2020 saw a decrease in visitation to Dinosaur National Monument. According to a press release from the National Park Service, recreational visits for 2020 at Dinosaur National Monument tallied a total of 264,266 – an 11.3% decrease over the 2019 annual visitation.
Month: January 2021
Congressman Blake Moore to Serve on House Armed Services Committee
Congressman Blake Moore has been selected to serve on the House Armed Services Committee in the 117th Congress. “Representative Blake Moore’s experience in the Indo-Pacific will make him a critical asset to the House Armed Services Committee,” said Ranking Member Mike Rogers.
Ute Indian Tribe: Leasing Ban Violates Principle of Tribal Sovereignty
The Ute Indian Tribe Business Committee has a clear message in response to the 60-day leasing and permitting ban. The letter is written to acting Secretary of the Interior Scott de la Vega requesting that Order 3395 is immediately amended to exclude energy permits and approvals on Indian lands.
Local Leaders on Legislation That Would Change Distribution of PILT Monies
Local leaders are weighing in on a bill proposed in the Utah Legislature that if passed would have a significant fiscal impact on counties. Naturally, the Public Lands Counsel and Utah Association of Counties are opposed to such impacts that SB 44 “Payment in Lieu of Taxes Funds for Counties” would have.
Opposition to Biden Order to Suspend Oil And Gas Leases
Utah is among multiple states showing strong opposition to Biden’s Executive Order to suspend oil and gas leases on public lands among other actions. Utah Governor Spencer Cox and 10 other representatives and leaders issued a joint statement that included the following:
Colorado Rep. Boebert Introduces Bills Directed at 3 Biden Executive Orders
Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert introduced her first three bills as a member of Congress and is once again gaining some attention in the political arena. The first is HR 374, the World Health Organization Accountability Act, to ensure “America holds both the WHO and China accountable for their failures that contributed to the outbreak of COVID-19.”
Utah DWR Offers Locations for Great Ice Fishing for Yellow Perch
COVID has made the outdoors the easiest choice to get away from the house and many families have been exploring various outdoor activities. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is ready to help those individuals and families wanting to try ice fishing by giving them a few suggestions.
Biden Executive Order Suspends Oil and Gas Leases on Public Lands
Within hours of taking office, President Biden issued an Executive Order many anticipate will further hurt the already struggling economy in the Uintah Basin. The order is named the ‘Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis.’
Vernal Innovation Hub Gets Nod From Gov. Office of Economic Development
The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development is highlighting a new offering in Vernal that is aimed at supporting locals in their business aspirations. The Vernal Innovation Hub is already helping local entrepreneurs and providing a professional work and networking space.
Tri-County Area COVID-19 Transmission Level Update (1/21/21 – 1/27/21)
The TriCounty Health District COVID-19 Transmission Index Levels reports Uintah County and Duchesne County at the High Transmission Level and Daggett County at the Low Transmission Level.. At the time of Thursday’s press release, Uintah County’s 7-day average percent positivity was 24 percent and there were 200 cases in the past 14 days