Message From The President

Since its founding as Utah’s land-grant university, Utah State University has been deeply connected to the landscapes and communities of our state. Our mission has always been to take knowledge beyond the campus and apply it where it is most needed— in farms and forests, in cities and small towns, and in the shared spaces that sustain Utahns’ health and prosperity. That mission remains vital today, as our state faces complex challenges with water scarcity, air quality, wildfire, the pressures of growth, and others.

At USU, we view these challenges not just as problems to be managed, but as opportunities to serve. Through the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air, our faculty, students, and partners throughout the state are producing research that informs decisions and strengthens communities. This work is not abstract—it is grounded in the land-grant ideal of creating knowledge that benefits people directly, from conserving water and improving air quality to sustaining working lands and protecting treasured natural places.

The report you hold is part of that commitment. It brings together the best available science and insight from across disciplines to help Utah’s leaders navigate a rapidly changing landscape. By building strong partnerships with state agencies, industry, local governments, and non-profits, USU is ensuring that research translates into action. In doing so, we are fulfilling our responsibility to serve the state and future generations.

Thank you for your continued collaboration with Utah State University. Together, we can meet today’s natural resource challenges with innovation and shared purpose.

October 16, 2025