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Nature Conservancy and BLM Join Forces in Restoration Project

Organizations Work to Restore Fire Damaged Land in the Henry Mountains

Salt Lake City, UT—03 05 2004—Last week, as part of the first cooperative project of its kind, The Nature Conservancy and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) worked together to better some common ground in the Henry Mountains.  Devastated by a fire last summer, the land, which boasts unique ecological value, is now benefiting from a rehabilitation and stabilization program.

 In June 2003, a human-caused fire engulfed over 34,000 acres in the Henry Mountains near Hanksville, a remote area containing many natural springs and riparian systems that harbor native Utah plants and animals.  “These springs, seeps and small streams provide critical habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial animals as well as plant species,” said Linda Whitham, The Nature Conservancy’s San Rafael Area Program Manager. “Though fires are considered a part of the natural process in many ecosystems, this particular fire covered an extensive area of the Henry Mountains, burning thousands of acres of habitat, altering the environment, depositing ash and contributing to erosion and deposition throughout the area.” Much of the area, especially the mountain brush and quaking aspen communities are benefiting from the fires.  Fires remove decadent vegetation and promote new growth which provides crucial foraging habitat for big game.       

On May 7 - 9, staff from the BLM which manages the Henry Mountains, headed by Wildlife Biologist Suzanne Grayson, and The Nature Conservancy worked together with volunteers on restoration projects to stabilize the burned landscape, including scientific monitoring, the re-seeding of native plants, and building riparian enclosures around several springs.  “It is a great combined effort, and we hope to see these kinds of projects continue in the future,” said Grayson. 

The Conservancy surfaced as a natural partner because of its interest in protecting the Henry Mountains’ many biologically significant areas.  “We always attempt to manage the land in a way that will most effectively maintain its long-term value,” said Grayson. “In this case, The Nature Conservancy was an organization that could help further that goal while pursuing its mission—both organizations shared an interest in ensuring the health of these unique riparian systems.”

“The BLM and the Conservancy bring different resources and expertise to the table,” said Whitham.  “By working together we open up new possibilities for long-lasting results that meet both of our interests and improve Utah’s landscapes.”

Last week’s efforts represent the second part of the Henry Mountains restoration project, which began with a collaborative volunteer effort last November. Both the BLM and The Nature Conservancy contributed staff, time and enthusiasm to the Henry Mountain restoration project, and hope to continue similar projects in the future.

Volunteers are still needed, please contact Linda Whitham at 435-259-4629 or Suzanne Grayson at 435-542-3461.

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The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have protected more than 12 million acres in the United States and helped protect more than 80 million acres in the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. The Nature Conservancy in Utah has completed over 140 conservation projects protecting more than 880,000 acres of public and private land statewide.