BIO-WEST conducted long-term channel geomorphology, sediment-transport, benthic macroinvertebrate, and riparian vegetation monitoring of Diamond Fork and Sixth Water Creeks. These two streams were significantly altered by water imports from Strawberry Reservoir and the Central Utah Project. A pipeline was constructed to carry excess imported water (350 cubic feet per second) that was previously conveyed through the Diamond Fork Creek and Sixth Water Creek channels. This project was part of the Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission to collect data on how the stream and its riparian ecosystem adjust to the re-naturalized hydrology to help determine whether active channel restoration efforts will be necessary in the watershed.
BIO-WEST also monitored populations of Ute ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis), an endangered orchid known to exist along Diamond Fork Creek.