The Central Wasatch Commission Welcomes the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest as an Ex Officio Member
The Central Wasatch Commission welcomed the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest as an ex-officio member of the Board at its October meeting. Dave Whittekiend, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest’s Forest Supervisor, was appointed as an ex officio Commissioner representing the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest interests.
Ex officio commissioners represent government entities with specialized expertise that provide input pertinent to the CWC’s goals or objectives. Ex officio members of the Central Wasatch Commission participate in Board discussions but do not vote on any matters.
Chair of the Central Wasatch Commission Board, Christopher F. Robinson said, “We are pleased to welcome Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Supervisor, Dave Whittekiend on the CWC Board. He will provide invaluable perspective as the Board works to protect the Central Wasatch Mountains.”
The Central Wasatch Commission already works with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest on various CWC-led projects including the CWC’s Visitor-Use Study, which is projected to be completed December 2022; the Mountain Transportation System project which is currently focused on a mobility study for Big Cottonwood Canyon, and the Central Wasatch National Conservation and Recreation Area Act, a federal lands bill, which, if passed, would place permanent protections on National Forest Service lands in the Central Wasatch Mountains.
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Supervisor, Dave Whittekiend remarked on the addition to the Central Wasatch Commission, “We have worked closely with the Mountain Accord and the CWC since its formation to advise and facilitate the implementation of studies, projects, and objectives that benefit the health of our forests and maintain high-quality recreation experiences for forest visitors. I am glad to formally join the CWC Board as an ex-officio member to advise the Board on Forest Service issues, objectives, and policy, providing the voting Board members the information they need to successfully direct the CWC in its mission.”
Unlike other Board members, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest will not be asked to contribute funding in support of the Central Wasatch Commission. Furthermore, the CWC’s governing documents and state law do not impose any managerial or fiduciary responsibilities on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The CWC has welcomed Dave Whittekiend as an ex-officio member to provide specialized expertise on the management of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
For further information, please contact Lindsey Nielsen at 801-706-1004, or lindsey@cwc.utah.gov