Beach Improvement

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, September 11, 2014.  Wes Thompson and Danny White appeared before the Council requesting that they be hired to improve Bear Lake, Garden City Beaches.  Thompson is a hydro geologist with an emphasis on working with shore lines along bodies of water.  White  works with creating maps and plans, works with delineating wet land areas, mitigating them, and getting permits for them.  Both are concerned about the environment and how it can be improved along the shores of Bear Lake.

Thompson indicated that the area should go from muddy beaches to sandy inviting areas.  By getting rid of the vegetation along the shores, the deer flies will also disappear.  They must lay their eggs on upright plants.  Without the vegetation, the insects will disappear.

Thompson will map all of the drainage ditches that were built and maintained in the past.  He will find where they were by using historical photos, talking with individuals who have lived in the area for long periods of time, and by actually walking over the area taking note of where remnants of old ditches can be found.  All ditches that were built prior to 1976 would be grandfathered in thereby allowing them to be cleaned and maintained in the future.

White will map the shore line noting where all the ditches are, and delineating all of the wet land areas.  He will write the required reports concerning endangered species, the cultural report, and submit the pre construction report.

They determined that they can get most of the information together this fall and apply for the permit.  That would make it possible to actually have the needed papers by January.  They suggested that some people living along the shore may want to adopt a section of beach similar to clubs and groups and adopt sections of the highway.  They could help keep their portion of the beach clean.

It was noted that dredged up materials from cleaning the ditches will need to be moved and some expense will be incurred in this activity.  The beaches can be mowed and raked using a beach rake.  As the vegetation disappears, the deer flies will also disappear.

There are several areas along the beach where sand has collected.  This sand could be moved into other areas as part of the restoration project.

Thompson and White  figured that could carry out this part of the beach improvement plan for about $30,000.  They noted that the beach is probably the most important thing in Garden City, and its improvement will add greatly to the City.

The Council approved the plan, and encouraged Thompson and White to go ahead with the field work and whatever is necessary to get the required permits.  They also indicated that $30,000 will be set aside for this project.