UDWR's purchase of this property will protect crucial summer range for big game species, namely mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk. Several hundred head of elk have been spotted on the property during helicopter surveys, and the property has potential to be year-round elk habitat during years with mild winters. Moose and pronghorn have also been seen regularly on the property, in addition to black bear and cougar. The southern portion of the property is shown to be occupied habitat for Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep, according to UDWR Wildlife Tracker data. Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep are found in the northern and eastern parts of the state, preferring open habitat types characterized by rugged terrain with adjacent steep rocky areas. With its high altitude ridges and valleys of varying topography, the Phil Pico Mountain property provides excellent sheep habitat. Although currently considered a species of least concern, at the turn of the century the species was near extinction and aggressive transplant efforts were made to reestablish the population. UDWR estimates only ~1,500 sheep in Utah at this time and they are still absent from much of their historic range in the state. Acquiring this property would preserve important Utah habitat occupied by these Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep within the North Slope/Bare Top Mountain Unit, and aid in efforts to further increase and stabilize the population.

Purchase fee title to 1,600 acres.

There is not much public land in Daggett County that is open for non-motorized hunting opportunities. This land acquisition is also important for this area because of the species that are found on and around the property. If this purchase is not made, then this property will be purchased by another private entity who may graze the land heavily, or may develop the property into ranchettes.

Land acquisitions is supported by DWR's Strategic Plan. Especially when acquisitions can provide habitat for big game and hunting opportunities to the public.

Not applicable

There are water rights/shares that will come with the property.

DWR will comply fully with the Utah Code Ann. and the Utah Administrative Rules requirements for the DWR to purchase private property. DWR will also fully comply with NEPA, which is required to use PR through the USFWS.

DWR will work with funding groups to make two payments towards the purchase of the property. DWR will perform necessary compliance for funding requirements before the final deed is issued to DWR.

Monitoring will take place as the project moves forward. Payment schedules, submission of grants and funding will all take place until the final deed is issued to DWR. After the acquisition is finalized, DWR will monitor the property as another WMA and create a Habitat Management Plan for the property.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Mule Deer Foundation Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife Wild Sheep Foundation US Fish and Wildlife Service (WSFR)

The property will be managed as a Wildlife Management Area under the Northeastern Region of DWR.

The acquisition of this property means that the property will remain prime habitat for wildlife, as well as wildlife-related recreation. Owning this property means that the land will become public and not be susceptible to development and fragmentation.

01/31/2023

01/06/2025

2025

DWR entered into a Purchase Agreement with the landowner and completed the due diligence process for purchase. Money was put forward by DWR, the Mule Deer Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wild Sheep Foundation, and a generous donation by the landowner.

The Phil Pico property, to now be called the Cook WMA, is surrounded by SITLA property and has been privately owned for hunting and grazing activities. The purchase of this 1600 acres allows DWR to create a new WMA which will bring hunters to the area as well as assist with nearby depredation.

The property is now owned fee-title by DWR and will be managed by the northeastern region as a Wildlife Management Area. The property will be open to the public for hunting and wildlife recreating. The northeastern region will work on habitat improvement projects as well as a Habitat Management Plan.