DNR News

Drought in Utah: more than a water supply issue

In arid Utah, drought is not an unexpected event — it’s part of the climate rhythm. Utah has faced drought conditions in parts of the state during 22 of the past 25 years. Given its large geographic area and diverse climate, it’s more common to be dealing with drought somewhere in the state than not. With one of the driest climates in the nation (and a rapidly growing population), our state walks a fine line between availability and demand. Whether we’re in a drought or preparing for the next one, the consequences stretch far beyond water levels.

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation Funds Record-Breaking 142 Projects Across All 29 Counties

Salt Lake City (May 20, 2025) – The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation has awarded a record amount of funding this year to support outdoor recreation projects statewide, with 142 grants approved across all of Utah’s 29 counties. This year marks the most projects funded and the most money awarded in the history of these programs. “This is a landmark

Media Advisory: State and Federal Fire Officials to Present Plans for Anticipated High Wildfire Season

Salt Lake City (May 20, 2025) — State and federal fire officials will address this year’s plans for bolstering Utah’s wildfire preparedness and coordination ahead of an anticipated higher-than-normal wildfire season and following the governor’s April 21 executive order. Utahns in all regions of the state need to exercise good Fire Sense while outdoors to decrease human-caused wildfires ranging from vehicle

Residents of Utah saved over 100 million gallons of water through landscape conversions in 2024

Salt Lake City (April 17, 2025) — Over 100 million gallons of water will be saved each year through landscape conversions in the 2024 Landscape Incentive Program. This vital initiative, led by the Utah Division of Water Resources and Central Utah, Jordan Valley, Washington County, and Weber Basin Water Conservancy Districts, empowers residents and businesses to save water while reducing

Utah Water Conditions Update 03/27/25

SALT LAKE CITY (March 27, 2025) – Utah is grappling with varied water conditions. While recent storms have brought the statewide snow water equivalent to 82% of normal peak for the year, southern Utah continues to trend much below normal. “We are seeing our snow water equivalent decline as the state warms up,” Jonathan Jennings, meteorologist at the Utah Division of Water Resources,

Record 1,901 big game animals assessed, GPS collared during 2024-25 winter captures

SALT LAKE CITY (March 18, 2025) — Each year, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources captures big game animals to perform important health assessments and to place GPS collars on the animals to learn more about their migration patterns and survival rates. This winter, a record 1,901 big game animals were captured, providing important data about big game herds across

Forestry, Fire and State Lands Sends Resources to Texas for Wildland Firefighting Support

SALT LAKE CITY (March 12, 2025) – The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands is sending two task forces to Texas to assist with wildland firefighting efforts in the state. The two task forces are traveling to Texas on a severity assignment to assist the local firefighting resources due to heightened fire activity in Texas. One task force consists

Utah Water Conditions Update

SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 18, 2025) – Utah’s snowpack has raised concerns among water managers. The state’s snowpack sits at 93% of normal, with two southern Utah basins recording less than 50% of normal snow water equivalent (SWE). Extreme drought has reappeared in southwestern Utah for the first time since March 2023. “While we still have some time before our

Navajo Nation and state of Utah reach another water rights milestone

SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 18, 2025) — The state of Utah and the Navajo Nation are celebrating the finalization of a landmark water rights agreement. On Jan. 31, 2025, the state confirmed and quantified water rights – totalling 81,500 acre-feet per year – now belong to the Navajo Nation in Utah. A formal ceremony will be held on Feb. 19,

Division of Wildlife Resources to receive up to $37.2 million in federal grants for habitat improvement projects throughout Utah

SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 23, 2025) — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has been awarded up to roughly $37.2 million in federal grants that would help benefit fish and wildlife in southeastern Utah through several habitat improvements projects. The awarded grants were announced Friday as part of the first round of funded projects from the Bureau of Reclamation’s Upper Basin Environmental