Boulder tables resolution opposing state predator-management study pending DWR community meeting

The Boulder Town Council unanimously tabled a proposed resolution April 7 that would have formally opposed the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources' predator-management study (WRI Project ID 7707), electing to revisit the matter after a community meeting with DWR representatives.

Mayor Cheryl Cox summarized outreach efforts, including a substantive conversation with DWR Director Riley Peck and a written response from DNR Southern Region Supervisor Dax Mangus provided in meeting materials. Public comment included a remote plea from Matt Cochran urging passage of the resolution and an additional comment from Peg Smith noting statements by Dax Mangus suggesting deer populations in the Boulder/Kaiparowits unit had recovered.

Why it matters: the subject links state wildlife policy to local agricultural and hunting interests. Some council members argued the town's concern may be more appropriately directed at legislators because the state study is an implementation of a 2020 legislative mandate.

What officials said: Council Member Tina Karlsson initially moved to accept the resolution but withdrew the motion; Council Member John Veranth moved to table the item until after a community meeting with DWR, and Council Member Josh Ellis seconded. The motion to table passed by voice vote, 5-0. The Mayor will continue pursuing a DWR presentation date in May.

Next steps: the council will hold a community meeting with DWR before reconsidering or revising the resolution; staff and council will use that meeting to collect information and potentially redirect the town's outreach toward state legislators if deemed appropriate.

Provenance: The resolution was discussed in Administrative Action Items and tabled during the April 7 meeting.