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Mike Lee defends public lands sale proposal, says 'falsehoods' have driven opposition

Mike Lee defends public lands sale proposal, says 'falsehoods' have driven opposition

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com  |  Posted June 20 - 9:02 p.m.  |  Save Story

Utah Sen. Mike Lee is defending his proposal to sell off up to 3 million acres of public lands, saying pushback is driven by "falsehoods being circulated by the left."
Southern Utah fire destroys 12 homes; hundreds remain evacuated

Southern Utah fire destroys 12 homes; hundreds remain evacuated

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Updated June 20 - 6:28 p.m.  |  Save Story

A fast-growing wildfire burning near Pine Valley has now destroyed at least a dozen structures, while hundreds more remain threatened.
Families stranded on Snowbird Tram after emergency brake engages mid-descent

Families stranded on Snowbird Tram after emergency brake engages mid-descent

Garna Mejia, KSL-TV  |  Posted June 20 - 2:53 p.m.  |  Save Story

What started as a scenic ride turned into a tense two-hour ordeal for several passengers after the red aerial tram at Snowbird resort came to a sudden halt mid-descent Wednesday afternoon.
Deep, cold waters the reason behind a different lifejacket law at Causey Reservoir

Deep, cold waters the reason behind a different lifejacket law at Causey Reservoir

Mike Anderson, KSL-TV  |  Posted June 20 - 12:15 p.m.  |  Save Story

As crowds swarm to Causey Reservoir to escape the heat, Weber County deputies warn that lifejacket requirements there are a little different.
Falling rocks hit hikers in Canada's Banff National Park, killing 1 and injuring 3

Falling rocks hit hikers in Canada's Banff National Park, killing 1 and injuring 3

Associated Press  |  Updated June 20 - 8:51 a.m.  |  Save Story

Falling rocks struck people on a hiking trail in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, killing one and injuring three others Thursday.
What are the best national parks for hiking?

What are the best national parks for hiking?

Dennis Romboy, Deseret News  |  Posted June 19 - 9:51 p.m.  |  Save Story

The best way to explore the wonders of a national park is on foot. But among the dozens of national parks across the country, which ones are the best for hiking?
Man survives black bear attack in Utah; bear killed

Man survives black bear attack in Utah; bear killed

Pat Reavy, KSL.com  |  Updated June 19 - 3:53 p.m.  |  Save Story

A black bear was tracked down and killed in Garfield County after biting a man on the arm as he slept in a cot.
Millions of acres of public lands in Utah eligible for sale under Senate tax bill

Millions of acres of public lands in Utah eligible for sale under Senate tax bill

Bridger Beal-Cvetko and Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted June 18 - 9:22 p.m.  |  Save Story

Millions more acres of public lands across Utah could be eligible to be sold off under a recent change to the Senate's budget bill made in a committee chaired by Utah Sen. Mike Lee.
How Utah is looking to give local businesses a leg up at this year's Outdoor Retailer

How Utah is looking to give local businesses a leg up at this year's Outdoor Retailer

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted June 18 - 9:02 p.m.  |  Save Story

A new "incubator" at Outdoor Retailer aims to give six Utah outdoor recreation businesses a shot at becoming the state's next big brand.
Parowan crash sends ATV rider to hospital with 'serious head injuries'

Parowan crash sends ATV rider to hospital with 'serious head injuries'

Jessi Bang, St. George News   |  Posted June 18 - 7:13 p.m.  |  Save Story

An early morning ATV crash in Parowan on Wednesday prompted a Life Flight airlift response, and a reminder from the Iron County Sheriff's Office about off-road safety.
Multiple advisories issued across Utah as 100-degree heat returns to Wasatch Front

Multiple advisories issued across Utah as 100-degree heat returns to Wasatch Front

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Updated June 18 - 9:18 a.m.  |  Save Story

Advisories tied to heat-related illnesses, fire danger and energy demand have all been issued ahead of the state's first big heat wave of the year.
Tariff uncertainty looms large as Outdoor Retailer returns to Utah

Tariff uncertainty looms large as Outdoor Retailer returns to Utah

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted June 17 - 9:35 p.m.  |  Save Story

Outdoor Retailer is back in Utah this week, and it was clear from the first scheduled event that tariffs are an uncertainty looming over the outdoor recreation product trade industry.
Previously unknown 76M-year-old, raccoon-sized monstersaur species discovered in Utah

Previously unknown 76M-year-old, raccoon-sized monstersaur species discovered in Utah

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted June 17 - 9:02 p.m.  |  Save Story

A fossil found in Utah two decades ago now gives researchers a better understanding of what Utah's ecosystem looked like 76 million years ago.
Nearly 5,000-acre fire burning in Dixie National Forest

Nearly 5,000-acre fire burning in Dixie National Forest

Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com  |  Posted June 17 - 7:34 p.m.  |  Save Story

A fire that began last week in Dixie National Forest has increased to nearly 5,000 acres as of Tuesday.
Zion National Park shuttles have officially taken 100 million people on adventures. Who's next?

Zion National Park shuttles have officially taken 100 million people on adventures. Who's next?

Bryan Barba, Deseret News  |  Posted June 17 - 8:03 a.m.  |  Save Story

The shuttle service at Zion National Park has reached its 100 millionth boarding since it hit the road in 2000.
A new trail honors the Utah man whose vision protected Farmington Bay

A new trail honors the Utah man whose vision protected Farmington Bay

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted June 17 - 6:14 a.m.  |  Save Story

Utah wildlife officials celebrated the completion of a 1.6-mile trail loop that honors a state employee who championed the preservation of Farmington Bay.
Can Trump unilaterally abolish 2 controversial monuments in Utah?

Can Trump unilaterally abolish 2 controversial monuments in Utah?

Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News  |  Posted June 15 - 6:22 p.m.  |  Save Story

An advisory opinion issued Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Justice says protections for land designated as monuments can be abolished by a sitting president because it is not expressly forbidden in law.
US Army's 250th birthday: Utahns celebrate state's rich ties to 'America's First National Institution'

US Army's 250th birthday: Utahns celebrate state's rich ties to 'America's First National Institution'

Jason Swensen, Deseret News  |  Posted June 14 - 10:32 p.m.  |  Save Story

While much of the attention Saturday was focused on the massive military parade in Washington, many Utahns opted to enjoy a sunny morning celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th birthday.
Utah County firefighters sink car in Jordan River to practice water rescue

Utah County firefighters sink car in Jordan River to practice water rescue

Sarah Martin, KSL-TV  |  Posted June 14 - 8:09 a.m.  |  Save Story

Firefighters in Utah County took a plunge into the Jordan River Friday to train for water rescues involving submerged vehicles and hazardous materials.
Utah's quest to solve Great Salt Lake mystery could lead to a new warning system

Utah's quest to solve Great Salt Lake mystery could lead to a new warning system

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted June 13 - 3:03 p.m.  |  Save Story

Utah hopes to have a network of air quality monitors set up soon that could help researchers better understand one of Great Salt Lake's biggest mysteries.
$17K St. George trail project aims to aid hikers, protect ancient sites

$17K St. George trail project aims to aid hikers, protect ancient sites

Alysha Lundgren, St. George News  |  Posted June 13 - 12:35 p.m.  |  Save Story

The city of St. George is home to numerous archeological sites. With the help of a grant from the state, staff are working to protect cultural resources in one such area, so they "last for thousands of years to come."
Zion National Park warns visitors against swimming in Virgin River due to possible toxins

Zion National Park warns visitors against swimming in Virgin River due to possible toxins

Mori Kessler, St. George News  |  Posted June 12 - 7:21 a.m.  |  Save Story

Officials at Zion National Park recently issued an advisory to visitors to not swim or submerge their heads in the water due to possible bacteria spread by algal blooms.
Man dies in river accident near Utah-Arizona border

Man dies in river accident near Utah-Arizona border

Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com  |  Posted June 11 - 4:34 p.m.  |  Save Story

A man died after he was overtaken by river currents while recreating near the Utah-Arizona border.
How popular were Utah's ski resorts this winter? Here's what the data says

How popular were Utah's ski resorts this winter? Here's what the data says

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted June 11 - 2:49 p.m.  |  Save Story

Visitation at Utah's 15 ski and snowboard resorts dipped a bit this past winter with less snow in the mountains, but the state's slopes remain as popular as ever.
Deputies warn high temperatures, lack of preparedness can spike search and rescue calls

Deputies warn high temperatures, lack of preparedness can spike search and rescue calls

Mike Anderson, KSL-TV  |  Posted June 10 - 10:15 p.m.  |  Save Story

As the Wasatch Front reaches in to the 90s, search and rescue volunteers and deputies warn that a little preparedness can help avoid an emergency.
New Jersey man gored by bison in Yellowstone National Park

New Jersey man gored by bison in Yellowstone National Park

Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com  |  Posted June 10 - 8:10 p.m.  |  Save Story

A man sustained minor injuries after being gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park Tuesday morning.
Section of 'iconic' Zion National Park trail reopens after 2 years of construction

Section of 'iconic' Zion National Park trail reopens after 2 years of construction

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted June 10 - 7:39 p.m.  |  Save Story

A new bridge linking Zion Lodge to one of Zion National Park's more popular trail systems is now open, ending two years of detours in the area.
Most of Utah is in drought. How will that impact fishing this summer?

Most of Utah is in drought. How will that impact fishing this summer?

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted June 10 - 5:04 p.m.  |  Save Story

Utah wildlife officials say drought and lower water levels are possible in some fishing areas this summer, but there are ways to plan ahead.
Why Great Salt Lake faces a 'good news, bad news situation' this year

Why Great Salt Lake faces a 'good news, bad news situation' this year

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted June 10 - 3:02 p.m.  |  Save Story

Leaders of the state agency that oversees the health of the Great Salt Lake say they're concerned after the lake's levels peaked about 1½ feet below its highest point last year.
Black bear euthanized after multiple sightings in Ogden Valley

Black bear euthanized after multiple sightings in Ogden Valley

Mike Anderson, KSL-TV  |  Posted June 10 - 2:34 p.m.  |  Save Story

A female black bear was euthanized after the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources received reports of several sightings in the Ogden Valley area over the past week.
Wasatch Front water managers concerned by new usage trends

Wasatch Front water managers concerned by new usage trends

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted June 9 - 7:12 p.m.  |  Save Story

Utah water managers say they're concerned about new water trends that have emerged as the region's irrigation season has gotten off to a warmer and drier start.
From research to restrooms: Summer staffing crunch hits national parks after cuts

From research to restrooms: Summer staffing crunch hits national parks after cuts

Steve Gorman and Tim Reid, Reuters  |  Updated June 9 - 11:26 a.m.  |  Save Story

A severe worker shortage in national parks across the country, which have been under budget and understaffed for years, has been made worse by cuts to the federal workforce.
Nurses take action when bear breaks into Pennsylvania retirement home

Nurses take action when bear breaks into Pennsylvania retirement home

Madeline Bartos and Christopher DeRose, CNN  |  Posted June 9 - 6:48 a.m.  |  Save Story

A juvenile male black bear that broke through a nursing home window in western Pennsylvania earlier this week got more than it bargained for from a few nurses determined to protect their patients.
Which Utah ski resort had the most snow this winter?

Which Utah ski resort had the most snow this winter?

Dennis Romboy, Deseret News  |  Posted June 9 - 6:20 a.m.  |  Save Story

While it wasn't a banner year for snow in Utah this past winter, some ski areas put up solid, even impressive totals for the season.
What do you do if you encounter a moose in the forest?

What do you do if you encounter a moose in the forest?

Dennis Romboy, Deseret News  |  Posted June 8 - 7:33 a.m.  |  Save Story

Seeing a moose in the wild while hiking or mountain biking is thrilling. But it's also potentially hazardous to your health. You might want to resist the urge to get closer with your cell phone camera.
Salt Lake City Downtown Farmers Market kicks off summer season

Salt Lake City Downtown Farmers Market kicks off summer season

Alex Cabrero, KSL-TV  |  Posted June 7 - 10:33 p.m.  |  Save Story

When the music starts, stands go up and crowds gather, people know the Salt Lake City Downtown Farmers Market is back, but one sweet treat is standing out this year.
Lifetime achievement: This man swam 10,000 miles and counting

Lifetime achievement: This man swam 10,000 miles and counting

Dennis Romboy, Deseret News  |  Posted June 7 - 5:38 p.m.  |  Save Story

At nearly age 71, Joe Horton has swum past the 10,000-mile mark, a significant physical and mental accomplishment.
'Every turn reveals something new': Hiking Southern Utah's stunning slot canyons

'Every turn reveals something new': Hiking Southern Utah's stunning slot canyons

Erika Oreskovich, CNN  |  Posted June 7 - 4:17 p.m.  |  Save Story

At first glance, the desert landscape of Southern Utah seems like a sweeping, sun-baked canvas. But tucked deep within its sandstone folds are narrow slivers of magic.
National Trails Day is this weekend: Here's how you can help support Utah's trails

National Trails Day is this weekend: Here's how you can help support Utah's trails

Caitlin Keith, Deseret News  |  Posted June 7 - 2:47 p.m.  |  Save Story

Saturday is National Trails Day, a day for people to give back to and support their local trails. And there is plenty to do for the trails in Utah.
What dog owners need to know about foxtail this summer

What dog owners need to know about foxtail this summer

Caitlin Keith, Deseret News  |  Posted June 7 - 9:28 a.m.  |  Save Story

Bringing pets along for the walk just adds energy to any outdoor adventure. Foxtail may seem like a harmless grass most of the time, but its seedhead can be devastating for dogs and other pets.
New Utah exhibit offers unique perspective on mammoth, other aspects of the ice age

New Utah exhibit offers unique perspective on mammoth, other aspects of the ice age

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted June 6 - 3:03 p.m.  |  Save Story

Natural History Museum of Utah's newest temporary exhibit serendipitously offers a new lens on the state's newest mascot, and how ice changed Utah.
Vandalism forces temporary closure of field at popular Davis County sports complex

Vandalism forces temporary closure of field at popular Davis County sports complex

Debbie Worthen, KSL-TV  |  Posted June 6 - 10:05 a.m.  |  Save Story

One of the fields at Barnes Park, a well-used sports complex in Kaysville, will be temporarily closed after vandals tore up the grass with what officials believe was an ATV or similar vehicle.
Uinta Triangle: Rescue in the Uinta Triangle

Uinta Triangle: Rescue in the Uinta Triangle

Dave Cawley, KSL Podcasts  |  Posted June 5 - 5:44 p.m.  |  Save Story

When a person goes missing in the mountains, minutes matter. This was clear when 3-year-old Benjamin Myrup disappeared from the area of Haystack Lake, just west of the Mirror Lake Highway.
UDOT seeking feedback on trail, road improvements along US 40 in Wasatch, Summit counties

UDOT seeking feedback on trail, road improvements along US 40 in Wasatch, Summit counties

Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com  |  Posted June 5 - 5:01 p.m.  |  Save Story

The Utah Department of Transportation is seeking public feedback on trail and road improvements along U.S. 40 in Wasatch and Summit counties.
Why this weekend's Sailfest could be a last hurrah for Great Salt Lake boaters — for now

Why this weekend's Sailfest could be a last hurrah for Great Salt Lake boaters — for now

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted June 5 - 6:14 a.m.  |  Save Story

Sailfest is a Great Salt Lake tradition, returning to the lake this weekend. But event organizers fear that this year's event could be the last for the foreseeable future.
Utah's wildfire risks require 'continuous readiness,' new state report finds

Utah's wildfire risks require 'continuous readiness,' new state report finds

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted June 4 - 3:02 p.m.  |  Save Story

A new state report, ordered by Gov. Spencer Cox, outlines Utah's wildfire risks and recommendations to prevent future "catastrophic fires."
$3M awarded for Forest Legacy project north of Zion National Park

$3M awarded for Forest Legacy project north of Zion National Park

Bryan Barba, Deseret News  |  Posted June 3 - 10:05 a.m.  |  Save Story

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $3 million for a Forest Legacy project in Washington County during its latest round of funding.
First responders share safety warning after 'cold plunge' turns into water rescue

First responders share safety warning after 'cold plunge' turns into water rescue

Shelby Lofton, KSL-TV  |  Posted June 3 - 8:24 a.m.  |  Save Story

Utah first responders have an urgent warning for everyone: stay out of the water. This comes after firefighters had to pull a man out of a swift-moving creek last weekend.
Photo gallery: Provo River Race

Photo gallery: Provo River Race

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News  |  Posted June 2 - 8:31 a.m.  |  Save Story

A group of whitewater kayakers gathered near Bridal Veil Valls in Provo Canyon Saturday morning to do battle with a section of the Class III–IV waters of the Provo River, and race each other.
What is a quagga mussel and why is it bad?

What is a quagga mussel and why is it bad?

Dennis Romboy, Deseret News  |  Posted May 31 - 2:43 p.m.  |  Save Story

The summer boating season brings wakeboarding, fishing and good times on the water. It also brings the dreaded quagga mussel.
Zion officials urge preparedness after several heat-related illness rescues

Zion officials urge preparedness after several heat-related illness rescues

Emma Benson, KSL-TV  |  Posted May 31 - 11:23 a.m.  |  Save Story

With temperatures expected to soar this weekend, Zion National Park officials are urging hikers to be prepared. The warning comes after 13 people had to be rescued in southern Utah for heat-related illnesses.
13 hikers suffering heat illness symptoms rescued in Zion National Park

13 hikers suffering heat illness symptoms rescued in Zion National Park

Nick Fiala, St. George News  |  Posted May 30 - 9:06 a.m.  |  Save Story

The Washington County Sheriff's Office sent personnel out on two search and rescue operations in Zion National Park Thursday. Both cases involved people being overwhelmed by the day's intense heat.
Why water conservation remains a 'top priority' in Utah after Cox's drought order expires

Why water conservation remains a 'top priority' in Utah after Cox's drought order expires

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted May 29 - 5:03 p.m.  |  Save Story

Gov. Spencer Cox's emergency drought declaration has now expired, but state water managers say conservation should "remain a top priority" as summer approaches.
Daily fishing limit increased at Utah reservoir over low water levels

Daily fishing limit increased at Utah reservoir over low water levels

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted May 29 - 2:24 p.m.  |  Save Story

Utah wildlife managers have issued an emergency change to the state's fishing guidebook, doubling the daily number of trout an angler can take from a reservoir in northeast Utah.
Vail Resorts CEO steps down after Park City Mountain troubles

Vail Resorts CEO steps down after Park City Mountain troubles

Dennis Romboy, Deseret News  |  Posted May 29 - 8:27 a.m.  |  Save Story

The CEO who led Vail Resorts through the pandemic, expansion of the Epic Pass and a turbulent ski patrol strike at Park City Mountain Resort this past winter has stepped down.
Salt Lake City to open 4 new foothills trailheads 4 years after plan hit a snag

Salt Lake City to open 4 new foothills trailheads 4 years after plan hit a snag

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted May 28 - 2:01 p.m.  |  Save Story

Salt Lake City has opened the first of four new trailheads offering better access to its foothills trail systems, as it picks back up on a foothills plan that hit a snag in 2021.
The unsung heroes cleaning up Utah's parks after a busy holiday weekend

The unsung heroes cleaning up Utah's parks after a busy holiday weekend

Alex Cabrero, KSL-TV  |  Posted May 28 - 1:04 p.m.  |  Save Story

After Utahns flocked to the outdoors over Memorial Day Weekend, custodial crews worked hard to return parks like Jordanelle and Deer Creek to as pristine of a state as possible.
See the 'outrageous' designs coming to Red Bull Soapbox Derby's first Utah race

See the 'outrageous' designs coming to Red Bull Soapbox Derby's first Utah race

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted May 27 - 5:06 p.m.  |  Save Story

Red Bull's Soapbox Derby first Utah event will bring in racers from across U.S., along with some interesting designs and local themes.
Major changes coming at this small Utah ski resort with a big name

Major changes coming at this small Utah ski resort with a big name

Dennis Romboy, Deseret News  |  Posted May 26 - 9:02 p.m.  |  Save Story

As the Sundance Film Festival bolts Utah, Sundance Mountain Resort — both named after Robert Redford's character in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" — unveiled its most ambitious expansion plans in decades.