Public Lands

Significant changes to federal lands are happening this year, but submitting public comment on those changes can be confusing. A new app hopes to simplify the process.

A new Trump administration proposal to lower oil and gas bonds for wells on public lands could let unethical operators push their fees onto taxpayers.

A commissioner near Grand Staircase-Escalante supports the Trump administration significantly shrinking two national parks in the state. Conservationists oppose the move.

The sale to Utah Division of Wildlife Resources used money from a "rainy day" fund intended for public education. In other news, Apple Valley's aquifer was drained by an agricultural well.

Ranching and energy groups were excited for former congressman Steve Pearce, while conservationists were worried he'd sell public lands. In the end, the Senate voted on party lines to approve him.

A new analysis of public federal workforce data shows there are about 5,800 fewer workers at public lands agencies in 2025 compared to 2024 because of layoffs, retirements, and reassignments.

A new poll from Yale University's School of the Environment tracked people's opinions on environmental issues, ranging from solar and wind power to whether climate change affects the weather.

There have been multiple federal efforts to sell public lands for housing, including by Utah lawmakers. Some housing and conservation groups argue these proposals need to ensure affordability.

Every year on or near Earth Day, we check in with writer and photographer Stephen Trimble. Today we talk with Trimble and three scientists.

The move is part of a "sweeping restructuring," which the agency said is intended to move leaders closer to the land they oversee. Others, however, expressed concern about changes.