Troy Forrest, Director, (435) 279-3603
UGIP FOCUS:
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How 38 Utah Ranchers Created the Groundbreaking Three Creeks LLC to Improve Their Government Grazing Allotments (Working Ranch Magazine)
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History of the Evolution of the Three Creeks LLC Project (Human-Wildlife Interactions Scientific Journal)
The Utah Grazing Improvement Program seeks to improve the productivity, health, and sustainability of our rangelands and watersheds. It’s believed that well planned and managed livestock grazing is the most important landscape-scale tool for maintaining healthy rangelands, watersheds, and wildlife habitats. Healthy rangelands contribute to a healthy livestock industry and productive rural economies. The goals are to strengthen Utah’s livestock industry, improve rural economies, and to enhance the environment.
Utah Grazing Improvement Program Grants
- Utah Grazing Improvement Program Grant
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- Applications are open annually through January 1.
- Program Manager: Troy Forrest - tforrest@utah.gov, (435)279-3603; Grant Contact: Regional GIP Coordinators
- The Utah Grazing Improvement Program (GIP) provides cost-share grants to rangers for rangeland improvements.Eligible projects include any restoration work that will improve rangeland health, productivity and management. In order for proposals to be competitive, a recommended maximum request is $100,000. Applicants are advised to work with their regional GIP coordinator for application assistance and more information.
- Project examples: elimination of invasive species, reseeding, livestock water development and improvements, fencing, grazing management planning, and any other projects that improve watershed and rangeland health and productivity.
- UGIP Predatory Animal Control Grant
- 2022 Application window open through June 17, 2022.
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- Program Manager: Troy Forrest - tforrest@utah.gov, (435)279-3603; Grant Contact: Regional GIP Coordinators
- This grant is open to eligible livestock producers who have suffered predation losses and provides reimbursement for up to 50% of the cost of the contracted amount for practices used to stop or reduce predation. A total of $150,000 is available. To apply, contact your regional GIP coordinator.
- UGIP Small Livestock Producers Grant
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- 2022 Application window open through June 17, 2022
- This grant is open to small livestock producers (50 animal units or less) for projects that will improve grazing management on federal, state, or private land. A total of $100,000 is available with an award maximum of up to $10,000. To apply, contact your regional GIP coordinator.
UGIP Purpose
Strengthen Utah’s Livestock Industry
- Improve the sustainability of livestock grazing through science-based management principles. UGIP Technical Committee Report
- Work cooperatively with federal agencies and partners to promote efficient multiple-use management of public lands. Sustainable Grazing for Southern Utah Forests
- Work with federal agencies and Congress to implement policies and procedures that allow maximum flexibility when addressing grazing and environmental issues.
- Curtail the decline of public lands grazing opportunity by using sustainable management practices. History of AUM reductions
Improve Rural Economies
- Maintain viable ranches as a critical contributor to the economy, customs, and culture of rural Utah.
- Importance of Livestock to Utah and its Rural Counties and Communities
- Agriculture helping local economies
- Three Creeks Project Impact on Rich County
Enhance the Environment
- Demonstrate the power of managed livestock grazing as an important tool for improving/maintaining rangeland resource health.
Parker Mountain sheep/sage grouse project - Plan and implement rangeland improvement projects that improve grazing management.
Projects helping the environment; Examples of GIP projects
Provide technical expertise and educational opportunity for working ranches and the next generation of ranchers.
Cowboy Ecology–Land EKG; Beginning rancher comments
UGIP in the News
- How 38 Utah Ranchers Created the Groundbreaking Three Creeks LLC to Improve Their Government Grazing Allotments (Working Ranch Magazine)
- History of the Evolution of the Three Creeks LLC Project (Human-Wildlife Interactions Scientific Journal)
Information for Ranchers Interested in the Grazing Improvement Program
- How the GIP Program Works
- Representatives and Contacts (For GIP assistance in your area)
- Utah Rangeland Improvement Act (Utah Code Annotated: Title 4, Chapter 20)