Group to tackle lake issues

OREM — After decades of being seen as dirty and neglected, Utah Lake has returned to the scrutiny of scientists and politicians who envision a different future for the former resort area.

The Utah Lake Management Commission, along with the June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program, are looking to tackle some of the lake's biggest problems, both in the water and on land. Both organizations met recently to update the public and formalize their plans.

"Whether you live on the lake or not, this is Utah County and (the lake) is going to affect all of us," said Burtis Bills, Payson mayor and member of a panel chosen to organize the Utah Lake Commission.

The lake commission says its goals are to encourage and maintain recreational access to the lake and promote responsible economic development of the area. At the same time, the commission vows it won't be stepping on the toes of state and federal organizations that monitor the lake.

"This commission really won't have much influence on land or water," said Clyde Naylor, Utah County engineer.

The panel is made up of county and state Legislature officials, Central Utah Water Conservancy District representatives, members of the state departments of natural resources and environmental quality and local leaders from nine cities surrounding Utah Lake. The group met Thursday to discuss public comments garnered from three recent meetings, hosted around the county to advertise the commission's purpose.

Though several local residents have expressed an interest in serving on the commission, voting members are limited only to existing governmental entities who can participate in an inter-local agreement.

The panel plans to seek approval and state funding for the commission in the upcoming legislative session. Panel members agreed to approve a draft of an inter-local agreement by Dec. 1.

If the commission is formed, participating entities will be responsible for shouldering operating costs for the organization. A proposed budget suggests about $300,000 for annual operating costs, including a salary of $83,000 for a potential commission director.

The June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program, sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources, is also looking for funding. The Program sponsored a symposium Friday to spread information about its goal: restoring Utah Lake and preserving the June sucker, a native fish on the brink of extinction.

To restore the June sucker, which is thought to be found only in Utah Lake, the program is looking to significantly decrease the number of carp populating — and polluting — the water.