New commission targets Utah Lake's image

PROVO — Utah Lake has been called muddy, stinky and repulsive by some, but to Reed Price, Utah County's natural body of water is beautiful.

That's why one of Price's primary goals as the first-ever, newly appointed executive director of the Utah Lake Commission is to try to change the minds of those who look down on the lake. He's also determined to fight off invasive plant species, deal with carp overpopulation and encourage responsible development along the miles and miles of Utah Lake's shoreline.

"What would please me most would be to see a change in public perception about the lake," Price said. "I think (Utah Lake) has an unfair way about

it. It is seen as a dirty, messy lake. If you look at water quality standards, there are a couple of levels that aren't where they're supposed to be, but otherwise, it's a pretty clean lake."

Price says Utah Lake is unique as one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the nation, and compared to the ponds Price was raised around in Kansas, it's practically crystal clear.

"I grew up with muddy lakes that you couldn't see your hand in front of your face in," Price said. "I never would have thought (Utah Lake) was an eyesore, but when you compare it to the lakes in the mountains, it is a little different."

For the past several years, Price has worked as an employee of Orem, first as a water-quality examiner of the city's waste-water treatment center, then as an assistant in the city manager's office. Monday was Price's official first day as executive director of the lake commission, but already his plate is getting pretty full.

One of the commission's first objectives is to develop a master plan for developing the lake, but first, Price has to get unpacked.

"We need to get the office set up, work on the policy manual, deal with administrative items — it will take a while to get done," Price said. "I honestly have no idea what the next month will bring, but we'll attack it on a day by day basis. The main thing is to promote the mission of the lake commission."

The Utah Lake Commission was officially established in March as an organization determined to help direct the lake's future. Members, who include representatives from state departments, Utah County and local cities that border the lake, maintain that the commission is not out to control the lake's rightful property owners but to provide useful information when and where it is needed.