Comment from State of Utah, Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office

The State of Utah (State), through the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office (PLPCO), appreciates the opportunity to submit comments in response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) Proposed Rule. This rule seeks to open or expand hunting and sport fishing opportunities across 111 field stations, including 107 units of the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System) and 4 units of the National Fish Hatchery System. In accordance with Secretary’s Order 3447 and Director’s Order 233, the State strongly supports this proposed rule. The State welcomes the addition of over 1,450 new or expanded seasonal and species-specific opportunities (including migratory birds, upland game, big game, and sport fishing). In coordination with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), the State submits the following specific comments for your consideration: Because these updates dynamically alter regional rules, close coordination with state personnel is imperative to ensure local compliance and ecological compatibility. The DWR’s mission is to serve the people of Utah as trustee and guardian of the state’s protected wildlife, and our Strategic Plan includes an objective to increase opportunities for, and participation in, fishing, hunting, and other wildlife-related activities. The rule change will provide new and expanded opportunities for hunting and fishing on national wildlife refuges across the country. Although Utah's wildlife refuges already offer hunting and fishing, the proposed rule change will benefit Utah residents who pursue these activities in other states. Furthermore, the proposed change aims to simplify and clarify site-specific regulations, facilitating easier public engagement in wildlife-related recreation at refuges. The FWS 2026–2027 Station-Specific Regulations represent a highly positive realignment of federal management with state-level conservation objectives. By aligning federal restrictions with state hunting and fishing structures, the rule directly advances Utah's explicit policy to increase the outdoor recreation footprint and eliminate bureaucratic redundancy. To maximize benefits for Utah citizens and out-of-state visitors alike, federal refuge managers must coordinate with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Please contact me if you have any questions.