The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources announced several recent initiatives aimed at wildlife conservation and habitat management throughout the state. These efforts include waterbody treatments in the High Uintas to support native trout and the completion of numerous habitat projects for mule deer.
In the High Uintas, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources coordinated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to conduct waterbody treatments on two drainages. These efforts were intended to help restore native Colorado River cutthroat trout.
During the Pioneer Day holiday weekend, Utah Department of Natural Resources officers and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources technicians worked alongside other agency staff to inspect and decontaminate watercraft. This followed a previous weekend where technicians from the DWR, Utah State Parks, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and the National Park Service inspected 9,847 boats and performed 386 decontaminations statewide.
Additionally, the Blue Ribbon Fisheries program allocated over $446,000 toward 13 projects during 2026-27 to enhance high-quality fishing waterbodies.
In response to low water levels caused by ongoing drought and construction projects, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources issued emergency changes to increase daily fishing limits at seven waterbodies, including Pineview Reservoir.
Regarding wildlife habitat, the DWR completed 133 habitat projects during fiscal year 2025 specifically to benefit mule deer populations in Utah.
The DWR also hosted or planned several community engagement events, including a bat viewing event in southeastern Utah and a hummingbird banding event in northeastern Utah involving the Ashley National Forest and Red Canyon Lodge.
