n partnership with the Watershed Restoration Initiative (WRI), the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest (UWCNF) is launching this project to restore forest health and mitigate severe wildfire risks within the Western Uinta Management Area. Current conditions deviate significantly from the 2003 Forest Plan, largely due to a bark beetle epidemic that has left an overabundance of standing dead trees and hazardous fuel loads. By targeting areas identified under the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, the project aims to shift the landscape toward a historical mosaic of aspen and diverse vegetation structures that are more resilient to fire (WRI 7682 Project Proposal). One focus of this work is the protection of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), specifically safeguarding high-risk communities such as Manor Lands, Christmas Meadow, and several others nearby. Beyond wildfire mitigation, management actions will prioritize public safety and the restoration of aquatic habitats to ensure the landscape meets its long-term ecological and safety objectives. The WRI is soliciting an intensive archaeological survey of the proposed vegetation management treatment areas to make a good faith effort to identify and evaluate cultural resources prior to treatment as set forth in §36CFR800.4.
