The Blue Ribbon/Habitat Council Joint Meeting held on March 20, 2025, focused on various habitat restoration projects in Utah, with a particular emphasis on the East Bear Lake Range and stream improvements. The meeting featured presentations from habitat restoration experts, including Shane Hill, a Northern Region Habitat Restoration Biologist.

The primary agenda item was the discussion of Project Number 7442, which is the third phase of a watershed-scale initiative aimed at enhancing habitats for fish and mule deer. The project area is critical for sage grouse and serves as an important migration corridor for mule deer from Idaho. The collaboration involves multiple stakeholders, highlighting the project's extensive scope and community involvement.

Key objectives of the project include maintaining habitats for sage grouse, mule deer, and elk, while also reducing hazardous fuels through the removal of approximately 1,500 acres of young juniper trees. This will be achieved using a "lop and scatter" method, alongside efforts to expand sagebrush areas and improve riparian conditions in North and South Eden Creek.

To enhance the riparian ecosystem, the project will implement low-tech, process-based restoration methods that mimic beaver dams. Additionally, a water trough system will be installed on private land to alleviate grazing pressure on stream areas, promoting healthier rangeland and riparian zones.

The meeting also addressed the management of noxious weeds in collaboration with Trustlands, aiming to create more beneficial environments for monarch butterflies, which have recently been listed under the Endangered Species Act.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in habitat restoration and the multifaceted approach required to address ecological challenges in the region. The next steps will involve continued partnership and implementation of the outlined restoration strategies.