Governor narrows board member selection ahead of public comment period

The Wildlife Board Meeting held on June 12, 2025, in Utah focused on several key updates and discussions regarding wildlife management and legislative changes. The meeting began with an announcement regarding the selection of future board members, as the governor has narrowed down candidates whose names are now available for public comment on the governor's website. Following the public comment period, the candidates will be presented to the Senate for questioning in the upcoming interim session.

The meeting also highlighted recent activities, including a fish stocking event at Strawberry Reservoir, where board members observed the release of rainbow trout. Additionally, the state hosted the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) meeting, which included participation from 11 other states. This gathering allowed for the exchange of ideas and experiences among state commissioners and various wildlife groups, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in wildlife management.

Kyle Maynard provided a legislative update, noting that significant changes from the recent legislative session were discussed during previous meetings. He outlined several modifications to statutes, including a shift in predator management responsibilities from the USDA to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). Changes were also made to the waterfowl management rules, specifically adding the Bear River Bay Waterfowl Management Area to the list of designated areas and aligning definitions within the statutes.

Furthermore, a new requirement was introduced for wildlife board members to hold a hunting or combination license, reflecting a push for more informed decision-making within the board.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance wildlife management in Utah through legislative updates and collaborative initiatives. The board looks forward to finalizing the new member selections and continuing its work in the coming months.