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DWR Southeast regional update: new AIS biologist hired, Sego Trailhead tribal access agreement signed
Summary
Regional staff reported a new aquatic invasive species biologist hire, early‑season fisheries and habitat work, and a recently signed tribal access agreement for Sego Trailhead requiring a tribal access permit and a Utah hunting or fishing license for visitors.
DWR Southeast regional staff reported staffing, fisheries and habitat work, and a new access agreement for the Sego Trailhead during the Southeast RAC meeting.
Key points - Staffing: The Division filled a long‑vacant aquatic invasive species (AIS) biologist position with a hire named William Fink; staff noted housing costs had made recruitment difficult. - Fisheries monitoring: Early‑season gill‑net surveys at Scofield Reservoir found continued progress in management objectives, with strong cutthroat trout and tiger muskie and low chub numbers. Neonate (fawn) survival studies in partnership with BYU will continue through June and perhaps into July. - Habitat and WMA work: Seasonal crews have begun farming and habitat improvements at Gordon Creek WMA and Nash Wash, and DWR is working on fence projects with UDOT on Highway 6 and Highway 10 stretches. - Law enforcement: Staffing changes include Emery County law officer reassignment; officers continue saturation patrols in popular units and Lake Powell. - Sego Trailhead tribal agreement: The Division reported a signed agreement with the tribe that will mean visitors must obtain a tribal access permit to walk a roughly one‑mile road across tribal land to reach the Book Cliffs roadless area. The tribe has committed to a 21‑day turnaround on permit requests and is considering whether season‑long or per‑trip permits will be allowed. The tribe also requested that visitors possess a Utah hunting or fishing license or be accompanied by someone who holds one. A web page dedicated to the Sego Trailhead with application and contact details is on the Division website.
Why it matters: The AIS hire restores a key early‑detection role for the Southeast and Central regions. The Sego Trailhead agreement affects public access protocols and may require visitors to obtain a tribal permit before accessing federal roadless lands via the tribal road.
Ending: Regional staff invited questions and encouraged the public to check the Division website for Sego Trailhead updates and to apply for RAC positions before the May 31 application deadline.
