Utah

Wildlife mandate in statute: 

“The Wildlife Board shall establish the policies best designed to accomplish the purposes and fulfill the intent of all laws pertaining to wildlife and the preservation, protection, conservation, perpetuation, introduction, and management of wildlife. In establishing policy, the Wildlife Board shall recognize that wildlife and its habitat are an essential part of a healthy, productive environment; recognize the impact of wildlife on humans, human economic activities, private property rights, and local economies; seek to balance the habitat requirements of wildlife with the social and economic activities of man; recognize the social and economic values of wildlife, including fishing, hunting, and other uses; and seek to maintain wildlife on a sustainable basis.”

The Commission:

• Name: Utah Wildlife Board
• Regulatory or advisory: Regulatory
• Number of voting members: 7
• Term length: 6 years
• How selected: Appointed by Governor
• Senate confirmation required: Yes
• Selection criteria per statute: 

“The members of the board shall have expertise or experience in at least one of the following areas: wildlife management or biology; habitat management including range or aquatic; business, including knowledge of private land issues; and economics, including knowledge of recreational wildlife uses. Each of the areas of expertise shall be represented by at least one member of the wildlife board.

 

The governor shall select a board member from a list of nominees submitted by the nominating committee pursuant to Section 23A-2-302. No more than two members shall be from a single wildlife region described in Subsection 23A-2-303(1). The governor may request an additional list of at least two nominees from the nominating committee if the initial list of nominees for a given position is unacceptable. If the governor fails to appoint a board member within 60 days after receipt of the initial or additional list, the nominating committee shall make an interim appointment by majority vote. The interim board member shall serve until the matter is resolved by the nominating committee and the governor or until the board member is replaced pursuant to this chapter. No more than two members shall be from a single wildlife region.”

• Visit the Commission’s website 

The Agency:

• Name: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
• Type: Subagency within Department of Natural Resources
• Title of Agency Director: Director
• Selection process: Appointed by Governor
• Mission statement from agency website:

“Serve the people of Utah as trustee and guardian of the state’s protected wildlife.”

Revenue for Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (FY2023)

Other: Dedicated Credits ( 2%)- sales tax, Expendable Receipts (3.2%), Sportsman funds (4%)

Source: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources FY23 Financial Information