MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

Among the

National Park Service

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

U.S. Forest Service

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Utah Division of Parks and Recreation

Utah Division of Water Quality

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency

PacifiCorp

Salt Lake County Fish and Game Association

Central Utah Water District

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is entered into by the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Forest Service, (USFS), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Utah Division of Parks and Recreation, (UDPR), Utah Division of Water Quality (UDWQ), Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR), Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (NNEPA), PacifiCorp, Salt Lake County Fish and Game Association (SLCF&GA) and Central Utah Water District (CUWD). These parties are referred to as the Cooperators.

I. PURPOSE

This MOU establishes a general framework for cooperation and participation among the Cooperators in the exercise of their responsibilities regarding the conservation and protection of Utah water resources from the invasion of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). In addition, this MOU provides a mechanism by which the Cooperators can, whenever feasible, provide advice in support of the advancement of programs and initiatives that relate to the spread of ANS. The Cooperators understand that consensus building for the purpose of developing policies under this MOU is desired but deviation from their respective organization’s policies are prohibited.

The Cooperators agree to work together with the involvement of appropriate public, Indian Tribal governments and local governments to achieve this common goal. Presently, 15 agencies have an interest in the prevention of Aquatic Nuisance Species invasion of water resources and are investing in ecosystem monitoring and related investigations.

Recognizing that individual agencies have specific data needs and responsibilities, the MOU promotes efforts to: coordinate data collection and identify critical data gaps; coordinate ANS monitoring; public education; increase accessibility to the results of many programs, and identify and secure sources of funding for projects.

 

II. STATEMENT OF MUTUAL BENEFIT AND INTERESTS

The NPS is responsible for managing Lake Powell resources to ensure their preservation and protection for the enjoyment by future generations. The NPS has specific policies related to the preservation of water quality in conjunction with other agencies. The NPS is mandated by Executive Order 13112 of February 3, 1999, to prevent the introduction of invasive species and provide for their control and to minimize the economic, ecological, and human health impacts that invasive species cause.

The BOR is a water resource management agency responsible for management, protection, and development of water and land resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner for the interest of the American Public. The BOR is responsible for managing water and related resources, monitoring and controlling salinity levels, and developing annual operating plans and operating criteria for the Colorado River reservoir system, including Lake Powell. The BOR also is mandated by Executive Order 13112 of February 3, 1999, to prevent the introduction of invasive species and provide for their control and to minimize the economic, ecological, and human health impacts that invasive species cause.

 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The USFWS enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores significant fisheries, and conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands.

 

U. S. Forest Service

 

The United States EPA and Navajo Nation EPA protect and preserve public health and the sustainability of natural ecosystems by preventing, controlling, and abating pollution. They achieve these goals by reducing environmental risks to human health, protecting natural systems from degradation, and restoring ecological integrity through its regulatory and non-regulatory programs.

 

Utah Division of Parks and Recreation

The ADEQ and UDWQ are responsible for the preservation, protection and enhancement of the environment and public health. Through their regulatory and non-regulatory programs, both the ADEQ and UDWQ seek to maintain and/or improve the quality of their air, land, and water resources.

The AGFD and UDWR are the wildlife authorities for the states of Utah and Arizona, respectively, and are charged with the duty to protect, propagate, manage, conserve, and distribute protected wildlife throughout the states of Arizona and Utah.

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

 

PacifiCorp is the largest electric utility in Utah, serving more than 620,000 customers. They have invested millions in water development and generating plants to provide electricity in the Western United States. ANS invasion could jepordize PacifiCorps ability to deliver safe, efficient and economoical electricity.

The SLCF&GA is the oldest wildlife and natural resources non-profit organization representing a broad spectrum of wildlife enthusiasts and sportsmen in the Intermountain West. With a great deal to lose, these public interests desire to work directly with other organizations to attain the public’s wildlife conservation goals.

Central Utah Water District

The Cooperators seek to improve efficiency of programs by combining their efforts where possible, and to foster better working relationships and promote the enhancement and understanding of ANS. By so doing, the Cooperators expect to establish themselves as the recognized authority for ANS Prevention in Utah.

 

III. THE COOPERATORS AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:

A. Develop a strategic plan to prevent the introduction and spread of ANS within Utah

waters. This strategic plan will include the following items:

    1. Define the species of concern and location.
    2. Develop a monitoring program.
    3. Develop a risk assessment of ANS in Utah.
    4. Develop an Information and Education program.
    5. Develop an action plan specific to water bodies. This plan will outline the actions required to protect the water body and define Cooperator responsibilities for each component of implementation.

B. Implement the approved action plan.

C. Coordination of a cooperative program of long-term ecological monitoring, assessment, and control of ANS in water bodies under the jurisdiction of the individual Cooperators:

    1. Establish standing or ad hoc subcommittees as needed.
    2. Provide shared technical and logistical support for field activities to avoid duplication, whenever possible.
    1. Share data, methodologies, and other information to enhance interpretation.
    2. Develop public outreach programs.

D. Meet annually and provide a forum to:

    1. Discuss issues and programs that affect the spread of ANS and/or their management.
    2. Present results from previous activities and coordinate activities proposed for the coming year.
    1. Review and modify, as needed, the provisions of the MOU.
    1. Evaluate the accomplishments and overall implementation of the action plan.
    2. Develop, display, and disseminate public education materials.

IV. THE COOPERATORS MUTUALLY AGREE AND UNDERSTAND THAT:

A. Specific work projects or activities that involve the transfer of funds, services, or property among the Cooperators will require the execution of separate agreements or contracts, contingent upon the availability of funds. Each subsequent agreement or arrangement involving the transfer of funds, services, or property among the Cooperators must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations, including those applicable to procurement activities, and must be independently authorized by appropriate statutory authority.

B. This MOU does not restrict the Cooperators from participating in similar activities or arrangements with other public or private agencies, organizations, or individuals.

C. Records, data, and other information acquired, developed, collected, or documented under this agreement shall be the property of the originating agency.

D. Nothing in this MOU obligates the Cooperators to either expend funds or enter into any contract or other obligations.

E. This MOU may be modified or amended upon written request of any party hereto and the subsequent written concurrence of all of the Cooperators. Cooperator participation in this MOU may be terminated with a 60-day written notice of any party to the other Cooperators. Otherwise, this MOU will remain in effect; its terms are executable only by the signatories hereto.

V. PRINCIPAL CONTACTS

 

Lewis Boobar

Glen Canyon NRA

P.O. Box 1507

Page, Arizona 86040

Mark Martin

Utah Division of Agriculture

350 N. Redwood

Salt Lake City, Utah 84116

Karen Barnett

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

125 S. State St., Room 6107

Salt Lake City, Utah 84138

Troy Day

Arizona Dept. of Environ. Quality

P.O. Box 1446

Phoenix, Arizona 85012

Jim Muck

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

145 East 1300 South, Suite 404

Salt Lake City, Utah 84115

 

Larry Riley

Arizona Game & Fish Department

2221 W Greenway Rd

Phoenix, Arizona 85012

Dan Duffield

U. S. Forest Service

324, 25th St

Ogden, Utah 84401

Steve Austin

Navajo Nation

Environmental Protection Agency

P. O. Box 339

Window Rock, Arizona 86515

Doug Johnson

U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

Region VIII

999 18th Street, Suite 500

Denver, Colorado 80202-2466

 

Jim Burruss

PacifiCorp

1407 W. N. Temple, Suite 270

Salt Lake City, Utah 84140

Richard Droesbeke

Utah Division of Parks and Rec.

1594 W. N. Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah 84116

Dan Potts

Salt Lake County Fish & Game Association

P.O. Box 25303

Salt Lake City, Utah 84125-0303

Richard Denton

Utah Division of Water Quality

288 North 1466 West

Salt Lake City, Utah 84114

Lee Swenson

Central Utah Water District

355 W. University Parkway

Orem, Utah 84058

Don Archer

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

1594 West North Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah 84611

 

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this MOU as of the last written date below.

 

Joe Alston, Superintendent

Glen Canyon Nation Recreation Area

P.O. Box 1507

Page, Arizona 86040

 

 

Date

Charles Calhoun

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

125 S. State St, Room 6107

Salt Lake City, Utah 84138-1102

 

 

Date

Reed E. Harris, Field Supervisor

Ecological Services

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

145 E 1300 S, Suite 404

Salt Lake City, Utah 84115

 

 

Date

US FOREST SERVICE

 

 

Date

Carol Campbell, Director

Ecosystems Protection Program

U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

Region VIII

999 18th Street, Suite 500

Denver, Colorado 84116-0660

 

 

Date

Courtland Nelson, Director

Utah Division of Parks and Recreation

1594 W. N. Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah 84116

 

 

Date

Ed Sadler, Director

Water Quality Division

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

3033 N Central Avenue

Phoenix, Arizona 85012

 

 

Date

John Kimball, Director

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

P. O. Box 146301

Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-6301

 

 

Date

Michael R. Marshall, DVM

State Veterinarian

Director of Animal Industry

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

P.O. Box 146500

Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-6500

 

 

Date

Dianne Neilson, Director

Utah Department of Environmental Quality

P. O. Box 144870

Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4870

 

 

Date

Bill Persons, WMRS

Arizona Game and Fish Department

2221 W. Greenway Road

Phoenix, Arizona 85023

 

 

Date

Lydelle Davies, Executive Director

Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency

P. O. Box 339

Window Rock, Arizona 86515

 

 

Date

Barry Cunningham, Vice President

PacifiCorp

201 So. Main, Siute 2100

Salt Lake City, UT 84140

 

Date

Steven Peterson, President

Salt Lake County Fish & Game Association

P. O. Box 25303

Salt Lake City, Utah 84125-0303

 

 

Date

Central Utah Water District

 

 

Date