Utah Lake is at a crossroads. This centerpiece of our community is threatened by water diversions, pollution, for-profit development proposals, and a changing climate. In the coming months, the state legislature will be making pivotal decisions about whether to allow drastic changes in the management and governance of Utah Lake. Specifically, the legislature is currently considering the creation of a Utah Lake Authority and proposals to dredge or build artificial islands across much of the lake. In this time of dramatic change and controversy, we need evidence-based management and legislation to protect and restore this unique, beautiful, and dynamic lake.

Because many legislators and members of the public do not have the ecological background to evaluate the potential benefit and harm of various management options, we have organized a public-facing Utah Lake Symposium (http://utahlake.byu.edu/). On August 4th, this symposium will bring together top ecological, legal, and management experts to discuss the status and future of Utah Lake. Independent researchers from across the state will present a comprehensive but nontechnical overview of the challenges and opportunities facing our lake.

You are invited to attend this public event, which will be held in the Clarke Building at UVU on August 4th. Tables and posters open at 10am and the main symposium starts at 11. A free lunch is provided for all who register. Please register today and spread the word so we can ensure wise stewardship of this unique and beautiful ecosystem.

The event will be in the University of Utah Clark Building, Room 510