Gov. Olene Walker has asked Lt. Gov. Gayle McKeachnie to lead the state's efforts in handling issues related to the use and management of public lands in Utah. Committed to progress, Walker charged McKeachnie to move forward her efforts on public lands.

"The lieutenant governor is the best person I can think of for this purpose," Walker stated in a letter to county commissioners, legislators, the attorney general and others. "[Gayle's] rural background, legal expertise and vast experience in public lands issues uniquely qualify him for this role."

McKeachnie accepted the assignment stating, "I plan to partner with legislators, local government leaders, and state officials to understand their perspectives and to encourage collaboration on these issues. In addition, I welcome public input."

The state has made historic progress on a few public lands issues in recent months. Walker supports the wilderness reinventory settlement and applauds joint efforts to resolve the status of R.S. 2477 roads.

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