Utah's SITLA Trustee nominee Tarbot discusses family background and land management challenges

The Utah Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Confirmation Committee convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss the appointment of a new trustee for the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA). The meeting featured an introduction by the nominee, Mr. Garvey, who presented his qualifications and background, emphasizing his extensive experience in law, public lands litigation, and agricultural management.

Mr. Garvey began by introducing his family members present at the meeting, including his sons, daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren. He shared his roots in Cache Valley, where he continues to operate a family farm. His professional journey includes a law degree from Utah State University and a career in the Attorney General's office, where he focused on public lands issues and litigation involving Native American rights, water rights, and land management.

During his introduction, Mr. Garvey highlighted the complexities of managing SITLA lands, which are scattered throughout the state. He acknowledged the fiduciary responsibilities associated with these lands and the importance of balancing risk and reward in decision-making. He expressed a commitment to working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including the legislature, executive branch, and private sector, to maximize the value of trust lands while avoiding conflicts.

Committee members engaged in a discussion following Mr. Garvey's presentation. Senator Bridal commented on the need to consider broader uses of trust lands beyond just maximizing monetary value, suggesting that some properties might serve community interests better than purely financial ones. Mr. Garvey agreed, noting that legislative changes might be necessary to allow SITLA to explore these alternative values.

Senator Hinkins and Senator Reby both expressed their support for Mr. Garvey, praising his qualifications and commitment to future generations. Senator Reby emphasized the unique opportunity Utah has with its trust lands, urging the committee to honor and preserve this resource for educational funding.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of Mr. Garvey's appointment and the need for ongoing discussions about the management of trust lands in Utah. The committee is expected to vote on the nomination in the coming days, with a focus on ensuring that the interests of the state and its beneficiaries are upheld.