Boulder residents urge town to oppose state’s mountain‑lion eradication study; council to consider resolution

Boulder — Dozens of residents and outdoor-business owners told the Boulder Town Council on Tuesday they want urgent action to oppose a Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) predator‑management proposal that would allow traps and snares in the Boulder management unit.

At a packed informational meeting on Jan. 24 and at Tuesday’s council session, speakers described dogs caught in traps, concerns about child and pet safety, and potential damage to the town’s recreation‑based economy. “It took five of us to get [my dog] out of a baited snare,” said one resident. Public commenters urged the council to use its authority to push back quickly, because, they said, the study is already underway in several units.

Why it matters: The DWR proposal discussed in public testimony would fund trappers and authorize snares and leg‑hold devices—practices that commenters say are dangerous to pets and people and that could discourage tourism and outdoor recreation that local businesses rely on. Council members said they were surprised by the level of public concern and want to ensure the town responds in a way that both represents residents and respects lawful administrative processes.

What the council did: Council members agreed to gather additional information and designated representatives to attend a community forum the next evening so the town can collect testimony. The mayor said the council will consider whether to send a formal resolution or a mayoral letter opposing the study in March; no formal council resolution was adopted on Tuesday.

Voices from the meeting: Brad Chalfant, a resident who addressed the council, noted the broader legal implications of changes to federal land rules and urged prompt council action. Joshua Lisonbee, who identified himself as visiting and as a mountain‑lion researcher, described returning dogs with paw injuries and said the town should factor increased recreation in its assessment. “When people find out that they can’t come hike with their dogs… it’s going to have a big impact,” Chalfant said.

Next steps: The council encouraged residents to attend an informational community meeting the following evening and said staff would draft potential resolution language for the March meeting. In the meantime, council members asked staff to document community concerns and collect any technical information about the DWR protocol that residents and local experts can provide.

Limitations: The council’s possible actions are advisory to state wildlife authorities. The article describes only steps and statements made in the council meeting; it does not assert legal outcomes or outcomes beyond council communications.