1. The Public Lands Initiative

2. To build consensus among stakeholders in Utah to designate lands for conservation and development Sponsored through the Public Lands Subcommittee of the Natural Resources Committee by Congressman Rob Bishop, now chair of the Natural Resources Committee “Unfortunately, over the years, the management of public lands in Utah has been the subject of much contention and conflict and interested parties have failed to reach consensus or compromise. Much of the debate has centered on the idea that multiple-use and land conservation is an either/or proposition. I flatly reject this notion. Conservation and multiple-use can coexist.”

3.  Initiative began in early 2013 with several counties in Southeastern Utah – Emery, Uintah, San Juan, Grand, Carbon, and Wayne.  The Public Lands Initiative is a locally-driven effort to bring resolution to some of the most challenging land disputes in the State of Utah. The initiative is rooted in the belief that conservation and economic development can coexist and make Utah a better place to live, work and visit.  Any group that has an interest in public land management in Utah is welcome in the Public Lands Initiative process, with designations and proposals being generated by those closest to the land.  Work spearheaded by Fred Ferguson, former aide to Congressman Bishop, now chief of staff for Congressman Chaffetz. Local boy!

4. Summit County’s Involvement

5.  Presentation to Summit County Council on September 24th by Brad Barber, Wilderness Society  Proposal by Wilderness Society, Grand Canyon Trust, Sierra Club and Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance  Addition of the high elevation lakes east of the existing wilderness boundary, and the forested upper drainages of North Fork Sheep, Burnt Fork, Kabell, Beaver and Fallon Creeks  Protect the scenic high elevation country, as well as an ecologically significant pine forest on the North Slope of the Uintas  Protect wildlife habitat, numerous ponds and wetlands, aspen groves, lush riparian vegetation and important hiking trails that provide access  Protect hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping for future generations  Approximately 28,000 acres

6. Map of Proposed Area

7. Public Lands Initiative Guidelines:

8. Uinta’s Overlook

9. Public Lands Advisory Group

10. Group members and advisors  Environmentalists  Sheep and cattle ranchers  Local government  Local citizens  Forest Service  Governor’s Office  UT and WY Congressional representatives  State Forestry and Natural Resources

11. Purpose  Inventory the landscape and identify what lands should be protected and why  Evaluate cost/benefit of various land management designations  Identify lands for potential trade for economic and/or preservation qualities  Determine what should happen to County owned parcels near the area  Make recommendations to Council

12. Progress  Formation of Public Lands Advisory Group  Two tours of the Uintas National Forest North Slope area  Meeting with BLM to identify potential “trade” parcels  First meeting of Advisory Group

13. Timeline

14. Issues  Grazing allotments and timber removal  Fire suppression  Healthy forest management  Protection of outstanding wilderness opportunities for future generations  Identifying appropriate, meaningful parcels for trade

15. Finding Balance Goal