Planting Wetland Vegetation

In the near future, we hope to plant wetland grass seed, shrubs, and trees along the stream bank buffer fence. The land owners realize that it will be a never ending battle to keep noxious weeds from invading their restored land, but they are prepared to fight this battle. Volunteers from several different local groups have already committed to help with this first phase. With this volunteer support, we hope to inspire the community to realize that environmental restoration can truly be accomplished on a “grass roots” level. If water levels fall below acceptable levels, the land owners are prepared to use their well to maintain necessary saturation. Following this first phase, the land owners plan to pursue purchasing water rights on Spring Creek, so that they may be able to maintain sufficient water levels.

Bank Stabilization

The land owners would like to also begin restoring the actual bank of Spring Creek that exists on their property. They would like to employ techniques such as constructing retaining walls and by planting trees and shrubs whose roots prevent erosion. Tactics such as this must be approved by the Army Corps of Engineers, the Utah Division of Water Rights, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and several other entities.

Community Access

The Riberas would like to construct a boardwalk that are accessible to the public. This boardwalk will be accompanied by informational signs that explain the value of wetlands and the types of wildlife present. They plan to use the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve, owned by the Nature Conservancy, as a model for their construction plans. In every phase of this project, the land owners plan to use volunteer support to offset the high cost of this type of land restoration. Eventually, they plan to pursue grant money from government agencies and non-government organizations to help fund the restoration.

Long Term Stewardship

James Ribera, son of John and Ann Ribera, plans to move his family to this property in the future so that he and his children can be the “caretakers” of this wetland habitat. Once the Riberas have legally made this land a conservation easement, which prevents development and preserves the land in perpetuity, this property will be passed down from generation to generation within their family.  Caring for this land will be always be a Ribera family tradition, as well as a periodic community volunteer event. We hope that this project will inspire others to restore their own land and realize that restoration is not an insurmountable proposition.