Utah Natural Resources Director Joel Ferry to Step Down Amidst Environmental Challenges
Joel Ferry, the Executive Director of Utah's Department of Natural Resources, is stepping down after four years to focus on his family and farm, and to pursue consulting. State Forester Jamie Barnes has been appointed as his successor, pending Senate…
Salt Lake City, UT, July 29, 2026 —
Joel Ferry, the Executive Director of Utah’s Department of Natural Resources, has announced his departure after a four-year tenure. Ferry plans to step down to dedicate more time to his family and farm, and intends to pursue opportunities in consulting.
State Forester Jamie Barnes has been named as Ferry’s successor. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
Ferry’s departure comes at a time when Utah is grappling with a series of significant environmental issues. The state has recently experienced record-breaking heat, diminished snowpack, and an increase in aggressive wildfire activity. Compounding these challenges are the critically low water levels of the Great Salt Lake, a vital ecological and economic resource.
During Ferry’s leadership, the Department of Natural Resources has navigated these complex environmental conditions. The incoming director, Jamie Barnes, will face the ongoing challenges of managing the state’s natural resources in the face of climate-related pressures.
Story summarized from the original created by Annie Knox on utahnewsdispatch.com, see more information here.
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