SALT LAKE CITY, May 5th, 2022 - Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox signed an updated Shared Stewardship agreement that reaffirms a mutual commitment to build relationships and coalitions needed to confront the wildfire crisis throughout the State of Utah.

Since signing the original Shared Stewardship agreement in 2019, the State, Forest Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service have substantially increased fuels and forest health treatments in places where wildfire presents an immediate risk to communities and critical water resources.

Shared Stewardship, in conjunction with the new “Confronting the Wildfire Crisis” strategy, will guide how USDA responds to the urgent and growing challenges faced by land managers and private landowners of forests in Utah.  

“This new agreement strengthens the existing robust relationship between the State of Utah and the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Under the initial Shared Stewardship agreement, a tremendous amount of work has already been accomplished. We look forward to continuing our efforts to protect at-risk communities and watersheds imperative to the people of Utah.”

The updated Shared Stewardship agreement includes similar mutual commitments to those that the State of Utah has used to work collaboratively with the Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service to effectively respond to the increasing suite of challenges on forestlands lands within Utah.

"Shared Stewardship is about collaborating with partners to strategically invest in accomplishing work that will protect communities, important drinking water resources, and improve forest health and resilience,” said Intermountain Regional Forester Mary Farnsworth. “With our partners we will accomplish this priority work at the right scale to reduce the risk of unwanted wildfire while protecting valuable watersheds throughout the state.”

“Cross boundary collaboration is essential to addressing the wildfire crisis in Utah,” said Utah State Conservationist Emily Fife. “Shared Stewardship is a prime example of how we can bring together all the stakeholders that are a part of the solution to ensuring the health of our watersheds.”

USDA and the State of Utah are committed to addressing forest management and conservation issues such as reducing human caused fire starts, managing wildland fire, reducing community wildfire risks, protecting and restoring watersheds, improving wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities, and stimulating forest-based economic development.

The Shared Stewardship agreement can be found at:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r4/landmanagement/?cid=FSEPRD1015727

Photo Caption: Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox (left) and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack (right) signed an updated Shared Stewardship agreement that reaffirms a mutual commitment to build relationships and coalitions needed to confront the wildfire crisis throughout the State of Utah.