David Condos

Getting outside during summer break offers big benefits for kids. But as climate change warms Utah, it can be tricky for parents to balance safety and outdoor play.

Flanked by Utah’s delegation, Gov. Spencer Cox and Utah Speaker Mike Schultz, the president again reduced the boundaries and protections of the two monuments. Conservationists and tribal leaders worry it could undo years of work to protect these lands.

President Trump reduced by 90% the size of two national monuments in Utah that were established by Presidents Clinton and Obama.

President Trump reduced by 90% the size of two national monuments in Utah that were established by Presidents Clinton and Obama.

“Until you get either some kind of congressional solution or a binding judicial opinion as to what the president's authority is, then we get the unfortunate result of having things bounce back and forth” with Bears Ears and Grand Staircase, said one public lands law expert.

Deer, elk and other large mammals can adapt to summer heat by moving to higher elevations or shady forests. In a warming climate, allowing them space to travel freely becomes even more important.

Searing heat. Scorching sun. Relentless drought. Utah agriculture has felt it in recent years, as historically dry winters and record-breaking warmth strain farms and ranches.

“The biggest misconception is that lawns are cooling our urban areas,” said Doug Bennett of the Washington County Water Conservancy District. So why not add a “treebate” to convince residents to add shade?

“It felt like you were suffocating,” said one Wayne County resident. When smoke from the Widemouth 2 fire overlapped with a heat wave this summer, it left some Utahns without air conditioning in a tough spot.

High housing prices are squeezing Utahns, and residents who say “not in my backyard” to affordable housing development can get in the way of solutions. A new St. George project, however, shows one way it can be done.