A total of nine projects were selected to receive funding by the Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council this year and an important project on the Strawberry River is among the highest funded projects. The Division of Wildlife Resources announced on Wednesday that the funding will go toward the third phase of the Strawberry River Restoration project, working to restore habitat on the Strawberry River after it was damaged by the Dollar Ridge Fire in 2018. “This phase of the project will focus on the Simmons Ranch area of the Strawberry River, with the goals of reducing erosion, reconnecting the floodplain and providing more aquatic habitat for fish,” shares the announcement. This phase of the project received $86,000 in funding thanks to the Blue Ribbon Fisheries program. “The program was created because Utah’s leaders recognized that fishing is one of the state’s most popular and economically valuable recreational activities,” explains Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick. “There was a need to recognize the best angling opportunities in the state and to provide additional funding for further improvements to keep them at that level. This program helps fulfill those needs.” This phase of the Strawberry River Restoration project will be completed throughout the 2025-26 fiscal year.
