CWMU Advisory Council approves Prohibition Springs public land inclusion amid corner crossing debate

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) recently convened a meeting to discuss critical updates regarding Cooperative Wildlife Management Units (CWMUs) and their implications for public land access. A significant decision emerged from the meeting: the approval of an amendment clarifying that state permits do not grant permission to operate on federal lands without obtaining a special use permit from the relevant land management agency. This amendment passed unanimously, emphasizing the importance of compliance with federal regulations.

Chad Petridge, a key presenter at the meeting, provided updates on several CWMUs, including Prohibition Springs, which has garnered attention for its cooperative approach to land management. The committee discussed the inclusion of public lands in CWMUs, particularly in light of recent court rulings regarding corner crossing, which may affect public access to these lands. The ruling suggests that public lands accessible through corner crossing should no longer be deemed inaccessible, prompting a reevaluation of how CWMUs are defined and managed.

The discussions also highlighted variances in land trade ratios, with some CWMUs offering two acres of private land for every acre of public land included, while others proposed a one-to-one ratio. The committee expressed concerns about the implications of these ratios for public benefit, particularly when the quality of land varies significantly.

Public feedback was mixed, with some stakeholders supporting the Prohibition Springs model for its potential to enhance public access to hunting opportunities, while others raised concerns about the inclusion of public lands in private CWMUs. The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between private land management interests and public access rights, a theme that resonated throughout the discussions.

As the DWR moves forward, the implications of these decisions will be closely monitored, particularly as they relate to public access and wildlife management objectives. The next steps will involve further discussions on how to implement these changes effectively while balancing the interests of private landowners and the public.