Gov. Olene Walker has appointed 11 members to the Governor's Rural Partnership Board.  Walker charged the board with strengthening rural Utah's economy and communities. It will oversee the development of a rural action agenda and will advise both the governor and the Legislature on rural economic development and community planning issues.

"Every region of the state has unique challenges and opportunities," said Walker.  "This board will enhance the ability of rural Utahns to participate in shaping their economic future."

Lt. Gov. Gayle McKeachnie and Jeff Packer (Brigham City) co-chair the board.  Other members include Kay Blackwell (Marysvale), Bill Boyle (Monticello), John Williams (St. George), Nan Anderson (Torrey), Delynn Fielding (Castle Dale), Irene Hansen (Roosevelt), Jack Payne (Logan), and Steve Bennion (Cedar City).

Through a unique, Internet-based survey, the board recently launched a dialogue and learning process.  The public has already contributed more than 1,000 ideas for economic progress.  The board will analyze and prioritize the ideas as it works to build consensus around a rural action agenda. 

All interested citizens may share their ideas and comments online at http://utahreach.org/wingspan/surveys/.  Survey results will be presented at the Utah Rural Summit in Cedar City on August 13.
7:03:57 AM    

SALT LAKE CITY — Hunters who meet certain criteria can obtain an additional cow elk permit for this fall's hunts, and bull elk and hunter's choice elk hunters can also enjoy hunting cow elk in Utah this year.

The next chance to obtain a cow elk permit begins at 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 3, when cow elk permits not taken in this year's antlerless draw become available on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits will be available from 137 hunting license agents in the state and at the Division of Wildlife Resources' six offices.

The following hunters may obtain a second elk permit:

• Hunters who obtain a cow elk permit in Utah's antlerless draw may obtain a second cow elk permit beginning Aug. 3.
   
• Hunters who have obtained a bull elk or hunter's choice elk permit, but haven't obtained a cow elk permit yet, may obtain a cow elk permit beginning Aug. 3.
   
• Hunters who haven't obtained an elk permit by Aug. 3 may obtain two cow elk permits. Hunters who do this are reminded that if they obtain two cow elk permits, they may not purchase a bull elk or hunter's choice permit this year.

Hunters who draw a cow elk permit in the antlerless draw have another option. Instead of obtaining a second cow permit, they may buy a bull elk or hunter's choice permit.

Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says hunters may have two elk permits in any of the following combinations:

• One bull elk permit and one cow elk permit;
• Two cow elk permits; or,
• One hunter's choice permit and one cow elk permit.

Hunters may NOT obtain two bull elk permits, or a bull elk and hunter's choice permit.

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

6:59:46 AM