Bear Lake Watch Review

 It is imperative that residents in Utah and Idaho take the initiative to support Bear Lake Watch in all the work they do. Please look at their web page often and see how you can help.

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.