Trust Lands manages a large block of trust lands located in the Lake Mountains area west of Utah Lake. Due to its proximity to growing population centers along the Wasatch Front, the property has become very popular with the public for target shooting and other recreational uses. Unfortunately, it also became a magnet for illegal dumping, pioneering of unauthorized OHV trails, trigger trash, and unsafe target shooting practices resulting in several wildfires and some close calls with nearby residents and land users. Compounding the problem is the presence of Native American rock art with specimens up to 4,000 years old, many of which have been irreparably damaged by target shooting.
Since 2012 Trust Lands has partnered with the BLM, Utah County, private landowners, and other stakeholders to collaboratively address these issues. Together they developed a strategy involving a public education campaign, trash cleanups, the creation of a public shooting range, target shooting closures to protect the Native American rock art and other recreational users, and an increased law enforcement presence. While problem areas still persist, the situation has improved dramatically thanks to these efforts.
Penstemon Conservation Agreement
A multi-agency Utah conservation team is working to protect two species of penstemon found in the Uinta Basin, Graham’s and White River beardtongue. The team includes representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Utah Public Lands Policy Coordination Office, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, School and Institutional Trust Lands