SALT LAKE CITY (April 18, 2024) – Today, the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) released its final “Public Lands Rule.” Certain provisions in the Rule will negatively impact the 22.8 million acres of BLM land in Utah. Although the BLM claims that this Rule will enhance conservation, it will ironically impair the ability of BLM employees and their partners at
SALT LAKE CITY (April 18, 2024) — As April unfolds, Utah’s water situation reflects a delicate balance between melting snowpack, reservoir management and rising temperatures. Recent data suggests that we most likely witnessed the peak of our snowpack, reaching 18.8 inches on April 2, surpassing the median peak snowpack of 16 inches. Read more about Utah’s water conditions below.
SALT LAKE CITY (April 17, 2024) — Dozens of projects benefiting wildlife — including wildlife research, conservation and habitat restoration projects — have been funded after a record $4.8 million was committed to the projects by participating conservation groups during the annual conservation permit project funding meeting held on April 10. Read the full press release.
OGDEN (April 4, 2024) — Fire personnel from the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands attempted to burn 2,000 acres of invasive phragmites that had been previously treated with herbicide just outside of the Ogden Bay Wildlife Management Area on the Great Salt Lake. Due to unfavorable weather conditions that hindered fire activity, crews could not completely meet
TOQUERVILLE (March 27, 2024) — Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton announced funding for a new reservoir while in Toquerville, Utah on Wednesday, March 27. DNR joined Touton, Toquerville City, Washington County Water Conservancy District and Congresswoman Celeste Maloy at the celebration of nearly $12 million in funding for the project. Touton participated in a tour of the construction
SALT LAKE CITY (March 11, 2024) — Greg Todd, the Utah Office of Energy Development director, has announced his retirement. Todd will remain in his role while the Utah Department of Natural Resources conducts a nationwide search for his replacement. DNR hopes to have a new OED director in place by May.
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 26, 2024) — On Monday, Feb. 26, Teresa Wilhelmsen began her second four-year term as Utah’s State Engineer. Wilhelmsen’s swearing-in ceremony was officiated by Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson at the Utah State Capitol.
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 23, 2024) — Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Joel Ferry has appointed Scott Strong as the new Utah Division of State Parks director. The Utah State Parks Board announced its support on Thursday. Strong has served as interim director since Jeff Rasmussen retired in December after working for Utah State Parks for 31 years.
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 7, 2024) – In response to a recent request from the Great Salt Lake Strike Team, the Utah Division of Water Resources produced a dynamic new story map as an educational resource to define the processes that dictate the health of the Great Salt Lake.
SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 16, 2024) – The Great Salt Lake Commissioner’s Office has released the state of Utah’s first strategic plan to get the Great Salt Lake to a healthy range and sustain it. In November 2022, the lake fell to a new record low level. During the 2023 Legislative General Session, HB491 was passed, creating the Office of