SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 10, 2024) — In an effort to enhance fishing and boost native fish populations, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources stocks a variety of fish species throughout Utah every year, and in 2024, over 12.8 million fish were stocked into waterbodies across the state. A whopping 12,831,218 fish — totaling a combined 1,238,903 pounds — were stocked …
SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 3, 2024) — Utah’s Watershed Restoration Initiative works to improve and restore high-priority watersheds and habitats throughout the state. During this past fiscal year — between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024 — a whopping total of 168,882 acres were improved across Utah through this unique and innovative program. Created in 2006, this Utah Department …
SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 2, 2024) – The Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner and the Department of Natural Resources have received $50 million from the Bureau of Reclamation through the Inflation Reduction Act to implement a water delivery program designed to lease water and then deliver conserved water to the lake. “This program helps deliver conserved water to …
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 26, 2024) — That pinch of natural salt on your Thanksgiving turkey might have started its journey in Utah’s Great Salt Lake, where scientists are launching a new project to better understand this crucial natural resource. Thanks to a new $3 million monitoring program announced by the U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Reclamation, the Utah Department …
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 26, 2024) — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources director Justin “J” Shirley announced his retirement on Nov. 12 after 22 years of service with the division. His retirement will be effective Jan. 1, 2025. A resident of Stockton, Shirley joined the division in 2002 and became director in 2021 after serving as law enforcement chief since …
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 22, 2024) — The Utah Cutthroat Slam saw a record number of completions in 2024 and is releasing the newest medallion for anglers who complete the fishing challenge. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah Trout Unlimited launched the slam in 2016 as a challenge for anglers and as a way to raise funds for cutthroat trout …
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 21, 2024)—The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released economic data for 2023, showcasing outdoor recreation’s significant economic impact on Utah. According to the BEA, Utah’s outdoor recreation economy grew to an impressive $9.5 billion in value-added, now contributing 3.4% of Utah’s GDP and supporting 71,898 jobs. “Outdoor recreation is a key …
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 19, 2024) – In relation to SB 34 (2023), the Utah Division of Water Resources has contracted with LRB Public Finance Advisors to complete a new study on water infrastructure funding. This study evaluates how property tax revenue is currently utilized in the supply, delivery and water infrastructure needs of Utah and neighboring states. It also explores best practices for the …
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 12, 2024) — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and other partnering agencies worked hard inspecting and decontaminating boats across the state this year to prevent the spread of invasive quagga mussels in Utah. Lake Powell is currently the only Utah waterbody infested with invasive quagga mussels. Statewide, aquatic invasive species technicians with the DWR, Utah …
VERNAL (Oct. 23, 2024) — A research team of paleontologists from Utah State Parks, Dinosaur National Monument, the University of Colorado, Loyola Marymount University, and Appalachian State University have described a collection of fossil teeth and a jaw belonging to a big, new mammal from the Cretaceous Period near the Colorado-Utah border. Unknowingly collected in 2016, and found during the preparation …