- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
During a recent regular meeting, the Navajo Utah Commission reviewed and approved a proposal to establish six new weather stations across Navajo Utah communities — an initiative aimed at strengthening environmental monitoring, supporting grazing management, and aligning with regional water data efforts.
Commission members discussed site selection, land withdrawal requirements, and coordination with chapter land use planning committees.
Agriculture & Natural Resources Associate Professor Reagan Wytsalucy presented a detailed overview of the project, explaining that funding has been secured from multiple partners to support installation and long-term research. Wytsalucy reported that $160,000 was secured from the Walton Family Foundation and Conscience Bay to launch the effort, with additional funding provided by Campbell Scientific, the Utah Colorado River Authority, and the U.S. Youth Climate Center to support the remaining stations.
Wytsalucy, who also serves as San Juan County Extension Director, said each station would require approximately 100 meters by 100 meters of open space to ensure accurate data collection. Additional considerations include fencing, right-of-way approvals, and long-term maintenance coordination with the Navajo Nation Division of Water Resources.
The proposal outlines three weather stations on the Utah side and three south of the state line to serve Utah and surrounding chapter communities. Proposed locations include Mexican Water, Montezuma Creek, the Highway 191 corridor near Aneth, two stations along Navajo Mountain to monitor precipitation variability, and Oljato-Monument Valley, where chapter representatives previously suggested placement near the cemetery because of accessibility and open terrain.
Wytsalucy emphasized that the stations will gather comprehensive environmental data, including wind, solar radiation, UV levels, air temperature, dew point, precipitation (rain and snow), soil temperature, and soil moisture. The data will be transmitted to national databases, including National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), making it publicly accessible and strengthening representation of Navajo Utah communities in regional climate reporting systems.
Commissioners also discussed the importance of capturing localized weather patterns unique to Monument Valley and surrounding canyon systems, noting variations in precipitation and wind across elevations. Additional monitoring in areas such as Mexican Hat and Red Mesa was discussed as a potential future need to enhance coverage.
Council Delegate Herman Daniels voiced support for the initiative, noting its alignment with water monitoring, adaptive grazing management, and long-term conservation planning.
“This project gives our communities the ability to speak with data. For too long, our area has not been fully represented in state and national weather systems. This strengthens our voice in water discussions and grazing management,” said Commissioner Billy Todacheenie.
Council Delegate Curtis Yanito added that the stations will support local grazing permit holders by providing measurable environmental indicators to guide conservation planning and adaptive management strategies.
Commissioner Martha Saggboy said, “We want to ensure that our land use planning committees are involved early. By coordinating with chapters and securing proper land use approvals, we can move forward responsibly and to ensure long-term benefits for our communities.”
The initiative also advances broader regional collaboration with Utah state agencies, including the Utah Colorado River Authority, particularly as water rights discussions continue among upper and lower basin states.
The Navajo Utah Commission approved the proposal unanimously, with six votes in favor and none opposed.
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