Department of Natural Resources

Overview

“Where Life and Landscapes Connect”

The Department's divisions protect, preserve, and manage Utah 's natural and heritage resources; enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors; provide quality interactive natural resource opportunities; and accommodate business, industry, and agriculture in an era of increased need for conservation of our natural resources and care for the environment.

There are seven Divisions within the Department of Natural Resources, each with a unique area of stewardship. Click on the link for each division to learn more about how they serve the state.

Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands
Division of Oil, Gas and Mining
Division of State Parks and Recreation
Division of Water Resources
Division of Water Rights
Division of Wildlife Resources
Utah Geological Survey

Watershed Health

Geologic Hazards Mitigation

Data Source: Utah Geological Survey

Why this is important:

Geologic hazards, such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, ground subsidence, and radon gas are a continuous threat to Utah 's public health and safety. Educating the public and local government personnel who make decisions about building in hazardous areas is crucial to reducing the public's exposure to geologic hazards. In addition, recent damaging landslides in approved, permitted subdivisions highlighted a need to evaluate the land-use-regulation process in Utah and identify possible improvements to prevent future losses. In the past five years, most emergency response has been related to landsliding, which varies according to winter precipitation and high-spring runoff (see graph).

What we're doing about it:

• Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. approved establishing the Geologic Hazards Working Group, chaired by the Utah Geological Survey, to develop recommendations to improve the subdivision-approval process in geologic-hazards areas, identify responsible parties and resources needed, and determine how state agencies can help. 

• DNR promotes safety by investigating geologic hazards and environmental concerns involving geology; providing state and local governments and the public with information and technical assistance on geologic hazards; compiling geologic-hazard maps; and performing detailed studies of geologic hazards.

• DNR scientists respond immediately during and after geologic-hazard events and natural disasters, to advise emergency-response personnel, assess the nature and extent of the hazard, and determine the likelihood of short- or long-term occurrence and future risk.

Energy and Mineral Production and Consumption

Data Source: Utah Geological Survey

Why this is important:

Fossil fuels – coal, oil, and natural gas -- currently provide more than 85 percent of all the energy consumed in the United States , nearly two-thirds of our electricity, and virtually all of our transportation fuels.   Moreover, it is likely that the nation's reliance on fossil fuels to power an expanding economy will actually increase over at least the next two decades, despite aggressive development and deployment of new renewable and nuclear technologies. Nationally, oil and natural gas supply 63 percent of the energy used. Thirty-nine percent comes from oil and 24 percent from natural gas, while 23 percent comes from coal, 8 percent from nuclear energy, and 6 percent from renewables (U.S. Department of Energy and Energy Information Administration; 2002 statistics).

The gross value of all energy and mineral commodities produced in Utah in 2006 has continued the strong upward trend that began in 2003.  The gross annual revenue is now about $7.6 billion, greatly exceeding even the inflation-adjusted revenue from any previous year (see graph).  The 2006 escalation in value is largely due to both high prices and increased production in base metals, precious metals, oil, and coal.

The value of Utah 's mineral production (non-fuel minerals and coal) in 2006 is estimated at a record $4.68 billion. All major mineral industry segments gained in value in 2006 for the fourth year in a row. Preliminary estimates rank Utah 4 th nationally in the value of non-fuel minerals produced in 2006 (U.S. Geological Survey).

What we're doing about it:

The Utah Geological Survey supports partnerships that promote and improve energy efficiency and turn renewable energy resources into viable alternatives to fossil fuels. Department programs promote the wise development of existing and renewable energy resources, preventing waste and maximizing ultimate recovery, while protecting the environment so that the public might realize the greatest possible good from these natural resources.

Oil and Gas Well Permitting

Data Source: DNR - Division of Oil, Gas and Mining

Why this is important:

As the demand has increased for crude oil and natural gas to meet consumer and industrial needs, and as commodity prices have risen, the demand for permits to drill for oil and gas within Utah has also increased. Industry forecasters expect demand to remain high during the next decade.

Utah has reserves to develop as it ranks 11 th in the United States in crude oil and natural gas proved reserves, per the Energy Information Administration. Utah also ranks within the top 50% of states for oil and gas production. In order to address the Governor's objectives to energize economic development in rural communities and to make state government more efficient, new methods must be developed to address this demand.

What we're doing about it:

The mission of the Oil and Gas Program is to promote the exploration, development, and conservation of oil and gas resources in Utah, to foster a fair economic return to the general public for such resources, and to maintain sound regulatory practices to ensure environmentally acceptable activities.

In order to meet demands, the Oil and Gas Program will strive to become more efficient and effective including the goal to become essentially paperless. A consultant has provided services to initially perform a business process review to streamline our permitting process. Programming resources have been utilized to develop an electronic permitting system and this system is available to well operators in October 2007 on a voluntary basis. In addition, a new Oil and Gas Program website has been developed to foster the electronic submittal of permits. Future efforts to become more efficient will be pursued to enable additional operator submittals to be handled electronically.

While oil and gas permit demand has increased by 150% in the past 3 years, our staffing level has increased by about 20%. The Oil and Gas Program will strive to utilize technology to meet future demand where possible.

Fire

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Data Source: DNR - Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands

Why this is important:

A number of factors, including drought, insect infestations, a predominance of invasive, fire-prone species, management policies that have led to an over-abundance of fuel, and population growth, particularly in the wildland-urban interface, have contributed to more people, property, and resources being exposed to the risk of wildfire.

The 2007 fire season will set new records for the number of fires and acres burned. Despite millions of dollars spent on fire-fighting efforts, structures have been burned, and lives have tragically been lost. Fires also take their toll on natural resources, impacting watersheds, airsheds, recreation, wildlife habitat, forests, range, streams, and leave the burned areas susceptible to invasive species, non-source pollution, and erosion.

What we're doing about it:

Because fire doesn't stop at jurisdictional boundaries, various agencies have begun working together to help protect natural resource values in the state. All agencies are cooperating to plan and implement fuels reduction projects, fire preparedness, and fire rehabilitation projects. Teams of specialists have already been assembled, plans are being drafted, and project areas are being prioritized. By working together, agencies can pool resources; stretch limited funds; share information, equipment, and facilities; and attract additional partners.

Wildlife Habitat

Why this is important:

Improving and protecting wildlife habitat helps expand wildlife populations and conserves sensitive species. Regulatory problems and economic impacts associated with listing may be avoided by acting to conserve species before they become federally threatened or endangered.

What we're doing about it:

Efforts are underway in Utah to restore habitat, enhance or reintroduce native species, and improve the stewardship of public and private lands. The implementation of watershed and rangeland habitat restoration efforts is coordinated through a joint partnership of federal and state environmental agencies called the Utah Partners for Conservation and Development (UPCD). Strategies to improve and expand habitat include the following:

• Eliminate threats to existing Wildlife Management Areas
• Stay involved in federal land management planning processes
• Develop a statewide prioritization system for land and water acquisition and/or easements
• Complete mitigation standards for development, e.g., transportation corridors, oil and gas exploration/extraction, etc.
• Eliminate the threats of invasive plants

Wise Water Use

Data Source: DNR - Division of Water Resources

Why this is important:

As population continues to grow, demand for water is also growing. Even in normal years, Utah has a limited water supply. It is the second driest state in the nation. Most of Utah is classified as a desert, receiving less than 13 inches of annual precipitation. Fortunately, previous generations of Utahns provided for a sufficient water supply by constructing many water storage reservoirs along with the associated collection, transportation, and distribution systems.

A significant finding of the Utah State Water Plan is that we must become more efficient with the use of existing water supplies. In the residential sector, Utahns have the second highest water use rate in the nation, due in part to the desert environment and developed landscapes dependent on irrigation. Now we face the need to provide for future generations. Not only is the Statewide Water Conservation Initiative a response to the current drought, it will provide a legacy of intelligent water use for future generations. Utah has set a goal of reducing per capita water usage by 25 percent over the next 50 years.

What we're doing about it:

We are working with communities to improve watershed yields and develop and conserve water to meet the needs of future populations. We are protecting the State's water rights by providing solid hydrological information. We are also defining and equitably administering water rights. We are teaming with water users to improve water diversion and measurement facilities so water can be managed with greater precision. We are making water right information and services available on the internet to allow market forces to operate as water rights move to new uses. We are streamlining and automating water right application processing to deal with increased application volume and water right complexity. We are pursuing illegal use of water to assure that water supplies are available to legal owners. We are developing groundwater management plans in conjunction with local communities to limit groundwater pumping within the basin safe yield. An integral part of the process of preparing for the future water needs of Utah has been the development of a State Water Plan. The overall plan is based on hydrologic river basin plans developed in cooperation with local water users, and local and state government agencies involved in water use and management. The plan identifies resources available, current uses and future demand based on estimates of population growth by the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget. The plan also identifies areas of water quality, in-stream use, and recreation that need to be addressed. Other things we are doing include:

• Managing the State's Water Conservation and Education Programs
• Researching New Water Conservation Technologies and Practices
• Recommending Best Management Practices for Utah 's Water Providers
• Setting the Example of Efficient Water Use at State-Owned Facilities

Natural Resource Education Programs

Why this is important:

With ever increasing population growth and its associated demands, come more human interactions with nature—whether it's the need for new water resources, drought pushing wildlife into urban areas to seek food, folks building more homes in the wildland interface, or just looking for a place to get away from the routine of life. Citizens and visitors must utilize and interact with our natural resources wisely. This includes the responsibility to practice and advocate safe and ethical use of resources including:

• Learning and obeying safety laws and rules
• Properly registering equipment
• Sharing the lands and waterways with other users
• Recognizing and respecting the rights of others

What we're doing about it:

The Department sponsors various education programs through its divisions to protect the state's natural resources and those that interact with them. These programs include the following:

• Safety equipment checklists
• Education courses—personal watercraft, boating, OHV, hunter education, etc.
• Other educational opportunities—teacher resources, water education, historical and heritage sites, Firewise and Community Fire Planning, safety within wildlife habitat, etc.
• Maps
• Trail information—walking, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, equestrian, OHV, etc.
• Reservations and licenses
• Water Right public information meetings

Recreation and Heritage

Why this is important:

Increasing local and state economic development is one of the four goals within Vision 2010, the Division of State Parks and Recreation's strategic plan. The tourism and recreation industry accounts for one in every 11 jobs in the state, providing $314 million annually in state and local taxes. Utah state park visitors spend approximately $90 million annually on goods and services relating to their visits. Preserving and interpreting our scenery, heritage, culture, and environment are important aspects of quality of life. Both of these goals are included in Governor Jon Huntsman's objectives.

What we're doing about it:

Utah State Parks has and will continue to actively pursue partnerships in marketing opportunities that result in increased economic development opportunities for rural counties and communities where parks are located.

• Our mission: To enhance the quality of life by preserving and providing natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
• It is our goal to reinvest in the state parks, operations, maintenance, renovation, and development.
• We aim to evaluate and operate every state park and program as an enterprise.
• Division values from Vision 2010:
  • Securing the resources necessary to adequately maintain and operate the state parks and programs
  • Balancing recreation, resource protection, and preservation through effective stewardship
  • Supplying high-quality customer service and affordable experiences in adequate, safe, and well-maintained facilities
  • Fostering an appreciation for natural and cultural resources through education and interpretation
  • Using innovative, effective, and efficient practices
  • Recognizing state parks as a key component of local communities
• State parks are places where lifetime memories are made. People use state parks to reconnect with nature, history, their families, friends, and themselves.