In the 2023 Utah
legislative session, Utah State University was allocated funding to conduct a
needs assessment of the Bear Lake Comprehensive Management Plan, under the
direction of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands. The plan
outlines key issues within the sovereign lands of Bear Lake, as well as needed
next steps for research and coordination.
This work is critical.
Bear Lake is unique in the region as one of just three large natural lakes in
Utah. Of those three, it has by far the highest recreational appeal. As such,
the Bear Lake area has seen a 300-percent increase in use and visitation over
the past 10 years. Additionally, its span across state lines and its dual use
as a reservoir creates additional challenges for the lake.
The Bear Lake Needs
Assessment project comprises three main components: a comprehensive report
(compiled by ILWA), an interdisciplinary research program (conducted by USU
researchers), and an outreach component (managed by ILWA). The project will be
designed to build strong internal and external relationships and create a
community of experts who understand the integrated relationships between Bear
Lake's natural ecology and human uses.
A few weeks ago we shared that Utah State University was
allocated funds to conduct research on Bear Lake. Eleven teams and individuals
were the recipients of the Bear Lake Research Grant, and one of those teams is
being led by Burdette Barker.
Burdette’s team will be looking at what the potential difference
is in water quality between surface irrigation and sprinkler irrigation return
flows. And which, if either of these irrigation types, has potentially less
negative impact on the water quality of Bear Lake.
Over the coming weeks we will highlight what the remaining ten
teams and individuals will be researching. This is exciting news for Bear Lake
and its preservation!
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