About the Study

Study Goals & Objectives

The Utah Lake Study goals and objectives are outlined in SB 270 and will guide the study team through the process.

SB-270

With the passage of Senate Bill 270 “Utah Lake and Great Salt Lake Study Amendments” during the 2024 Utah Legislative Session, the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands (FFSL) is conducting a study for Utah Lake. The study will determine how to enhance benefits associated with Utah Lake, in a manner consistent with the FFSL’s management authority over sovereign lands, as identified in the bill.

Benefits Identified for Utah Lake:

(a) improving the clarity and quality of the water in Utah Lake;

(b) conserving water resources in and around Utah Lake;

(c) removing invasive plant and animal species, including phragmites and carp, from Utah Lake;

(d) restoring and improving littoral zone and other plant communities in and around Utah Lake;

(e) restoring and conserving native fish and other aquatic species in Utah Lake, including Bonneville cutthroat trout and June Sucker;

(f) increasing the suitability of Utah Lake and its surrounding areas for shore birds, waterfowl, and other avian species;

(g) maximizing, enhancing, and ensuring recreational access and opportunities on Utah Lake;

(h) otherwise improving the use of Utah Lake for residents and visitors;

(i) substantially accommodating an existing use on land in or around Utah Lake; and

(j) providing any other benefits identified by the division

Approach to Developing the Utah Lake Study

To begin the study, FFSL is reviewing available information, literature, and data concerning improving Utah Lake, and assessing the scientific, technical, measurement, and other informational needs for determining methods to enhance Utah Lake. A study will then be developed to fill those informational needs. The Utah Lake Study findings and a proposed implementation plan will be presented during the Interim Session of the Utah State Legislature in November 2025.

Project Team

FFSL is supported in the Utah Lake Study by a Steering Committee, a Planning Team, and a team of consultants.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee is comprised of state agency directors or their designees and provides executive input on the Utah Lake study process and outcomes. The Steering Committee’s job is to ensure that the findings of the study are scientifically sound, legally defensible, and do not interfere with water rights and interests related to water collection, storage, or delivery and projects for water collection, storage, or delivery associated with Utah Lake.

Planning Team

FFSL has formed an interdisciplinary Planning Team that will function as a technical working group to evaluate options for enhancing the 10 Utah Lake benefits defined by SB-270. It is comprised of representatives from state agencies, academia, non-governmental organizations, and others.

Consultants

Questions? Comments? Contact the Study Team
385-347-0477
info@utahlakestudy.com