The Utah Wildlife Board approved the experimental introduction of white sturgeon into Hobbs Reservoir and Grantsville Reservoir during a public meeting on June 11, alongside new rules for accessing wildlife management areas.
White Sturgeon Stocking Plan
The approved plan involves stocking 100 white sturgeon in the spring of 2027, with roughly 50 fish placed in each waterbody. According to DWR Aquatics Assistant Section Chief Craig Walker, the initiative aims to increase species diversity and create new fishing opportunities amid changing water conditions. Fishing for the species will be strictly catch-and-release at both locations.
New WMA Access Rules
The board also finalized updates to wildlife and waterfowl management area (WMA) access rules to align with 2026 legislative changes. Starting July 1, 2026, individuals in Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber counties who do not hold a hunting or fishing license must watch an educational video to obtain a free digital access permit for WMAs. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources confirmed this requirement will expand to all Utah counties by July 1, 2028.
Cougar Trapping Proposal Rejected
During the same June 11 meeting, the Wildlife Board unanimously rejected a proposal that would have restricted the use of lethal trap sets on public lands for targeted cougar harvesting. This follows a 2023 law that permitted year-round cougar hunting and trapping with standard licenses.
Annabella Ordinance Updates
In Annabella, the Town Council adopted two significant ordinances during its May 14, 20ng meeting. The council approved the 2006 Wildland–Urban Interface (WUI) Code to establish fire-protection standards for areas where structures and vegetation meet, as well as a comprehensive update to the town's Land Use Ordinance covering zoning and development standards.
School Fireworks Prohibition Reminder
As summer approaches, Alpine School District issued reminders that fireworks are prohibited on all school property. The district noted that elevated wildfire risks due to drought conditions necessitate responsible celebrations to protect surrounding open spaces.
