Utah Division of Wildlife Resources secures $37.2 million in federal grants for habitat restoration

Up to approximately $4.8 million to the Price River restoration project, which will help restore high-elevation wetlands and streams in the area, as well as improve water quality and flow to benefit native species like the Colorado River cutthroat trout and greater sage-grouse. “The Colorado River is critical to the well-being of Utah,” said Sue Bellagamba, Canyonlands Regional Director at The Nature Conservancy. “However, years of drought have
In a major boost for Utah’s fish and wildlife, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has been awarded up to $37.2 million in federal grants for habitat improvement projects. These funds, part of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Upper Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation Program under the Inflation Reduction Act, will support vital restoration efforts across southeastern Utah.
In total, 10 Utah projects were selected for funding, with five directly awarded to the DWR. These projects aim to enhance water quality, protect native species, and address the long-term impacts of drought and invasive species.
Key DWR-led projects
Scofield Tributaries Drought Resiliency and Restoration Project
Awarded up to $2.8 million, this project will reduce erosion and sediment entering Scofield Reservoir, improving downstream water quality and fish and wildlife habitats.
Huntington Creek Drought Resiliency and Restoration Project
With $2.6 million in funding, this project will install low-tech restoration structures to enhance aquatic habitats, benefiting native species like the Colorado River cutthroat trout.
Willow Creek Subbasin Restoration Project in the Green River Basin
This $2.3 million initiative will remove invasive plant species to improve water quality and support native fish habitats.
Voluntary Water Leasing on the Price River
Backed by $1.4 million, this project will fund water lease agreements to maintain watershed health, support rural economies, and benefit native fish species.
Lower Price River Environmental Drought Mitigation Project
The largest of the DWR-led efforts, this $28.1 million project will construct a dam to create a new reservoir and replace irrigation diversions, enabling strategic water releases to support endangered fish species.
Collaborative efforts
Several additional projects, while not directly awarded to the DWR, will benefit from the division’s collaboration:
Matheson Wetland Enhancement Drought Mitigation Project ($21 million): Aims to restore wetlands, improve water quality, and support endangered fish and migratory birds.
Moab Wetlands Revitalization ($6.5 million): Includes installing a river diversion and pump station to benefit native species in the Scott and Norma Matheson Wetlands Preserve.
Price River Restoration Project ($4.8 million): Focused on restoring wetlands, improving water flow, and enhancing habitats for native species like the Colorado River cutthroat trout and sage-grouse.
Voices of collaboration
DWR Habitat Conservation Coordinator Daniel Eddington expressed gratitude for the funding, saying, “Investing in the continued maintenance and improvement of habitat is crucial for the health of Utah’s fish and wildlife species. We are especially thankful for partners like Trout Unlimited and The Nature Conservancy who share our vision and will assist with these projects.”
Trout Unlimited’s Sara Porterfield emphasized the importance of federal support, stating, “This funding reflects the desires of communities and states to address drought and environmental challenges collaboratively.”
Sue Bellagamba, Canyonlands regional director for The Nature Conservancy, highlighted the broader impact, saying, “The Colorado River is critical to Utah’s well-being. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference for wildlife and rural communities.”
Looking ahead
These habitat improvement efforts come at a critical time, as Utah continues to grapple with the effects of long-term drought. Through these projects, the DWR and its partners are taking significant steps toward preserving the state’s natural resources for future generations.
For more information and photos of the projects, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources at https://wildlife.utah.gov.