Iron County Government
Natural Resources
Supporting responsible natural resource management, land use planning, conservation, and recreation throughout Iron County.
About Our Department
What We Do
The Natural Resources Department coordinates resource planning, agency collaboration, and natural resource management efforts for Iron County.
Department Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain the Iron County Resource Management Plan (CRMP), specific resource plans, and the natural resources section of the Iron County General Plan.
- Develop monitoring systems for all goals and objectives of the Iron County CRMP.
- Implement the Iron County CRMP.
- Monitor, review, and report to the County Board of Commissioners and other necessary county officials regarding federal and state land and natural resource management agency proposals and environmental analyses that impact Iron County or Iron County interests.
- Submit formal comments to agencies, as warranted, under the direction of the Board of Commissioners and Natural Resource Advisory Council.
- Serve as a representative for Iron County in formal Cooperating Agency agreements with federal agency projects of interest.
- Meet all other participation expectations of and requisite reporting to the Board of Commissioners.
- Build and maintain positive and productive working relationships with state and federal land and natural resource management agencies, personnel, the general public, and advocacy groups interested in natural resource issues in Iron County.
- Assist other County Departments in planning and implementing recreational plans.
Protecting County Resources
Iron County works with state and federal agencies, local stakeholders, and community partners to support informed natural resource planning and management.
Supporting land management, conservation, recreation, and resource planning across Iron County.
County Planning
Resource Management Plan (CRMP)
Iron County's guiding document for natural resource planning and interagency coordination.
The Iron County Resource Management Plan (CRMP) was developed to facilitate cooperation and collaboration between the County and federal and state land management agencies in planning for natural resources in Iron County.
The plan was developed jointly with land management agencies and stakeholders and serves as the basis for future natural resources planning. It is included in the Natural Resource Section of the Iron County General Plan and will be periodically updated.
Iron County CRMP
View the Resource Management Plan (PDF)
County Initiatives
Local & Regional Projects
Explore natural resource projects, conservation initiatives, land management efforts, and related resources affecting Iron County.
Select a project below to expand its details and view related resources.
Greater Sage Grouse Planning
The greater sage-grouse was considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. With cooperation from USFWS, state and local governments developed conservation strategies to avoid listing and put conservation measures in place. BLM has attempted to incorporate these plans into land use planning, but direction has shifted with administrations.
Additional Information
- Federal Agencies: Preparing a region-wide Environmental Assessment to direct BLM and USFS offices on conservation measures for sage-grouse habitat.
- Utah: The state prepared a Conservation Plan for Greater Sage-grouse in Utah on February 14, 2013. Identified measures were intended to become an alternative in the federal EIS.
- Iron County: Prepared a draft Greater Sage-grouse Resource Management Plan for public comment, to be considered for amendment into the General Plan after public and Planning Commission review.
BLM Resource Management Plan
The Bureau of Land Management has been revising its field office-wide planning document to guide local projects over a 15–20 year planning period. Visit the Cedar City Field Office for information and opportunities to participate.
5-Mile Picnic Area Project (Vermillion Castle Picnic Area)
Located south of Parowan along SR-143, this picnic area has been a popular destination for more than 90 years. Flooding following the 2017 Brian Head Fire damaged the area. Iron County secured a permit from Dixie National Forest to reconstruct the site. The original project information anticipated reopening in summer 2024.
Pine Valley Water Supply Project
A proposed water supply solution for Cedar Valley involving approximately 15,000 acre-feet of decreed water rights. The project is intended to help address declining aquifer levels and support a reliable water supply for the future.
Recreation Trails
Explore information about parks, recreation opportunities, and trails throughout Iron County.
Cedar Mountain Winter Recreation Parking Project
This project is designed to improve winter recreation access for motorized and non-motorized activities along Scenic Highway 14. Additional parking areas are intended to improve safety, enhance recreation experiences, and support local businesses. The original project schedule anticipated completion during the 2024–2025 winter season.
Vision Iron County Project
A collaborative initiative bringing stakeholders together to discuss and coordinate recreation planning in Iron County.
Three Peaks Recreation Area – Equestrian Challenge Course
Iron County and BLM planned an International Mountain Trail Challenge Association (IMTCA) course at Three Peaks Recreation Area. The proposed course includes obstacles such as bridges, teeter-totters, trenches, water crossings, gates, logs, and balance beams. The original project information targeted completion by 2025.
Wild Horses
Western Iron County contains eight Horse Management Areas. The Bureau of Land Management is the lead agency responsible for wild horse management under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971.
Utah Prairie Dog Planning
The 2018 Range-wide General Conservation Plan for Utah prairie dogs in residential and commercial areas provides a permitting framework for development on private property containing prairie dogs or their habitat. Development surveys are required before certain ground-disturbing activities, with conservation provisions included in the plan.
Water
Water resources in Utah are managed by the State. For questions about well drilling, water rights, stream alterations, adjudication, and related matters, contact the Utah Division of Water Rights.