The Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division will ramp up patrols and enforcement efforts from July 3-5, 2026, as part of Operation Dry Water, a nationwide initiative focused on preventing Boating Under the Influence (BUI) during a weekend of heightened awareness.
Operation Dry Water details
Operation Dry Water is scheduled to take place between July 3 and July 5, 2026. According to the North American State Boating Law Administrator (NASBLA), this specific window serves as a heightened awareness and enforcement weekend, during which various law enforcement agencies across the United States coordinate efforts to increase safety on the water.
DNR Law Enforcement role
The Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division, which consists of sworn professionals tasked with patrolling the state's vast backcountry and waterways, will participate in these intensified efforts. The division's officers are responsible for protecting natural resources, including wildlife, trails, and waterways, as well as the safety of recreators.
Division organizational transition
The Division of Law Enforcement is currently undergoing a significant organizational transition. Formally established in January 2025, the division represents a unification of law enforcement branches from four distinct areas: Wildlife Resources, State Parks, Outdoor Recreation, and Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
Legislative reorganization and integration
This unification process was formalized through HB 469, which passed during the 2024 General Legislative Session. The reorganization of existing positions was designed to improve services and operational efficiencies across the department's various jurisdictions. While the merger is currently underway, the Utah Department of Natural Resources expects full integration of these divisions by 2028.
Officer responsibilities and duties
The scale of responsibility for DNR Law Enforcement Officers is immense. On average, a single officer is responsible for covering approximately 385,000 square acres, an area roughly twice the size of New York City. Beyond patrol duties, these officers are also active in providing safety education for boating, hunting, and off-highway vehicles (OHVs), as well as managing aquatic invasive species information.
Public resources and leadership
In addition to enforcement, the division maintains several public-facing resources, such as the Utah Turn in a Poacher (UTiP) hotline, which allows citizens to report wildlife violations. The division's leadership includes Director and Chief Todd Royce, with Deputy Chief Wyatt Bubak also serving in a top administrative role.
Operation Dry Water involves a massive coordination of agencies far beyond Utah's borders. As of June 30, 2026, the participating agency list for the weekend includes a wide array of state and local authorities across much of the country.
In neighboring states, agencies such as the Idaho Department of Lands (via various county sheriff offices), the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and the Nevada Department of Wildlife are among those registered to participate. The initiative also includes significant involvement from the United States Coast Guard, with stations ranging from Alaska to Florida, all working toward the common goal of reducing impaired boating.
As the July 3-5 enforcement weekend approaches, the Utah Department of Natural Resources continues its mission to ensure a safe and enjoyable recreational experience for all stakeholders. The division's participation in Operation Dry Water underscores the ongoing commitment to managing the safety risks associated with increased recreational activity on Utah's waterways.
