Sutherland Institute reacts to medical marijuana compromise
SALT LAKE CITY — Sutherland President Rick Larsen released the following statement Thursday after the press conference on Utah's Capitol Hill discussing medical marijuana policy in the state.
“Sutherland Institute is pleased to see that the complex and important issue of medical marijuana is back in the deliberative legislative process," Larsen said.
"While the compromise proposal is not perfect, the emphasis on proper regulatory control of marijuana growth, processing and distribution – balanced against medical access within a framework of reasonable limits – is the right approach for Utah. We look forward to engaging on the issue to ensure the best policy outcome possible.
"Sutherland also applauds Gov. Gary Herbert for calling a special session in November to allow for further critical discussions.
"We are confident that with all parties at the table, Utah is on a safer path for children, families and potential medical marijuana patients than was possible under Proposition 2."
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Ride along with officers during the elk hunt opener
What: Approximately 30,000 hunters — plus their families and friends — will head into Utah’s backcountry this weekend for the general-season elk hunt opener. DWR conservation officers will be there too, talking with hunters, checking their licenses and taking a look at the animals the hunters harvested. The elk hunts are a popular part of Utah’s big game hunting season. Reporters and photographers are invited to cover this busy, exciting weekend by going into the field with our officers.
When: Oct. 6–7
Where: Areas across the state (call one of the contacts listed below to arrange a meeting location and time)
Contacts: The contacts differ depending on which area you want to visit. Please call as follows:
· Southern Utah — Lt. Paul Washburn, 435-979-5920
· Southeastern Utah — Lt. Benjamin Wolford, 435-220-0526
· Central Utah — Lt. Bruce Johnson, 385-228-3066
· Northeastern Utah — Lt. Torrey Christophersen, 435-790-2291
· Northern Utah — Lt. Dave Beveridge, 801-725-8993
Northern Utah
Building a beaver dam in East Canyon Creek
What: At first glance, it may appear the wrong species is building a dam in East Canyon Creek. DWR habitat crews will take on the beaver’s usual role, dropping in support poles, weaving in branches and packing mud on the structure they’re building. The goal of this unusual project is to collect and deposit sediment, reconnect the floodplain, improve water quality and provide better habitat for the creek’s fish. Having more water in the area will also benefit the mammals and birds that use this corridor. Biologists hope that beavers will eventually move into the area and continue the effort. .
Southeastern Utah
Using gill nets to survey fisheries
What: In recent years, DWR fisheries biologists have made substantial changes to the fishery at Scofield Reservoir. Specifically, biologists added new predatory fish species — including wiper and tiger muskie — in the hopes that they would reduce the reservoir’s Utah chub population. This Friday, biologists will use gill nets to sample Scofield’s fish populations. They’re hoping to see fewer chubs and a lot more sportfish. Then, over the next couple of weeks, the biologists will also survey the fisheries at Electric Lake and Joes Valley Reservoir.
Where and when: The biologists will pull nets on the following dates:
Scofield Reservoir — Oct. 5
Electric Lake — Oct. 16
Joes Valley Reservoir — Oct. 18
The survey crews will meet at the boat ramps of each fishery at approximately 8:45 a.m. If you’re interested in attending, please call the contact listed below, and he’ll let you know if there are any changes to the schedule.
Southern Utah
One year later: Tour the Brian Head fire area
What: Last summer, the massive Brian Head Fire scorched more than 71,000 acres of southern Utah. Then, in the fall, the DWR and its partners in Utah’s Watershed Restoration Initiative reseeded much of the burned terrain. Habitat biologists have been checking on the area and are impressed by how quickly it has rebounded. The same types of reseeding efforts will soon occur in multiple areas burned by wildfires this summer.
Nighttime survey of lake trout populations at Fish Lake (limited opportunity)
What: Few Utah waterbodies are more aptly named than Fish Lake. It’s best known for its huge lake trout, which can grow more than 40 inches long and weigh around 30 pounds. In mid-October, DWR biologists will visit the lake to conduct nighttime surveys of these huge fish. The biologists set the nets and then start checking them about an hour or two after sunset. They pull the massive fish out of the water for a short amount of time to take key measurements. After collecting the data they need, they return the fish to the lake unharmed. You can see a video of this work from 2016: http://bit.ly/lake_monsters.
Visit a check station to see how Utah hunters are helping California condors
What: Hunters are voluntarily making changes to help the huge, endangered California condors that fly and feed in southern Utah. During the upcoming elk and deer hunts, hunters will stop at check stations to show that they are using non-lead ammunition (or to turn in the remains of game harvested with lead bullets). At that point, they will be entered into a prize drawing for one of five rifles or $800 in outdoor merchandise. (Prizes were generously provided by The Peregrine Fund.)
Restoring a Bonneville cutthroat trout population
What: In the middle of October, DWR biologists will reintroduce genetically pure Bonneville cutthroat trout to Upper Kanab Creek and Blubber Creek in southern Utah. The biologists have been working closely with the U.S. Forest Service and Trout Unlimited to prepare the creek for the restoration. In recent decades, Utah has made it a priority to restore cutthroat populations to their native ranges across the state. This work has been critical in keeping the fish off of the Endangered Species List.
Using bullhogs to reduce wildfire risk to Pine Valley and improve wildlife habitat
What: Bullhogs are heavy machines that tear out and shred unproductive and overgrown vegetation, including pinyon pine and Utah juniper trees. Right now, the DWR and U.S. Forest Service — as part of Utah’s Watershed Restoration Initiative — are using bullhogs to create a fuel break around the town of Pine Valley. After removing the thick, fire-prone vegetation, the two agencies will reseed the area. The resulting plants will provide better habitat for mule deer, elk, turkeys and many other species. To see footage of a DWR bullhog in action, visit http://j.mp/1TDQY81.
