As we’ve tracked Utah and national news through 2023, we have compiled some of the key land issues and topics that have appeared in media outlets this year.
Public Lands Conservation
The proposed BLM Public Lands Rule would put conservation on an equal footing with other land uses on federal public land. Proponents of the rule believe that it will help ensure healthy landscapes, abundant wildlife habitat, clean water, and balanced land-use decision-making. Others oppose the option for leasing land for conservation, which could limit recreation, mining, energy extraction and livestock grazing.
Challenges of a Wet Winter
In addition to water impacts, Utah’s historic winter dramatically affected the state’s public and private lands. In agriculture, crop planting was delayed and livestock births were endangered. In recreation, campsites and other areas were delayed in opening, but ski resorts had skiable snow well into the summer months. In towns and cities, some homes and neighborhoods were damaged by flooding, and Sugarhouse Park was temporarily turned into a lake.
National Park Crowd Management
In an effort to create a better experience for the millions of visitors to Utah’s “Mighty 5,” a number of management efforts have spread out the visitor experience. Highlights include timed entry at Arches National Park and the pilot permit program for Angel’s Landing at Zion National Park. Early results suggest these changes have been well received.
Another Year of Reprieve for Wildfires in Utah
Despite unprecedented wildfires elsewhere in the hemisphere, including the Canada fires and the destruction of Maui’s Lahaina, Utah’s wildfires were mild in impact and even neighboring smoke hazed Utah skies for only a few days this year. At the same time, state agencies are still engaged in programs to reduce fuels for coming years.
Wildlife Affected by Water
Some wildlife were significantly impacted by Utah’s wet winter, including mule deer in northern Utah who had a nearly 100% fawn mortality rate. Bird species benefited from increased water to wetlands near the south arm of Great Salt Lake, while white pelicans on Gunnison Island on the north arm saw a higher mortality rate, as Gunnison Island is still connected to the mainland and its predators. Also, 2023 will be remembered as year of grasshoppers.