Utah Code § 23A-2-209: Transplants of big game, turkeys, wolves, or sensitive species.

(1) Subject to Subsection (7), the division may transplant big game, turkeys, wolves, or sensitive species only in accordance with:

(a)

(i) a list of sites for the transplant of each particular species that is prepared and adopted in accordance with Subsections (2) through (5);

(ii) a species management plan, such as a deer or elk management plan adopted under Section 23A-11-301 or a recovery plan for a threatened or endangered species, provided that:

(A) the plan identifies sites for the transplant of the species or the lands or waters the species are expected to occupy; and

(B) the public has had an opportunity to comment and make recommendations on the plan; and

(iii) the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq. if the transplant involves a threatened or endangered species; or

(b) a legal agreement between the state and a tribal government that identifies potential transplants

.

(2) The division shall:

(a) consult with the landowner in determining the suitability of a site for the transplant of a species;

(b) prepare a list of proposed sites for the transplant of species; and

(c) provide notification of proposed sites for the transplant of species to:

(i) local government officials having jurisdiction over areas that may be affected by a transplant; and

(ii) the Resource Development Coordinating Committee created in Section 63L-11-401.

(3) After receiving comments from local government officials and the Resource Development Coordinating Committee, the division shall submit the list of proposed transplant sites, or a revised list, to regional advisory councils for the one or more regions that may be affected by the transplants of species.

(4) A regional advisory council reviewing a list of proposed sites for the transplant of species may submit recommendations to the Wildlife Board.

(5) The Wildlife Board shall approve, modify, or reject a proposal for the transplant of a species.

(6) A list of proposed transplant sites approved by the Wildlife Board shall have a termination date after which a transplant may not occur.

(7) Before reintroducing a big game animal to a new area under this section, the Wildlife Board shall approve a mitigation plan that complies with Section 23A-2-210.