SHARELAYTON — It’s a steep climb up this mountainside sandwiched between Cherry Lane and Antelope Drive east of U.S. 89.But in less than a mile’s journey, the land reveals a mine opening on U.S. Forest Service land.For a few November days during crisp but sunny fall weather, a mule train navigated the rugged landscape, hauling equipment to the top to permanently close the mine.Mules are just one of many methods used by the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining to tackle the closure of an estimated 17,000 mine openings across the state. Most of those openings are on land overseen by the...…SHARELAYTON — It’s a steep climb up this mountainside sandwiched between Cherry Lane and Antelope Drive east of U.S. 89.But in less than a mile’s journey, the land reveals a mine opening on U.S. Forest Service land.For a few November days during crisp but sunny fall weather, a mule train navigated the rugged landscape, hauling equipment to the top to permanently close the mine.Mules are just one of many methods used by the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining to tackle the closure of an estimated 17,000 mine openings across the state. Most of those openings are on land overseen by the...WW…

SHARESALT LAKE CITY — Fremont Island, once considered a potential destination for a huge housing development, is now in the protective custody of the state of Utah in a deal negotiated by state officials, The Nature Conservancy and the anonymous buyer who scooped it up last month for an undisclosed price.The conservation partnership will help to ensure the long-term protection of Fremont Island, which is the third largest in the Great Salt Lake and one of northern Utah’s most significant natural and historic landmarks.At approximately 3,000 acres, the island had been a key unprotected land...…SHARESALT LAKE CITY — Fremont Island, once considered a potential destination for a huge housing development, is now in the protective custody of the state of Utah in a deal negotiated by state officials, The Nature Conservancy and the anonymous buyer who scooped it up last month for an undisclosed price.The conservation partnership will help to ensure the long-term protection of Fremont Island, which is the third largest in the Great Salt Lake and one of northern Utah’s most significant natural and historic landmarks.At approximately 3,000 acres, the island had been a key unprotected land...WW…

SHARESALT LAKE CITY — Arches and Canyonlands national parks are shutting down Saturday after pleas from health agencies, the regional hospital and leaders in local government said it was an urgent move to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The closure also affects Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments.Also on Friday, Gov. Gary Herbert said state park camping is restricted to residents who live in those counties, stressing the need for self-distancing and further spread of the virus.In the case of the national parks, five letters were sent Thursday to the superintendent in charge...…SHARESALT LAKE CITY — Arches and Canyonlands national parks are shutting down Saturday after pleas from health agencies, the regional hospital and leaders in local government said it was an urgent move to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The closure also affects Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments.Also on Friday, Gov. Gary Herbert said state park camping is restricted to residents who live in those counties, stressing the need for self-distancing and further spread of the virus.In the case of the national parks, five letters were sent Thursday to the superintendent in charge...WW…

SHARESALT LAKE CITY — The tradition of farming, ranching and sport shooting will continue in perpetuity in a swath of roughly 400 acres of land adjacent to the Army National Guard’s training site at Camp Williams, helping to ensure military readiness exercises won’t come in conflict with encroaching development. The conservation easement deal was announced last week by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which worked with Camp Williams, the Conservation Fund and landowner Jim Smith to protect the farmland and expand the buffer zone between Camp Williams and other potential...…SHARESALT LAKE CITY — The tradition of farming, ranching and sport shooting will continue in perpetuity in a swath of roughly 400 acres of land adjacent to the Army National Guard’s training site at Camp Williams, helping to ensure military readiness exercises won’t come in conflict with encroaching development. The conservation easement deal was announced last week by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which worked with Camp Williams, the Conservation Fund and landowner Jim Smith to protect the farmland and expand the buffer zone between Camp Williams and other potential...WW…