Other State Lands
The division currently oversees other lands that have been placed under a conservation easement. These lands are managed as sovereign lands under the Public Trust Doctrine.
Freemont Island
Historically, Fremont Island has been privately owned by different groups or individuals. In 2020, the land was donated by a private donor to the State of Utah, Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands. Although the island is managed as public, the Nature Conservancy holds a conservation easement designed to protect the land from development or damage. Public access is allowed and there are some rules for visitors.
There are 3 ways to access Fremont Island:
- Boating to the island is the preferred method for visiting. The nearest access is about 6 miles to the south at the marina at Antelope Island State Park (AISP). Water levels on the Great Salt Lake fluctuate and when water is low, access is more difficult. Most of the time, the water depth near Fremont Island is only 1-2 feet. Boats that are not flat-bottomed are not advised. Kayaking or rowing to the island is a potentially dangerous activity as weather can become a hazard without warning on the lake. *Note, that using the causeway does cost $15 for vehicles and $3 for bicycles.
- Motorized vehicles are strictly prohibited on the lake bed and on the island (criminal penalties and fines start at $600) but walking or bicycling to the island is possible by crossing a sandbar that leads from the island’s southern tip to the Antelope Island Causeway. This 6-mile route across the lakebed is potentially wet and/or muddy and there are areas that may look like dry ground, but are actually quicksand. No parking is permitted on the causeway, so those wishing to cross on the sandbar must either depart from the parking areas near the AISP entrance gate or from the marina. *Note, that using the causeway does cost $15 for vehicles and $3 for bicycles.
- The options for landing aircraft on the island are currently being reviewed. Updates will be posted on this website once available.
WARNINGS:
- Visiting Fremont Island is a serious undertaking and potentially dangerous.
- Take plenty of drinking water as clean drinking water is not available on the island.
- Cellular phone coverage on the island is not reliable.
- Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Wildlife, including coyotes, are found on the island, do not approach any animals.
- Due to the remoteness of the location, emergency services would take considerable time to reach anyone in need of help.
ATTENTION! RUSH SKELETONWEED
Rush Skeletonweed is a Utah Class 2 (Control) Noxious Weed. Rush Skeletonweed is currently contained in northern Utah. Rush Skeletonweed currently exists on Fremont Island.
Please help us keep this noxious weed contained to the island by:
- Traveling only on existing, unvegetated roads. This will decrease the chances of picking up seeds and transporting them.
- Do not take any plants samples from the island
- Familiarize yourself with the identification of the plant and do not travel in areas where you see it. Utah Noxious Weed Guide – see page 50
- Its small yellow flower is visible from early summer through fall
- Seed development and production occur throughout the growing season, spring through fall
Rules for Visitors
- No fires of any kind are permitted
- No fireworks or explosive items
- No discharge of firearms or hunting
- No camping or other overnight use
- Taking any plant, mineral, wildlife, or any other objects is prohibited
- No motorized vehicles
- No items such as geocaches, land art, etc may be placed on the island
- Commercial guided tours are allowed through a permit
- Any commercial filming or photography must be permitted
For more information on permits for aviation or for commercial uses, please call 801-538-5418.
Freemont Island Management Plan
Moab Exchange Lands
The Moab Exchange lands were acquired by the State of Utah in 1965 in an exchange for sovereign lands within the newly-designated Canyonlands National Park. The Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands is responsible for the management of 829-acre Prairie Dog Haven Unit and the 4,350 Dalton Wells Unit in Grand County, Utah.
In 2015, the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands completed the Moab Exchange Lands Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP). The CMP was designed to facilitate the management of the exchange lands under multiple-use, sustained yield principles and accommodating public and private uses to the extent that the uses do not substantially impair the public trust resources.
Galena Property
In January 2000, the Utah State Legislature enacted Utah Code 63A-5-222 granting the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands (FFSL) title to an approximately 250 acre parcel of “critical land” adjacent to the Jordan River between 12300 South and 14600 South in Draper, which is now known as the Galena Property.
Utah Code 63A-5-222(8) required that the Galena Property be placed under a perpetual conservation easement. This conservation easement is held in perpetuity by Utah Open Lands, a 501c(3) non-profit land trust conservation association.
Galena includes nearly 100 acres of riparian and wetland habitat on the east side of the Jordan River and about 150 acres of drier upland. Two miles of the Jordan River Parkway Trail runs through the property along the Jordan River. Galena also includes an archaeological site of tremendous importance. Some of the oldest dwellings and artifacts known in Utah have been found on the site. Galena is managed by FFSL under the Galena Property Management Plan and in accordance with the conservation easement.
Leases & Permits
For Leases and Permits related to activities on non-sovereign state lands managed by FFSL, please visit our Leases & Permits page or call 801-538-5418 to talk with a member of our Sovereign Lands team.