I served on a committee organized by the DWR and Utah Lake commission about 10 years ago. It was an enjoyable and eye opening experience. The committee ultimately disbanded but I still hear regularly from the commission. The truth is that many stakeholders ARE trying to improve and increase access and opportunities for sportsmen and other recreationalists. Sometimes things don't work out and other times users are their own worst enemies and screw it up for the rest of us. (The Knolls) However, we had some success then in procuring/improving access and it looks like more secure access at Lincoln point is now assured. The point is that not all politicians or bureaucrats are out to get us at least regarding UL but O4F is right, involvement is important.
As the open letter states, basic parameters in water quality have improved over the past few years. There is still a ways to go, but it isn't as polluted as its reputation. That doesn't mean its perfect either, and money and effort towards better water quality is a good investment.
With regards to the island project, I think it is a horrible idea. However, opponents have an ace up their sleeve in preventing it. As long as the June sucker is endangered and in the lake, I don't see major environment altering activities like this island project seeing the light of day. June sucker recovery also has stimulated a lot of money to come in for the various cleanup efforts and habitat improvements. Yet, on fishing and hunting forums like this one, there is an endless stream of bellyaching and whining about the June sucker recovery program. Maybe it is time that we appreciate the effort, both as a vehicle to clean up the lake as well as a protection against idiotic development plans like the island project.
As the open letter states, basic parameters in water quality have improved over the past few years. There is still a ways to go, but it isn't as polluted as its reputation. That doesn't mean its perfect either, and money and effort towards better water quality is a good investment.
With regards to the island project, I think it is a horrible idea. However, opponents have an ace up their sleeve in preventing it. As long as the June sucker is endangered and in the lake, I don't see major environment altering activities like this island project seeing the light of day. June sucker recovery also has stimulated a lot of money to come in for the various cleanup efforts and habitat improvements. Yet, on fishing and hunting forums like this one, there is an endless stream of bellyaching and whining about the June sucker recovery program. Maybe it is time that we appreciate the effort, both as a vehicle to clean up the lake as well as a protection against idiotic development plans like the island project.
