Southern Ute Indian Tribe
Natural Resources
The The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for the planning and carry out resource management, conservation, protection and development plans and provide for Tribal Natural Resources. They also provide service-oriented programs for Southern Ute Tribal members.
After the historic drought and fires of 2002, exceptional insect take over, extreme reductions in livestock herds and less than marginal hay and pasture production, 2003 was a good year for Tribal resources. The completion of a five-year grazing suspension afforded the rangelands a period of rest while allowing more than enough forage and water for the Tribe's wildlife species. While we continue to hope for "better and wetter" years, we recognize that it will take several years of "normal" or above-average moisture to bring the Reservation lands out of the drought.
The Department appreciates the continued understanding and cooperation of the Tribal membership, Tribal staff and the local farmers and stockmen in practicing water conservation and good resources management on a daily basis.
