Statewide Public Land Survey Begins

Utah State University researcher Richard Krannich and John Harja from the Utah Governor’s Office of Public Land Policy Coordination are involved in a statewide survey of Utah residents concerning their use of and attitudes about public lands management. The survey begins May 7.

A random sample of more than 10,000 Utah households has been drawn, and survey questionnaires will be mailed to residents of every county in the state. The mailing begins May 7. The survey asks Utahns how they use public lands, including both recreation and income- generating uses. It also asks residents to express their views about how public lands should be managed and their evaluations of current land management policies.

 

Study results will be used by federal land management agencies, state agencies and county commissions to improve decision making about public land management.

 

“This study will be one of the main factors in helping the governor’s office, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management prepare their planning documents and policies in the future,” Harja said.

 

“Completion of the surveys by those who are selected is critical,” Krannich said. “We need to be sure that all Utah citizens are represented.”