Utah’s quality of life depends on the quality of our landscapes
Growth, recreation, water, agriculture, and air quality—these are core values and key struggles for Utah. As we grow to the edges of our valleys, the water line of our reservoirs, and the ceiling of our inversions, we need more insight and more foresight. ILWA researchers provide the state with informed and unbiased expertise on Utah’s shared resources to clarify the impact of past and potential actions. We are working to better bridge the gap between researchers and problem solvers.
USU Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air
The institute is a major interdisciplinary initiative designed to stitch together two critical discussion spaces—land, water, and air research programs and state, county, and city governments—in order to create positive results for Utah. As Utah’s land-grant institution, Utah State is uniquely connected to our state’s landscapes. We’re woven in the fabric of our statewide urban and rural communities. With an unparalleled combination of local expertise and world-renowned discovery, ILWA provides critical context to Utah’s most pressing issues.
Vision
USU envisions a Utah with a high quality of life for our citizens that values and optimizes our state’s shared resources while managing continued growth.
Mission
The institute guides Utah land, water, and air policy by connecting decision-makers with high-quality research.
Values
- Data-driven decision-making
- Compelling communication
- Shared partnerships
- Non-partisan perspective
- Listening and feedback
Our 130-year land, water, and air history
USU founded as Utah's land-grant institution.
USU researchers begin recording and reporting daily weather observations.
USU Cooperative Extension established by Smith-Lever Act.
Utah Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unity at USU founded.
Utah Water Research Laboratory founded at USU.
Jack H. Berryman Institute on wildlife interactions founded.
USU Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism founded.
USU Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping founded.
Bingham Energy Research Center established in Vernal, Utah.
Utah Tranasportation Center started at USU.
USU Center for Colorado River Studies established.
USU Research Landscapes series started.
USU Institute for Land, Water, and Air established.
About Janet Quinney Lawson
Characterized by friends and family as a champion of environmental education and conservation, Janet Quinney Lawson dedicated herself to ensuring research and teaching in these vital areas thrive at Utah State University. The daughter of S.J. “Joe” and Jessie E. Quinney, Janet was instrumental in developing relationships between her own foundation, as well as the foundation that bears her parents’ names, that have enabled USU to become a leader in natural resources and its related fields.
Janet was well-known throughout the community as a supporter of many projects and organizations. She was an avid skier and golfer. She loved Bear Lake and the mountains around Alta. She was a pioneer in running the rivers of the Western U.S. and supported many projects throughout her life to help others connect with the beauty of Utah.
In October 2021, the Janet Quinney Lawson Foundation gave the lead gift of $7 million to name the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute of Land, Water, and Air. The generous gift creates an endowment that provides core support for the important work of the institute in perpetuity and is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Janet Quinney Lawson’s steadfast support of USU.
