R652-160-1400. Gathering Information and Water Resources Prospecting

  1. The Executive Director shall allow any activity, for the purposes of gathering information about resources, other than minerals, in wilderness, except that any such activity for gathering information shall be carried on in a manner compatible with the preservation of the wilderness environment. Prospecting for minerals or any activity for the purpose of gathering information about minerals in wilderness is subject to applicable rules.

  2. Any person desiring to use motorized equipment, to land aircraft, or to make substantial excavations for the purpose of gathering information about resources, other than minerals, shall apply in writing to the Executive Director. Excavations shall be considered substantial which singularly or collectively exceed 200 cubic feet within any area which can be bounded by a rectangle containing 20 surface acres. Such use or excavation may be authorized by a permit issued Executive Director. Such permits may provide for the protection of resources, including wilderness values, protection of the public, and restoration of disturbed areas, including the posting of performance bonds.

  3. Within wilderness, prospecting for water resources and the establishment and maintenance of new reservoirs, water-conservation works, power projects, transmission lines, and other facilities needed in developing water resources or in the public interest, including road construction may be authorized by the Governor of the State of Utah.