Every year the CWC distributes grants for Short-Term Projects that would help further the goals of the Mountain Accord by implementing transportation and transit solutions, protecting the ecosystems that originate in the Central Wasatch, stewarding recreational access, and sustaining the economic vitality of the area. This year, the Swaner Preserve and Ecocenter applied for a grant to remove old fencing along East Canyon Creek in Kimball Junction, and in May, CWC awarded Swaner $5,000–exactly the amount they needed to pay a trained crew to remove the tangled wire and t-posts from the banks of the creek.

To kick off our first ”shorts” episode of In The Wasatch, I met Rhea Cone, Swaner's Conservation Director, at the project site to see how the work was progressing. The crew had already removed a quarter mile of fencing but had nearly three-quarters of a mile remaining. ”The fencing…has just fallen into disrepair, is a barrier to wildlife passage, and prevents our staff and volunteers from moving safely though the area to do other restoration work,” Rhea said.

Once the project is complete, she told me, other restoration work can begin. They will be able to plant more narrowleaf cottonwoods and perform invasive species removal, among other needed projects.

What really stood out to me, is that in my short time on the Preserve, we saw red tailed hawks, fish, fox holes, ducks, songbirds, and a handful of riled-up and very large bees–evidence that the Swaner Preserve is an incredible bright spot of biodiversity on the edge of a bustling urban center. It's exactly the kind of place that makes the Central Wasatch a place like no other.

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Takeaways

• The removal of fencing is crucial for wildlife passage.
• Tree planting will provide shade and stabilize creek banks.

• Exclusionary fencing can hinder restoration efforts.
• Beavers play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems.
• Planting native species enhances biodiversity.
• Community involvement is essential for conservation success.
• Professional help can significantly improve project outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Restoration Efforts at East Canyon Creek

01:51 Introduction to the Central Wasatch Commission

02:23 The Importance of Removing Exclusionary Fencing

04:31 Enhancing Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem

06:42 The Role of Beavers in Ecosystem Engineering

08:19 Planting Native Species for Biodiversity

09:42 Challenges in Restoration Projects

11:34 The Impact of Professional Help in Conservation

12:27 Conclusion and Call to Action

Swaner Preserve & Ecocenter

CWC Short-Term Grants Program