Goose Lake Basin Mule Deer Enhancement

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In 2023 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife modified their Mule Deer Initiative (MDI) grant opportunity to expand outside of the traditional MDI wildlife management units (WMU). For the first time in over a decade LCUWC was able to apply for mule deer habitat enhancement funding outside of the Warner and Silver Lake WMUs.  To capitalize on this opportunity the LCUWC identified the Goose Lake Basin's transition zones as a priority. 

This grant will help target the encroaching juniper at the transition of forest to rangeland. We seek to treat up to 2,000 acres of encroaching western juniper stands of post settlement juniper to reduce competition with mule deer forage. 

Partners include Lake County Umbrella Watershed Council, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and private landowners. 

Implementation is still in its infancy stages, contacting landowners, allocating funding, potential cultural surveys. Bid tours will be held this spring and work will need to be completed by June 2025.