BLM transfers land to Utah, adding acres to Wasatch Mountain and Antelope Island

Jerry Davis, BLM Utah Acting State Director, and Scott Strong, Utah DNR State Parks Director, finalize the land conveyance documents at a signing ceremony in the BLM Utah State Office on Aug. 19, 2025. Photo: Utah Department of Natural Resources

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Wasatch Mountain State Park has expanded by 289 acres following a land transfer from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the state of Utah. The newly added acreage includes small, isolated BLM parcels primarily located in high-elevation areas of the park.

With the transfer, these lands will now be owned and managed by the Utah Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks.

“This land transfer reflects our commitment to efficient land management,” said BLM West Desert District Manager Michael D. Gates. “By consolidating land ownership, we’re creating a better experience for the public.”

The transfer also included 329 acres on Antelope Island, similarly described as “small, isolated parcels” in an official release. The transfer is part of the Utah State Parks Adjustment Act, which requires state officials to “convey certain Federal land to the State of Utah for inclusion in certain State parks, and for other purposes.”

The bill was put for by Congresswoman Celeste Maloy and Senator Mike Lee, who both asserted that transferring federally owned parcels to state ownership would remove ineffective bureaucratic control and enhance local management.

“Federal and state collaboration ensures our public lands are protected and accessible,” said Utah State Parks Director Scott Strong. “Public lands are for everyone, and we invite all to make lifelong memories exploring Utah’s incredible state parks. We will continue to maintain these lands for the enjoyment and preservation of current and future generations.”