Intensifying Conflict Between Utah's Rural Counties and the BLM

Utah's rural counties are embroiled in a growing conflict with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) over law enforcement authority and resource management. This tension has been fueled by recent meetings and legislative actions, highlighting the strained relationship between local and federal authorities.

When Garfield County Sheriff Danny Perkins met with Sal Lauro, the national director of the BLM's law enforcement operations, he presented stark figures: $70,000 spent on helicopter time, 464 hours of ground operations, and zero assistance from the BLM. Perkins, along with county commissioners from Iron, Beaver, and Garfield counties, traveled to Washington, D.C., to voice their grievances about the lack of cooperation from the BLM.

Perkins stated, "We have absolutely no relationship with the BLM. We have tried; they seem to want to do their own thing." The meeting coincided with a public roundtable discussion in Salt Lake City, where BLM spokeswoman Megan Crandall noted that the legislative hearing did not foster improved relationships.

In the aftermath of the standoff involving Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy and the BLM, rural counties in Utah remain wary and frustrated. Garfield County Commissioner Leland Pollock expressed concerns about the "militarization" of government agencies, specifically pointing to BLM's special agent in charge, Dan Love, as a source of tension.

Pollock stated, "He has created a situation where they thumb their noses at us." Despite these accusations, Utah BLM director Juan Palma defended Love, emphasizing that he is following directives from Washington, D.C.

Pollock and other county officials have passed resolutions declaring federal law enforcement authority unrecognized in their jurisdictions, aiming to prevent overwhelming force and intimidation. "We feel like they are a threat to the people in our county," Pollock said.

Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, has introduced legislation to "de-militarize" federal regulatory agencies, arguing that the current level of armament is excessive and erodes trust between citizens and the government.

Perkins and Pollock argue that productive relationships with the BLM are impossible due to confrontational behavior, unlike their experiences with other federal agencies. Perkins noted, "There's no way in the world I would consider deputizing the BLM officers I have in this county—none."

The counties and the state of Utah believe that Love "cancelled" $244,000 worth of BLM contracts in retaliation for a state law limiting federal law enforcement authority. However, Crandall clarified that the decision to let contracts lapse was based on a review and not influenced by Love.

Carbon County Commissioner Casey Hope highlighted the misunderstanding of duties between local and federal agencies, emphasizing that local sheriffs handle emergencies, not the BLM. "We are trying to make sure we don't have those kinds of problems," Hope said.

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