The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is undertaking several statewide initiatives to manage wildlife populations and preserve habitats amid rising temperatures and drought conditions, including an emergency increase to trout limits at Nine Mile Reservoir.
The Division of Wildlife Resources issued an emergency increase to the daily bag limit at Nine Mile Reservoir, allowing anglers to keep up to 16 trout of any species as of May 11. DWR Director Riley Peck stated the move is a proactive response to drought-related water losses that exceed those seen during normal precipitation periods.
Peck said the increase aims to reduce trout densities to improve survival rates and encourage anglers to harvest fish that might otherwise perish due to the historically low snowpack in Sanpete County. The raised limit remains in effect through October 1, 2026.
In Grand County, commissioners recently approved a letter supporting the sale of more than 50,000 acres of Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration property in the Book Cliffs area to the Division of Wildlife Resources.
The proposed noncompetitive sale involves approximately 50,608 acres of roadless trust lands. According to commission meeting materials, the transaction is intended to preserve wildlife habitat, migration corridors, and public access for hunting and fishing.
As temperatures rise, wildlife officials are also warning of increased human-bear interactions. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources reminded residents that black bears are emerging from hibernation and may seek out human food in campsites and neighborhoods due to drought potentially reducing natural food sources.
DWR Game Mammals Coordinator Chad Wilson noted that while black bears typically attempt to avoid people, the presence of accessible food can change that behavior. Officials advised storing food in secure locations and properly disposing of waste to prevent conflicts.
The Division of Wildlife Resources continues to manage various regional impacts, from emergency fishing regulations in Sanpete County to habitat acquisition efforts in Grand County.
