Scenic Utah - Keep Utah Beautiful

Why Scenic Utah?

Scenic Utah launched in 2018 as a bold statewide effort to reduce visual pollution, reclaim our vanishing vistas, and encourage action to protect Utah’s beloved and globally renowned scenery. We are a 501(c)(3) working to focus policy attention on the visual environment, encourage civic engagement, and promote change through education, advocacy, and accountability.

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melting billboard

What's the Deal with Billboards?

The outdoor advertising industry often highlights that billboards are a medium that cannot be turned off or ignored. However, public opinion research indicates that a significant portion of Utah residents view billboards unfavorably; for example, 75% of Utahns agree that billboards are an eyesore in their communities. Given this widespread sentiment, many argue that local communities should have the authority to regulate the placement and proliferation of billboards, including the option to remove them when they are no longer desired. Despite this, the outdoor advertising industry has been influential in shaping state policy. Over the years, Utah has enacted various laws that limit the ability of local governments to regulate outdoor advertising, which some believe has resulted in economic and social consequences for communities throughout the state.

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Other Issues

Beyond billboards, we keep our eyes on other ‘scenic preservation’ issues.

National Scenic Byways designations recognize roads across the U.S. that exhibit scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archaeological, and/or cultural qualities.

Scenic Byways & Backways

Utah, renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, boasts some of the darkest and most pristine night skies in the United States.

Night Skies & Light Pollution

Small towns and cities adjacent to Utah’s national parks and public lands face unique challenges in preserving their scenic beauty and heritage.

Gateway Communities

The issue of whether to bury high-voltage transmission lines and smaller distribution cables centers not only on health, safety, and maintenance, but also on aesthetics and property values.

Undergrounding Utilities

Take Action

The fight for scenic preservation starts here. Join us to make a difference—every action counts

2026 Utah Legislative General Session: January 20 – March 6, 2026

Advocacy

Volunteering with us is a meaningful way to take direct action in preserving Utah’s natural beauty and fighting for policies that protect our environment.

Volunteer

Give what you can, once or monthly, and be part of our advocacy movement to protect beautiful Utah!

Be A Donor

Joining our mailing list is a powerful way to stay informed and engaged in the fight for our natural landscapes.

Stay Informed

Scenic Viewpoint

Monkey Wrench Legacy Lives On

August 15th 2025

This month marks the 50th anniversary of Edward Abbey’s seminal novel, The Monkey Wrench Gang, first published on August 1, 1975. The book was fou

Deciding the Right Digital Exchange Ratio

July 30th 2024

Outdoor advertising companies across the country are cajoling and enticing communities to allow conversion of static billboards to digital formats. To

Buy one, Buy ‘em All

November 1st 2023

Thanks to state laws, removing a billboard in Utah is nearly impossible. Utah billboard owners demand huge ‘just compensation’ payments for buying out

Support & Advocate

Donations support research, outreach, education and advocacy efforts of our small staff and many hard-working volunteers. With your help, we’re building a coalition of Utahns and visitors who treasure our shared scenic resources and believe they should be protected.

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