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Posted
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
SWOG meeting minutesApril 28, 2003, Monticello, Utah Attending
Review: The Conservation Plan update was completed and has been distributed. Updates Research projects For determining habitat use patterns, birds were located with telemetry up to four times per month during November through February. An additional eight birds have been captured and radio-collared (six males, four females) on or adjacent to strutting grounds during March and April 2003. Currently, a total of 18 birds have functioning radio-collars. There has been no mortality of collared birds for 2003. Tours to view strutting males were successful. A private landowner tour was offered, unfortunately, there was no interest. Discussed additional ways to involve and inform the community of this unique treasure. Possibly acquiring videos of strutting males to distribute to students (5th and 6th grade) that teachers could use at their discretion would be a tool to help introduce students to this rare species. Guidelines for photographers of strutting males were reviewed. It was decided that photographers should continue to contact Guy Wallace or Sharon Ward for determining if they should have access to strutting grounds for photos. A tower was installed on Adams property to determine the feasibility of generating wind power. It would behoove us to be ahead of this possibility, and propose to study the effects of wind turbine installation on sage-grouse. Conservation Plan: There are multiple concerns from SWOG members with the updated plan. SWOG has made the decision to redo the updated plan. If you have changes, etc. please e-mail them to Sharon Ward (sharonward1@juno.com) by June 1, 2003. We will revise the plan and redistribute the new plans promptly. Consider the previous plan a draft. Rangewide issues The Rangewide group has set a meeting for all working group representatives for: September 24, 25, 2003. One day will be spent in the field; the second day will consist of group discussions. The goal is to have as many group members attend as possible. The rangewide group is planning to visit the various different working groups. It was decided that we would travel to Dove Creek and meet with their group. The date is scheduled for October 15 or 16, 2003. The tentative agenda is attached with the minutes. Colorado is working with the USFWS on CCAA agreement. Discussion followed on whether SWOG should implement a similar agreement with our landowners. Dave Ketron, a technician working with this project, on his own initiate, obtained estimates for triangles to be place on power poles that go east towards Dalton's corrals. The estimate was $4000 for two triangles per pole for five miles, and $13,000 for installation. Leroy will investigate potential funding for purchasing the triangles. Two men from power co. have volunteered their time to install the triangles. Management strategies Seeding previously on Bruce Adam's was unsuccessful; needs to be reseeded. This year is looking worse regarding drought conditions. Quality of forage is poor. Negotiations for a second conservation easement are going smoothly. An appraisal should be completed by June 15, 2003. The Nature Conservancy is willing to donate funds for additional easements. Intermountain West Joint Venture has funding for sagebrush habitat restoration projects. Habitat improvement DWR planted sagebrush seedlings (15,000) two weeks ago on Adam's easement, covering approximately 25 acres. Total cost of plants: $5,000. Predator management WS will be putting out poisoned eggs in the next several weeks. SWOG meeting Guy will speak with Adams and Pehrson to see if they would be interested in attending and being involved in SWOG. The next scheduled SWOG meeting will be August 21, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. in the Extension office. We will have a landowner dinner that same evening at 6:00 p.m. Location to be determined later. Mr. Sinner and Mr. Hines will be sent invitations. SWOG meeting: The next SWOG meeting will be April 18, 2003 in the Extension office conference room at 1:00 pm. |