Chelsea Duke

The meeting addressed the issue of Walleye presence in Strawberry Reservoir, which is managed as a premier trout fishery. Discussions focused on the concern that Walleye could negatively impact the existing trout population, referencing angler survey data showing minimal desire for other species introduction. The council is developing plans, including environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, to monitor the prevalence of Walleye, with a proposed budget for FY25 to increase sampling efforts during the spawning period. Additionally, a proposal for equipment purchase was presented, specifically requesting funding for a new $166,000 Apex backpack shocker unit to replace outdated equipment, aiming to improve efficiency in surveys across various water bodies like Blue Ribbon Waters and the Provo River area.

The meeting was conducted in a fully electronic format due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, approved via an executive order. Key discussions involved reviewing and voting on various permit recommendations for the 2020 season, including decreasing buck deer permits on the Cash unit and San Juan de Bajo unit, reducing desert bighorn sheep permits on the West Kapirowitz unit, and increasing Henry Mountain archery-only bull elk permits. The council also addressed keeping bull elk permits on the Central Mountains Manti Nebo unit at 2019 levels while asking the elk committee to review age objectives. Other items included approving amendments for CWMU rules, approving management policies for bison hunts and predator wildlife species, and approving cougar and bear rule amendments. Regional updates covered finished sage grouse counts (noting two new leks discovered), good fishing for white bass at Utah Lake (with consumption advice), significantly increased park visitation, AIS prevention reminders, stocking efforts at Jordanelle Reservoir, and the resumption of community fishery stocking due to relaxed health guidelines. Additionally, several wildlife events, including the Utah Lake Festival and Salem Pond Fishing Day, were canceled due to ongoing COVID-19 directives.

The session addressed two docket items. The first involved a request for agency action concerning the Wilin family regarding an order requiring accounting and payment of royalties from Homeland Gas and Oil LTD for the Neelon D21 well. Following an investigation and negotiation by the division, the matter was resolved, and the division recommended dismissal without prejudice. The second item concerned a request for agency action by Oentiv USA, Inc. for the compulsory pooling of interest in a drilling unit established for Lower Green River Wasatch production covering sections 25 and 36. The petitioner requested that potential non-consenting owners, whose interest derived from deceased parties lacking completed probate proceedings, be declared non-consenting owners subject to a 300% risk compensation award. The Board noted that the known unleased party, Miss Judy Osler, sold her interest to Oentiv and was voluntarily pulled. A motion was passed to enter an order of default against any party who did not timely respond to the RAA. Testimony was heard from Oentiv representatives regarding the unit structure, ownership, and the request for compulsory pooling.

The meeting commenced with a briefing session, noting that the Director was unavailable while attending a critical minerals tour. The main topics included reviewing and seeking ratification for the draft hearing schedule for 2026 during the December meeting. A hearing examiner proceeding was scheduled for November 19th, with the board meeting set for December 3rd, which will include briefings on the bonding rule (R649-13). The board also addressed Docket number 2024-00007 concerning a request for agency action against Petti Energy Holdings LLC regarding an accounting of proceeds from ARB Energy Utah LLC. Significant discussion ensued regarding a last-minute motion filed by ARB Energy Utah LLC, which Petti Energy Holdings characterized as an attempt to delay proceedings, arguing that the underlying issue was already in district court for enforcement of the board's final order. The board decided to proceed with hearing the substance of the matter, reserving judgment pending resolution of the jurisdictional question, despite ARB Energy Utah LLC stating they had no witnesses prepared to testify.

This Habitat Management Plan for the Sevier and Piute Big Game Winter Range Wildlife Management Areas aims to optimize habitat for big game and turkey species. It focuses on key strategies including managing pinyon and juniper encroachment, increasing preferred browse, controlling invasive species, enhancing riparian areas, and establishing food plots, all while ensuring sustainable access and fire management practices for the long-term benefit of wildlife resources.