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Wildlife board largely approves CWMU variance requests; some regions urge closer review for public‑access parcels
Summary
The Utah Wildlife Board approved most CWMU (Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit) applications with public‑land variances but heard divergent regional recommendations and questions about the impact of recent corner‑crossing law changes on access.
The Utah Wildlife Board on June 12 approved the majority of Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit (CWMU) variance requests presented by the Division of Wildlife Resources, after discussion among RACs and board members about public‑land inclusions and how recently adopted corner‑crossing rules might change public access.
Division staff said two CWMUs drew additional scrutiny: Ingham Peak (recommended for approval) and TL Bar Ranch (an antelope‑only CWMU with 640 acres of adjacent public land, of which staff said roughly 600 acres is salt flats and only about 40 acres was likely usable). The Central and Southeast RACs expressed caution about renewals that include accessible public land; the Central RAC recommended denying two renewals and approving two new applications, while the Southeast RAC voted to deny the TL Bar Ranch variance because corner‑crossing could open access there. Other RACs recommended approval with minor edits.
Board members emphasized the program’s role in building landowner tolerance of wildlife and supporting production agriculture, while also noting the need for clear, enforceable boundaries. The board approved the staff recommendations with an added instruction that division staff explain new options — such as the recently created landowner permit program — to landowners when they apply for CWMU renewals.
Action: Motion to accept as presented with the caveat that landowners be informed of alternate programs (e.g., landowner permits) passed; vote carried. Staff said CWMA advisory committee recommendations carried weight in board deliberations and that the division reevaluates public‑land inclusions on renewal.
