H.J.R. 15 Enrolled

RESOLUTION URGING PROPER PROTECTION
AND MANAGEMENT OF WILDLIFE
1997 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Sponsor: Christine R. Fox
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATURE REAFFIRMING UTAH'S COMMITMENT
TO MANAGING AND PROTECTING UTAH'S WILDLIFE UNDER CURRENT,
SUCCESSFUL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS; AND DISCOURAGING
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT NOT BASED ON SCIENCE.
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
WHEREAS Utah has hundreds of stable or expanding wildlife species throughout the state;
WHEREAS Utah sportsmen contribute more than $30,000,000 per year to preserve,
manage and protect all wildlife species;
WHEREAS Utah farmers, ranchers, and other land owners provide millions of acres of
feed and shelter for wildlife and provide necessary information to properly coordinate wildlife
management programs with other activities;
WHEREAS Utah sportsmen provide $2,250,000 per year to protect and enhance wildlife
habitat;
WHEREAS several high profile species such as Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagles, Wild
Turkey, Canada Geese, Moose, Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Cougar, Black Bear and others are more
abundant and more dispersed throughout Utah than any time in recent history due to current
wildlife management programs;
WHEREAS foundations such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Foundation for
North American Wild Sheep, Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Safari Club
International, Mule Deer Foundation, and other groups contribute millions of dollars to protect,
enhance, and preserve wildlife habitat;
WHEREAS the Regional Advisory Council and Wildlife Board process allows for public
input of wildlife management decisions; and
WHEREAS the Wildlife Board is appointed by the Governor, who is elected by the people

of Utah:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah reaffirm
Utah's commitment to managing and protecting Utah's wildlife populations for future generations
under the current and successful coordinated wildlife management programs, and discourage wildlife
management via public referendum vote, whose agendas may not be based on sound science that has
stood the test of peer review or recognized wildlife management practices.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be sent to Sportsmen for Fish
and Wildlife, the Wildlife Board, the Division of Wildlife Resources, county commissioners, the
Navajo Nation, the Ute Indian Tribe, and the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration.

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