Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Conservation Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Division proposes changes to expo permit rule; RAC approves updated revenue and reporting provisions
Summary
The RAC reviewed proposed updates to the expo‑permit rule, which governs up to 200 special expo permits. Changes clarify accounting, increase transparency on funds, allow for limited virtual events under extraordinary circumstances and permit tundra swan as an expo species; RAC approved the amendments.
Division staff proposed several amendments to the administrative rule that governs up to 200 expo permits used to fund conservation projects. The rule changes clarify that expo permits will be accounted for in advance (like conservation permits), place a 20 percent cap on draw and administrative fees, and formalize the split of remaining funds: 10 percent back to the division for projects such as monitoring and matching grants, 35 percent to cooperative projects with the division and 35 percent retained by the contractor to be used for audited activities that benefit Utah wildlife. The division also proposed eliminating a historic nonresident‑only allocation and allowing, in extraordinary cases and with board approval, a virtual expo option.
The RAC heard public comments from the contract holders (Mule Deer Foundation and Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife) explaining past uses of revenue (waterfowl WMAs, restoration and nursery bighorn projects) and detailing annual audits. Contractors said the program produces conservation funding that would be difficult to obtain by other means and supported the proposed changes.
RAC members discussed application fees (current $5 application) and asked the division to ensure the cost does not price out public applicants; staff said flexibility to charge up to $10 for certain permits would be allowed but the proposed rule leaves an upper bound and obligates auditing and reporting. The RAC voted unanimously to accept the proposed rule amendments and asked the division to maintain strong project reporting and public transparency on how funds are spent.
