U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the Strategic Grazing to Reduce the Risk of Wildfire Act, bipartisan legislation to direct the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to collaborate with grazing allotment holders, States, Tribes, and local fire departments to create a strategy to use targeted grazing to manage hazardous fuels and reduce risks from wildfires.

“Utah has already experienced 218 wildfires this year, marking a nearly 50% increase compared to this point last year,” said Senator Curtis. “While officials anticipate an above-average wildfire season, I am encouraged by proposals that include grazing and use of public lands for fire mitigation. Our bipartisan legislation will help empower local officials and fire crews to develop targeted strategies like these to manage hazardous fuels and decrease risks.”

“As the West continues to face the threat of wildfires, it’s essential that we look for ways to protect our communities from devastation,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bill takes a wildfire prevention and mitigation strategy that’s been proven to work and puts it in place at the federal level. We must make sure there’s an overarching plan to combat these fires that have become all too frequent.”

— Office of Senator John Curtis

UDOT crews begin biannual assessment of 200 weather stations across the state

The Utah Department of Transportation is conducting its biannual checkups on approximately 200 weather stations around the state. These weather stations provide UDOT with valuable real-time safety information.

UDOT then relays this information to the public through various communication channels like variable messaging signs (VMS), the UDOT Traffic website and even directly to vehicles through vehicle-to-everything technology.

A typical UDOT weather station consists of multiple sensors to detect wind, temperatures, humidity levels, rain, soil temperature, snowfall rate, visibility and road conditions. Each weather station provides UDOT with precise, real-time data on road and weather conditions.

Understanding the current and forecasted conditions on roads helps UDOT maintenance crews know where to work — particularly during the winter.

“This data helps us plan everything from our pre-storm treatment to post-storm management,” UDOT Weather Operations Specialist and RWIS Coordinator Cody Oppermann said. “The information our weather stations provide us is crucial in helping us make the best decisions for snow mitigation and everyone traveling on Utah’s roads.”

The data also helps UDOT save money. These weather stations, along with the weather program itself, save 11 dollars for every one dollar spent on labor and materials, with more than $2.2 million saved.

— Utah Department of Transportation

UDAF announces $1 million in funding available to permanently protect Utah’s working farms and ranches

As Utah’s agricultural lands face increasing development pressure, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is announcing $1 million in funding to permanently protect working farms and ranches through conservation easements under the 2025 LeRay McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund.

Administered by UDAF, the LeRay McAllister Fund helps preserve working farms and ranches that are vital to Utah’s economy, food security, and rural heritage. Through strategic partnerships with landowners, land trusts, local governments, and other entities, the fund enables long-term conservation of Utah’s most productive and threatened agricultural lands.

Since 1999, over 68,855 acres of working farmland have been placed into conservation easements with funding from the LeRay McAllister Program to keep this agricultural land in operation forever. In past years, the fund has helped preserve iconic family farms in Cache Valley, ranchlands in Sanpete County, and beyond, protecting both natural resources, local food security, and rural livelihoods.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with two funding batches per year. Projects will be evaluated based on criteria including agricultural productivity, threat of conversion, water resource protection, and the land’s contribution to local and regional conservation priorities.

— Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

Utah Board of Higher Education reappoints Chair Amanda Covington and selects Jon Cox as new vice chair

During its June 6, 2025, meeting, the Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously reappointed Amanda Covington to serve as chair of the Board for a second term. The Board also selected Jon Cox to serve as vice chair, succeeding Steve Neeleman, who has chosen to dedicate more time and focus on the important work of the Utah State University presidential search, while continuing to serve as an active and valued Board member.

Chair Covington was first appointed as chair in 2023, following the reconstitution of the Board to 10 members. She brings extensive experience in strategic communications and public affairs, as well as a deep commitment to public higher education and workforce alignment. Covington currently serves as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for The Larry H. Miller Company and has previously held leadership roles with Vista Outdoor Inc., ATK (now Northrop Grumman), and the Office of the Utah Governor.

“I’m honored to continue serving as chair during such an important time for Utah higher education,” said Covington. “Our colleges and universities are navigating change with purpose, focused on affordability, value and meeting the evolving needs of students and our state. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues on the Board to continue driving that momentum.”

The Utah Board of Higher Education is the governing body for the Utah System of Higher Education. The Utah Legislature grants it the power to control, oversee and regulate USHE.

— Utah System of Higher Education