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Public lands council approves minutes, hears agency updates and assigns portfolios
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Summary
The Emery County Public Lands Council approved January minutes, assigned board portfolios, recognized a national volunteer award, and received reports from State Parks, Manti-La Sal National Forest, TLA, DWR, DOGM and BLM on activities ranging from ice-fishing participation to mining mitigation and power-line public comment periods.
The Emery County Public Lands Council approved its January 6, 2026 meeting minutes, assigned board-member portfolios, recognized the San Rafael Backcountry Horsemen with a national volunteer award and heard updates from multiple state and federal agencies.
Varian Allen moved and Brad Richman seconded approval of the prior meeting minutes; the motion passed unanimously. The council then distributed subject portfolios including Access, Water Resources, Domestic Livestock & Grazing, Recreation, Tourism & Historical, Hunting-Fishing & Wildlife, Industry, Planning-Zoning & Economic Development.
Tifnie Hansen of Utah State Parks reported completing ice-rescue instructor training, summarized a successful ice-fishing event with about 350 participants, announced a new shower house at Huntington Park and noted seasonal hiring. Manti-La Sal National Forest reported a Cleveland Reservoir land trade, gravel-pit and stream restoration projects, the Skyline timber decision, year-round wood permits and limited seasonal hiring.
Trust Lands Administration noted that grazing fees increase annually based on national averages and members raised affordability concerns for younger ranchers. The Division of Wildlife Resources reported watershed restoration initiatives, turkey relocations and beaver management in the San Rafael to protect native fish; a partner-biologist position remains open. DOGM described a pending carbon sequestration regulation, an EPA review for a Ferron disposal well, the A1 Lithium project being on hold and ongoing Skyline mine water mitigation. BLM listed coal exploration north of Muddy, Title V rights-of-way for county roads, Bellevue Flat trailhead improvements and an upcoming Hanksville–Goblin Valley power line that will go out for public comment.
The Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office (PLPCO) summarized RDCC timelines and raised concerns about public notification mechanisms; the Washington delegation staff highlighted federal priorities on multiple use, permitting reform and the Colorado River Compact deadline. On state legislation, the council noted HB 444, HB 376 and Senate Bill S90 as items that could affect access and BLM funding for local travel plans.
Commissioner Dennis Worwood asked the council to find ways to change the county relationship with SITLA and warned that a wildfire structure report could result in additional fees for residents in high-risk zones. No public comments were recorded for Emery County-specific items, and the council adjourned.