FOREST AT CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT | AARON FORTIN
Brian Steed
Federal and state governments control almost 70 percent of Utah’s lands, with much of it forested. These lands provide critical watershed protections, outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, grazing opportunities, forest products, and a variety of other essential benefits to the state.
Forest lands have also been a source of real controversy. Management practices on these landscapes have shifted throughout Utah’s history. Early policies prioritized human use, favoring fire suppression to protect watersheds and preserve grazing and timber resources. Later, management adjusted to a more preservationist approach, moving away from forest products and toward the protection of wildlife habitat, aesthetic beauty, and recreational opportunities, while still focusing heavily on fire suppression. These policy preferences led to forests with heavy fuel buildup, dense monocultures, and trees less resistant to disease and pests.
Active forest management offers a chance to create healthier and more resilient forests. This approach relies on the best science and data available. Controlled burns can mimic natural fire cycles and help to restore forest health. Similarly, mechanical treatments reducing tree density and fine fuels can improve forest conditions. Innovative approaches can create new opportunities for forest product entrepreneurs.
At the same time, active forest management requires a new generation of trained forest experts and workers. The State of Utah has invested millions into active management to date, and Utah State University’s new Forest Restoration Institute will provide research and training to bolster these efforts and create the next generation of future forest stewards.
