BLM moves forward with vegetation treatments in the Upper Sevier Watershed
KANAB, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management Kanab Field Office has issued a decision to conduct a variety of vegetation treatments to restore the functionality of habitat within the Upper Sevier Watershed, benefitting wildlife and people. The final Decision Record and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Upper Sevier Vegetation Enhancement Project Environmental Assessment is posted on e-planning.
The field office moved forward with the proposed action, which includes the use of mechanical, manual, chemical, and prescribed burning vegetation treatment actions to restore vegetation communities including conifer, grassland, and sagebrush-steppe, in the Panguitch Valley of Garfield County. These actions will reduce hazardous fuels around the communities of Panguitch, Spry, and Circleville, and around the Old Spanish National Historic Trail. The intended result is to create a mosaic of vegetation systems that meet big game, greater sage grouse, Utah prairie dog, and migratory bird lifecycle needs.
“Over two decades ago, the Upper Sevier area was identified as needing targeted restoration to improve watershed health and water quality.” says Kanab Field Office Manager Whit Bunting. “In 2008, the area was added to our Resource Management Plan, and now, this new project is the first step in essential vegetation treatments that promote fire prevention, habitat improvement, and resilient, multiple-use landscapes, benefiting the Panguitch Valley and its communities.”
Implementation of the proposed action is expected to begin Fall 2027. For non-media questions about the project, reach out to the Kanab Field Office at 435-644-1200.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.