(1) There is created within the department the Watershed Restoration Initiative under the general supervision of the executive director. (2) The policies and objectives of the initiative are to manage, restore, and improve watershed ecosystems throughout the state by focusing on improving: (a) watershed health and biological diversity; (b) water quality and yield; and (c) opportunities for sustainable uses of natural resources. (3) The initiative shall: (a) submit a prioritized list of watershed restoration projects to the Utah Forest Restoration Institute in accordance with Section 53H-4-318; and (b) coordinate the long-term monitoring of a watershed restoration project with the Utah Forest Restoration Institute, including: (i) collecting data required by the Utah Forest Restoration Institute; and (ii) providing research and learning opportunities for higher education students and faculty associated with the Utah Forest Restoration Institute. (4) Consistent with this part, the initiative may integrate, coordinate, or partner with federal, state, local, private, and non-profit plans and programs to further the initiative's objectives. (5) To achieve and implement the policies and objectives under Subsections (2) and (3), the initiative shall: (a) develop and oversee a watershed restoration project proposal process to develop statewide watershed restoration priorities, including ranking criteria; (b) maintain a website that includes: (i) an events calendar; (ii) tracking of watershed restoration projects; (iii) a description of the watershed restoration project proposal process, including applicable ranking criteria; and (iv) the name and contact information of each person with decision-making responsibilities related to ranking and selecting watershed restoration project proposals; (c) organize and oversee a biennial statewide watershed restoration workshop; (d) assign funding to watershed restoration projects, and manage and track project budgets; (e) submit a request to the Utah Forest Restoration Institute for funding a partnership watershed restoration project; (f) provide initiative partners with contract support, reporting, and tracking assistance regarding incoming and outgoing watershed restoration project funds; (g) ensure that watershed restoration projects meet applicable cultural resource requirements; (h) upon request and as appropriate, provide performance reporting and initiative information to the media, partners, and the executive and legislative branches of state government; (i) prepare and provide training and technical support for watershed restoration project managers; and (j) provide the executive director and the Utah Forest Restoration Institute with reports and recommendations regarding the initiative's performance and funding.
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