The Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens), a threatened species, has experienced minimal recovery since implementation of a 1991 recovery plan. Over 70% of the population is found on private lands yet only those prairie dogs found on public lands have been counted toward recovery. Revaluation of the recovery plan is ongoing, and the new plan will likely incorporate private lands into the recovery process. I surveyed Utah residents to identify stakeholder perceptions regarding the species and its management. Rural and agriculture respondents tended to be more knowledgeable and also more opinionated than urban stakeholders. Most agriculture respondents (79%) reported high levels of damage and low interest in working with government agencies to manage the species. They did, however, express some interest in working with the Utah State University Extension Service and Utah Farm Bureau Federation. While there was not strong support for landowner damage compensation, those that did support compensation overwhelmingly felt that private conservation groups should provide the funds. These findings suggest that if private lands are to be included in Utah prairie dog population recovery goals, efforts conducted to engage and educate stakeholders should be made by non-regulatory personnel. Additionally, alleviation of damage issues would likely increase landowner acceptance of conservation. 

Previous research has suggested that reductions in shrub canopy cover that resulted in increased grass and forb cover may benefit Utah prairie dogs. From 2002--2005, I evaluated the effects of 3 forage utilization rates (20--30%, 50--60%, and 80--90%) achieved by using domestic cattle under a high-intensity/short duration grazing regime on Utah prairie dog habitat use and foraging behavior on the Awapa Plateau. I found no evidence that high-intensity/short-duration cattle grazing affected Utah prairie dog densities or burrow density. However, Utah prairie dogs spent more time foraging and were less vigilant as forage utilization by cattle increased. No change in plant composition over time was detected for any treatment levels. My results suggest that high (80%) forage utilization rates may negatively affect Utah prairie dogs. To enhance Utah prairie dog habitat I recommend using mechanical means to treat areas that exhibit > 2% shrub canopy cover.