Deputy Director
Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands
Bio:
Ben Stireman currently serves as the deputy director for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, overseeing the sovereign lands and minerals programs for the Division. Ben has worked for the State of Utah for 9 years and has a diverse background working with state, local and federal agencies, along with non-profits, industry, and policymakers to address the various challenges facing sovereign lands. He holds a Master’s of Public Administration and particularly enjoys working on policy issues, conservation projects, and land use planning. In his free time, Ben enjoys fishing, skiing, and spending time with his wife and two boys.
Title: Update to the Great Salt Lake Management Plans
Abstract: The Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands ("FFSL") is the executive management authority for sovereign lands in the State of Utah, including Great Salt Lake. As such, FFSL is updating the Great Salt Lake Comprehensive Management Plan and Mineral Leasing Plans. FFSL Deputy Director, Ben Stireman will provide an overview of the plan updates and how you can participate in updating these important plans.
Title: Worth its Salt
Abstract: As the Great Salt Lake levels fluctuate and rest only a few feet above historic lows, the relationship between salinity and lake level has drastically changed. Management interventions, such as modification to the Union Pacific Railroad Berm have allowed lake managers to keep salinity within the target range critical for maintaining the ecological integrity of Gilbert Bay. Join this panel discussion to learn more about why salinity matters and how lake managers and scientists are tackling this important topic. You will hear from Christine Rumsey, United States Geologic Survey, Kyle Stone, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and Phil Brown, Great Salt Lake Brine Shrimp Coop. The panel will be moderated by Ben Stireman with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
