Spawn Creek Help Needed

[Teewinot]

We just got news that there could be a few problems with the spawn creek project that has been proposed. The grazing permit holders are having concerns over us wanting to fence other tributaries in the future beyond Spawn Creek- so they are hesitant to be in favor of this one. Could all of you help support this project by writing the Forest Ranger who is in charge of this area and makes the decision about this project, and voice your support for this because this will truly protect this most important Bonneville Cutthroat tributary in the Logan River system.

We have an incredible number of partners and organizations who have donated money for this project (over $80,000.00) which represents people who use Logan and the surrounding forest areas for there recreational purposes.


Please join with us in support and please write to:

Mr. Robert A. Cruz
Logan District Ranger
1500 E Highway 89
Logan, UT 84321

Email: Comments-intermtn-wasatch-cache-logan@fs.fed.us


Below is a sample letter I already sent to Mr. Cruz that you can get an idea of what to send.


Mr. Cruz


I'm writing you regarding the project of putting up a fence to keep cattle out that has been proposed for the Spawn Creek area up in Logan. It is my understanding that the project may be put on hold due to concerns expressed by those who hold the grazing permits. I want to let you know I'm strongly in favor of the project that has been proposed. Growing up raising cattle I understand the concerns the ranchers may have, but I also see some overwhelming concerns with letting this project go by the wayside.

Having spent time around the Spawn Creek area I've been able to watch throughout each year the damage that is caused by the cattle being able to graze through this important tributary. It worries me to think of the effect this uncontrolled grazing is having upon the native cutthroat that utilize this area for spawning. I hope you will strongly consider the proposed project that has been put in and that you will also notice how much support is already behind this project. The money is almost all raised and ready to go and there are several volunteers excited to help out. It would be a shame to see an area such as Spawn Creek continue to be damaged each year due to uncontrolled grazing. From what I see the ranchers will loose nothing other than their cows not being able to wander in the creek, but without this project we could loose a key spawning area for an already threatened native specie.

Sincerely,

Matt Klingler

[jdubya]

Matt, do you want us to send an email, a hard copy by snail, or both??

[Teewinot]

Either will work. I just sent mine e-mail to avoid any delays.

[jdubya]

Either will work. I just sent mine e-mail to avoid any delays.

cool. it is done.

[Utah DaveII]

for me individually and get some input from others at Stonefly and get a letter off to him in a couple of days.

[RAW]

Sent mine last night.

Does the proposal to fence allow for cattle access points? Maybe if the ranchers knew there could still be water access points within the fenced area, it would be more palatable?

Is there an actual written plan for the fencing project? Can it be viewed by us?

[Teewinot]

RAW - There will be water access points for the cattle to drink from. The Ranchers are worried about this project because they feel that if this gets allowed then we will start working on fencing in many more tributaries.

I'll try to get a copy of the proposal e-mailed to you.

By the way, I've sure been enjoying that book of yours. Thanks.

[Teewinot]

I just realized Chris posted this request last night, guess we'll get double coverage huh. Sorry Jason.

[royalwulff]

Here is a copy of the letter that the CA sent to Mr. Cruz about spawn creek:
************************************************** *******

ROBERT A. CRUZ
Logan District Ranger
1500 E. Highway 89
Logan , UT 84321

Re: Proposed Wasatch-Cache National Forest Spawn Creek Project

Dear Mr. Cruz:

The Cache Anglers, Northern Chapter of Trout Unlimited strongly supports the proposed Spawn Creek Project during the current year. Spawn Creek is a very important spawning tributary of the Logan River for the Bonneville Cutthroat Trout. The 1.5 miles of buck and pole fencing should facilitate the reduction of damage and aid in the restoration of the riparian habitat surrounding the stream. In addition, provision for livestock crossings as well as watering troughs will ensure that there is not a hardship imposed on the livestock grazing permit holders.

As you are aware, whirling disease has seriously impacted trout waters throughout the West. Newly hatched fish are far more susceptible to the effects of whirling disease. When spawning is in the tributaries, the fish hatch and are resident for awhile before moving down to the mainstem river. Therefore, it is important to maintain small tributaries like Spawn Creek in the best possible condition to minimize the potential impacts of whirling disease on these newly hatched fish. Tributary quality depends to a large extent on the quality of the riparian zones. It is hoped that we can satisfy the needs of the grazing livestock as well as the naturally reproducing native cutthroat trout. If this type of work cannot be done on a broad enough scale these fish could ultimately be listed as threatened and endangered. At that point many alternative management options are restricted or eliminated. One aspect of the proposed project is to evaluate the impact of reducing stream sedimentation and lowering stream water temperatures. The hypothesis is that improving water quality will reduce the densities of tubifex worms (host of the whirling disease parasite).

We along with the Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah State University, and the USFS, have partnered on this project but there is a broad base of contributors who believe in the purpose of the project which include:
The Bridgerland Chapter of the Audubon Society, The Bonneville Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, the Weber Basin, Stonefly Society of the Wasatch and Utah Valley chapters of Trout Unlimited, as well as the Utah Council of Trout Unlimited, Utah Trout Unlimited, and Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife. Our contribution is in both money and manpower to assist the Forest Service. We believe that both the Bonneville Cutthroat as well as the grazing cattle involved here can be the winners if we work together.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Spawn Creek project. If you have any questions regarding the Cache Anglers comments, I can be reached at (435) 797-3753.

Sincerely,

Chris Thomas
President

[Junge]

Fencing off Spawn Creek could reduce whirling disease

http://www.sltrib.com/2004/May/05272004/thursday/170049.asp