Message From The Executive Director

At the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air, we are focused on supporting Utah’s land, water, and air resources for today and for future generations. This year, we have launched a 1,000-day strategy to guide our work and expand our impact across the state. Our five pillars are: (1) Serve as Utah’s trusted source for land, water, and air expertise; (2) Expand capacity for research and impact; (3) Build professional development opportunities for students; (4) Facilitate innovation in the business community around land, water, and air issues; and (5) Provide convenings and trusted thought leadership on these critical topics.

We have been privileged to work on key projects this year, including the Great Salt Lake Strike Team, the Colorado River Collaborative, the Bear Lake Needs Assessment, and the Air and Water Innovation Grant Program. These initiatives were successful because of our partnerships with state agencies, corporate collaborators, newsrooms, and non-profits, underscoring the importance of cross-sector collaboration in solving Utah’s biggest challenges.

This year, we have also added a new section to the report, compiling key land, water, and air metrics. This data-driven approach provides a broad picture of our state’s natural resource challenges, and we anticipate growing this section in future reports as a vital tool for decision-makers.

As we look ahead, our vision is to grow the institute dramatically, deepening our connections and service to the state. Our goal is clear: to create a future where Utah is prosperous, vibrant, and resilient for generations to come. By continuing to engage with all of our partners and by fostering innovation and sustainability, we believe this vision is within reach.