Farmers, Hunters, and Conservationists Find Common Ground in Utah

Diverse groups seek balanced approach to protecting livestock, wildlife, and public lands

Feb. 7, 2026 at 7:31am

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In a state known for its public lands and wildlife, disagreements on management are common. However, recent op-eds in The Tribune suggest that farmers, hunters, and conservationists in Utah are looking for a better balance in protecting livestock, wildlife, and the land they all share.

Why it matters

This story highlights the potential for diverse stakeholders to find common ground on complex environmental and land management issues, rather than resorting to polarized debates. By focusing on responsible stewardship and coexistence, these groups are demonstrating a path forward that could serve as a model for other communities grappling with similar challenges.

The details

The op-eds cover a range of topics, including the need to protect gray wolves and cougars, the importance of wildlife crossings for mule deer, and the shared responsibility of investing in Wildlife Management Areas. The authors argue that solutions exist that prioritize both economic needs and environmental conservation.

  • In response to the three gray wolves killed after wandering from Yellowstone into Utah this winter
  • Recently published in The Tribune

The players

Eric Clewis

With Defenders of Wildlife, he argues that we don't need to choose between ranching and wolves, or between working lands and wild ones.

Andy Rice

A farmer who writes that cougars are a vital part of the ecosystem and that he doesn't mind 'paying his cougar bill' to protect livestock.

Greg Sheehan and Isobel Lingenfelter

Conservationists who write that Utah's mule deer population plays a critical role and that wildlife crossings are a 'proven, highly effective tool' to protect them.

Caitlin Curry

She argues that everyone who benefits from Wildlife Management Areas should have a financial stake in their future.

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What they’re saying

“We don't need to choose between ranching and wolves, or between working lands and wild ones.”

— Eric Clewis, with Defenders of Wildlife (sltrib.com)

“A farm has to pay its bills. 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.”

— Andy Rice, Farmer (sltrib.com)

“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.”

— Greg Sheehan and Isobel Lingenfelter, Conservationists (sltrib.com)

“WMAs exist because of sustained investment, and hunters and anglers have long shouldered that responsibility. If we value these landscapes and the wildlife they support, all who benefit from them should have a financial stake in their future.”

— Caitlin Curry (sltrib.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case of the three gray wolves killed in Utah will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the perpetrator out on bail.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates that even on complex environmental and land management issues, diverse stakeholders can find common ground by focusing on responsible stewardship and coexistence, rather than resorting to polarized debates. The balanced approach advocated by these farmers, hunters, and conservationists could serve as a model for other communities grappling with similar challenges.