Projects at Utah Lake
Improvement and restoration projects are an integral part of the management of Utah Lake. Many public agencies and private organizations are involved in this work, so we have created this to highlight/summarize the details of projects for those interested in updates.
*This page will be updated on occasion to include other projects, updates to projects, and clarifications on those projects. It should not be considered an exhaustive or complete list of all the projects that have/are/will occur on the lake.
American Fork Marina Beach Improvements
1. Beach Installation
A partnership between American Fork City and Good Life Rentals in the summer of 2017 led to the creation of a new sandy beach on Utah Lake. Weeds were removed in the area and 800 tons of sand was brought in, resulting in a paradisaical section of shoreline for sun loungers and recreation enthusiasts alike. The beach is located just inside the entrance to the American Fork Boat Harbor, off to the right through the trees.
Completed
https://www.americanfork.gov/246/Beach-Boat-Harbor
May 2017
2. Boat Harbor Improvements
American Fork City has previously developed plans to upgrade the marina, including: repaving the entire parking area, adding a concessionaire stand for equipment rentals, improving the beach, upgrading the restrooms, etc. This project is under consideration for tourism funding via Utah County.
Proposed
https://www.americanfork.gov/246/Beach-Boat-Harbor
TBD
Carp Removal
In the 1880s carp were introduced to Utah Lake to replace the dwindling number of native fish, including Bonneville cutthroat trout, and to provide locals with a hardy fish that was a popular food in other areas of the world. The carp had long-lasting, negative impacts on the lake and its native fish community because they destroyed cover that provided protection for small fish from their predators. The carp’s aggressive foraging habits eventually destroyed the pondweed on the surface and the plant life on the lake floor. This directly impacted the native fish population. Carp also reproduce and grow faster than June sucker. Because June sucker grow slower, they remain vulnerable to predators longer. As of last report, the carp removal effort has removed over 26 million pounds of carp since the start (fall of 2009). Funding remains to fish through fall of 2018. JSRIP, with the help of researchers from USU, is currently evaluating where the project will go from there.
Ongoing
http://junesuckerrecovery.org/
TBD
FFSL Wetland Enhancement Project
Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands is working to restore and improve wetland vegetation on a designated area of the Lehi shoreline of Utah Lake.
Underway
Coming soon!
TBD
Hutchings Museum Field Station
Biological field stations provide living libraries and outdoor laboratories for students, researchers, and the general public interested in the environment. Managed by the Hutchings Museum, The Utah Lake Field Station uses the National Geographic Learning Framework to provide education and volunteer opportunities to visitors. Visit the link below if you want to volunteer!
Ongoing
Utah Lake Field Station website: https://johnhutchingsmuseum.org/utah-lake-field-station/
TBD
Lincoln Beach Improvements
1. Lincoln Beach Expansion
In the fall of 2018, Utah County acquired the ~ 17 acres adjacent to its marina and park at Lincoln Beach, on the south side of Utah Lake. That acquisition is proposed as an expansion of the existing Lincoln Beach and Lincoln Point access points. The county is seeking public input on this now, and the Utah Lake Authority is facilitating that input via a survey. Once that data is collected, plans will form based off the interest of the county’s residents.
Underway
Contact the Utah Lake Authority at info@utahlake.gov
TBD
2. Veterans/Law Enforcement Memorial and Marina Improvements
American Heroes Project and Hand in Hand Outdoors proposed updating Lincoln Beach with various improvements, contracting with a concessionaire for water sports rentals and building a memorial to deceased veterans and law enforcement professionals. The improvements would include additional camping sites and pavilions, improved launch area, rebuilt fishing station, a skating rink, secondary toilets near the launch ramps, and more. This would improve recreation accessibility, foster a greater sense of community in the area, reduce the costs to Utah County to maintain the marina, and provide employment for veterans.
Proposed
https://utahlake.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Lincoln-Beach-Improvement-Proposal.pdf
TBD
Lindon Marina Improvements
1. Lindon Marina Upgrade
The Lindon Marina is working on a plan to add upgrades to the RV amenities and add nightly rentals of tiny houses to their already impressive amenities and facilities.
Proposed
Proposal PDF: https://utahlake.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/00-Combined-Concept-Review-Submittal-4.pdf
TBD, pending permitting
2. Beach Improvements
In the Spring 2018, tons of sand was brought in and laid down over the beach area of the Lindon Marina. This sand is extremely soft to the touch and is great for making sand castles! It was an excellent addition to the day-use facilities at Lindon Marina.
The Utah Lake Authority aided with the facilitation of sand delivery for the marina beach in partnership with Utah County and the Lindon Marina operator, Ron Madson.
Completed
Contact Lindon Marina
P: 801-980-1104
E: lindonmarina@gmail.com
Spring 2018
3. Harbor Safety Lights Installation
In the fall of 2017, Lindon Marina installed harbor safety lights at the mouth of the their marina. Similar to a lighthouse, the purpose of these lights is to guide people safely to shore. There is one light placed on either side of the channel into the marina, so that sailors or boaters who were out until after dark can steer for safety and not beach their craft unintentionally.
These lights were purchased and installed thanks to a partnership between Lindon Marina management, Timpanogos Yacht Club, Bonneville School of Sailing, the Utah Lake Authority, and Utah State Parks Boating Program.
Completed
Contact Lindon Marina
P: 801-980-1104
E: lindonmarina@gmail.com
Fall 2017
Live Video Feeds at Public Marinas
The Utah Lake Authority is working with all five public marinas to develop a system of live video feeds at the lake. These feeds would be available online to residents, to see weather conditions, view marina parking areas and boat launch areas, etc.
In 2021, the Authority secured funding via a legislative appropriation and the State Park Motorboat Access Grants program to fund this project. In February 2022, the contractor began work on installing cameras and associated equipment at all five public marinas.
Ongoing
June 2022
Marsh Master Machines Purchase
For the crushing of phragmites, the machinery used by Utah County crews for the last 8 years, land tamers, cannot access 80% of the areas in need of crushing, whereas the Marsh Masters will be able to access all areas designated for crushing. The Utah Lake Authority partnered with Utah County; DWR’s Wildlife Restoration Initiative; UDAF’s Invasive Species Fund; Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands; and the State Legislature to fund the purchase of two of these machines. The purchase will be made in August 2018 and the machines will be used winter 2018 - 2019 for the first time.
Underway
https://www.marshmaster.com/
November 2018
Mitigation Bank
Mitigation banking is the preservation, enhancement, restoration or creation (PERC) of a wetland, stream, or habitat conservation area which offsets, or compensates for, expected adverse impacts to similar nearby ecosystems. The Utah Lake Authority has been working with partners to set up a mitigation bank to aide in the efforts of restoring and improving the Utah Lake shoreline.
Proposed
Coming soon!
TBD
Orem Powell Slough Trail System
Currently there is a trail along the shoreline of Utah Lake that runs through Vineyard from approx. 400 N down to about 170 S. There are now plans to extend that trail further south, through Powell Slough, to connect on the border of the Sleepy Ridge Golf Course in Orem. The city of Vineyard is currently applying for grants to fund this project, and discussion has already begun with the landowners regarding an easement for the trail.
Proposed
Coming soon!
TBD
Phragmites Treatment
Phragmites treatment began on the lake in 2010. Treatment has been a round-robin style rotation between 7 areas around the lake, for both spray treatment as well as crushing the treated phragmites to speed decomposition. In 2017, the Utah Lake Commission and Utah County made two significant changes in the treatment: a change in the treatment plan, and seeking funding to purchase March Masters. After consulting with an expert at USU, the treatment plan will no longer be round-robin style around the whole lake. Treatment crews will spray and crush the phragmites for three years straight in the area between Saratoga Springs around the north end of the lake and all the way down to the Provo/Springville area of Provo Bay. At the close of those three years, efforts will be made to reseed the area with a mix of native vegetation, such as cattails and bulrushes. The southern portion of the lake has been placed as a secondary priority and is being considered for a livestock grazing program to help keep the phragmites in check.
Since 2020, due to decreasing regrowth in the priority area, nearly the entire Utah Lake shoreline is receiving both herbicide and mechanical treatment, plus the Walkara Way Project is piloting grazing as an alternative method.
Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, one of the vital partners in this effort, put together a story map to illustrate the progress of the treatment program. See the link below.
Ongoing
Phragmites Program details - https://utahlake.gov/phragmites/
Utah FFSL Story Map of phragmites treatment at the lake - https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4ba238d169f043f89e1eec1c37d066cd
TBD
Powell Slough North Access Improvements
Utah DWR improved sportsman access at the Powell Slough North access point. The project included opening the gate that had been placed there, leveling the road and putting down road base, putting in a barb wire and post fence, and adding educational signage for those who use the access.
Completed
https://wri.utah.gov/wri/reports/ProjectSummaryReport.jasper?id=4542
November 2018
Provo River Delta Restoration Project
The purpose of the Provo River Delta Restoration Project is to facilitate the recovery of the endangered June sucker, a fish species that occurs only in Utah Lake and, in doing so, restore the lake’s natural ecological processes, which have been altered over the last century. The project will provide new and enhanced outdoor recreational opportunities and protected open space, which are considered key ingredients to healthy communities and which contribute to a high quality of life. The project also helps ensure water development projects needed for growing populations along the Wasatch Front stay on track.
As of end of 2021, the project has completed most of the dredging and excavation of ponds and channels, and the project is on schedule for completion in fall of 2024.
Underway
http://www.provoriverdelta.us/
2024
Sandy Beach Enhancements
Utah County and Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands (FFSL) are working to improve access to the access point on the south end of Utah Lake known as Sandy Beach. Improvements will eventually include upgrading the road from dirt to gravel, installing bathrooms and picnic tables or pavilions, and providing a parking lot for vehicles. This project is currently pending a land dispute. More details will be available once the dispute is settled.
Underway
Contact Jason Curry with FFSL at 801-538-7302.
TBD
Saratoga Springs Marina Dredging
In the spring of 2017, the City of Saratoga Springs contracted with a company to dredge 3 - 4 feet off the bottom of their marina to allow for improved access in low water years like in 2016. Efforts have been made to improve the quality of the marina and optimize its recreational value. The total dredging cost of the marina was approx. $488,000. The project also included the installation of a pump house that replaced the existing source of secondary water that had dried up. The marina is now well prepared for boating access, even in a low water year.
Completed
Saratoga Springs City Marina is Now Open!
September 2017
Saratoga Springs Marina Expansion
Saratoga Springs City has previously developed plans to add a third jetty on the north end of the marina, to create a swimming area and sandy beach for day use. This project is under consideration for tourism funding via Utah County. Project could start as early as 2021.
Proposed
TBD
Utah Lake Preservation Fund Projects
During the 2022 General Session, the Utah Legislature approved the Utah Lake Preservation Fund using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding as part of Senate Bill 3. The Utah State Legislature has charged the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) with administering a competitive grant program for Utah Lake Water Quality Projects with funds from ARPA.
The application period was open from September 28 to November 5, 2022. DEQ received 33 applications for a total of $60,238,845 in requests. A multi-agency committee of subject matter experts reviewed and scored projects, and an executive committee composed of the DEQ and Department of Natural Resources Directors and members of the Utah Legislature determined final project approvals. A total of 18 projects were approved. See the story map below for more details.
Ongoing
Story Map of all the projects: https://utahdeq.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=bb5953527aa6425cb8361e3013ad672c
TBD
Utah Lake Restoration Project
The Utah Lake Restoration Project is, first and foremost, a master plan for Utah Lake with the goal of restoring and protecting the Utah Lake ecosystem to a more pristine, stable, and sustainable condition. The Utah Lake Restoration project will include a $6.4 billion privately funded environmental recovery based on scientific research and proven engineering practices. A naturally self-sustaining ecosystem hinges on three foundational changes: dredging the entire lake bottom of all nutrient-loaded sediment, replacing invasive plant and animal species with native species, and restoring the water quality. This proposal has been accepted by Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands with a list of requirements that Lake Restoration Solutions Inc (LRS) is currently working to meet.
On January 6, 2022, LRS submitted their application for the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) with the US Army Corps of Engineers. This starts a minimum of 18 - 24 month environmental impact statement (EIS) scientific and regulatory review of the project. To read the application and learn more about that process, visit the link below.
Rejected
Project website - https://www.lakerestorationsolutions.com/
Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands permit review page - https://ffsl.utah.gov/index.php/state-lands/utah-lake/utah-lake-land-exchange-offering
Army Corps Permit Application - https://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Utah-Lake-Restoration-Project/
N/A
Utah Lake Shoreline Trail
The Utah Lake Authority is working with all of the municipalities around Utah Lake, Utah County, and others in an effort to coordinate city and county trails so that there will be a continuous trail system that circles the entire lake. Currently, focus is on the sections between Saratoga Springs and Provo, around the northern and eastern sides of the lake. There are sections of this trail that are completed, some planned and others are still at the concept phase.
The most recently completed section of trail connected the Vineyard trail and Lindon trail segments. Around five miles of trail have received funding via MAG and legislative appropriations and are estimated for construction by 2025.
Ongoing
Utah Lake Trail Plan
TBD
Utah Lake State Park Improvements
1. Marina Dredging
Started in December 2017 and completed by Memorial Day weekend of 2018, this long-awaited project gave the state park more than just a fresh coat of paint. The work included dredging the channel and most of the inner marina, adding 4 feet to its depth for boating access. Also included: lengthening the concrete boat ramps by 15+ feet for access during low water, installing new pavilions in the day use area, improving campground, installing new asphalt along the entire length of the northern jetty and road base along the southern jetty, and upgrading the parking lot striping throughout the park.
Completed
https://utahlake.gov/state-park-improvements/
May 2018
2. Non-Motorized Boat Access Outside Park
Utah Lake State Park has partnered with Utah County, Utah Lake Authority, and others to improve the parking area at the end of the Provo River Parkway trail (located just outside the entrance to the state park). Once completed, it will include an 80-car parking lot (free parking use for the trail and the state park), restrooms and benches, and a non-motorized access ramp down into the Provo River for kayak, canoe, and paddle board enthusiasts. The trees and other rubbish on the lot have all been removed, and work on leveling the ground should commence soon. There is not an estimated completion date for this project yet.
Underway
Contact Jason Allen with the Division of State Parks at 801-420-1259 for current information on the project.
TBD
Utah Lake Water Quality Study
The state is currently engaged in a $1 million Division of Water Quality study, supported by a $500k legislative appropriation that is administered through the Utah Lake Authority. This study examines Utah Lake and its blue-green algae problem. The proliferation of algae stems from an abundance of nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, which enter the lake through wastewater discharge, agricultural operations, and urban runoff. One goal of the study will be to determine nutrient concentrations that protect the lakes ecosystem and recreational uses.
Underway
Utah Lake Water Quality Study
2023
Vineyard Shoreline Improvements
Vineyard City Shoreline Master Plan
Vineyard City is master planning their entire section of Utah Lake shoreline! The city is working with local, state, and federal partners to conserve and enhance the shoreline for residents and visitors. Features such as a marina, new trails, parks, boardwalk, access to the Walkara Way project, and more are a part of this plan. Check out the link to the master plan below!
Ongoing
Waterfront Master Plan (version approved by city council 07/27/22)
TBD
Walkara Way Project
This project is an effort proposed by a member of the Holdaway family to create a public-private partnership for their land in the Powell Slough. This would be a legacy project for their family that would provide amenities such as a trail, a campground, beach access, and more for the use of the public.
The project received over $4 million in 2021 in a Utah legislative appropriation to cover approximately half the costs of the project. Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) awarded an additional $4 million for this project, scheduled to be awarded in 2023. As of February 2022, a consultant was hired and is working on the legal agreements, design of the amenities, etc.
Proposed
Project Presentation at December 2018 Utah Lake Commission Governing Board meeting. See YouTube channel for audio minutes.
TBD