The goal for this project is for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) to acquire, in fee title, 53.4 privately owned acres of high altitude mountain shrub and aspen-conifer habitat in northeastern Utah, within the new Cook Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This acquisition will protect additional habitat for mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, moose, pronghorn, black bear, cougar, and other wildlife by preventing subdivision or other development of the property while simultaneously connecting the property to the adjacent WMA. This 53.4-acre property is located in Daggett County, Utah, close to the Utah/Wyoming border, approximately 8 miles west of the town of Manila in northeastern Utah.
This property provides crucial summer range for big game species, namely mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk. Moose and pronghorn have also been seen regularly on the property, in addition to black bear and cougar. These species are managed in accordance with the Utah Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) (2025-2035). Other big game and upland game species on the property will also be managed according to the WAP, as well as the Utah Mule Deer Management Plan, the Utah Elk Management Plan, the Utah Moose Management Plan, the Utah Pronghorn Management Plan and the Utah Upland Game Management Plan.
The property has been minimally grazed by cattle, as the surrounding landowners have historically grazed and this property is not fully fenced. Because of this minimal grazing, the property does not have habitat damage from overgrazing that some other properties in the area have been susceptible to. UDWR is considering either continuing this minimal grazing approach, working towards a phase-out approach to grazing, or discontinuing grazing altogether on the property once acquired. Only cattle grazing would be allowed on the property after this acquisition and any continued grazing would be managed in a way that would best benefit the property's wildlife and wildlife habitat, to project nearby Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep populations.
The property has well-established aspen stands and mature Douglas fir, and provides occupied habitat of outstanding quality for every big game species in Utah with the exception of bison, making it a valuable addition to the WMA. UDWR has a demonstrated record of protecting habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and currently owns and manages over 600,000 acres across Utah. UDWR will consider this property acquisition a success if the property is purchased, resulting in protection of additional wildlife habitat in the WMA from possible development. Closing is expected by February, 2026.