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Show research projects have been funded and focus on pronghorn, bighorn sheep and bison genetics. Staff monitors range conditions and trends, herd sizes and composition and assists DWR with shorebird census projects. Future research will study recreational impacts on wildlife populations. Important Habitat Managed by Other Entities Many areas around the lake are managed for habitat preservation and improvement by other entities such as conservation groups, duck clubs, counties and federal agencies. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge BRMBR is located west of Brigham City in Box Elder County at the mouth of the Bear River. It is the largest national refuge specifically set aside for waterfowl and shorebird management. The Bear River Delta is considered one of the most valuable water bird and wetland areas in Utah. Waterfowl, water birds, migratory birds and wildlife depend on the refuge as an important breeding, wintering and staging area ( USFWS, 1993). The refuge was established in 1928 through an Executive Order by Herbert Hoover and the permission of the State of Utah. Today, BRMBR encompasses approximately 74,000 acres providing contiguous and diverse habitat areas for wildlife. The primary management goals of the refuge include protecting and enhancing habitat to maintain or increase threatened and endangered species, providing suitable production and migration habitat to benefit migratory birds and providing a biologically diverse suite of habitat types in various successional stages to maintain healthy wildlife and fish populations. Secondary management goals include providing opportunities for the public to enjoy wildlife and to better understand their role in the environment and ensuring protection for important archaeological, historical and cultural resources. Over 43 archeological sites have been recorded on the refuge. A 12- mile driving or hiking tour is open year round and provides an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing and environmental education. Hunting, trapping and warm water fishing on the main river channel are popular activities available seasonally. Over 40 percent of the refuge is open to waterfowl hunting. A 1990 study to examine the economic value of the refuge indicated that 20,000 visitors equates to over $ 180,000 to the local economy. ( Piper, 1990) Water control structures are designed to regulate water flow into several management units to create diverse habitat areas to benefit wildlife. Approximately 18,937 acres of the refuge do not receive water from the Bear River. Water supplies are rarely at optimum levels. Flushing removes excess salts and drawdowns improve some habitat types. During the 1980s, GSL flooding caused over $ 42 million of flood damage including the loss of the visitor center, dikes, water control structures and roads. The outside dikes are presently at 4208.75 feet, which is a 0.75 foot increase from pre- flooding elevation. BRMBR completed a Long Range Water Management Plan in 1993, to examine existing water management, enhance refuge habitat and improve future water supplies and management for the 90 |