By Julie Johansen
John Baza and coworker Dana Dean from the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining (DOGM), presented a video clip to help the public further understand their role and involvement in the county. DOGM was established in 1955 to foster the development of natural resources, protect the public from hazards, and oversee reclamation of mineral extraction areas. They issue permits, make inspections, oversee reclamation and hold bonds from the companies to insure that reclamation.
Baza declared that there is nothing in our lives that doesn’t have something to do with mining and mineral extraction. DOGM’s role is one of balance. In 1985 it became illegal to close a mine without reclamation and they see that this is done.
Dean then reported on the JC 1 well that is not working at the Skyline mine. The pump was broken on Jan. 18 and they are waiting for a new one to be built and shipped to the mine area. It was reported that the water level will change once the pump is installed.
Wildlife manager Chris Wood reported a ladies trap shoot on May 19 in Green River. Interested females need to RSVP as it is limited to 20 individuals and at present is over half full. It will include shotgun and firearm training and shooting.
Wood also reported gill netting at Wrigley and Joe’s Valley on May 16. 8,000 tiger muskies (3”) were planted into Joe’s Valley as well. Biologists have been counting the sage grouse and deer on Horn Mountain and Wildcat. They seem to be okay but Wildcat is down.
The next RAC meeting will be in Green River on May 9. Wood was questioned about water for the wildlife and if they could help grazers with hauling water. He said he thought they had funds to help.
Daren Olsen from the US Forest Service advised of a planned prescribed burn on Trail Mountain. Monitoring is being used and will determine when and if the burn will occur. He stated later that burning will commence on the north side of the mountain in order to provide a buffer there next to the cabins. Moisture content has to be just right before a burn will be conducted, probably sometime in June. At this time no reduction in grazing AUM’s have been issued, but monitoring will occur on all permits. Gates are now being opened in most areas. The Ferron ice slide should be corrected and gates opened there on May 5.
Washington delegations reported that the Emery County Land Bill will be introduced this week to Congress and all outlooks are favorable. Congressman John Curtis’ office also reports that the Rural Broadband Bill will have a hearing in May and he is preparing a drug abuse bill for presentation.
Ron Dean from Senator Orrin Hatch’s office said that every wilderness legislation has Hatch’s fingerprints on it. Hatch strongly feels that public lands should have local control and management.