Salt Lake City, Utah – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has officially approved the new Utah Wildlife Action Plan, marking a significant step forward in conserving Utah’s most at-risk native wildlife and fish species. Approved on January 6, this comprehensive 10-year strategy, effective from 2025 through 2035, equips the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and its partners with funding opportunities and a clear framework to address pressing threats to biodiversity.
This third iteration of the plan underwent more than three years of development, involving input from over 35 conservation partners. Submitted to the USFWS in August 2025, it identifies key habitats and species requiring immediate attention to prevent declines that could lead to federal Endangered Species Act listings. By maintaining management at the state level, the plan aims to optimize resources, reduce taxpayer costs, and preserve high-quality recreational opportunities for hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
“By preventing federal listings under the Endangered Species Act, we can keep wildlife management at the state level, which ultimately saves resources and taxpayer dollars,” said Scott Gibson, DWR Utah Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator. “It also provides stability for businesses within the state and maintains the world-class opportunities afforded to our hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts. The plan identifies the need for funding (and matching funding) for native species projects and provides a framework for how to best use our resources for the species most in need.”
At the heart of the plan are 256 species of greatest conservation need, spanning diverse taxa: four amphibians, 23 birds, 14 mammals, four reptiles, 22 fish, 27 mollusks, 16 insects, and 146 plants. This statistical breakdown underscores the breadth of Utah’s biodiversity challenges, from high-elevation mammals like the American pika to aquatic species facing habitat fragmentation.
Partnerships play a crucial role in implementation. Isobel Lingenfelter, Conservation Director for the Utah Wildlife Federation, highlighted the collaborative spirit: “It’s incredible to see the partnerships that the DWR fosters through the Utah Wildlife Action Plan come together every 10 years to work on its revision. These partnerships form the backbone of wildlife conservation for Utah’s most at-risk species, which gives me hope our grandchildren will get to enjoy wildlife as we do today.”
Utah’s Hogle Zoo exemplifies such collaboration. “Utah’s Hogle Zoo has long partnered with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to both highlight and invest in native species conservation in the state,” said Dr. Lynne Baker, Director of Conservation. “In particular, our collaboration has contributed to a greater understanding of the status of wild populations of the Western toad, as well as to the recovery of this unique species in Utah. The Western toad is one of four amphibians listed as species of greatest conservation need in the DWR’s comprehensive Wildlife Action Plan. We are proud to collaborate with the DWR in the recovery of this vulnerable species and other native wildlife.” The Western toad serves as a concrete example of targeted recovery efforts, illustrating how zoo partnerships enhance field conservation for amphibians threatened by disease and habitat loss.
The plan not only outlines threats but also actionable strategies, emphasizing proactive habitat protection and restoration. It guides DWR in prioritizing projects that secure matching funds for on-the-ground work, ensuring sustainable outcomes for Utah’s ecosystems.
Public participation is encouraged to amplify these efforts. Individuals can volunteer for projects with DWR partners like Sageland Collaborative or contribute observation data via platforms such as iNaturalist and eBird. These community-driven inputs bolster monitoring and inform adaptive management.
For those interested in specific species profiles, the DWR website offers detailed resources, including a dedicated podcast episode exploring efforts to aid endangered species. This approval reinforces Utah’s commitment to sustainability, balancing conservation with outdoor access amid growing pressures on natural resources.
The Utah Wildlife Action Plan positions the state to safeguard its rich biodiversity for future generations, fostering resilient populations of fish, wildlife, and plants essential to Utah’s landscapes.For more information, visit Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.