts for White Ledge (in partnership with Ephriam City) were completed in 2024.

New gravel and grading — Additional improvements included grading and gravel on Miller's Flat, installing culverts on Reeder Ridge, improving on the route on both Skyline Drive and Potters Pond, as well as making a better road up to the Booth Timber Sale which will be used by heavy machinery during harvesting

Reeder Improvements — Additional improvements included grading and gravel on Miller's Flat, installing culverts on Reeder Ridge, improving on the route on both Skyline Drive and Potters Pond, as well as making a better road up to the Booth Timber Sale which will be used by heavy machinery during harvesting

Millfork Before — Millfork Canyon experienced substantial flooding, crews had their work cut out for them but were successful in clearing debris and rebuilding roads.

Millfork Improvements in process — Millfork Canyon experienced substantial flooding, crews had their work cut out for them but were successful in clearing debris and rebuilding roads.

Lakefork Flooding Washes out Road — Lake Fork experienced flooding so severe that large sections of the road were completely washed away, leaving deep gullies of new creek bed that crews worked around as they established an entirely new road through the canyon. This flood event created a forest closure which has since been modified to only allow day use of the area with a 4x4 vehicle or OHV because the area still poses significant dangers associated with flood activity

Lake Fork Flood Damage to Road Before Repairs — Lake Fork experienced flooding so severe that large sections of the road were completely washed away, leaving deep gullies of new creek bed that crews worked around as they established an entirely new road through the canyon. This flood event created a forest closure which has since been modified to only allow day use of the area with a 4x4 vehicle or OHV because the area still poses significant dangers associated with flood activity

Restroom at Fish Creek installation with crane, during and after — As a forest, we were fortunate to have access to funding through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). Engineering helped our Recreation program by renovating and preparing new and improved campsites, roads, and doing some seriously heavy lifting for placing new vault toilets.

Flat Canyon Campground Restroom Replacement — As a forest, we were fortunate to have access to funding through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). Engineering helped our Recreation program by renovating and preparing new and improved campsites, roads, and doing some seriously heavy lifting for placing new vault toilets.

Sanpete Ranger District Roof and Lighting — When it comes to the upkeep of Forest Service properties, Engineering is oftentimes involved to make sure building and updates are accomplished safely, affordably, and in a timely manner. From maintaining roofs on Forest Service buildings, to updates needed at rentable properties and guard stations, it takes multiple teams at the forest level to make sure the work gets done, and Engineering is typically involved!

Gooseberry Guard Station Remodel — When it comes to the upkeep of Forest Service properties, Engineering is oftentimes involved to make sure building and updates are accomplished safely, affordably, and in a timely manner. From maintaining roofs on Forest Service buildings, to updates needed at rentable properties and guard stations, it takes multiple teams at the forest level to make sure the work gets done, and Engineering is typically involved!

Timber Highlights

Before Timber Sale, and After Timber Sale. Standing dead trees can pose a potential fire hazard, removing trees in 2024 reduced hazardous fuels on the forest while bolstering local economies and making room for new growth on our forests

Before Timber Sale, and After Timber Sale. Standing dead trees can pose a potential fire hazard, removing trees in 2024 reduced hazardous fuels on the forest while bolstering local economies and making room for new growth on our forests

Timber crews prioritize Aspen health — The Timber program cleverly managed for the health of aspen across the forest in 2024 by using a new imaging approach that clearly and affordably captured aspen stand locations. With this information, Timber crews were able to plan a productive year while also encouraging aspen stands

New imagery approach to map Aspen stands — The Timber program cleverly managed for the health of aspen across the forest in 2024 by using a new imaging approach that clearly and affordably captured aspen stand locations. With this information, Timber crews were able to plan a productive year while also encouraging aspen stands

Timber Harvest — During timber harvesting, 2024. The timber is retrieved and stacked for hauling.

Stacked timber — During timber harvesting, 2024. The timber is retrieved and stacked for hauling.

Burning slash — After the timber areas were treated, the "slash" (leftover woody debris) was burned by our Fuels crew during 2024. This important clean up method reduces fire hazard on the forest

Timber crew with Forest Service Chief Moore — Did you know the Manti-La Sal National Forest has an award-winning Timber program? It's true. In 2024, this team traveled to Washington, D.C. to receive the USDA Forest Service Chief's Innovation Award presented to the group by Chief Randy Moore and Associate Chief Angela Coleman

Law Enforcement and Investigation Highlights

Manti-La Sal Law Enforcement & Investigation team — The Law Enforcement Officers of the Manti-La Sal National Forest also serve the Ashley National Forest. This team covers nine Ranger Districts between the two forests and aims to serve people and protect natural resources and property by providing superior law enforcement services within the authority and jurisdiction of the Forest Service. This year, our Law Enforcement provided a myriad of services including holiday patrols, review of forest products, warning notices and incident reports, as well as violation notices in an effort to keep your forests safe and enjoyable.

Law Enforcement patrol our national forests — The Law Enforcement Officers of the Manti-La Sal National Forest also serve the Ashley National Forest. This team covers nine Ranger Districts between the two forests and aims to serve people and protect natural resources and property by providing superior law enforcement services within the authority and jurisdiction of the Forest Service. This year, our Law Enforcement provided a myriad of services including holiday patrols, review of forest products, warning notices and incident reports, as well as violation notices in an effort to keep your forests safe and enjoyable.

Botany Highlights

Rare plant monitoring yielded plants that much of the public may have never had the privilege to experience. Musinea groundsel on Mount Baldy (yellow) and a rare variety of townsendia (orangish-brown, low-lying) were both observed and recorded this year.

The Carrington Daisy is also a rare plant on the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Botanists were able to re-establish two monitoring transects in 2024 for future monitoring.

Carrington Daisy Survey — The Carrington Daisy is also a rare plant on the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Botanists were able to re-establish two monitoring transects in 2024 for future monitoring.

Additional rare plant monitoring by the South Zone yielded data on the La Sal Daisy (pictured, yellow) and Sweet-Flowered Rock Jasmine (pictured, white with pink and yellow). This team also collected seeds of rare species this season and started an in-situ seed study for Astragalus isleyi (Isely's milkvetch) in coordination with the Utah Rare Plant Team.

Additional rare plant monitoring by the South Zone yielded data on the La Sal Daisy (pictured, yellow) and Sweet-Flowered Rock Jasmine (pictured, white with pink and yellow). This team also collected seeds of rare species this season and started an in-situ seed study for Astragalus isleyi (Isely's milkvetch) in coordination with the Utah Rare Plant Team.

Sherel Goodrich and our Botanists in the field — Rare plants on the North Zone of the forest can be found in a special area named the Mont E. Lewis Botanical Area. Botanists were able to visit this unique site with Sherel Goodrich, one of Utah's best Botanists who was trained by Mont Lewis himself! One of the botanists from the Uinta-Wasach-Cache National Forest also visited for this special time in the field at the Botanical Area, as did a student from Snow College. The following rare plants were found and documented: Carex microglochin, Antennaria pulcherrima, and carex aurea.

Rare plants of the Mont E. Lewis Botanical area are found in this seep, photographed historically and today — Repeat photography documenting the Mont E. Lewis botanical site. The outline in blue is a seep area with the rarest plants in the botanical area.

Repeat Photos – South Peak — Repeat photography is an impressive skill held by our Manti-La Sal Botanist, Brit. By taking photos of today's landscapes and comparing them to yesteryear's landscapes, we are able to build a helpful visual library to support and further understand botanical resources for management, documentation, and decision-making.

Repeat Photos - Six Mile Allotment — Repeat photography is an impressive skill held by our Manti-La Sal Botanist, Brit. By taking photos of today's landscapes and comparing them to yesteryear's landscapes, we are able to build a helpful visual library to support and further understand botanical resources for management, documentation, and decision-making.

Arnold Clifford & Manti-La Sal staff — The Botanists were very fortunate to get out in the field in Monticello with the amazing Dine ethnobotanist Arnold Clifford, who taught about rare and culturally important plants, geology, and history of the area. This trip helped to inform our Botanists about decision making with culturally important plants on future projects.

Manti-La Sal Botanists in the field — Our Manti-La Sal National Forest Botany crews work with adjacent programs and partners in the field

A group of botanists outdoor in the field — Our Manti-La Sal National Forest Botany crews work with adjacent programs and partners in the field

Ferron-Price Range Highlights

Noxious weeds that Range treats — The Range crew out of the Ferron-Price Ranger District has accomplished some big jobs this year, including rangeland monitoring and management, weed management across more than 400 acres, keeping good relations with grazing permit holders, fence line improvements, remote fence installation which required helicopter assistance, trough and spring improvements and protection. In all, the Price portion of the Ranger District hosted two cattle allotments (1,592 cows) and 32 sheep allotments (approx. 27,400 sheep) and 32 permittees. Similarly, the Ferron portion of the Ranger District hosted six cattle allotments (5,251 cows) and 17 sheep allotments (15,372 sheep) and 47 permittees.

Cattle on a grazing allotment — The Range crew out of the Ferron-Price Ranger District has accomplished some big jobs this year, including rangeland monitoring and management, weed management across more than 400 acres, keeping good relations with grazing permit holders, fence line improvements, remote fence installation which required helicopter assistance, trough and spring improvements and protection. In all, the Price portion of the Ranger District hosted two cattle allotments (1,592 cows) and 32 sheep allotments (approx. 27,400 sheep) and 32 permittees. Similarly, the Ferron portion of the Ranger District hosted six cattle allotments (5,251 cows) and 17 sheep allotments (15,372 sheep) and 47 permittees.

Spreading cement for tire trough — Trail Mountain troughs get a new build. By using recycled tires from large machinery as a structural support, Range crews were able to create a cement water trough for cattle which provided more volume and an updated water resource on the forest.

Getting water to the finished tire trough — Trail Mountain troughs get a new build. By using recycled tires from large machinery as a structural support, Range crews were able to create a cement water trough for cattle which provided more volume and an updated water resource on the forest.

Sanpete Range Highlights

Utilization cage and Range surveys — The Range crew out of Sanpete works on rangeland monitoring, improvements, and management which often includes making sure fence lines are in place, grazing is within permitted bounds, weeds are sprayed, rangeland is properly surveyed, and all information is documented. This year, 526 acres were treated for noxious weeds. Additionally, 18 long-term range trend studies were completed, and 12 utilization cages were read.

Preparing to spray for weeds — The Range crew out of Sanpete works on rangeland monitoring, improvements, and management which often includes making sure fence lines are in place, grazing is within permitted bounds, weeds are sprayed, rangeland is properly surveyed, and all information is documented. This year, 526 acres were treated for noxious weeds. Additionally, 18 long-term range trend studies were completed, and 12 utilization cages were read.

There are 28,170 sheep on Sanpete Ranger District — The Sanpete Range program administered 38 allotments and 51 permittees in 2024. This portion of the forest hosts 28,170 sheep and 4,558 cattle. Pictured are sheep as they are being counted as they exit trucks or corral.

Sheep have to be counted on and off the forest — The Sanpete Range program administered 38 allotments and 51 permittees in 2024. This portion of the forest hosts 28,170 sheep and 4,558 cattle. Pictured are sheep as they are being counted as they exit trucks or corral.

4,558 cattle graze on the Sanpete Ranger District — Sanpete Range crew marks cattle with temporary paint during grazing season to help with proper counts as cattle enter the forest

Marking cattle with temporary color for counting — Sanpete Range crew marks cattle with temporary paint during grazing season to help with proper counts as cattle enter the forest

Fuels Highlights

Habitat improvement with Fuels — Combined, the Manti-La Sal National Forest Fuels program completed 10,909 acres of fuels reduction in 2024

Just a few of our Fuels crew members — Combined, the Manti-La Sal National Forest Fuels program completed 10,909 acres of fuels reduction in 2024

Engineering Fuels crews help with big jobs — Engineering and fuels go hand in hand: This season our crews had major support from the Engineering Fuels Crew to complete road prep, RX powerline prep, Shingle Mill RX prep (mastication), Shingle Mill RX broadcast burning, equipment support, and pile burning.

Engineering and fuels go hand in hand: This season our crews had major support from the Engineering Fuels Crew to complete road prep, RX powerline prep, Shingle Mill RX prep (mastication), Shingle Mill RX broadcast burning, equipment support, and pile burning.

Mastication fuel reduction — Fuels reduction takes multiple forms, from mastication, to cut and pile, aerial ignitions, and hand ignitions. Fuels teams offer a flexible skillset to reduce fire hazard across our national forest.

Prescribed burning in Ponderosa pine — Fuels reduction takes multiple forms, from mastication, to cut and pile, aerial ignitions, and hand ignitions. Fuels teams offer a flexible skillset to reduce fire hazard across our national forest.

Fire Training Recognition

Manti-La Sal National Forest Fire Training program received the Federal Government Distance Learning Association's Five-Star Award for 2024. This recognition highlights our success utilizing distance learning to deliver ICS-300 and ICS-400 over the past 18 months. This award also recognizes leadership and best practices in distance learning, and it’s an honor to be acknowledged by FDGLA. — In 2024, the Manti-La Sal National Forest received the Federal Government Distance Learning Association's Five-Star Award for designing and delivering on-line training for hundreds of employees.

North Zone Recreation Highlights

840 Vault toilets are kept clean per month — The Manti-La Sal National Forest's North Zone (which is comprised of the Ferron/Price and Sanpete Ranger Districts) is responsible for keeping 105 toilets clean and stocked with toilet paper twice a week. That means our crews keep 210 toilets cleaned per week and 840 toilets cleaned per month!

Reservations at Lake Canyon — The North Zone Recreation program manages over 300 paid campsites. These crews make sure your favorite campsite is ready for reservations by keeping up on the reservation system itself, maintenance, water,

Hazard Tree Removal, Miller's Flat — The North Zone Recreation program manages over 300 paid campsites. These crews make sure your favorite campsite is ready for reservations by keeping up on the reservation system itself, maintenance, water,

New GAOA-funded Bathroom at Fish Creek — Within paid campsites, a variety of upgrades were completed across the forest, such as installing 142 new posts for recreation signage, renovations, and keeping up with specialized maintenance

Fence repairs at Chicken Creek — Within paid campsites, a variety of upgrades were completed across the forest, such as installing 142 new posts for recreation signage, renovations, and keeping up with specialized maintenance

Mammoth Cabin — Cabins received ongoing maintenance to stay running and in tip-top shape

Seely Cabin — Cabins received ongoing maintenance to stay running and in tip-top shape

Maple Canyon with SLC Climbers Alliance — Trailhead establishment and maintenance on the forest is supported and made possible by many local partnerships, including, but not limited to, the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance (Maple Canyon), Backcountry Horsemen (Canal Canyon-BIL), MECCA Bike Club (Reeder/Little's Creek)

Maple Canyon Complete with SLC Climbers Alliance — Trailhead establishment and maintenance on the forest is supported and made possible by many local partnerships, including, but not limited to, the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance (Maple Canyon), Backcountry Horsemen (Canal Canyon-BIL), MECCA Bike Club (Reeder/Little's Creek)

Establishing Reeder/Little's Creek Trail — **Little’s Creek Mountain Bike Trail** The first purpose-built mountain bike trail system on the Ferron RD was constructed in 2024, totaling 10.24 miles of trail. This included kiosk installation, trail building and a bridge construction. This was a joint project with Emery County, MECCA (local mountain bike club) and the Price Composite High School Mountain bike team. Completion of this project required 1,775.50 hours. 520 hours (almost 1/3) were completed with assistance from Emery County, MECCA, high school students, Snow College, and State of Utah Division of Natural Resources. With all this help, we were able to complete the work in 39 workdays. Forest Service Rec staff, including YCC, contributed 1,255 hours. Crews averaged a quarter mile of trail construction and grooming per day. Emery County contributed $10,000.00 towards this project in funding tools, kiosks, maps, posts, cement, and a bike repair station.

Thank you to our grants and partnerships — **Additional Grants and Partnerships made the following trail projects possible:** Big Ridge (LRT grant), Sandy Ridge (Snow College/Arapeen and LRT grants), Wild Cattle (Range Permittees)

Constructing water bars on Dry Wash & Blue Trail — **Blue Trail, Dry Wash - State OHV grant and permittee** Dry Wash and the Blue Trail are the closest trails that interface with Ferron City and have a high recreational value. The Blue Trail was either improved upon or constructed by the CCCs in the 1930s and is now a single track and hiking trail. Dry Wash Trail is a single-track trail and horse trail. It is used extensively for cattle going on and off the mountain to the summer pastures located on the southside of Ferron Mountain. Being south slope facing and lower in elevation, these two trails are subjected to erosion caused by summer rains. Local horse riders and permittees were recruited to assist in packing 6x6 water bars and other equipment up the trail; in a combination, over 50 water bars were constructed. This trail work was part of a State of Utah Single Track grant and a State of Utah OHVR grant.

Brushing out trail to allow easier riding — The Spring Creek Towhead loop, non-motorized trail was maintained, and the trail tread was improved to be more accommodating to the non-motorized users, specifically mountain bikes. Over the years these trails had become overgrown, making them difficult to use. Trail improvements included kiosk installation, trail marking, bridge construction, growth removal, culvert installation and trail tread enhancements. Work contributed to this project included Manti-La Sal National Forest Rec staff, Snow College, and State of Utah DNR. Signage and kiosks for this project were provided by Sanpete County.

Clearing trees for mountain biking — The Spring Creek Towhead loop, non-motorized trail was maintained, and the trail tread was improved to be more accommodating to the non-motorized users, specifically mountain bikes. Over the years these trails had become overgrown, making them difficult to use. Trail improvements included kiosk installation, trail marking, bridge construction, growth removal, culvert installation and trail tread enhancements. Work contributed to this project included Manti-La Sal National Forest Rec staff, Snow College, and State of Utah DNR. Signage and kiosks for this project were provided by Sanpete County.

Replacing Beaver Dam Dock — Beaver Dam dock was replaced in partnership with Skyline Mine, Utah DWR, and Utah DWR Dedicated Hunter Program

Making walking areas — Beaver Dam dock was replaced in partnership with Skyline Mine, Utah DWR, and Utah DWR Dedicated Hunter Program

A list of the years projects that received special funding — Many of this year's projects were completed thanks to state of Utah grant funding for the following: Millers Flat Snowmobile Complex: $51,000 Single Track Trail Enhancement: $35,000 Non-Motorized Trail Erosion: $19,000 Trail Counters: $24,000

See you next month !

About the Forest

Learn more about the Manti-La Sal National Forest here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/mantilasal

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Let's connect!

Working Together

Volunteers annually contribute thousands of hours of work on the Manti-La Sal National Forest. There are volunteer opportunities in all areas of the forest. The Forest also joins partners to achieve common goals and intrests. The variety of work and partners is as great as the variety of work we do.

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News & Events

Stay up to date with news and events on the Manti-La Sal National Forest.

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USAJOBS - Manti-La Sal National Forest

Interested in working for the Manti-La Sal National Forest? All temporary and fulltime positions are posted on USAjobs.

https://www.usajobs.gov

Forest Service Kids

Our future starts with our children. Get involved with fun, family friendly activities.

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Come visit us!

Discover Manti-La Sal National Forest's diverse terrain- from mountains to scale, trails to explore, waters to fish, and abundant camping areas perfect for creating family traditions. Scenic byways and backways offer motorists stunning vista views.

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