What is going on with Utah and landownership? We discuss here.

Links and more info:
https://www.ksl.com/article/51227949/supreme-court-declines-to-hear-utahs-public-lands-case-what-happens-next

Utah officials argue that federal control over such a vast portion of the state's territory significantly diminishes Utah's sovereignty compared to other states. They contend that this level of federal ownership prevents the state from:
• Exercising full legislative authority over land use
• Collecting taxes on these lands
• Using eminent domain for infrastructure development
Economic Impact
There are concerns that federal control limits Utah's ability to:
• Generate revenue through taxation and development initiatives
• Manage natural resources for the state's economic benefit
• Develop essential infrastructure like public highways and communication networks
Land Management Practices
Critics of federal management argue that:
• Local governance would be more effective and responsive to state needs
• Federal policies may restrict access and limit multiple-use activities
• BLM lands are becoming "less public" due to federal actions from Washington D.C.
Constitutional Arguments
Utah's lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of long-term federal land ownership, arguing that:
• The Constitution never intended a federal agency to hold onto so much land in any state
• The federal government's retention of these lands violates principles of federalism and state sovereignty
Comparative Disadvantage
Utah officials point out the stark contrast with eastern states, where federal land ownership is minimal. For instance, the federal government owns:
• Less than 1% of land in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island
• Less than 3% in Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Pennsylvania
This disparity, they argue, puts Utah at a disadvantage compared to other states in the Union.
Public Access and Use
While supporters of federal management argue that it protects public lands for conservation and recreational purposes, critics contend that:
• Federal control may limit public access and use of these lands
• State management could better balance recreation, conservation, and responsible resource development
These concerns reflect a long-standing debate over land management in the Western United States, highlighting the complex relationship between state sovereignty, economic interests, and federal authority over public lands.

https://youtu.be/gKF6LpgswPw?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VELaAl_0rVo

Ihttps://www.ksl.com/article/51228137/140-officers-sworn-into-utahs-newest-law-enforcement-division-heres-what-theyll-do
Consolidation Details
• The new division combines officers from four previously separate agencies:
1. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
2. Utah Division of State Parks
3. Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
4. Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands
• All these officers are now managed under the Utah Department of Natural Resources
Purpose and Benefits
• Improve communication and coordination between agencies
• Enhance efficiency in policing state natural resources
• Provide more flexibility in responding to various law enforcement needs
• Free up administrators to focus on planning and management of state parks and other facilities
Scope of Responsibility
• Each officer is responsible for protecting wildlife, lands, trails, and other resources across an average area of 385,000 square acres - approximately five times the size of Salt Lake City2

Critics Responses:
1. Potential for overreach: There are concerns that the consolidated division might have too much power or authority over vast areas of land. Each officer is now responsible for an average of 385,000 square acres, which is about five times the size of Salt Lake City
2. Accountability issues: Critics argue that consolidating agencies might make it more difficult to hold officers accountable for misconduct, as the new structure could create a more insular culture.
3. Community relations: Critics express concern that the consolidation might lead to a more militarized or detached approach to law enforcement in natural areas, potentially straining relationships with local communities
https://www.utah.gov/pmn/files/772011.pdf
https://www.sltrib.com/news/2021/11/16/utah-division-wildlife/ https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=5327739&itype=CMSID https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=58378064&itype=CMSID

https://www.upr.org/environment/2024-06-25/military-land-designation-great-salt-lake-conservation