Wildlife Board approves Blackhawk and Prohibition Springs while denying Ingham Peak renewals

The DWR RAC Meeting for the Central Region took place on May 13, 2025, focusing on wildlife management and land use issues. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the implications of a recent Tenth Circuit Court ruling on Cooperative Wildlife Management Units (CWMUs) and public land accessibility.

A motion was proposed regarding the removal of public lands within private perimeters due to inaccessibility, referencing the court's ruling. However, members expressed concerns about the authority of the meeting to make such a decision. It was clarified that while the committee could recommend actions to the wildlife board, they could not directly remove lands from CWMUs at this time. The conversation highlighted the need for further discussion and proper notice regarding the broader implications of the ruling.

Following this, a motion was made to accept two new applications for CWMUs, specifically Blackhawk and Prohibition Springs, while denying renewal applications for Ingham Peak and DL Bar Range. The motion received a second and was put to a vote. The outcome was closely contested, with four members in favor and four opposed. The chair cast a deciding vote in favor, resulting in the motion passing with a 5-4 vote.

The meeting concluded with a transition to the next agenda item, indicating ongoing discussions about wildlife management and land use in the region. The outcomes of this meeting will likely influence future wildlife board recommendations and management strategies.