REGENERATIVE AG RFP | Utah Open Lands

Regenerative Agricultural and Wildlife Habitat Restoration Proposal

RFP - REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS

Utah Open Lands (UOL) is seeking proposals from qualified ranchers and farmers to implement regenerative agriculture practices on approximately 163 acres of pasture land in Summit County and grazing practices recognized as beneficial for wildlife habitat enhancement on approximately 181 acres. UOL has conserved over 64,000 acres that includes various conservation values and the property the organization is currently seeking a proposal for is additionally protected by two separate conservation easements which any proposal would have to adhere to. Regenerative agricultural practices which further demonstrate climate resilience should be a component of this proposal.

Background

The location of the property is essentially a portion(which is the subject of this proposal approximately 344 acres) of what is commonly referred to as the Hi Ute Ranch, located near Kimball Junction in Summit County, Utah. Utah Open Lands was gifted the property subject to the conservation easements in place as well as a gift agreement which further protects the conservation values and allows for curated public engagement on the land specific to conservation and stewardship practices that support the terms of the conservation easements as well as the protection of the open space/conservation values.

Utah Open Lands is in the process of renovating the Hi Ute barn which is part of the donated property for use in currated public engagement on the land.

Project Scope & Objectives

UOL is seeking an experienced rancher or farmer to partner with the organization in implementing regenerative agriculture practices that honor Hi-Ute Ranch’s history, preserve its conservation values, and provide creative, sustainable solutions to improve soil health, water management systems, and wildlife habitat, while prioritizing curated educational opportunities for the public.

Specific goals include:

• Irrigated Pasture Management: Restoration of approximately 163 acres of irrigated pasture, using stock density grazing and carefully managing livestock to improve riparian areas and water tables.

• Rangeland Non-Irrigated Management: Rehabilitation of 150 acres of rangeland to improve grassland functionality, employing grazing animals and mobile fencing to promote grass growth amidst existing sagebrush.

• Holistic Planned Grazing: Annual collaboration on grazing plans to meet educational, ecological, and economic goals. Implementing paddocks for rotational grazing, ensuring recovery periods of 30-90 days to prevent overgrazing.

• Fencing: Installation and management of high-tensile electrified fencing for livestock containment and wildlife safety.

• Water Management: Ensuring reliable water sources for stock, with potential upgrades to irrigation systems and maintenance of ditches.

• Weed & Wildlife Management: Promoting grass reemergence to outcompete weeds, and supporting native wildlife populations for improved ecosystem health.

• Heritage Breeds: Consideration of infrastructure and planning for heritage breeds.

• Educational Component: Ongoing participation and collaboration in UOL educational events and opportunities.

• Ecological Monitoring: Planning and implementation of monitoring soil health, water infiltration, and ecological outcomes.

Proposal Requirements

Interested applicants should submit a proposal that includes the following components:

• Cover Letter: Introduce yourself, including contact information and relevant background.

• Experience and Qualifications: Outline previous experience in regenerative agriculture, including land management and any relevant certifications.

• Proposed Management Plan: A detailed plan for managing the Hi-Ute Ranch, including the integration of regenerative agriculture practices, grazing plans, water management, and any anticipated infrastructure needs.

• Community Engagement: Ideas for collaborating with the local community and contributing to educational programs related to regenerative agriculture and land stewardship.

• Monitoring protocol examples of how to measure successful practices.

• References: Provide at least three references from previous projects or landowners familiar with your work.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Experience: Demonstrated experience with regenerative agriculture and land stewardship.

• Feasibility: The practicality and sustainability of the proposed plan, including its ability to protect the conservation values.

• Community and Education Involvement: Willingness to collaborate on educational initiatives and engage with the local community.

• References: Positive recommendations from previous collaborators or landowners.

Submission Instructions

• Deadline for Submission:

• Format: Submit proposals electronically in PDF format.

• Submission Email: Send proposals to Wendy@UtahOpenLands.org with the subject line “Hi-Ute Ranch RFP Submission.”