Bill > HB0244

This bill amends Utah state law to establish two new wildlife management areas (WMAs) in the Great Salt Lake region: the Willard Spur Waterfowl Management Area and the Bear River Bay Waterfowl Management Area. For the Willard Spur WMA, the bill authorizes the state Wildlife Board to manage unsurveyed state-owned lands for purposes including propagating and sustaining waterfowl, upland gamebirds, and other bird species, preserving habitat, and providing recreational opportunities like hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The bill requires the wildlife division to form an advisory committee with stakeholders before constructing any structures in the management area. Similarly, for the Bear River Bay WMA, the bill establishes similar management goals focused on wildlife conservation and public recreation. The bill also updates definitions of "waterfowl management area" to include these two new areas. These changes aim to protect and manage important wildlife habitats in the Great Salt Lake ecosystem, balancing conservation efforts with public access and recreational use. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0244.html