Happy Saturday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.
In a state known for its public lands and wildlife, disagreements on management are nothing new. But, looking at a few of our recently published op-eds, one thing seems clear: Farmers, hunters and conservationists are looking for a better balance in protecting livestock, wildlife and land in the wild west.
In response to the three gray wolves who were killed after wandering from Yellowstone into Utah this winter, Eric Clewis with Defenders of Wildlife writes that “we don’t need to choose between ranching and wolves, or between working lands and wild ones.”
“Their deaths should prompt serious reflection — and a renewed commitment to policies that prioritize coexistence over cruelty, and science over loopholes,” he writes. “That’s not radical. It’s responsible stewardship of a landscape we all share.”
Farmer Andy Rice writes that cougars are also a vital part of our ecosystem and should be protected — despite what they’ve cost him in livestock deaths.
“A farm has to pay its bills,” he writes. “We pay for fertilizer, seeds, repairs and fuel — the list goes on. If we want a crop — and the ability to harvest it — we must pay those bills … I see cougars the same way. They’re part of a living system that includes water, weather, pollinating bugs and other organisms that a farm can’t function without. I don’t mind paying my cougar bill.”
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) The first overpass for wildlife at the summit of Parleys Canyon crosses I-80 near Exit 140. Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018.
Conservationists Greg Sheehan and Isobel Lingenfelter write that Utah’s mule deer population plays a critical role for hunting and wildlife enthusiasts, as well as the state’s economy. And their protection hinges on “one proven, highly effective tool:” wildlife crossings.
“Establishing a dedicated wildlife crossing fund would cement Utah’s position as a national leader in reconnecting landscapes, reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and keeping both people and wildlife safe,” they write.
And, finally, when it comes to the land on which Utahns hunt, fish, angle and recreate, Caitlin Curry argues that everyone — hunters, anglers and recreationists — must all be willing to invest in Wildlife Management Areas.
WMAs “exist because of sustained investment, and hunters and anglers have long shouldered that responsibility,” she writes. “If we value these landscapes and the wildlife they support, all who benefit from them should have a financial stake in their future.”
What does responsible stewardship look like to you? Let me know what you think.
Utah Voices
(U.S. Forest Service) A helicopter drops water on the Monroe Canyon Fire near Richfield, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025.
The following excerpts come from op-eds recently published in The Tribune.
It’s time for Utah to change our approach to forest management
“At its core, active forest management is community insurance,” writes Joey Menning, president of the University of Utah branch of the American Conservation Coalition. “Responsible stewardship of our forests offers practical, measurable solutions to these challenges. We can see a 62-72% decrease in wildfire severity in areas that have been actively treated. These benefits will directly help Utahns protect our investments in the state, whether they be physical, emotional or financial.” Read more.
Salt Lake City must invest in its Latino community
“For many years, the Latino community has been described primarily in terms of participation — labor participation, demographic presence and cultural contribution. While this narrative is not incorrect, it is incomplete,” writes entrepreneur Randolf M. Juarez. “Today, Salt Lake City has an opportunity to recognize that the Latino community does not merely participate in metropolitan development, but actively contributes to the creation of economic and social value.” Read more.
The Utah Legislature is trying to inject politics into the courts — again
“Our citizens would be poorly served by less independent, more politicized courts,” writes Linda F. Smith, a professor emerita with the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. “Independent, intelligent, ethical, hardworking judges are what gives our citizens confidence that they will be treated fairly in personal and business matters. This is something our economy and civil society depend upon.” Read more.
Utahns deserve open conversations about nuclear opportunities
“We at Mothers for Nuclear believe that conversations around nuclear energy are deeply emotional, that our fears and feelings need to be — and deserve to be — acknowledged and respected,” writes Fereshteh Bunk. “We continue to engage with people across the globe, and I will keep talking to my neighbors in Salt Lake.” Read more.
Share Your Perspective
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Attendees arrive at a session of General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
What kind of role does faith or spirituality play in your life? How does it influence your decisions? Share your perspective.
From Bagley’s Desk
Pat Bagley | Ask Not
I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.