businesses and citizens are involved in or otherwise depend on industries that utilize federal lands and their resources, including the oil and gas industry, livestock grazing, mining and mineral development, recreational industries, hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. These industries are essential components of the national, state, and local economies and are major contributors to our citizens' economic and social welfare. Creating additional federal land designations and placing public lands into permanent conservation status causes dramatic and irreversible harm to the economies and welfare of the citizens of many counties, such as Duchesne County. The creation of national monuments often results in increased visitation to areas unsuitable for such visitation due to insufficient roads, signage, parking areas, restroom facilities, and solid waste facilities, which can degrade the environment and burden local search and rescue providers. The parties discussed the resolution and land use. Commissioner Killian made a motion to approve Resolution # 25-02, Opposing Continued Presidential Abuse of the 1906 Preservation of American Antiquities Act as amended. Commissioner Chugg seconded the motion. Commissioner Killian voted aye, Commissioner Chugg voted aye, and Commissioner Miles voted aye. The motion passed.

Discussion & Consideration of Purchasing a Commission Vehicle

Commissioner Miles explained that most fleet vehicles have been moved to departments to replace old and worn-out vehicles. This has left the fleet short. The current vehicle that Commissioner Chugg is using is not compatible with all of the roads he will need to travel. Commissioner Chugg presented a quote from L&L Motors for a Ram 1500. The parties discussed the purchase and the cost. Commissioner Killian made a motion to purchase the vehicle from L&L Motors for $50,865. Commissioner Chugg seconded the motion. Commissioner Killian voted aye, Commissioner Chugg voted aye, and Commissioner Miles voted aye. The motion passed.

Recess 9:28 a.m. to 9:46 a.m.

Commissioner Chugg made a motion to saunter. Commissioner Killian seconded the motion. Commissioner Chugg voted aye, Commissioner Killian voted aye, and Commissioner Miles voted aye. The motion passed.

Presentation of the Annual State PILT Check

Division of Wildlife Resources Regional Supervisor Miles Hanberg presented the Annual State PILT check of $43,145.70. The check is for the 2024 contractual in-lieu tax payment on land the Division of Wildlife Resources owns in Duchesne County. The money used to pay the in-lieu tax is provided largely by hunters and anglers in the County and across the State. He also provided Utah’s Watershed Restoration Initiative Handout. The parties discussed the Strawberry River Channel Restoration, additional campsites, and a shooting range.

Discussion & Consideration of the Annual Seasonal Road Closure on the Tabby Mountain WMA

Division of Wildlife Resources Regional Supervisor Miles Hanberg presented information on the Tabby Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Seasonal Travel Restriction Program 2025 Progress Report, which includes maps of elk and mule deer locations on Tabby Mountain WMA. The UDWR will conduct winter helicopter surveys on the Current Creek subunit in February 2025. As of January 2025, UDWR has 33 elk in the Current Creek Subunit with GPS collars. 30 GPS-collared elk are in the WMAs throughout the sub-unit, with 24 on the Tabby Mountain WMA. The Division of Wildlife Resources would like continued support for the seasonal road closures. The parties discussed the closure and report. Commissioner Chugg made a motion to support the seasonal travel restrictions program by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources as set forth by the document. Commissioner Killian seconded the motion. Commissioner Chugg voted aye, Commissioner Killian voted aye, and Commissioner Miles voted aye. The motion passed.

Auditors Office – Vouchers

Clerk-Auditor Chelise Stewart presented the January 27, 2025, vouchers, check numbers 167976 through 168086, for $1,069,635.85. The parties reviewed the vouchers submitted. Commissioner Chugg made a motion to approve the vouchers for January 27, 2025, 2024, and 2025 expenditures, minus the Sheriff’s Office vehicle. Commissioner Killian seconded