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Public lands office seeks bill file to update Utah state resource management plan
Summary
The Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office presented an annual update to the state resource management plan, highlighted energy and recreation sections, and the Federalism Commission voted to open a committee bill file to make the proposed changes.
Nicole Nelson, planning program manager for the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office, presented an annual update to Utah’s state resource management plan and asked the commission to open a bill file to formalize updates.
Nelson told commissioners the office updates the plan each year to guide federal agencies on the state’s priorities for public lands. Changes shown to the commission included expanded energy sections referencing Operation Gigawatt, new text on public-land access following an August RS 2477 ruling, additional information on coordinated natural‑resources law enforcement, and revisions in outdoor recreation, including new information on the Federal Explorer Act and the listing of 10 priority outdoor recreation infrastructure projects under this year’s SB 2.
Commission members asked technical questions about county resource management plans and funding. Senator Winterton and others asked staff to check whether smaller counties still need funds to update their county resource plans; Nelson said she was working with Emery County and would follow up on funding needs. Representative Katy Albrecht moved to open a committee bill file to make the proposed changes; Representative Albrecht spoke briefly in support and the commission approved the motion by voice vote.
The commission directed staff to work with county officials, the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office and commission members as the bill file is developed and to return with final language for a later meeting.
