Outdoors
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Law enforcement ticketing vehicles parked illegally, camped overnight in Cottonwood canyons
Shelby Lofton, KSL-TV | Posted Jan. 24 - 8:07 a.m. | Save Story
Most overnight parking or camping in the Cottonwood canyons is illegal, but every winter, the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office sees a lot of it.
Photos: Frigid winds create unique ice formations at Bear Lake
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted Jan. 24 - 6:18 a.m. | Save Story
A combination of strong winds and frigid temperatures created some unique sights at Bear Lake Thursday, and you won't have to battle any crowds to see them.
Feds directed $122.8M in drought spending across Utah. Will it be held up by freeze?
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 23 - 9:02 p.m. | Save Story
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation directed about $122.8 million toward drought mitigation and resiliency projects in and around Utah.
Where is the snow? Why Utah valleys remain on pace for below-average snowfall
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 22 - 3:20 p.m. | Save Story
A rare winter storm has turned the South into an unlikely winter wonderland this week, giving cities like New Orleans more snow in a day than Salt Lake City has received all season.
Salt Lake City's cherished sycamore trees are dying. Here's how the city is responding
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 22 - 12:04 p.m. | Save Story
Scores of Salt Lake City's sycamore trees are struggling to survive because of disease and other issues. The city is considering a project that seeks to save them.
Popular Tooele County reservoir temporarily closed over 'dangerous' ice conditions
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 21 - 11:04 a.m. | Save Story
The owners of a popular reservoir near Tooele say they're temporarily closing the waterbody to recreation due to ice conditions that haven't yet formed this winter.
What's on tap for Great Salt Lake in the 2025 Utah general legislative session
Adam Small, KSL Newsradio | Posted Jan. 20 - 8:28 p.m. | Save Story
The Great Salt Lake is once again expected to be a topic of discussion and action for Utah lawmakers in the 2025 general legislative session, which starts on Tuesday.
What does the future hold for the ski industry in the Cottonwood canyons?
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 20 - 5:02 p.m. | Save Story
Transportation, parking, water resources and snowmaking are among the biggest concerns ski resort managers identified during a time when there have never been more Americans gravitating to outdoor recreation.
How to reset your mental health with nature in 2025
Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 19 - 12:17 p.m. | Save Story
Getting over those post-Christmas blues can be hard, and even some of the resolutions set for 2025 have already gone by the wayside.
Ski lift accident leaves 30 injured at Spanish resort in the Pyrenees
The Associated Press | Updated Jan. 18 - 10:29 p.m. | Save Story
At least 30 people have been injured in a ski lift accident at the Spanish resort of Astún, in the Pyrenees mountain range, emergency services for Spain's northern Aragon region said Saturday.
Urbanization threatens ancient petroglyph in St. George
Garna Mejia, KSL-TV | Posted Jan. 18 - 12:29 p.m. | Save Story
The future of a petroglyph in St. George is uncertain as urbanization encroaches on its resting spot.
Southern Utah leaders call on prayers for rain, as state warns of possible water 'challenges'
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 17 - 5:05 p.m. | Save Story
Washington County Commissioners are calling on residents to continue to reduce water consumption and pray for rain, as unfavorable water conditions persist in southwest Utah and some of the state's other basins.
A polar vortex is coming toward the US. Here's how it will impact Utah
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 17 - 12:05 p.m. | Save Story
Parts of Utah are on the "very western fringe" of a cold front that will bring in air from the Arctic, meaning some snow but also much colder temperatures.
Maloy seeks Antiquities Act changes as Utah monuments land in the spotlight again
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 16 - 7:11 p.m. | Save Story
A Utah congresswoman is taking on the century-old law that created national monuments, as a pair of monuments in the state are expected to return to the spotlight.
Credits offered to Park City Mountain skiers, snowboarders who visited during strike
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 16 - 3:03 p.m. | Save Story
The owner of Park City Mountain is now offering credits toward future purchases to people who skied or snowboarded at the resort during the now-settled ski patrol strike.
Utah receives $9.6M grant to help solve a section of US 40's wildlife safety problem
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 15 - 8:36 p.m. | Save Story
Utah is getting a boost in its efforts to reduce the high number of wildlife-related crashes on a large section of U.S. 40.
18-year-old Plain City man canoes 1,300 miles on Columbia River in new documentary
Arianne Brown for KSL.com | Posted Jan. 15 - 3:06 p.m. | Save Story
Braxton Mitchell was offered the opportunity of a lifetime — running the Columbia River from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean.
Wildlife experts urge drivers to be careful as snow pushes elk to Utah valleys
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 15 - 2:16 p.m. | Save Story
Utah wildlife experts are advising drivers to be careful of elk on roadways as wintering herds have started to migrate down into the valleys again
Proposal to rename Burr Trail Scenic Byway after President-elect Donald Trump
Garna Mejia, KSL-TV | Posted Jan. 15 - 7:06 a.m. | Save Story
One of Utah's most scenic roads could soon bear the name of President-elect Donald J. Trump.
2024 was Utah's second-warmest year on record. These counties broke records
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 15 - 6:18 a.m. | Save Story
Ten counties, including Salt Lake and Washington, broke average temperature records last year, which was a scorcher across the U.S.
Here's how much water is needed to get the Great Salt Lake back to 'healthy' by 2050s
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Updated Jan. 14 - 12:40 p.m. | Save Story
A report released on Tuesday finds that the Great Salt Lake needs a big water boost every year because of looming factors in its basin.
'People are rightfully concerned': New resort planned near Zion National Park
Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News | Posted Jan. 13 - 4:47 p.m. | Save Story
Nestled against Zion National Park, the historic Trees Ranch west of Springdale will soon be transformed into a resort.
140 officers sworn into Utah's newest law enforcement division. Here's what they'll do
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 13 - 3:04 p.m. | Save Story
Utah swore in 140 officers Monday to a newly formed law enforcement division that essentially consolidates all of the state's natural resource officers into one agency.
Supreme Court declines to hear Utah's public lands case. What happens next?
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Updated Jan. 13 - 12:11 p.m. | Save Story
The U.S. Supreme Court decided not to take up Utah's public lands lawsuit, but those for and against the case believe the argument isn't over.
Proposed 200K-acre project aims to reduce 'intense wildfires' in southern Utah
Alysha Lundgren, St. George News | Posted Jan. 12 - 10:01 p.m. | Save Story
The U.S. Forest Service proposed a fuels reduction project covering over 200,000 acres in southern Utah and is seeking the public's input.
After 19 years of service, Ellis Ivory says goodbye to This is the Place Heritage Park
Erin Cox, KSL-TV | Posted Jan. 12 - 7:11 a.m. | Save Story
For Ellis Ivory, the past 19 years working as the executive director at This Is the Place Heritage Park have been a calling.
Midway's popular Ice Castles set to open after warm delay
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 11 - 10:33 p.m. | Save Story
Ice Castles is returning to Midway on Wednesday after a warmer start to this winter.
President Biden just designated 2 new national monuments in the West. Where are they?
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 11 - 9:45 p.m. | Save Story
With less than two weeks left in his presidency, President Joe Biden designated two new national monuments in the West.
Keeping track of the birds is a Christmas tradition
Lee Benson, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 11 - 9:02 p.m. | Save Story
Keeli Marvel's usual holiday traditions include the one where she walks the sidewalks, the fields, the streams and the canyons making sure her feathered friends are accounted for.
Study says 2 key crops are harming Great Salt Lake; state unsure on recommendations
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 11 - 12:01 p.m. | Save Story
A new study finds two agricultural crops are major contributors to Great Salt Lake's water woes, but the researchers behind it and state officials have different opinions when it comes to solutions.
Nordic Valley ski village plans prompt questions, concern at public hearing
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 10 - 9:03 p.m. | Save Story
Ogden Valley residents expressed concern with the proposed Nordic Valley ski village project and put many questions to developers at a public hearing on the plans,
Utah names new wildlife director
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 10 - 6:36 p.m. | Save Story
Utah now has a new top wildlife official, who is a familiar face within the state's wildlife agency.
Advisories issued as snow returns to northern and central Utah
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Updated Jan. 10 - 4:23 p.m. | Save Story
Utah's next storm could bring some valley snow in Utah's northern half and up to a foot of snow in high-elevation areas like the upper Cottonwood canyons.
Illinois man files class action lawsuit over experience during Park City Mountain strike
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 9 - 5:13 p.m. | Save Story
An Illinois man filed a class action lawsuit against Vail Resorts over Park City Mountain's strike-related disruptions, which he called a "nightmare."
These were Utah's 7 new fishing records set over the past year
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 9 - 4:08 p.m. | Save Story
Several anglers left 2024 with a fascinating new Utah fishing story to tell by landing in the state's record book.
Strike over: Park City ski patrollers back to work with Vail contract approved
Collin Leonard, KSL.com | Updated Jan. 9 - 7:21 a.m. | Save Story
After 10 months of contract negotiations and a 13-day strike, Park City's ski patrollers are returning to work on Thursday with pay raises.
Park City ski patrollers, resort reach tentative settlement
Pat Reavy, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 8 - 7:21 a.m. | Save Story
A nearly two-week-old strike by the Park City Professional Ski Association could end with a vote on Wednesday.
Utah poaching cases dropped 5% in 2024, but state sees rise in big game poaching
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 7 - 2:14 p.m. | Save Story
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources reports that overall poaching decreased by 5% across Utah last year, but there was a rise in the number of big game illegally killed.
How the ski patrol strike is impacting Park City Mountain's image
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 7 - 10:05 a.m. | Save Story
Park City Mountain Resort's longstanding image as a premier ski and snowboard destination in the United States is taking a hit as a contentious ski patrol strike drags into a second week.
Drought, 'abnormally dry' conditions remain in Utah to start 2025. Here's why that matters
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 7 - 6:22 a.m. | Save Story
Dry conditions before this year's snowpack could impact snowmelt efficiency, but some parts of the state are struggling to collect snowpack to begin with.
Utah wildlife center calls for changes after bald eagle dies of lead poisoning
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 6 - 2:37 p.m. | Save Story
A wildlife rehabilitation center in Utah is again calling on hunters to switch to lead-free ammunition after a bald eagle taken to the facility died of lead poisoning.
How a landscape restoration program is spurring change in the Beehive State
Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 5 - 7:06 p.m. | Save Story
A program that has been quietly operating in Utah for years has spurred progress across multiple landscapes, making a stunning difference when it comes to the health of vital habitats.
Millions slated for Utah outdoor recreation projects
Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 4 - 8:26 p.m. | Save Story
The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation on Thursday announced the awarding of more than $20 million to 31 outdoor recreation projects across the state.
5 kid-friendly activities in the Honolulu area
Grant Olsen for KSL.com | Posted Jan. 4 - 3:37 p.m. | Save Story
There are too many excellent options to list, but here are a handful of my family's favorite spots in the Honolulu area.
Town at border of Zion National Park examining how to promote visitation without cars
Stephanie McGraw, St. George News | Posted Jan. 3 - 9:35 p.m. | Save Story
Preserving the quality of life near Zion National Park has always been a priority. Now a consultant has been hired to see if cars can be eliminated from the equation.
Who visits the Great Salt Lake? People from all over the world
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 3 - 9:08 p.m. | Save Story
The Great Salt Lake was once a tourism destination. After a loss in popularity, it's drawing people from all over the world again as evidenced by its visitor log.
Mild to 'wild': Record warmth in Utah on Friday to give way with next snowstorm
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Updated Jan. 3 - 9:04 p.m. | Save Story
Record-breaking warmth across the Wasatch Front will give way to potential valley snow on Saturday, while an advisory was also issued for mountain areas.
Great Salt Lake makes new gains to start new year. What does it need in 2025?
Carter Williams, KSL.com and Adam Small, KSL Newsradio | Posted Jan. 2 - 9:04 p.m. | Save Story
The Great Salt Lake has already received a welcome boost since the end of the irrigation season, but experts hope that run will continue after recent storm activity within its basin.
'A great way to start the year': Salem Pond Polar Plunge jumpers kick off 2025 with a splash
Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 1 - 10:25 p.m. | Save Story
What started out a decade ago with six jumpers now welcomes more than 300 folks who actually want to leave their warm beds to jump in some cold waters.
Details and photos released on fatal Big Cottonwood Canyon avalanche
Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com | Updated Jan. 1 - 3:38 p.m. | Save Story
One person was killed in an avalanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Tuesday, which the Utah Avalanche Center says was unintentionally triggered by the victim.
Holiday skiers at Park City face delays, long lines amid ski patrol union strike
Collin Leonard, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 1 - 11:56 a.m. | Save Story
Despite early promises that a ski patrol union strike would not impact resort operations, holiday skiers say they've been disappointed to find delays and limited lift availability.
After series of storms, here's what Utah's snowpack looks like heading into 2025
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 1 - 7:15 a.m. | Save Story
Utah's snowpack received a nice jolt ahead of the unofficial halfway point in the snowpack collection season, but it's a different story across regions to start 2025.
26,000-year-old red fox skeleton finds new home after being removed from Utah cave
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 31 - 8:05 a.m. | Save Story
A "nearly complete" skeleton of a red fox dating back to the last ice age found in northeast Utah over a decade ago is about to get a cushy new home in a much warmer place.
Park City Mountain Resort leadership speaks about ongoing strike as it reaches day 4
Dan Rascon, KSL-TV | Posted Dec. 30 - 7:32 p.m. | Save Story
Monday marks day four of a ski patrollers strike, and Park City Mountain Resort's vice president and chief operating officer says the leadership is doing everything they can to come to an agreement.
Abravanel Hall, Spiral Jetty and 11 other Utah areas given national history honors in 2024
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 29 - 9:03 p.m. | Save Story
2024 was an interesting year for Utah history preservation, ending with 13 locations in the state landing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cache Valley man saves brother from avalanche
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted Dec. 29 - 12:03 p.m. | Save Story
A Cache Valley man and his brother were snowmobiling in Franklin Basin on Christmas Eve, and then what can only be described as a "wake-up call" occurred.
Utah reservoirs average 75% full; St. George area abnormally dry
Alex Cabrero, KSL-TV | Posted Dec. 29 - 10:41 a.m. | Save Story
While the warm weather might feel nice in southern Utah, it's coming at a price for the reservoirs in the area.
Wyoming governor approves $100 million sale of state land to join Grand Teton National Park
Mead Gruver, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 29 - 8:31 a.m. | Save Story
Wyoming will sell a 1-square-mile parcel of pristine, state-owned land bordering Grand Teton National Park to the U.S. government for $100 million, ending the state's longstanding threats to unload the property to a developer.
