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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING RESTORATION OF

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UTAH LAKE

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2017 GENERAL SESSION

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STATE OF UTAH

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Chief Sponsor: Mike K. McKell

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Senate Sponsor: Deidre M. Henderson

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8     LONG TITLE
9     General Description:
10          This concurrent resolution addresses the condition of Utah Lake.
11     Highlighted Provisions:
12          This resolution:
13          ▸     urges speedy and comprehensive solutions to restore Utah Lake and improve its
14     water quality;
15          ▸     emphasizes removing invasive plant species, restoring littoral zone plant
16     communities, and restoring native plant species on Utah Lake's shoreline; and
17          ▸     seeks to ensure recreational opportunities on Utah Lake.
18     Special Clauses:
19          None
20     

21     Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
22          WHEREAS, the state of Utah is committed to conserving Utah Lake, restoring Utah
23     Lake's water quality, improving habitat for fish and wildlife, and enhancing recreational
24     opportunities for Utah's citizens;
25          WHEREAS, Utah Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the state of Utah;
26          WHEREAS, Utah Lake has an extensive shoreline, offers prime recreational
27     opportunities, and serves a vital water storage and supply function to residents of the Wasatch

28     Front, which includes Utah County and Salt Lake County;
29          WHEREAS, multiple factors have presented significant challenges to Utah Lake,
30     including algal blooms, loss of native vegetation, invasive fish and plant species, loss of littoral
31     zone plants, suspended silt on the lake bottom, and reduced water clarity;
32          WHEREAS, the state of Utah has begun experimental restoration of various aspects of
33     Utah Lake, including removing invasive phragmites, removing non-native carp, restoring the
34     native June sucker, and other efforts, to improve water quality through partnerships between
35     the Department of Natural Resources, the Division of Wildlife Resources, the Division of
36     Water Quality, and the Utah Lake Commission;
37          WHEREAS, more comprehensive and extensive restoration investment, planning, and
38     implementation are needed to address the issues facing Utah Lake; and
39          WHEREAS, the state of Utah is committed to work in collaboration with local
40     stakeholders to speed the restoration of Utah Lake for the benefit of aquatic species, wildlife,
41     and Utah's citizens:
42          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
43     Governor concurring therein, urges an acceleration of comprehensive solutions to restore Utah
44     Lake and improve its water quality.
45          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor urge solutions to
46     address challenges to Utah Lake, including water clarity, water quality, invasive species, and
47     preserving the storage and water supply functions.
48          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor urge solutions to
49     restore a vibrant fishery, including restoring the Bonneville cutthroat trout population and
50     recovering the June sucker, while improving habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife species.
51          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor urge solutions to
52     remove invasive plant species, restore littoral zone plant communities, and restore native plant
53     species on Utah Lake's shoreline should be accelerated.
54          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor urge solutions to
55     maximize and ensure recreational access and opportunities on Utah Lake, while also improving
56     the use of the lake for Utah and its citizens.
57          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the copies of this resolution be forwarded to the
58     Department of Natural Resources, the Division of Wildlife Resources, the Division of Water

59     Quality, and the Utah Lake Commission, to encourage pursuit of all reasonably available
60     solutions to accelerate comprehensive and lasting restoration of Utah Lake.






Legislative Review Note
Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel