Great Salt Lake plan review starts

The state Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands has begun the initial process for a review or revisions to the Great Salt Lake Comprehensive Management Plan.

As part of that process, no new applications will be accepted for surface or mineral uses on the Great Salt Lake.

The current management plan was approved nearly 10 years ago and directs the type of activities and research that are permitted at the lake.

With such passage of time, division officials feel it is appropriate to revisit the plan and determine what, if any, modifications are necessary.

"What this does is ensures that policy directing future use of the lake is based on current information and knowledge gained from a comprehensive study," said Dick Buehler, division director.

The division is now in the process of publishing a request for proposals for a contracting organization to undertake review of the plan.

The suspension of new applications does not impact the status of an application made by Great Salt Lake Minerals Corp., to expand its operation of solar evaporation ponds by up to 91,000 acres. The company is seeking to boost its production of sulfate of potash speciality fertilizer.

A copy of the 2000 Great Salt Lake Comprehensive Management Plan and decision document can be found on the division's Web site at www.ffsl.utah.gov/sovlands/gsl.php.

— Amy Joi O'Donoghue