Utah Wildlife News for April 4

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources sent this bulletin at 04/04/2020 06:20 AM MDT

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April 4, 2020

BOATERS MUST REMOVE DRAIN PLUGS AND 4 OTHER NEW WILDLIFE, OUTDOOR RECREATION LAWS TO BE AWARE OF

Here are five bills that were signed into law this legislative session that impact wildlife and outdoor recreation in Utah that you should know about.

HB255: Boat Fees Amendments

This law will help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, like quagga mussels, which have infested Lake Powell. The law includes several new changes that boaters should be aware of, including a $20 fee for non-resident boaters who launch a watercraft on any waterbody in Utah. The law also requires all boat owners to complete an online Utah Division of Wildlife Resources education course about preventing the spread of quagga mussels, and to show proof of the course completion before they launch at a Utah waterbody.

DWR PUBLIC SHOOTING RANGES CLOSED TO PREVENT SPREAD OF COVID-19

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ two public shooting ranges will be closed beginning Friday, April 3, until further notice, in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

On March 26, the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range announced a few closures to different areas of the facility due to earthquake damage and to adhere to social distancing directives. However, the DWR decided to close the entire facility, as well as its Cache Valley Public Shooting Range, located in Logan, beginning Friday.

MORE STORIES FROM THE DWR

DWR proposes decrease in general-season deer, antlerless permits for 2020 hunts

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources biologists recommended a decrease in the number of general-season permits for the 2020 deer hunt and are asking for the public's feedback on a variety of big game proposals. Read more

17 people cited for trespassing on wildlife and waterfowl management areas in Northern Utah

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is reminding people to adhere to posted signs after 17 people were cited for trespassing at closed wildlife management areas and waterfowl management areas in northern Utah over the weekend. Read More

2 Washington City men charged with cheating in Lake Powell fishing tournament

Two Washington City men were charged Wednesday in connection with illegally relocating live fish and attempting to cheat in a fishing tournament. Read more

Have hunting and fishing plans this spring? Before you take a trip to enjoy the outdoors, please check with the appropriate land-management agency and with the county. Many of Utah's county health departments and law enforcement agencies currently have rules and restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and those may affect your ability to visit, camp or recreate in the area. Read more

DWR's goal is to keep our staff and the public safe. With the current COVID-19 outbreak, we'll be implementing and following all restrictions and recommendations from state and local health officials at our facilities. Remember, when you're outdoors, you'll still want to follow the recommendations about social distancing and other health and safety precautions found at coronavirus.utah.gov.

Stay healthy, Utah!

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