Local and Regional Projects

Projects & FAQs

Click a project to expand details and access 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 in place conservation measures. BLM has attempted to incorporate these plans into land use planning, but direction has shifted with administrations. Agencies are currently working under a 2015 plan and revising land use plans.

  • Federal Agencies: Preparing a region-wide Environmental Assessment to direct BLM & USFS offices on conservation measures for sage-grouse habitat.
  blm.gov
  • Utah: The state prepared a Conservation Plan for Greater Sage-grouse in Utah (Feb 14, 2013). Identified measures will become an alternative in the federal EIS.
  wildlife.utah.gov
  • Iron County: Prepared a draft Greater Sage-grouse Resource Management Plan open for public comment, to be considered for amendment into the General Plan after public and Planning Commission review.

  To review and comment on the document, contact Mike Worthen (IC Natural Resource Specialist). Contact info is listed at the top of this page.

• BLM Resource Management Plan

  The BLM is revising its Field Office-wide planning document to guide local projects for the next 15–20 years. Follow progress and provide timely comments at the Cedar City Field Office:

  Cedar City Field Office
• 5-Mile Picnic Area Project (AKA Vermillion Castle Picnic Area)

  A popular picnic site for 90+ years, located south of Parowan on SR-143. 2017 floods (post Brian Head fire) damaged the area. Iron County secured a permit from the Dixie National Forest to reconstruct the site; it should be open to the public in summer 2024.

• Pine Valley Water Supply Project

  Resilient water solution for Cedar Valley—supplying ~15,000 AF of decreed water rights. Helps restore declining aquifer levels and provide safe, reliable water for the future.

  Water Conservancy District
• Recreation Trails
  Parks and Trails
• Cedar Mountain Winter Recreation Parking Project

  Enhances winter recreation for motorized and non-motorized uses off Scenic Hwy 14. New parking areas improve safety and experiences, and support local businesses (rentals/guides/sales). Planned completion: 2024/2025 winter season.

• Vision Iron County Project

  Brings stakeholders together to collaborate on recreation planning.

  Learn More
• Three-Peaks Recreation Area - Equestrian Challenge Course Project

  Iron County & BLM plan an IMTCA course at Three Peaks with varied obstacles (bridges, teeter-totters, trench, water, gate, logs, balance beams). Family-friendly and professionally designed to fit the natural landscape. Target completion by 2025.

• Wild Horses

  Western Iron County has eight Horse Management Areas. The BLM is lead agency under the 1971 Wild Horse & Burro Act. Learn more:

  BLMUtah State
• Utah Prairie Dog Planning

  The 2018 Range-wide General Conservation Plan (GCP) for Utah prairie dog in residential/commercial areas allows permits to build on private property with UPD or habitat, requiring development surveys before ground-disturbing activities and providing conservation provisions.

  Building Permit Requirements
• Water

  Water in Utah is managed by the State. For questions on well drilling, rights, stream alterations, adjudication, etc., contact Utah DNR Water Rights Division:

  Water Rights Division