Representative Keven Stratton and Conserve Utah Valley invite the public to The Utah Lake Summit on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the Science Building Auditorium (SB134) at Utah Valley University.
“This lake is a treasure and with the growth coming to this area, we need to explore and implement viable sound solutions.,” Rep. Stratton said. “I’m eager to have our residents understand the fine work and thought going toward making the lake what we want it to be—an asset to our quality of life for generations to come.” Rep. Stratton serves as the Chair of the Utah House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee, a member of the Legislative Water Development Commission and Chair of the Federalism Commission.
Craig Christensen, the executive director of Conserve Utah Valley, is equally passionate about Utah Lake. “There are so many who feel an intense stewardship for this body of water,” Christensen said. “Our group is energized to add our voice to support the lake’s recovery cycle and protect its important ecosystems.”
Currently, more than 100 scientists and experts have signed a letter to raise concern over an idea for development. (LINK) A chief concern was the 2018 Utah Lake Amendments (HB272) that, in their opinions, weakened the constitutional protections for Utah Lake. Representative Stratton opened a bill file to explore potential amendments that provide clarity, accountability, and transparency to the process.
Dr. Benjamin Abbott, a BYU Ecology and Environmental Science professor, is an expert on Utah Lake’s ecosystem. “The Utah Lake ecosystem is vital to the health of Utah Valley, the Great Salt Lake, and the entire region,” Abbott said. “There are many good efforts underway that are already improving the lake ecosystems. We want people to know more about that.”
The Utah Lake Summit will feature overviews into current efforts and the process.
The agenda is as follows:
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6:30 pm Welcome and Introductions – Rep. Keven Stratton and Craig Christensen, Director of Conserve Utah Valley
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6:45 pm Utah Lake, an Ecosystem in Recovery – Benjamin W. Abbott, Ph.D., Brigham Young University, Ecology/Environmental Science
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7:00 pm Panel: Water Quality and Algal Blooms — TBA
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7:30 pm Just the Facts: Water and Legislation (HB272) — Rep. Keven Stratton, Chair, House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee
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7:40 pm Panel: Economic & Ecologic Considerations — TBA
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8:10 pm Discussion and Q&A Session — Legislators, presenters, and experts invite your questions and comments.
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8:45 pm Wrap Up and Next Steps
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