DNR News

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Gov. Cox appoints Jamie Barnes as commissioner of the Utah Department of Natural Resources

SALT LAKE CITY (July 28, 2026) — Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Jamie Barnes to serveas commissioner of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, pending Senate confirmation.Barnes currently serves as Utah state forester and director of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fireand State Lands.“Jamie Barnes understands that responsible stewardship requires strong relationships, practicalsolutions and a willingness to work through

Utah State Forester’s Order Enabling Municipalities to Request Expanded Restrictions on Fireworks within Municipal Borders

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, coupled with Governor Cox’s Executive Order 2026-04 declaring a state of emergency in the State of Utah due to the imminent threat of a fire disaster caused by the July fireworks season, and in consultation with the Governor’s Office and the Department of Public Safety, the State Forester has determined additional measures must

Hannah Freeze appointed as Great Salt Lake Commissioner

Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Hannah Freeze to serve as Great Salt Lake commissioner beginning July 22. Freeze succeeds Brian Steed and most recently served as Great Salt Lake deputy commissioner. “Hannah understands that protecting the Great Salt Lake requires cooperation from people across the basin,” Gov. Cox said. “She has earned the trust of agricultural producers, water

DWR issues emergency changes to increase daily fishing limits at Pineview Reservoir, 6 other waterbodies due to low water levels

Salt Lake City (July 2, 2026)— Due to current low water levels from construction projects and ongoing drought impacts, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources issued emergency changes to increase the daily fishing limits at seven waterbodies in Utah, effective immediately. DWR Director Riley Peck issued the emergency changes to the Utah Fishing Guidebook on July 2, allowing for increased

Statewide Fireworks Ban

Utah State Forester’s Order Issuing a Statewide Fireworks Ban Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, coupled with Governor Cox’s Executive Order 2026-04 declaring a state of emergency in the State of Utah due to the imminent threat of a fire disaster caused by the July fireworks season, and in consultation with the Governor’s Office and the Department of Public Safety, the State

DWR acquires Book Cliffs roadless area property as wildlife management area

Salt Lake City (June 18, 2026) — The purchase of a roughly 50,000-acre parcel of land in the roadless area of the Book Cliffs was officially finalized on Thursday and will become part of an existing Utah Division of Wildlife Resources wildlife management area in northeastern Utah. During the 2025 legislative session, the Utah Legislature allocated $50 million to the

State of Utah and BLM sign historic Cooperative Agreement For San Rafael Swell Recreation Area Management

Salt Lake City (June 9, 2026) – On June 8, the State of Utah and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officially finalized a landmark Cooperative Agreement to manage, protect and maintain the 216,995-acre San Rafael Swell Recreation Area in Emery County. This historic agreement marks the culmination of 25 years of intense, dedicated deliberations between the BLM, the Emery

Joel Williams named director of Water Resources

Salt Lake City (Feb. 19, 2026) — The Utah Department of Natural Resources has selected Joel Williams as the new director of the Utah Division of Water Resources. This appointment follows the transition of former director Candice Hasenyager, who now leads the Division of Water Quality at the Department of Environmental Quality. The announcement follows a thorough selection process, which

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