Utah Admin. Code R634-3-1 - Authority and Purpose
(1) Under authority
of Utah State Code Section
79-2-501 et. seq., this rule
establishes the State of Utah's Compensatory Mitigation Program, including
procedures for implementing the program to mitigate for permanent disturbances
to greater sage-grouse (hereafter sage-grouse) habitat in Utah.
(2) This rule incorporates the conservation
strategies contained in the "Conservation Plan for Greater Sage-grouse in
Utah".
(3) Sage-grouse habitat in
Utah is naturally fragmented due to topography, encroachment of conifer trees,
fire, and invasive weeds such as cheat grass. Human-related activities have
also contributed to habitat fragmentation. Research conducted on sage-grouse in
Utah has clearly demonstrated that the species is space-limited and responds
positively when new habitat is created. This compensatory mitigation program
will be used to increase space (i.e., habitat) for greater sage-grouse, connect
disjointed habitat by creating corridors, and protect occupied habitat. Acres
of habitat lost and created will be the measure used to guide the
implementation and track the success of the program in Utah. Other programs in
Utah, including the Watershed Restoration Initiative, Sage-grouse Initiative
and the Grazing Improvement Program, conduct projects to improve the quality of
the habitat. The lessons learned from those programs will guide the
implementation of this rule.
Notes
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