R634-3-1. Authority and Purpose

  (1) Under authority of Utah State Code Section 79-2-501 et. seq., this rule establishes the State of Utah's Compensatory Mitigation Program, including procedures for implementing the program to mitigate for permanent disturbances to greater sage-grouse (hereafter sage-grouse) habitat in Utah.

  (2) This rule incorporates the conservation strategies contained in the "Conservation Plan for Greater Sage-grouse in Utah".

  (3) Sage-grouse habitat in Utah is naturally fragmented due to topography, encroachment of conifer trees, fire, and invasive weeds such as cheat grass. Human-related activities have also contributed to habitat fragmentation. Research conducted on sage-grouse in Utah has clearly demonstrated that the species is space-limited and responds positively when new habitat is created. This compensatory mitigation program will be used to increase space (i.e., habitat) for greater sage-grouse, connect disjointed habitat by creating corridors, and protect occupied habitat. Acres of habitat lost and created will be the measure used to guide the implementation and track the success of the program in Utah. Other programs in Utah, including the Watershed Restoration Initiative, Sage-grouse Initiative and the Grazing Improvement Program, conduct projects to improve the quality of the habitat. The lessons learned from those programs will guide the implementation of this rule.