Podcasts about Utah Division

Mule deer are still the vanishing icon of the West, and if you care about public land hunting, this conversation explains exactly why. Greg Sheehan, CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation, lays out the hard truth behind the decline, what changed after the mule deer heyday, and what hunters and conservation groups are doing right now to turn it around. Greg brings a rare perspective to the problem. He's spent decades on both sides of wildlife management, from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and now he's focused on one species and one mission - restoring mule deer and their habitat. We break down the forces reshaping mule deer numbers across the West, including habitat loss, winter severity, drought, wildfire, migration barriers, invasive grasses, disease, and competition from other deer species. Greg also explains why modern mule deer management is so different from the 1960s boom years, why the old “good old days” are gone, and why today's hunters are seeing fewer mature bucks on the landscape. You'll discover: Why mule deer populations surged in the early 1900s and peaked mid-century How severe winters in the early 1990s reshaped deer herds across the West The “menacing seven” threats hurting mule deer today Why fence removal, sagebrush planting, guzzlers, and habitat work matter so much How access on National Wildlife Refuges expanded and why that was a major win for hunters We also get into the bigger conservation picture - how state agencies, federal land managers, and groups like the Mule Deer Foundation fund real on-the-ground projects, why membership matters, and what it takes to keep mule deer from becoming a rare opportunity instead of a mainstream hunt.Essential listening if you hunt mule deer, care about western habitat, or want to understand what's really happening behind the numbers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mule deer are still the vanishing icon of the West, and if you care about public land hunting, this conversation explains exactly why. Greg Sheehan, CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation, lays out the hard truth behind the decline, what changed after the mule deer heyday, and what hunters and conservation groups are doing right now to turn it around. Greg brings a rare perspective to the problem. He's spent decades on both sides of wildlife management, from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and now he's focused on one species and one mission - restoring mule deer and their habitat. We break down the forces reshaping mule deer numbers across the West, including habitat loss, winter severity, drought, wildfire, migration barriers, invasive grasses, disease, and competition from other deer species. Greg also explains why modern mule deer management is so different from the 1960s boom years, why the old “good old days” are gone, and why today's hunters are seeing fewer mature bucks on the landscape. You'll discover: Why mule deer populations surged in the early 1900s and peaked mid-century How severe winters in the early 1990s reshaped deer herds across the West The “menacing seven” threats hurting mule deer today Why fence removal, sagebrush planting, guzzlers, and habitat work matter so much How access on National Wildlife Refuges expanded and why that was a major win for hunters We also get into the bigger conservation picture - how state agencies, federal land managers, and groups like the Mule Deer Foundation fund real on-the-ground projects, why membership matters, and what it takes to keep mule deer from becoming a rare opportunity instead of a mainstream hunt.Essential listening if you hunt mule deer, care about western habitat, or want to understand what's really happening behind the numbers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this deep-dive, Inside Sources host Greg Skordas and guest host Jim Bennett discuss several aspects dealing with the ongoing drought that's plaguing both Utah and the rest of the West. In this special coverage, they discuss:  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' recent statement on the drought, encouraging members to take both personal steps and support public efforts to conserve water.   How the drought has added additional strain on our reservoirs and whether or not the monsoonal moisture we've received has helped. They're joined in the studio by Laura Haskell, drought coordinator with Utah Division of Water Resources.  The effect of the drought on wildlife. With hunting season starting soon and bear encounters doubling this year, the drought has been pushing more wildlife to find food and resources in different places. Faith Heaton Jolly, PIO at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, joins the conversation. 

Fleet may be a small world, but Utah shows just how powerful that network can become. In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, Marc Canton is joined by Steve Saltzgiver and Nathan Schafer to look back at decades of fleet management in Utah and the systems, relationships, and leadership that helped shape the state's fleet community. Steve shares the story of his time with the State of Utah, including the expansion of its fuel network and the effort to consolidate roughly 30 independent state fleets. Nathan reflects on his years managing fleets in the Salt Lake Valley and how Utah's network of fleet professionals gave managers a place to compare notes, solve problems, challenge vendors, and learn from experienced leaders. The conversation also comes full circle as the group discusses RTA's partnership with the State of Utah Division of Fleet Operations and the connections that brought their careers together years later. They also dig into a bigger lesson for fleet leaders everywhere: you don't have to figure everything out alone. Strong fleet communities create opportunities to benchmark performance, challenge assumptions, share hard-earned knowledge, and ultimately build better operations. In this episode, you'll hear about: How Utah developed a highly centralized state fleet operation The history behind Utah's statewide fuel network Consolidating roughly 30 independent fleet operations Why a common fleet management system matters How collaboration between neighboring fleet managers solves real operational problems The value of comparing vehicle, vendor, and maintenance experiences Why benchmarking can motivate continuous improvement How mentors and experienced fleet professionals accelerate career development Why strong professional communities can elevate an entire region's fleet performance If you lead a public fleet, this episode is a reminder that fleet success isn't built through software or processes alone. It also comes from the people, expertise, systems, and relationships that help you continuously improve. Build the fleet you're proud to lead.   Marc Canton Marc Canton is Vice President of Fleet Strategy at RTA Fleet and host of The Fleet Success Show, where he brings together experienced fleet professionals to share practical lessons that help fleet leaders strengthen their operations and lead with confidence.   Steve Saltzgiver Steve Saltzgiver is a veteran fleet leader and consultant with decades of public-sector fleet experience, including leadership roles with West Jordan City, Utah Transit Authority, and the State of Utah. As Utah's Director of Fleet Operations, he helped lead efforts to consolidate the state's fleet operations and strengthen its shared fleet infrastructure.   Nathan Schafer Nathan Schafer is an experienced public-sector fleet professional and member of the RTA Fleet team. He previously spent six years leading fleet operations for Sandy City, Utah, and brings firsthand experience in fleet management, peer collaboration, and operational improvement. Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213

Photo (Circa 2020) By Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Rokcast co-host Jaden Bales sits down with Makeda Hanson, Wildlife Migration Initiative Coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, to explore what GPS collar data is teaching biologists about wildlife movement across Utah. Utah has collared thousands of animals and collected roughly 80 million location points from mule deer, elk, pronghorn and other species. That data helps researchers understand where animals spend each season, how they move between seasonal ranges and which habitats become especially important during drought, deep snow and wildfire. The conversation also covers what collared deer are revealing about their response to Utah's recent wildfires, along with a Paunsaugunt buck that made an impressive jump between two and three years old. The young three-point returned as a wide four-point carrying several extras, giving researchers a rare, verified look at how quickly an individual buck can change. Most importantly, this episode shows how migration research becomes real conservation work. Better data guides habitat restoration, fence modifications, wildlife crossings and future development decisions. Hunters can help by reporting roadkill, identifying problem fences and participating in land-use planning—because healthier herds depend on protecting the places wildlife need to survive and move. You can learn more about Utah's Wildlife Migration Initative at wildlifemigration.utah.gov Thanks to Makeda for taking the time to share this awesome information with us. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here

After months of waiting for a decision, the federal government has finally released their plans for how western states can share water from the Colorado River. From an initial look at the new Environmental Impact Study (EIS), it appears states in the lower basin -- California, Arizona, and Nevada -- will need to cut their water usage by at least 20%. Greg and Jim share thoughts on this plan, then get overall updates on the ongoing drought across the state from Laura Haskell, drought coordinator at the Utah Division of Water Resources.

We kick things off with the three things! Utah voters sent shockwaves through the Legislature — Senate President Stuart Adams conceded after trailing challenger Stephanie Hollist, losing his seat. Plus, a lethal rabbit virus returns to Utah for the first time since 2022. We go behind the scenes of wildfire management with North Tooele Fire Department PIO, Jon Smith. Then, Utah Division of Air Quality Director Bryce Bird joins us as Salt Lake City hits #1 worst air quality in the U.S. — what can you actually do to protect yourself and your family? Also, is office attire too casual now? Sunscreen misinformation is spreading on TikTok. And — what is an "otrovert"?   KSL Brightside streams live weekdays 12–3 PM. YouTube-exclusive live stream from 12–1 PM | Radio + YouTube from 1–3 PM.   Follow KSL Brightside on social media! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KSLBrightside Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KSLBrightside Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KSL_Brightside TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ksl.brightside  

4:38 pm: Kelly Wickens, Communication and Prevention Specialist for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, joins the program for a conversation about the Iron Fire near Eureka that nearly took out the town.6:05 pm: Leor Sapir, Adjunct Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, joins the show to discuss his piece for the City Journal about major transgender suicide study that has crumbled under closer examination.6:38 pm: Thaddeus McCotter, a contributor to American Greatness, joins Rod and Greg for a conversation about his piece on a study showing iPhones may be to blame for the drop in the fertility rates in the U.S.

For dog owners and swimmers, summer can be a trap: the algal bloom trap! Host Ali Vallarta asks Ben Holcomb from the Utah Division of Water Quality what's in the water this season, where it's dangerous, and how to stay safe. Check the map for algal bloom updates. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: ‪(801) 203-0137‬ Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Woodward PC Utah Arts Festival

On today's local news hour, the Park City Council more than doubled councilor and mayor salaries for FY27. Wasatch County health officials warn of potential high tick season after a mild winter. Liberty Sanctuary Founder and Executive Director Debra West discusses why it's so important to save the horses and upcoming adoption events. Wasatch Trails Foundation Board Treasurer Mike Rossberg on WOW trail grand opening and the pump track ribbon cutting. Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation boating program manager Ty Hunter on life jacket boater safety.

When water levels drop and the temperatures heat up, it becomes the perfect kind of breeding ground for algal blooms. And as you hit the water for your summer fun, how can you make sure you're keeping your kids AND pets safe from unhealthy water? Environmental Program Manager at the Utah Division of Water Quality, Ben Holcomb, joins Inside Sources to share ways to stay safe in Utah's waterways.

  Did you know that the laws between drinking and driving and drinking and boating are different? Aside from that, there are plenty of additional safety considerations you need to know when boating -- different from other water activities like swimming or paddleboarding. Holly and Greg share boating tips, and are joined by Ty Hunter, boating program manager with the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, for a deeper discussion on safe boating. 

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick discusses the state of fishing in the Wasatch Back, Intermountain Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Wing Province has tips for summer skin protection and Olympic figure skaters Isabeau Levito and Andrew Torgashev talk about the Stars on Ice tour and the road to the 2034 Olympics.

Today, KSL learned that the group behind the controversial data center in Box Elder County has pulled their water rights application. It doesn't mean that the project is actually canceled though. KSL NewsRadio's Heather Peterson joins Inside Sources in the studio to explain the latest developments and what the Utah Division of Water Rights is saying. Greg and Holly also discuss the Governor's ongoing trip back east, as he tries to bring more business and technology to the Beehive State.

The Goshen fire has burned through hundreds of acres in Utah and Juab counties. Three homes were evacuated last night due to the blaze. Karl Hunt Public Information Officer with Utah Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands joins the show to discuss the latest details on the fire.

In this episode, DWR Aquatic Section Chief Drew Cushing and Aquatic Section Research Coordinator Robert Shields talk about the new 30-year plan for fish production and stocking in Utah. Continued population growth in Utah has created increasing demands on the water infrastructure, and combined with the ongoing drought conditions reducing the amount of water available, it has required the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to proactively plan for a few changes in order to ensure angling opportunities and native species conservation efforts into the future.

Mule deer numbers matter—to hunters, wildlife managers, and ecosystems alike. Utah is launching a focused study removing mountain lions in six units to better understand predator impacts on deer herds. In this episode, the Big Hunt Guys host Dax Mangus and Kent Hershey from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to walk through the goals, structure, and timeline of Utah's six-unit mountain lion study. We discuss historical predator management, modern research methods, and how this study could shape future conservation decisions in the West.Learn more about GOHUNT.Follow GOHUNT on Social Media:InstagramYouTube - Podcast ChannelYouTube - Main ChannelFacebook

It's another mucky day in SLC due to the inversion. Steve and Holly speak with the Utah Division of AirQuality Director, Bryce Bird, about Utah's broader plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions through the Beehive Emissions Reduction Plan.

  Utahns may remember we had a historically wet October. The record rainfall hit 4.3 inches in just one day, just about a half inch over the previous record. But now, we have seen a historically dry December with nearly no snow to speak of in the Salt Lake Valley. Utah Division of Water Resources Drought Coordinator Laura Haskell joined Greg and Holly to tell them just what the situation is.  

  As President Trump phases out the production of pennies, businesses are scrambling to adjust their prices. Now, many companies are focused on rounding their prices. Director of the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, Katie Hoss, told us what this means for our wallets.

In the Utah Legislature's special session yesterday, they passed a bill which will allow the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands to raise the berm in the lake to 4,192 feet if deemed necessary. We bring on the Deputy Director of the Division of Forestry, Fire, and Lands Ben Stireman to discuss why they are looking to raise the berm and the details around this decision. 

In this episode of the Big Hunt Guys Podcast, Brady and Trail sit down with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Conservation Officer, Josh Carver. From chasing down poachers to checking hunters in the field, Josh shares what life is really like behind the badge. We cover everything from common mistakes hunters make to conservation success stories to the toughest situations wardens face in the backcountry. If you've ever wondered what a day in the life of a warden looks like—or how to stay on the right side of the law this fall—you won't want to miss this conversation.

In this episode of Fostering Conversations, guest host Liz Rivera guides a powerful dialogue with Native leaders and advocates about the importance of culture, tradition, and belonging for Native children in foster care. You'll hear from: James Toledo (Utah Division of Indian Affairs) on how culture provides a foundation for resilience. Stephanie Benally (Native American Specialist, Utah Foster Care) on supporting Native children's traditions in foster homes. Craig Sandoval (Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake) on creating culturally responsive models for Native youth and families in urban Utah. Together, they reflect on the sacred role of clans, ceremonies, and language, as well as the ongoing significance of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in preserving tribal sovereignty and protecting children's cultural identity. Listeners will learn why everyday practices—from observing ceremonies to speaking Native languages—help children thrive, and how foster parents can honor and support these connections, even outside of tribal communities. Transcript: Liz: [00:00:00] On today’s episode, you’ll hear how cultural traditions give Native children strength and belonging, and why the Indian Child Welfare Act or ICWA is so critical , in protecting those connections for children in foster care. Welcome to Fostering Conversations. I’m your host, Liz Rivera, filling in for Amy Smith. We have a special episode for you today. We’re weaving together conversations with several native leaders and advocates here in Utah. Liz: Let’s begin with introductions in Navajo culture, introductions are not just about your name, they’re about where you come from, your clans, your language, and [00:01:00] lineage. First, we’ll hear from James Toledo from the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, followed by Stephanie Benally, the Native American specialist from Utah Foster Care, and finally, from Craig Sandoval from the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake. James: [Navajo Introduction] James Toledo James: and, and again. Thank you. I, I’m a member of the Navajo Nation and we introduce ourselves, sharing our clans. So as we probably will talk about this later in the program, our clans are a way to identify our family relationships, connections with others within our community. Stephanie: Hello. Thank you. I am a citizen of Navajo Nation. My clans are Red Streak people born for Bitter Water. My maternal grandfather is Mexican People clan, and my paternal grandfather is Red House. Thank you very much for the opportunity to participate on the podcast. Craig: Hello everybody, and wanted [00:02:00] to introduce myself and my native language. First [Navajo introduction]. Craig: So I introduced myself in my native Navajo language. Just wanted to reintroduce myself in English for all the non Navajo speakers. Good day to everybody. My name is Craig Sandoval, and I’m originally from New Mexico in a small community named Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico. So it’s [00:03:00] just west of Albuquerque, made about two hours. Craig: And my clans are Near the Water People. I’m born for the Mexican clan. My maternal grandparents are the Red Paint People, and my paternal grandparents are the Towering House People. And so that’s who I am, and that’s where I come from. And then now I’m here in Salt Lake working to provide a culturally responsive clinical model for our community here to bring the reservation teachings and bring them here into the valley so that there’s still a connection. I came to Utah about two years ago working with the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake. Liz: As Craig shares, , staying connected to traditions and language is essential for native children. Even here in urban areas of Utah where families may live far from their tribal homelands. James adds that culture, gives children a foundation to thrive. While [00:04:00] Stephanie reminds us how important it is for foster parents to support native traditions, sometimes through simple everyday practices. Craig: The Urban Indian center, the goal is to connect our community members and our families to. Our tradition and our heritage back home. And that includes providing dancers, providing teachings, providing a class to where they can feel home, they can feel at home.For me, it’s the language, making sure that I can continually speak my language. So with the Navajo language classes, it does bridge that. When we think about Utah Foster Care and our Native kids that are in foster care here in Utah, how do we continue to bring them to connecting with their tradition and culture? And that’s also our goal. Several months ago, the Navajo Nation did a resource fair and one of the division directors, Mr.Thomas, [00:05:00] Cody. Who worked very well with Utah Foster Care really emphasized that there should always be a connection to our Navajo language, to our Navajo culture, to our Navajo environment, to our Navajo values, even though we live in the urban area. Craig: That is absolutely true., And that’s how we’ll stay strong. And so during Mr. Cody’s speech, he asked those that have our children and Navajo, our children in their custody to reconnect in any way they can . That’s where the strength is there. And so we want to, as the Urban Indian Center, while we provide a lot of these events, demonstration classes on Navajo history, Navajo language, Navajo culture, Navajo dances, we want them to connect with our traditional ways in that way. Craig: And so that’s the goal what providing all [00:06:00] the classes that we do at the Urban Indian Center. Craig: It is very important to keep the culture whether something small as a bracelet, a necklace, that means a lot to a native child. growing up in a native home, there’s so many milestones and so many traditions that are celebrated. I wanna give a little bit of background on myself too, as well. I am Navajo, however, I do have heritage and lineage into the Hopi and San Domingos communities, and each one is very different. And I’m gonna give you a great example on this side. Craig: As Navajo, we are born into our mother’s clan. I believe that’s number one. When it comes to really being, I guess it’s a. Coming to the earth is that you’re given your first clan, you’re you. You hear your first clan and as a baby they tell you that your first clan is this. Your second clan is [00:07:00] this. And that’s the introduction to the land. Craig: That’s the introduction to the air, the waters, the clouds, the beings that are on earth. Your introduction. When I look into our Hopi side, we have a child is born and kept in a dark room until a certain number of days have come. They prepare, and within this preparation they do a hair washing and they wash the hair and say, you’re able to come to this land in this world. Craig: And then they go out early in the morning and they introduce the child to the sun And when this happens, they tell the child that, here’s the sun The sun will be with you throughout from day one to the day of your death. They’ll watch over you. They’ll look over you, and there’s that introduction to the sun. Craig: And those are some of the main milestones. And you have Santo Domingo who also wash your hair and receive into the world the [00:08:00] child. So those are your milestones. And when you look into Navajo specific, you then can go into, for example, everybody knows the first laugh You know when a child laughs it means that there is laughter in the world. Craig: There’s happiness in the world, and you might think about it as a child has no worries in the world, but that one laugh has given the world what we call, or what we would call happiness. That child brings that, and they want that happiness to continue within the family, within the world. Craig: And so those are some of the important milestones. And then you get to puberty, the milestones of the women going through the puberty ceremony cannot the the men going through the Sweat Lodge ceremony on that side. Craig: Those are milestones that you have. And then overall you have the weddings, and then you have other things that happen [00:09:00] and they’re all different. When our children go through these rites of passages, there’s other small ones in between, for example, piercing the ears. Craig: When we pierce our ears, it’s that now that the gods can hear us through that, we can hear them too as well. And so that happens at a young age, washing of the hair with different herbs so that we prevent sickness and illness and so that our bodies are strong. Craig: Being a parent of a native child and a foster care parent, these are questions that you can ask like, how can I support? And I know on the reservations there are families willing to guide. There are connections that say we can help with that because they wanna keep the child aligned. They wanna keep the child connected to the traditional ways of life. James: Culture sets a foundation really for any individual. I think looking at a [00:10:00] broader picture, we all were raised in certain cultures, whether that’s within a religious environment, whether that’s with our traditional teachings as indigenous peoples, or whether that’s just your own family traditions that we have. James: So when a child is raised with that culture intact, it sets them up with a strong foundation. So as they. Get older and they start navigating and, and experiencing life. What helps to give them some guidance as they are learning about how to be an adult and to different situations that you encounter. And because when we encounter difficult situations, you immediately go back to Those core teachings. So I think that’s the importance of culture in the context that I was using it, is trying to broaden that perspective to help listeners try to understand why Indigenous families want to maintain that cultural connection. Stephanie: So a lot of our native kids are being placed in non-native homes, and [00:11:00] providing that education for all foster parents is important. So they are aware of some do’s and don’ts, like for example. We had an eclipse and I shared the protocol what Navajos do for our foster families to ensure that the Navajo children followed what needed to be done during the eclipse. Stephanie: It’s just also providing that information, so if they’re caring for a Navajo infant, that they’re able to do a first laugh ceremony or get more information to be able to do that. I’ve had a foster parent reach out before and wanted to know what needed to get done and. Directed her to a Native Elder in the community who was able to help her with that. Stephanie: And so it’s just making sure that even though the Native kids are not in Native homes, they’re still being provided that cultural connection, even though it’s very limited. my hope is that sharing the cultural information, the foster parents will then share that with the Native children that are in their [00:12:00] home. Because it’s not just taking a child to a powwow or reading a book, but it’s the everyday living. Stephanie: It’s a discussion around the table. It’s going to an event with the family and seeing other people. Stephanie: One family was taking care of siblings from the Hopi tribe, and I was able to connect the family with resources so they would be able to go over the information with the children in their home. So hoping that will bring some connection while they’re placed in that non-native home. Liz: I think even the foster parents recognizing the importance of it. Liz: I mean, cutting over to what James said, I think the culture’s that it’s just like in our bones, it’s just how we live, and it’s so hard to. Apply that if it’s not really a part of you, but a foster parent who isn’t native, if they’re at least reaching out and they’re at least trying, that really does show that they honor where these children come from. Liz: In 1978, the Indian Child Welfare Act, known as ICWA [00:13:00] became law after decades of Native children being removed from their families and tribes at alarming rates. Here’s Stephanie and James explaining the history and purpose of ICWA and why it continues to matter here in Utah. Stephanie: Prior to 1978 and ICWA there was a 25 to 35% removal of Native children from their homes, and 85 to 90% of those children were placed in Non-native and non-relative homes. And so over that 10 year span, Congress studied the removal of Native children. Found that there was a need for the federal law based on the study and the testimonies from the families. Stephanie: The Indian Child Welfare Act is a federal law. It is the core of ICWA to recognize tribal sovereignty. It also recognizes the important roles that the tribes play, protecting the wellbeing of Native children. It also protects the children and parents’ constitutional rights. Stephanie: ICWA applies to children under the age of [00:14:00] 18. The child can either be a member of a federally recognized tribe or eligible for enrollment. Eligible for enrollment means that one of the birth parents is an enrolled member with a federally recognized tribe. Stephanie: Federally recognized tribe is a Native American or an Alaska native tribe entity that recognizes as having a government to government relationship with the United States. If the child is a part of a state tribe, they would not fall under the ICWA law. James: Well, as you know, with history of Native Americans, with our government, hasn’t been the best ’cause. James: You can go back to the boarding school era where children were forced to attend federally managed boarding schools. And the intent at that time was to destroy the culture, destroy the connection to culture, and so as kids were going through these various boarding schools, they were taught a different way of life and removed from their family and and [00:15:00] cultural settings. James: I mean, that’s a really brief summary. This could be an entire podcast series if we really wanted to dive into that history. But to go back to your point when it comes to the foster care system or why ICWA was created, as Stephanie had mentioned, there was a history of state child welfare agencies where Natives children were being forcefully taken from their families. James: In some instances, it was minor infractions. For whatever reason, these children were removed and placed into foster care. Some of them were put in through the adoption system. Hence, this was an ongoing challenge that many Native communities were experiencing and it, it caught the attention of Congress and there was a series of public hearings that Congress put on, and so this was an opportunity for those families to share their experiences and the challenges and obstacles that they were experiencing. James: Those testimonies are what led to the creation of ICWA ICWA [00:16:00] Was created to try to help to preserve that and to ensure that those cultural teachings would be able to be shared with future generations and to ensure that we as Indigenous people are still here. Liz: Almost two years ago, they tried to codify ICWA into state law and tell us a little bit about why they thought that was necessary. James: So Representative Watkins at the time was the lead sponsor of the state bill, and the reason this was being pushed forward by the tribes in Utah was because at the time there was a case that was going before the US Supreme Court. James: That was on ICWA So there was a potential that if the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in this case, then they would have overturned the law. And those protections that are part of that statute would have gone away. And so there was an effort at the state level to codify the spirit of the [00:17:00] law, so to speak, and make sure that is preserved care at the state of Utah. James: There was a lot of support for the bill. We went through several revisions. The tribes were heavily involved throughout that process, but unfortunately it still ran into resistant in the legislature. James: It did not pass. I think the tribes are talking about reintroducing the law again, presently, the Supreme Court has ruled and they basically upheld. James: I think there’s a desire to learn. It’s a complex issue, and as you talk with people, you’re going to have to approach that in unique ways because it is a complex topic and it’s not a one size fits all, or my perspective isn’t the be all perspective out there. And so I think as, um, people are curious, I would encourage people to read up more about the history behind the law, why it became a law. James: Also, if they have further questions, if they [00:18:00] have indigenous friends or connections to that way, then I think it would be appropriate to have those conversations or try to educate themselves as as best as they can, and maybe contacting Stephanie at a public event or. There are ways to continue to learn and try to understand the purpose of the law and why many indigenous communities are fighting to preserve this legislation. Liz: Does the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, do they ever get involved in foster care cases? James: Good question. So my office, we are not involved in the child welfare process at all. We do get phone calls from community members inquiring, but we refer those inquiries to, uh, DCFS. So within DCFS, there is a, ICWA coordinator who works directly on these matters in these cases, and so. James: We would refer them to contact DCFS to speak with that ICWA administrator who can guide them through the process. [00:19:00] We do try to give them as much information as we can. We do share resources, Utah Foster Care and other legal services generally that provide legal assistance or can answer some of those legal questions. Liz: Of course, even with protections in place, the realities aren’t always easy. Many families, even in Salt Lake, may not have the resources to be near or return to their ancestral homes in traditions. And though ICWA cases can be complex, the goal is always to place Native children with family first or in Native homes whenever possible. Stephanie: Any time there is reason to believe that there is a native child when the investigation is happening and someone says, I believe my grandmother is a Native American, even with that reason to believe they need to treat the. Stephanie: Case as an ICWA case, so DCFS notifications will then go out to the tribe and then it will be the tribe who will then to determine if the child is a member [00:20:00] or eligible for enrollment. While that’s taking place, the state will then try to find a native home for the native children. So under ICWA there is a foster placement preference, and it would be family first, and then it would be with, um, foster parent of the same tribe. And then the third one would be from a different tribe. And then the last placement would be to any open foster home that’s available. Craig: there’s Craig: multiple reservations in the United States. And one that is particularly for the Navajo reservation. . So the Navajo people were put on this land, on our homeland, and it goes back to the history of how we have our ancestral homeland. Craig: Where we emerged, we came to our mother earth, and the deities at that time said, this will be where you will live. This will be your homeland. So our ancestral homeland became the boundaries, became the four sacred mountains. So we have to keep that in [00:21:00] mind. Craig: Before lines were made by the US government, there was our ancestral homeland, and the boundaries were created with four sacred mountains and with two mountains in the middle that serve as our central location. ? So that’s our ancestral homeland. However, during the 1860s, we were removed from our land and put onto a different reservation in New Mexico. , We were released due to whatever political reasons that was, and a treaty was formed. And with that treaty, what a struck of a pin, we were given four diagonal lines and said, this is your reservation. And throughout the next couple of years. With new presidents coming in and out of office with executive orders, our reservation grew, but it still stayed inside our ancestral homeland boundaries, and I think we’re grateful for that. Craig: Yeah, other tribe have different experiences. Some [00:22:00] did stay on their ancestral land, some did leave their ancestral land and put onto reservations. However, as the Navajo people we’re very fortunate to have returned and the government really accept that we return to our ancestral lands, we’re very thankful for that, that we return to our ancestral lands. Craig: So when I say reservations, and when I say on our ancestral lands, it’s where we call home. The land that we call home. The land that times the Navajo names. For example, our four sacred mountain. Craig: When we hear that, we hear home. A lot of our urban community members here in Salt Lake don’t have the resources at times, the needs or even the transportation to go home. Because you look at it, the Navajo nation as the almost from eight to 10 hours away, depending on where you live, and maybe even more. Craig: And our community members do want to keep that [00:23:00] connection. And the Urban Indian Center understands that. And I understand it because I was raised on the reservation and I, I moved to an urban area to where I don’t have the connection. Liz: The good news is there are resources right here in Utah for Native children. The Urban Indian Center in Salt Lake City offers language classes, cultural events, and outreach to help children and families stay connected. Utah Foster Care also provides similar opportunities from cultural education to community events like the Indigenous Foster Care Fashion Show and the Moccasin Run-in White Mesa. Stephanie: As I mentioned before, there is a shortage of native foster homes. Stephanie: Being very present in the community is important. Being at the table when it comes to policy making, meeting with the tribes and making those connections with the community is important. Stephanie: So they are aware that there is a need that. If they’re not able to foster, then there’s other ways to support our Native kids through the Cedar Project or provide [00:24:00] support to our foster families. And again, it’s just coming up with unique ideas of recruitment. We collaborated with James’ office in Ute Mountain Ute years ago and have an Annual Moccasin Run that we hold in White Mesa, Utah every year to bring awareness. Stephanie: And just coming up with different types of events who bring the community together to make sure that our Native kids have that cultural connection. And that’s why it’s important to be considered a, a kinship placement or a foster placement. Craig: With families that don’t have that tie. First of all, you have resources in your state, and some of these resources are at the state level. Craig: I know Utah. Does have the eight tribes in Utah. However, there are also the urban areas. For example, one can start from the State Department of Indian Affairs, and then Indian Affairs can guide you to other resources in the areas such as the Urban Indian Center. The Urban Indian [00:25:00] Center can provide many of those resources to as well. Craig: They can provide, this is what this tribe is, what this other tribe is, and how they’re unique from one another. What the Urban Indian Center and how it’s unique too, is also that they have employees that are employed from different tribes, so the navigation there also can span out even more. Sure. But. Craig: Another area is that each of the tribes have their own program. The social services programs, the tribal historic preservation offices, those are areas to where they like to connect the vital records departments. They will connect their, and we ensure that the Native children are connected to their native heritage and their native ways. Craig: At the beginning when a family is navigating these, it might seem like a very scary thing to do, but overall, the community the Urban Indian Center, they’re [00:26:00] open to it. They’re open. Which way do we go? How do we navigate it? Craig: And if we don’t know anybody there, you know, that will help you navigate. There’s always somebody that they will connect you. So I would really let the families. That have native children in their care to always reach out, Stephanie Benally is a great resource and she’ll connect you with any resources that you may have. And they’re always open to whether non-native, whether non Navajo. But they still have a Navajo child in their home. We encourage them to bring the Navajo child, their child, our child, to our home, their Indian center, and learn from us too as well, so they understand the importance of our Navajo culture. Craig: We have our main location, which is on 120 West, 1300 South in Salt Lake City, hours from eight to five. Our phone number is (801) 486-4877. And we do have a [00:27:00] team there. So if you have a question. Reach out and you can ask for me, Craig Sandoval. Craig: Or you can ask for our outreach department, Rhonda Duval heads that department. Everybody knows Rhonda. . We know her as Honey, but she’s a great resource too as well. Feel free to reach out to us so we can make some of those connections for you and support you as a parent, support you as one of our family members too. Liz: These are all ways foster families can support Native youth in care. As we close, our guests reflect on the great work of families that foster Native children, keeping Indigenous people and culture strong, and underscore the urgent need for more native foster homes in Utah. Craig: Thank you for the Utah foster care. Thank you to your team and also thank you to. Foster parents out there taking a new child, a Navajo child can have its challenges. It’s a beautiful thing too, as well. Craig: And we wanna thank you. I personally wanna thank you. We wanna thank you [00:28:00] and always remember that the Urban Indian Center is a resource. You can come see us at any time. James: I just appreciate having this conversation. I think it’s good to help your listeners understand this complex law, and hopefully this conversation today will give some insight and encourage listeners to learn a little bit more about this history and to try to better understand why ICWA was created and why many Indigenous communities around the country are working very hard to preserve this federal legislation. Liz: We hope today’s episode has shed some light on ICWA and the importance of culture and connection for Native children in foster care. To learn more about Native services at Utah foster care, visit Utah foster care.org. You can also connect with the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake, or the Utah Division of Indian Affairs for resources and support. Liz: Thank you for joining us for Fostering Conversations. Together we can ensure every [00:29:00] child in Utah grows up connected to the rich heritage of their roots.

This week host John Kruse brings you audio recorded at the Boardman Marina on the Columbia River in Oregon where the BAM (Bass Angler Magazine) Pro-Am Tournament took place.  The winning professional and amateur anglers are interviewed as well as a high school student who fished his way into a $10K scholarship to Simpson University in California.  We'll also talk to the announcer of the tournament, James "Big Ed" Everhart.   In addition to this John chats with Ralynne Takeda with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources about archery hunting safety and to Greg Wagner about Nebraska's innovative Deer Exchange Program.   www.americaoutdoors.com  

It's prime time right now to get out on the water for summer fun with the family.. but Holly -- If you saw someone struggling in water, would you know how to rescue them without putting yourself at risk? One recent tragedy that brought this issue top of mind involving a man who died in Utah after trying to help a 12 year old girl as she drifted far from shore on an inflatable tube. Ty Hunter, Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation Boating Program Manager joins the show to discuss water safety and what to think about before saving another person from drowning.

This podcast concludes a 3-part series on Moab's creek corridors. The series includes restoration processes on the creeks, stream water gauge science, and this episode, fire fuels mitigation along Mill and Pack creeks flowing from the west side of the La Sal Mountains. Fire risk is high in creek corridors and other overgrown areas. The dense corridors could spread fire quickly through Moab and Spanish Valley. We talked with Duncan Fuchise, the forest stewardship program manager with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, as he hopped between work sites along the Mill Creek Corridor one morning in March 2025.

Park City officials finalize golf course fees and add 5-play punch pass, Summit Community Gardens readies as growing season approaches, Park City School District athletics master plan faces layout and turf setbacks, Utah Olympic Park's Kole Nordmann shares details on summer season activities, Karl Hunt from the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands discusses the state's wildfire season preparations, Park City Mayor Nann Worel recaps Thursday's council meeting, Lawyer Janet Conway explains West Hills incorporation lawsuit and Recycle Utah's future remains uncertain after September 2026 eviction date.

Developers unveil plans for Bonanza Park 5-acre site, infrastructure spending slows for MIDA mountain development, Doctors Colton Miller and Shawn Miller preview the free Mental Health Awareness Night at Intermountain Health Park City Hospital, Coalville councilmembers reverse course on city attorney employment policy, Park City Councilmember Jeremy Rubell recaps Thursday's council meeting and Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation Boating Program Manager Ty Hunter talks about boating safety.

A seventeen-year-old boy was died Saturday after a near drowning in the Weber River. A group of boys were playing near the river when two went in and only one resurfaced. We speak to Ty Hunter, Boating Program Manager at Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation about river dangers and how to stay safe near any water this spring and summer season. 

In this week's episode, host Daniel Raimi talks with Jonathan Jennings, a meteorologist at the Utah Division of Water Resources and president of the Weather Modification Association. Jennings's work focuses on cloud seeding, a technology that can reduce hail and increase rainfall or snowfall by introducing chemicals into clouds, yielding more water for agriculture, aquifers, and bodies of water. Jennings outlines the chemistry and physics behind cloud seeding, how much additional precipitation the technology can elicit from clouds, and the scale at which cloud seeding is used. He also speaks to public concerns about modifying weather and shares insights on how experts can better communicate the goals, methods, and impacts of this technology to the public. References and recommendations: “Economic Impacts of Cloud Seeding on Agricultural Crops in North Dakota” by Dean Bangsund and Nancy Hodur; https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/291806 “A Benefit-Cost Analysis of Texas Weather Modification Activities Resulting in an Additional One Inch of Rainfall Across a Region” by Jason L. Johnson; https://perma.cc/ERJ6-HGLZ “Bitter Waters: The Struggles of the Pecos River” by Patrick Dearen; https://www.oupress.com/9780806152011/bitter-waters/

Governor Cox has issued a state of emergency... due to drought conditions in 17 Utah counties. Joining me live is Engineer at Utah Division of Water Resources... Laura Haskell 

The State has decided that employees can no longer work from home on bad air quality days. Joining me live is Director of the Utah Division of Air Quality... Bryce Bird.

Are you up to get rid of your gas powered lawn equipment and trade it in for electric? The state has a deal for you and it involves hundreds of dollars to switch. Lisa Burr, Grant and Incentive Section Manager at Utah Division of Air Quality explains the program.

Five years ago, Utah was hit with a 5.7 magnitude earthquake. An earthquake during the pandemic shook people up, making them think that this was the "Big One" we are all told about.  This sudden earthquake made Utahns more aware that they were not prepared. We speak to Bianca Valasquez from Utah Division of Emergency Management about earthquake safety and how to prepare your family.

Sarah Page, Drinking Water Treatment Lead for the Utah Division of Drinking Water, joins us to provide a great PFAS update. We discuss EPA's final, but not yet implemented PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, what monitoring and remediating PFAS will look like for various water systems, and the role of Guns and Roses in engaging water communication. Super practical information about a critical topic that will be with us a long, long time. 

Humans have been writing in abbreviated ways as long as writing has existed. In the 19th century, Isaac Pitman developed – and marketed – a system of shorthand that became widely adopted. Research: Baker, Alfred. “The Life of Sir Isaac Pitman.” London. Pitman. 1919. Accessed online: https://archive.org/details/centenlifeofsiri00bakeuoft/page/34/mode/2up Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Sir Isaac Pitman". Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Jan. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Isaac-Pitman Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Pitman shorthand". Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Apr. 2016, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pitman-shorthand Miller, Genesie. “A Brief on Shorthand.” Utah Division of Archives and Records. April 11, 2023. https://archives.utah.gov/2023/04/11/a-brief-on-shorthand/ “Sir Isaac Pitman.” The Vegetarian. 1895. https://archive.org/details/vegetarianmonthl00unse_0/page/122/mode/2up?q=sir+isaac Pitman, Benn. “Sir Isaac Pitman, His Life and Labors.” Cincinnati. C.J. Krehbiel. 1902. https://archive.org/details/sirisaacpitmanhi00pitmuoft/page/48/mode/2up Pitman, Isaac. “Phonotypic Journal, for the Year 1845.” Vol. 4. Phonographic Institution. 1845. https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=K-gOAQAAIAAJ&pg=GBS.PP7&hl=en Russon, Allien R.. "shorthand". Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Nov. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/topic/shorthand Triggs, T. (2009, October 08). Pitman, Sir Isaac (1813–1897), deviser of a system of shorthand writing. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.https://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-22322 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brett Bovee of Westwater Resources joins your host Emily Lewis to discuss the Utah Water Marketing Strategies Project. For the last 4 years Brett and Emily have been working with a Project Management Team of Clyde Snow, Westwater, HDR Engineering, the Utah Division of Water Resources, and the Utah Division of Water Rights to pilot the Utah Water Banking Act and to distill lessons learned into broader Statewide Water Marketing Strategies. This is a project near and dear to our hearts and a MUST listen.

The Upper Avenues are well-known for their expensive views, but did you know they're also hunting grounds? Perry Hall, chair of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Utah Chapter, joins host Ali Vallarta to tell us how hunters, hikers, and dogs can safely coexist in our city's backyard. This episode originally aired on Jan. 3, 2024. Learn more about the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources' hunting mentorship program and about the BHA's Hunting for Sustainability course. This year we're giving $1,500 worth of gift cards to one lucky winner for the chance to enjoy some of the best SLC eats in every month of 2025. Follow the steps on this Instagram post to enter to win a year's worth of City Cast Salt Lake's favorite restaurants. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It's the best way to support our work and help make sure we're around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  ICO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rod and Greg Show Daily Rundown – Thursday, January 9, 20254:20 pm: Paula Scanlan, Special Projects Ambassador at the Riley Gaines Center at the Leadership Institute joins the program for a conversation about a federal judge's decision to block Joe Biden's changes to Title IX from taking effect.4:38 pm: Merilee Boyack, former City Councilwoman in Poway, California and now a Utah resident, joins the show to discuss her experience with wildfires in the San Diego area and what those who've been evacuated in Los Angeles might be experiencing.5:05 pm: Senator John Curtis joins the show to give us his impressions following last night's meeting with President-elect Donald Trump and other GOP Senators to discuss Trump's legislative priorities.6:05 pm: Taiga Rohrer, Deputy Fire Management Officer with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands joins the show for a conversation about the proactive programs Utah uses to help prevent wildfires.6:38: pm: Steve Moore, an Economist with FreedomWorks and a financial advisor to President-elect Donald Trump, joins Rod and Greg for their weekly conversation about politics and the nation's economy.

Dani Zebelean, Environmental Engineer III with the Utah Division of Drinking Water, joins us to discuss Minimum System Specific Sizing Standards. We discuss how Utah is working to get a better understanding of its water user by moving from a baseline estimate of per connection water use to the actual amount of used based on meter use. This is a brass tacks discussion about an important data set used to inform municipal water exactions, source and supply constraints, and many other overlapping areas of Utah water law.

Hosts: Adam Gardiner and Leah Murray  The Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) came under quite a bit of scrutiny in 2024, following several public incidents involving child abuse and death. In many cases, DCFS says its hands were tied due to legal restrictions. Now, the Utah Legislature may make some changes to the law that would give DCFS more flexibility and power. State House Representative Christine Watkins calls into Inside Sources to explain a few of her bills on the subject.  

Hosts: Adam Gardiner and Leah Murray  The impact and legacy of the late President Jimmy Carter  The country’s longest-living president has passed away at 100 years old. President Jimmy Carter only served one term roughly 50 years ago, but his impact and legacy have been long-lasting. Inside Sources hosts Leah Murray and Adam Gardiner share their thoughts on President Carter’s policies and post-presidency actions. They also discuss the overall roll of former presidents on humanitarian efforts and foreign policy.    On the Hill 2025: Previewing legislation on ballot propositions  When a citizen initiative reaches the ballot in Utah, who writes the proposition that voters will ultimately vote on? In the past, the Legislative General Counsel would write the prop, but that changed in recent years; the House Speaker and Senate President could write it instead. Now, there looks to be efforts to change the process back to how it used to be. State House Representative Angela Romero joins the program to talk about a bill she’s working on to address this.    Fighting between DOGE and Trump supporters over visas for workers  In the last week, a new rift has emerged between leaders of the Department of Government Efficiency – Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy – and loyal supporters of President-elect Donald Trump. It comes as Musk and Ramaswamy voice their support for H-1B visas for foreign tech workers. Inside Sources breaks down the situation and what the incoming president has to say about it.    Sen.-elect Curtis says he won’t be a ‘rubber stamp’ for Donald Trump  In an interview with ABC’s “This Week,” Utah Senator-elect John Curtis said he wouldn’t be a rubber stamp for President-elect Trump’s agenda. Instead, Curtis says he’ll be a stamp for the state of Utah and its people. Corey Norman, Chief of Staff for Senator-elect Curtis’ Office joins the show to explain the Senator-elect's stance and what it could mean for Utah’s relationship with the incoming administration.    On the Hill 2025: Previewing legislation on child welfare  The Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) came under quite a bit of scrutiny in 2024, following several public incidents involving child abuse and death. In many cases, DCFS says its hands were tied due to legal restrictions. Now, the Utah Legislature may make some changes to the law that would give DCFS more flexibility and power. State House Representative Christine Watkins calls into Inside Sources to explain a few of her bills on the subject.     What happens when a legislator leaves the state legislature?  As the Utah Legislature prepares to begin a new session in just a few weeks, several sitting legislators are wrapping things up, preparing to leave office. When a legislator leaves office, what happens to bills or initiatives they were working on? Is someone else forced to carry the bill, or could things simply end? Former legislator Adam Gardiner shares some insights as we discussed other legislators on their way out the door.    The Twelve Days of Christmas  You’ve all heard the song, but have you ever wondered what actually are the Twelve Days of Christmas? Along the same vein, how late do you keep your Christmas decorations up? The hosts finish Inside Sources discussing post-Christmas traditions.     

On Thursday, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources passed a new deer management plan, which will inform hunting regulations until 2030. One major change approved in the plan involves how the state will manage areas with high numbers of chronic wasting disease, such as the La Sal Mountains and Castle Valley. Targeted hunts will occur in these areas to cull sick deer. - Photo: The new plan also suggests lowering the buck-to-doe ratios is certain areas throughout the state as another method for slowing the spread of chronic wasting disease as male deer are more like to contract it. Photo by Bryant Olsen via Flickr.

Photo Courtesy of Dustin Wittwer/The Huntian Everyone wants better mule deer hunting, but what is that really? Bigger herds? Better bucks? Better draw odds? Less opportunity for other hunters besides ourselves? Or something else altogether? Travis and Robby discuss some changes that could be on the horizon in at least three western states: Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Travis also shares some of scouting experiences since his seasons closed. If you want better mule deer hunting, you need to get involved now.  Below are links to some of the proposals discussed, and links to public meetings (some can be attended virtually).  The future is ours, we just need to get involved and debate all the ideas out there to make the best decision for the future of mule deer. Utah Division of Wildlife 2025 Mule Deer Proposals https://wildlife.utah.gov/news/utah-wildlife-news/2014-dwr-recommends-updates-to-deer-management-plan-and-hunt-strategies-research.html Idaho Southeast Idaho Mule Deer Committee https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/southeast-idaho-mule-deer-advisory-committee-efforts-are-underway Idaho Technology Committee https://idfg.idaho.gov/hat-working-group Wyoming Mule Deer Community Conversation Meeting times and Locations https://wgfd.wyo.gov/news-events?type_1=event   Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here     

Season 6 Episode 39: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Claudia Loayza, Magnify Utah program manager at the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs. Loayza describes her background as a child of Latin American immigrants and her focus on creating generational wealth and community engagement. She explains her work with Magnify Utah, a project that connects and celebrates Utah's diverse communities by highlighting resources, stories, and cultural landmarks. She emphasizes the importance of inclusive urban planning, equitable resource access, and intentional storytelling in strengthening Utah's multicultural reach. Loayza highlights the mission and impact of Magnify Utah's website, designed to highlight personal stories, community profiles, and resources that promote inclusivity and community building in Utah. The website serves as a central hub to help residents — including immigrants, veterans, and corporate transplants — integrate and thrive. She also emphasizes the state's rich heritage of welcoming newcomers and the growing diversity that shapes its future. Loayza highlights Utah's strong sense of community and shared values, making it attractive for entrepreneurship.  

Justin Cuthbert and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with head coach of Utah HC André Tourigny (0:52) ahead of their inaugural NHL game tomorrow evening. They discuss his expectations for the team, moving to Utah and the decision to name Clayton Keller the franchise's first captain. Then, Ben Verlander joins the show (13:00) to discuss MLB postseason action over the weekend - a chaotic game 2 between the Dodgers and Padres, the Mets and Phillies going back and forth and much more. Finally, Kyle Bukauskas (27:35) tees up the NHL regular season and weighs in on the Habs rebuild, the Oilers' path back to the Cup Finals and much more. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

The fungus that causes a deadly bat disease called white-nose syndrome has made its way to Utah. Last week, Canyonlands National Park announced that the fungus was detected in an abandoned mine in the Needles District. White-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats in North America since it was discovered in 2007. Now, Utah has become the 44th state in the U.S. to test positive for the fungus. - Show Notes - • White-Nose Syndrome Response Team https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/ • The economic impacts of ecosystem disruptions: Costs from substituting biological pest control https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg0344 • Canyonlands National Park Announcement https://www.nps.gov/cany/learn/news/news09182024.htm • Bat biologist Kimberly Hersey, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources kimberlyasmus@utah.gov • Photo: A fungal infection causes White-Nose Syndrome in bats across the U.S. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Last year, Utah legalized unlimited, year-round hunting of mountain lions. Some argue that mountain lion numbers need to come down in order to help the state's dwindling deer population, despite no evidence to support this correlation. In fact, wildlife biologist Jim Keen recently published a paper arguing the opposite — that a healthy predator population is necessary to help deer numbers, especially if those deer are suffering from disease. - Show Notes - • Utah just legalized unlimited mountain lion hunting. What does that mean for the state's cougars? https://soundcloud.com/user-452372146-352514478/friday-may-19-2023 • Wildlife advocates sue the state of Utah over changes to mountain lion hunting https://soundcloud.com/user-452372146-352514478/wildlife-advocates-sue-the-state-of-utah-over-changes-to-mountain-lion-hunting-laws • Big cats as nature's check against disease, by Jim Keen https://catsarenttrophies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Natures-Check-Against-Disease-Report-08-21-24.pdf?ms=EM_NBI_AWA_20240827_FR_CWD_0_3MO_WaynePacelle_NA_NA_CWD&emci=1473c15a-9764-ef11-991a-6045bdd9e096&emdi=1490e0f0-ad64-ef11-991a-6045bdd9e096&ceid=11359917 • Photo: Weight loss is a main symptom of chronic wasting disease, as seen in this deer. Photo courtesy of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

On Friday, a new lithium mine in Green River announced that the Utah Division of Water Rights approved its application. The mine, owned by Anson Resources, was granted a flow rate of 19 cubic feet of water per second on the condition that all water used in the extraction process will be re-injected back into the aquifer after lithium has been removed. Following a drilling accident this spring, concerned residents protested the mine's water rights, spurring the state to re-evaluate the application. Friday's decision is the result of that review process. - Show Notes - • Green River residents voice concerns about lithium mine accident https://soundcloud.com/user-452372146-352514478/green-river-residents-voice-concerns-about-lithium-mine-accident • Photo: Anson Resource's lithium mine is located less than half a mile from the Green River. Photo by Kenny Fallon / Green River Observer.

Utah's water forecast is looking pretty damn good as we head into summer. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means take a look at the Great Salt Lake, our reservoirs, and when you should really be watering your lawn. Plus, the Salt Lake City Council considers a handful of tax increases, and Ali and Emily share local shoutouts. Resources and references: Utah water forecast appears good headed into summer [Great Salt Lake Collaborative] Participate in the Great Salt Lake elevation challenge Weekly lawn watering guide from Utah Division of Water Resources Utah Water Savers landscape incentive program Salt Lake City proposed tax increases Subscribe to the town of Brighton newsletter We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey — it's only seven minutes long, and you'll be doing us a big favor! Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast Salt Lake swag. Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It's the best way to support our work and help make sure we're around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC and Twitter @CityCastSLC. Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices