Utah’s Watershed Restoration Initiative
Nicole Nielson1
1Restoration Biologist, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Utah’s Watershed Restoration Initiative is a partnership-based program designed to improve high priority watersheds throughout Utah. Since 2006, WRI partners have completed over 2,000 projects, treating nearly 1.8 million acres statewide. Restoring watersheds protect and rehabilitate vital habitat for wildlife; reduces catastrophic wildfire risks in treated areas; increases water quality and quantity; increases forage for sustainable agriculture and provides economic benefits for local communities.
Maintaining a healthy watershed requires substantial strategic planning and cooperative effort. Over 500 agencies, organizations, and individuals have contributed to WRI projects by providing funding or in-kind assistance. Restored and rehabilitated acres are only made possible through a diverse partnership of state and federal government agencies working together with non-government organizations, industry, elected officials and private landowners.