The Regional Advisory Councils provide a way for the public to comment on Utah wildlife policy, share information or propose changes. There is one RAC for each of the five DWR regions in Utah and meetings are held throughout the year. Serving on a RAC takes many hours of work and travel over the course of a year. Representatives of Utah's anglers and hunters serve on the RACs on an unpaid, volunteer basis.

Utah Regional Advisory Councils (RACs)

Many people have heard of Regional Advisory Councils and the Utah Wildlife Board, but may not understand how the RACs and Wildlife Board work.

What's their history and why were they formed? How are they organized? What are their functions? What topics are discussed at their meetings?

How do I get involved?

Here are the answers to these often-asked questions.

History

In 1991, it became obvious to many that citizens of Utah wanted more input into wildlife management in the state. At that time, two policy-making boards set policy for the Division of Wildlife Resources. The Board of Big Game Control set big game season dates and permit numbers, while the Utah Wildlife Board set all other wildlife-related policy, including policy on big game transplants.

Occasionally, conflict occurred between the two boards on various issues. Tim Provan, then Division director, requested that Bob Valentine, then chair of the Wildlife Board, head a 15-member committee to develop a better system of allowing the public a more convenient and educational way of providing input to the Division.

This committee met several times over a three-year period. Committee members included sportsmen, non-consumptive wildlife users, ranchers, government employees, wildlife professors and prior Division directors.

In 1993, the Utah Legislature agreed to put the program the committee had created, known as the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) program, in existence on an experimental basis for two years. After that the Legislature would re-evaluate it, to see how it worked and if it should be voted into law.

The re-evaluation showed that the RAC program was having a positive impact on the Division. Information was getting to the public in all areas of the state, there was more public awareness of wildlife issues, the process seemed to be getting better, and it was becoming more accepted by the public.

The Legislature enacted the RAC / board process, and it became effective July 1, 1995. The committee also developed a plan to dissolve the Wildlife Board, which consisted of five members appointed by the governor, representing different regions of the state, and the Board of Big Game Control, which was appointed by the governor from nominations by specific interest groups (woolgrowers, cattlemen, sportsmen and public lands representatives), and nominations from the Division director.

How Are the RACs Organized?

To allow the Division and the board to receive public input and recommendations, the committee suggested RACs be established for each of the Division's five regions, and that each RAC consist of 12 to 15 members selected from the specific community or region.

Each RAC consists of the following:
• two members representing agriculture;
• two members representing sportsmen;
• two members representing non-consumptive use;
• one member who is a locally appointed public official;
• one member who represents business interests;
• one member from the USDA Forest Service;
• one member from the Bureau of Land Management,
• where appropriate, one member representing Native American interests; and
• two members of the public-at-large, who represent the interests of the region.

Members arc appointed by the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources, in
consultation with the director of the Division of Wildlife Resources, and serve not more than two terms.
Division regional supervisors serve as the executive secretary for their region, much like the DWR director serves as the executive secretary of the Wildlife Board.

RACs hold public meetings to hear public input, including recommendations, biological data and other information about Utah's wildlife.

RACs also are given the responsibility to gather information from their constituents, the public and governmental agencies, and to make recommendations to the board in an advisory capacity.

RACs are charged with hearing different viewpoints and controversial issues. They must incorporate all perspectives and come to a consensus and decision they believe is best for all of Utah's wildlife, and the state's citizens.

A chairman is appointed for each RAC, by RAC members. Chairman are responsible for attending board meetings and presenting RAC recommendations to the board.

What Topics are Discussed?

RACs are given an agenda and background information on the issues. These issues are driven mostly by Division proclamations, issues and concerns.

The public may also contact a RAC chairman and ask that a certain issue be discussed at a RAC meeting.
An agenda is followed in each of the five RAC meetings. Division personnel attend each RAC meeting, where they make Division recommendations to the RACS. The public is invited to give their input and comments to the RACS.

The RACs deliberate on the issues and vote. The motion that passes is taken to the board as a recommendation from that RAC.

How do I become involved?

Public input is the cornerstone to successful decision-making for the Division, and the RAC and board process. This program is working and everyone has the right to be heard. If you feel strongly about an issue and wish to state your viewpoint, attend your RAC and state your concerns. If you have an agenda item you wish to have included on the agenda, write a letter to the director of the Division of Wildlife Resources, and you will hear from him regarding the appropriate time to discuss your concerns

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