Stay ConnectedThe official podcast for Utah Lake. Hosted by the Utah Lake Commission, this podcast discusses the facts, fiction and fun to do with Utah Lake. Topics include projects at the lake, answering questions and dispelling rumors, featuring popular recreation activities at the lake and more. Each episode aims to share the works and wonders of Utah Lake.
*Subscribe or listen to the podcast in the “Where to Listen” section below.
Copyright: © Utah Lake Authority
Sam updates listeners on recent events and activities at the lake, the results of a recent tour of all 27 public access points, new staff hires, how the management plan is coming along and why NOW is the time to visit Utah Lake!
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Ken Hoffman and Paul Burnett with Utah Division of Water Quality join Sam in discussing the Utah Lake Preservation Fund. This one-time grant of $30 million comes from ARPA, through the State Legislature, to Utah Division of Water Quality to Utah Lake. 18 projects received funding from the grant. We are excited to see the positive impacts on water quality at the lake, made possible in part by the Preservation Fund.
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Looking for something fun to do at Utah Lake?? We've got you covered with this episode. Sam talks about 5 upcoming events at the lake. The Field Trips for 4th Graders, Summer Fishfest, Paddle with Care, Utah Lake Festival and Utah Lake Scavenger Hunt are coming soon! Listen in for dates, details, tips and more. We think Utah Lake is the "Greatest Lake on Earth" and we love that you feel the same way! Come to one of our events and learn more!
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Utah Lake Scavenger Hunt - last year's info
In this episode our staff will share a water supply update from the report the Utah Water Conservancy District has shared. Listen in to hear what the water supply and snowpack is, how it compares to previous years, how we rank here in Utah as well as the drought conditions in Utah and more specifically around Utah Lakes region. Some other things the report highlights is precipitation, SWE, and future forecast. You can click the link below to visit this report, which is a very useful tool that helps everyone to have updates on the recent weather data.
Links from this Episode:
Utah Water Conservancy District Water Supply Update
Utah Lake has so many exciting things happening! In this episode you will hear from our staff who will give you a quick preview of updates regarding Utah Lake. Currently the Utah Lake Conceptual Management Plan is being made and there is a 30-day comment period ending on March 22. Our staff gives more information about this plan along with news about the Utah Lake Festival, snowpack and water levels and more!
Draft Management Plan available for comment
In this exciting episode one of our staff members, Sam Braegger, shares six stories with some great experiences of his at Utah Lake. Listen in to hear all about Sam getting lost in the phragmites, seeing Utah Lake's beautiful ice stacks for the first time, waterfowl hunting and more! There are so many wonderful experiences we can have at Utah Lake and so many ways we can help others to have an even better experience than we have had!
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If you are looking to do some fishing, visit Utah Lake and participate in a fun competition listen in! This episode talks all about the Utah Lake Winter Fishfest that is going on right now! The Fishfest is a virtual online-only competition not a fishing tournament where participants congregate to compete. You will be catching a fish, taking a photo and repeating this process! In this episode our staff will explain all about the rules, qualifications, categories, ways to prepare and the exciting prizes you have the chance to win!
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This is the final episode of our series from the Utah Lake Summit! Listen in to hear from Utah County Commissioner, Tom Sakievich, who discusses the enhancements of Sandy Beach. Some of the benefits to these enhancements are better and cleaner access, restrooms, and restriction of motor vehicle access in order to improve the shoreline.
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This is our second to last episode of our series, from the Utah Lake Summit! Listen in to hear from Joel Ferry, Director of Utah Department of Natural Resources, and Representative Stratton and Representative Brammer who are both from the Utah State Legislature. Each of them give a different perspective on how all of the different partners are working together to help and enhance Utah Lake, as well as how much the state is invested in Utah Lake.
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Here is another episode in our series from the FFSL Science, Policy and Management Summit for Utah Lake! In this episode you will have a chance to hear from Eric Ellis the Director of the Utah Lake Commission, soon to be Utah Lake Authority. The Utah Lake Authority was created to further enhance care and management of the lake. Eric shares more information about the transition from the Utah Lake Commission into the Utah Lake Authority, as well as the work being done through this transition and its results.
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In this episode of our series sharing recordings of speakers from the FFSL Science, Policy and Management Summit for Utah Lake, you will hear from John Mackey. John is the Director of the Division of Water Quality, and in this episode he will speak on what the water quality study is, how long its been going on, the goals that it is trying to accomplish, and what it means for the lake in providing long-term solutions to harmful algae blooms.
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In this episode of our series sharing recordings of speakers from the FFSL Science, Policy and Management Summit for Utah Lake, you will hear from Candice Hasenyager, the Director at the Division of Water Resources. Listen in to hear all about the drought response and water conservation efforts that are happening, as well as the things we can do to help in a short-term and long-term way, to work to save the precious resources that we have.
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In this episode of our series sharing recordings of speakers from the FFSL Science, Policy and Management Summit for Utah Lake, you will hear from Teresa Wilhemsen. Teresa is the Director of the Division of Water Rights, and in this episode she explains more about how water rights function and how Utah Lake is managed around those water rights.
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The next few episodes will be part of a series, where we will share recordings of speakers from the Utah Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands Science, Policy and Management Summit for Utah Lake. In this episode you will hear from Brian Steed the Executive Director of the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water and Air at USU. Listen in to hear more about finding solutions to some pressing problems we have as a state and connecting land, water and air researchers to Utah problem solvers.
Links from this Episode:
Utah Lake, Science, Management, and Policy event: full video :
In this episode our staff discusses Utah Lake's preservation fund and management plan. Currently the Utah Lake Commission is transitioning over to be the Utah Lake Authority. The Utah Lake Authority will provide a bigger budget and direct management authority that will provide a more focused work on Utah Lake. There will be more collaboration, communication and a comprehensive view of the lake and how to make it better. You will hear more about how this is coming together and the next steps the Commission is taking!
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This episode you will learn all about the Utah Lake Adopt a Shoreline Program. The Adopt a Shoreline program was created many years ago to address the issue of litter at Utah Lake and help to keep the shoreline litter-free. Listen in to hear more about the 45 sections of the lake that have either been adopted and are being cared for or have the opportunity to be adopted!
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In this episode you will hear all about some of the exciting updates regarding Utah Lake! These updates highlight the Life Jacket Loaner Program, Lake wide marina camera network, Saratoga Springs City Marina, Provo River Delta Project trail closer update and more! Listen in to find out more!
Links from this Episode:
Saratoga south marina expansion
Ep. 46 - Living on the Utah Lake Shoreline
Ep. 59 – Saratoga Springs Lakeshore Projects
Ep. 61 - Vineyard Lakeshore Projects
Ep. 71 - Windy Lookout Creation
The Utah Lake fourth grade field trips are back!! These field trips are a way to educate 4th grade students in Utah Valley about Utah Lake. The presenters at these field trips are agencies and researchers at the lake who have volunteered their time to teach these students about topics including water conservation, water quality, water safety, wildlife and more! Listen in to hear more about this fun experience!
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As the drought is an ongoing concern this summer season with all of the heat, in this episode our staff decided to discuss some of the topics related to the drought. Some of these include the the drought in regards to the lake, tips from the slow the flow organization to decrease water usage, the impact you can make as well as work being done to try and enhance our efforts outside of just homeowners. Listen in to hear some of these informing topics.
Links from this Episode:
Understanding Utah Lake water levels blog post
UtahLake.org water levels page
Central Utah Water Conservancy District reservoir levels page
KSL article - Gov. Cox comments on water conservation efforts
Deseret News article - agriculture water optimization efforts
Boating is a blast and safety is key! There are a variety of people help to keep us safe and aware and in this episode we hear from two of the many. Ty Hunter from the Division of Outdoor Recreation and Devan Chavez from the Division of State Parks speak to us in this podcast episode about their efforts to help make people aware of boating and water safety, life jacket loaner programs, and some of the safety precautions you can take to stay safe.
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In this episode we hear from Hannah Bonner and Ashley Sumner from the Division of Water Quality, to understand more about who DWQ is and the role they play with harmful algal blooms. Hannah and Ashley share all about the structured process to monitor in advance, to react if there is one reported and to help notify people to be safe afterwards. There are also some fun stories towards the end of this episode, so listen in!
Links from this Episode:
Harmful Algae Blooms Website (HABs.utah.gov)
Utah Water Watch citizen science effort
Department of Environmental Quality Instagram (weekly algae bloom updates on Fridays!)
The Utah Lake Authority is the Utah Lake Commission 2.0. HB232 created the Utah Lake Authority and our staff and the new governing board are working to set things up. The first board meeting was on July 21, so Sam Braegger, ULC/ULA Program Manager and Eric Ellis, Executive Director of the ULC/ULA discuss the setup process, the transition from ULA to ULC and some teasers to what is coming soon at Utah Lake!
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In this episode we hear about what is going on in regards to algae blooms including their current status, things to know before you go to the lake, facts about blooms, long term and short term treatment efforts, new opportunities of funding for enhancing water quality and lastly a Utah Lake water quality study.
Links from the Episode:
3 Things you Need to Know about Algae Blooms at Utah Lake
Algae treatment efforts presentation
Learn more about bubble curtains
Whether you have heard the rumor of the alligator in Utah Lake or not, you better listen in to hear the Facts, Fiction and Fun behind the rumor! In this episode our staff tells all about the story and how the rumor came to be! This is a fun one, you don't want to miss it!
Links from the Episode:
Follow up article from the Tribune
Alligator found in Jordan River in 2003
Deseret News article on the hoax
Sean Thornton tells our staff about the app he created called Windy Lookout. Windy Lookout is an alert system for lake recreational users. Sean tells about how this app works, how it can help everyone safe and have updates on the forecast and what he has planned for the future!
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In this episode our staff shares about a few of the recent event that happened involving Utah Lake. Listen in to hear more about the results from our Utah Lake Scavenger Hunt, Photo Exhibit Fundraiser, Paddle with Care, and the Summer Fishfest!
Chris Crockett, who works for the Division of Wildlife Resources, speaks to us about the Utah Lake Fisheries Management Advisory Committee. Listen in to hear more about their vision statement and how they are working to make Utah Lake a great public resource for wildlife and visitors of the lake. Chris also tells about the great things that are happening as a result of the June Sucker Recovery Program!
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In this episode our staff talks about Utah Lake's accomplishments from 2021 and the work of Utah Lake Commission and its partners. Listen in to hear about the projects, funding, and outreach efforts from this previous year as well as some of the ways volunteers have been involved. All of these efforts work to help the lake and the public that use it!
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In this podcast episode our staff was able to speak with Dr. Janice Brahney who has worked on the Utah Lake paleolimnology research study. In this episode she talks about the research they have been able to find and the evidence that shows in the recent past there has been a shift from a clear water dominated system to an algal dominated system. If you want to hear more about what Utah Lake looked like 200 years ago, listen in!
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The Commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the June Sucker Recovery program was celebrated on May 24th! Listen in to hear from a few people who have been involved in this program about the progress, what has been accomplished and the hopes for the future!
These interviews were recorded at the June sucker commemoration event, held outdoors at Utah Lake State Park. You may hear some planes flying into Provo Airport in the background.
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Listen in to hear a few questions from a 7th grader named Matthew who has been curious to learn more about Utah Lake! Some of the questions our staff answers for him include general information about the lake, who works on the fishery, what the Utah Lake Commission does to insure people’s safety on the lake, what the Commission is doing to get rid of the invasive phragmites and how the Commission plans to stop harmful algal blooms! In regards to staying safe on the lake boaters are encouraged to tune into the Channel 16 station on VHF radios! Check out these additional links for some great resources about the information talked about in this episode!
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In this podcast episode we hear from Melissa Stamp from the Mitigation Commission about the Provo River Delta Restoration Project. Melissa talks about the wonderful progress they are making on this project as well as the great opportunities it will open for different activities! If you listen till the end you will hear a few fun facts about some cool artifacts they have found during the project!
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On this episode our staff talks about all of the exciting upcoming events at Utah lake this summer! Some of the events include the Utah lake scavenger hunt, the 20th commemoration of the creation of the June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program Open House, the Provo River Delta Saturday Site Tours and Stewardship Projects, the Utah Lake Photo contest, the Paddle with Care Fundraiser Event, and more! Save the dates to your calendar because there will be a chance to win some fun prizes!
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The Commission is doing a Water Safety Awareness Campaign this month! Included in this campaign are some wonderful events to support it. Our staff spoke to Kim Ray about the Paddle with Care event, as well as to Jason Both about the Photo Fundraiser. Both of these events are being held to support the Utah Lake Life Jacket Program! In this episode there is also some wonderful information about how to be safe while participating in the many fun activities on the Lake!
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Vineyard City Community Development Director Morgan Brim talks with our staff about the plans the city has for the lake shoreline. The trails along the lakeshore, the master planned downtown development that will draw people through from the incoming Frontrunner station down a boulevard to the lake, and so much more. Vineyard City and its residents LOVE Utah Lake and are showing it through the work they do to protect and enhance Utah Lake, taking collaborative and comprehensive planning to provide the best amenity possible to the public.
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This special episode was created in partnership with Vineyard City to feature stories and information about Vineyard as something Vineyard residents can listen to at the Vineyard Earth Day beautification project on the Utah Lake shoreline. Vineyard City cares about Utah Lake and Vineyard residents want love living near the lake. This episode talks about the history of Vineyard and Utah Lake, reason why Vineyard is great today and why it will continue to be great and be connected with the lake. Listen in to enjoy a storytelling experience, updates on amazing lakeside amenities and amazing plans for the future.
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Jeremy Lapin, Saratoga Springs City Public Works Director, shares details on city projects to enhance and protect the Utah Lake shoreline for Saratoga residents and visitors. Expanding the existing city marina, completing sections of trail to provide connection opportunities for trail users, developing a NEW second city marina on the north side and even plans to develop a park at the Inlet hot springs! Listen in to learn more about each of these and other projects.
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*This episode is numbered 58 2.0 because it replaced episode 58 which had audio quality issues. Instead of fixing issues, we had Erica Gaddis with DWQ do a special audio interview, specifically for the podcast. Enjoy!
Ever asked yourself, “What is being done to fix algae blooms at Utah Lake”? or “What kind of research are they doing”? This episode contains audio from the June 17, 2021 Utah Lake Commission Governing Board meeting. In that meeting, Erica Gaddis, Director of Utah Division of Water Quality reported on the progress of several research projects going on the lake regarding nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen and their impact on algae blooms. Core samples to biassay studies and more are being completed to create a comprehensive approach to looking at the sources of nutrients (nutrients are the food for the algae blooms to grow).
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People have all kinds of questions about Utah Lake, and Google has the answers…sort of. In this episode, we discuss the top 6 questions people ask about the lake on Google, and what the answers are.
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Public Access Points at Utah Lake
Windy Lookout : wind notification app for Utah Lake
We want you to stay safe out on Utah Lake. We want you to have fun too, but safety comes first. There are some tips and great resources to help you stay safe. Wear a life jacket, download the Windy Lookout app to be notified of wind event forecasts specifically for Utah Lake, get some education from State Parks or a similar organization, etc. There are some basic things that can improve your safety while out on the water.
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Russ Franklin with the June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program shares the latest updates on their recovery efforts. The June sucker has been downlisted from endangered down to threatened, carp removal is adapting to the reduced number of carp left, northern pike are being monitored to prevent negative impacts on the lake ecosystem and more! Listen in to hear the latest on the June sucker.
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Sam and Audrey share tips on what is the Utah Lake Scavenger Hunt, the when/where/why and don't forget, how to increase you chances of winning prizes! Two inflatable paddleboards is the grand prize giveaway, but you'll probably end up playing just for the fun and educational missions that help you learn more about Utah Lake. The scavenger hunt runs June 5-13, so join now to get a head start!
Links from this Episode:
Utah Lake Scavenger Hunt event details
Melissa Stamp with the Mitigation Commission updates us on how things are going down at the Provo River Delta Restoration Project. Almost 1/2 of the delta channels and ponds are completed already and they expect to make fast progress again this year. Melissa also shares some cool occurrences during excavation, like finding mollusk shells in the soil that are no longer found in the lake! There are even site tours available, if you want to see the project site. Listen in to to learn how to sign up.
Links from this Episode:
Provo River Delta Restoration project website
Utah Lake Scavenger Hunt details
This episode discusses the lake as a gathering place. Over the course of a hundred years, there were over 20 resorts on Utah Lake. Swimming, restaurants, excursion boats, races, dancing, a mock naval battle and more were included in these resorts. Listen in for highlights on several of the resorts, their amenities and what people loved about the lake.
Links from this Episode:
UtahLakeCommission.org/Podcast, leave us a voice message!
What are harmful algae blooms? How can you stay safe while visiting lakes this summer? Is Utah Lake the only one dealing with algae issues? Learn the facts about algae, harmful algae blooms, cyanobacteria, and more in this episode. Dr. Kate Fickas with Utah Department of Environmental Quality answers common questions and concerns about algae. For example, did you know that algae blooms don’t just happen in Utah Lake? Dr. Fickas answers this question and many more to help lake users make educated decisions as they visit Utah water bodies this summer.
Links from this Episode:
HABS.utah.gov– Harmful algae bloom website
Camping is extremely popular of late, might have something to do with people feeling trapped at home and wanting to get outside during the past year??? Utah Lake has 4 different campgrounds that you should have on your list of places to camp this summer! Lincoln Beach, Utah Lake State Park, Lakeside RV Campground and Lindon Marina all have great campgrounds. No long drives, peaceful scenery, great amenities, and it is surprisingly quiet. This episode covers why YOU should consider camping at Utah Lake.
Links from this Episode
Utah Lake State Park Facebook Page
Pat Scouten, aka TubeDude, share insights on how to target walleye at Utah Lake. Pat has fished at Utah Lake for over 60 years and is renowned in the fishing community at Utah Lake. He talks about everything from time and place to take and bait to improve your odds of catching one of the elusive walleye in Utah Lake. Listen until the end to hear some sneak peeks on future fishing events and projects at the lake!
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$9.8M is going to projects as Utah Lake this year! In this episode we talk about where that money will be going and highlight 7 conservation and improvement projects that are making progress in 2021. An open-space park, a river delta, trails, new beaches and more are all covered here. Make sure to check out the links from this episode to learn more about each project.
Links from this Episode:
Walkara Way Conservation Project
Provo River Delta Restoration Project
Saratoga Springs Trail Improvements
Vineyard Shoreline Improvements
Making plans for summer time? There are several events happening at Utah Lake this year from spring through fall. In this episode, we share some details on those events PLUS, if you listen until the end, a sneak peek of a possible new event this year!
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Clayton Wolf is passionate about Utah Lake, so much so that he spent 12 years trying to buy a lot in Vineyard so he could live with his backyard on the shoreline. In this episode of the Utah Lake Podcast, he shares what living on the Utah lake shoreline is like. Listen in to hear about why he thinks Utah Lake is so great, about how he and friends broke through the ice recently to go wakeboarding and how he helped a buddy propose to his fiancé out on the lake.
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The first ever winter fishing challenge is coming next week at Utah Lake! The Winter Fishfest (Feb 8 – Feb 15) is a virtual fishing challenge; you submit photos of your catch online and get points based on species. In this episode, we cover tips to have fun and stay safe while you participate in the Fishfest.
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Have you seen this amazing photo of ice stacks at Utah Lake? It is one of many such photos. Utah Lake ice stacks are a popular phenomenon in winter. We talk with two local photographers, Wesley Aston and Jared Tamez about the how, when and where of viewing and photographing these amazing ice stacks.
Links from this Episode:
Enormous Ice Stacks at the lake
Not many know that you can find bald eagles right here in Utah County! Utah Lake is a great place to start looking for these majestic birds. Scott Root with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Sterling Moore, a local photographer and Utah Lake enthusiast, talk about viewing bald eagles at Utah Lake; where, when, why and how are all a part of our discussion so listen in to learn all about it!
Links from this Episode
Ep. 04 - Walkara Way Conservation Project – see our other episodes
Utah Lake Public Access Points
BREAKING NEWS: The endangered June Sucker has been downlisted to “threatened” status. With us on this episode is Chris Keleher from the Utah Department of Natural Resources, who has worked on these efforts for over 20 years, to share with us what that means.
Links from this Episode
US Fish & Wildlife Press Release: June Sucker Downlisting
Provo River Delta Restoration Project
June Sucker Program presentation on future efforts
Ep. 34 – Provo River Delta Features Starting to Take Shape
Ep. 08 - June Sucker: Making Progress
Ep. 07 - Provo River Delta Starts Construction
Sailing is HUGE on Utah Lake, even during the winter. Ice or no ice, these sailors will brave the cold to go sailing at their favorite lake. Special guest Chad Chorniak from Timpanogos Yacht Club tells about the glassy water that happens in fall/winter on the lake, what it’s like to sail in wintertime, and even shares news about a new sailing craft, on skis, that he plans to use this winter on the ice!
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Jim Harris enjoys spending his winters recreating on Utah Lake. In this episode, he shares with listeners his three favorite winter activities at Utah Lake: ice skating, cross-country skiing and bike riding across the ice. He’s got safety tips, unique experiences (like the sounds ice makes when you are out in the middle of the lake, SUPER COOL) and how to enjoy your winter down at the lake!
Links from this Episode
Lake Ice – informational website on lake ice behavior, safety, etc.
Pat Scouten, a.k.a. Tube Dude, has fished at Utah Lake for over 60 years. He knows the ins, outs, ups and downs of fishing at the lake. In this episode he shares insights on how to enjoy ice fishing at Utah Lake. With Tube Dude’s suggestions on ice safety, lures, locations and more you are sure to enjoy your experience ice fishing at Utah Lake.
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Sarah loves kayaking. She also loves kleaning up litter. During this pandemic, Sarah has been out on her kayak down at Utah Lake on a daily basis. While there, she wanted to make a difference by picking up litter she spotted while out paddling. Listen in to hear her story and learn more about why Sarah LOVES Utah Lake. *If you have a story about why you love Utah Lake we want to share it on the podcast!
Links from this Episode:
Utah Lake Adopt a Shoreline program
If you think lakes are only for summertime, you are missing out! Utah Lake is a winter wonderland, and we’ve got the ideas to prove it. Listen in for our top 10 wintertime activities at Utah Lake, as well as some ice safety tips from Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation. Ice skating, broom hockey, photography, ice fishing and more; Utah Lake is close to home, beautiful and has lots to offer during wintertime. Listen in for some tips from our staff on how to find the famous “ice stacks” along the shoreline.
Links from this Episode:
Utah State Parks Ice Safety tips
Ever heard of the S.S. Sho Boat? Created in the early 1900’s, this flat-bottomed boat held upwards of 200 passengers, with a full kitchen, orchestra and dance floor! This boat was a central part of leisure in the valley for several decades and we share details of just how loved it was to the residents.
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In this episode, we cover 5 things to do during fall at Utah Lake, including: photography, sailing, trails, fishing and waterfowl hunting. We share lots of helpful information and useful links (included below) as well as some of our favorite smartphone apps that will contribute to a great experience at the lake!
Links from this episode:
Farmer’s Almanac forecast for November
Utah Lake current water levels
1. Photography
Utah Lake annual photo contest info
2. Sailing
Bonneville School of Sailing website
Timpanogos Yacht Club Facebook group
3. Trails
Utah Lake Trail plan interactive map
Ep. 4 – Walkara Way Conservation Project
Ep. 34 – Provo River Delta Features Starting to Take Shape
4. Fishing
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Fishing Guidebook
5. Waterfowl Hunting
Ep. 30 – 5 Things you Need to Know about Waterfowl Hunting at Utah Lake
**Smartphone apps discussed:
Melissa Stamp with the Mitigation Commission updates us on the construction of the Provo River Delta Restoration Project. In 4 1/2 months, they've accomplished a LOT! They've excavated 1 mile of new river channels, 4 new ponds, 5 wetland areas; removing about 60,000 cubic yards of material...that's enough to cover 28 football fields!
Listen in to hear about the 2020 construction results, lessons learned, cool bits of technology being used and more!
Links from this episode:
Provo River Delta project website
Ep. 07 - Provo River Delta Starts Construction
How much do you know about the history of Utah Lake? Did you know that if you looked at a pre-1850's map of the area, Timpanogos doesn't even show up as a landmark? So why is "Timp" such a big part of society and Utah Lake isn't? In this episode, the Commission summarizes the reasons why based on a book, On Zions Mount by Jared Farmer.
Utah Valley was originally known as "Utah Lake Valley". The lake was central to survival and to society, but all of that has changed. Listen in and you'll be left pondering how that change occurred.
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Did you know there was a photo club at Utah Lake? We interviewed some of the photo club members talking about the club and why they love Utah Lake. The Utah Lake photo club was started 4 years ago by a small group of photography enthusiasts, of varying skills, who love Utah Lake. The club provides regular education classes on various photography topics, and also enjoys photo outings, when appropriate (i.e. not much during the pandemic). Listen in to learn about the appreciation photographers have for Utah Lake.
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What is being done to address algae blooms at Utah Lake? Erica Gaddis, Director of Utah’s Division of Water Quality and Eric Ellis, Executive Director of the Utah Lake Commission discuss the efforts to rid Utah Lake of algae blooms through the Utah Lake Water Quality Study. Listen in as Erica updates us on where the research is at, the management goals for improving the lake’s water quality and more. Both director’s provide answers to the following questions:
Why does the lake need a water quality study?
What will be the outcome of the study?
How will cost of implementation be considered?
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Special guest Derek Murdock, an avid waterfowl hunter who also works at Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, talks about 5 things you should know before waterfowl hunting at Utah Lake this season. Duck season opens on Oct 3 this year, and this podcast episode will get you all caught up on hunting this fall. Where to hunt, the Utah Waterfowl Slam, projects to improve habitat and access and more!
*Make sure to listen to the end, we answer questions that were submitted in two waterfowl hunting Facebook Groups.
Links from This Episode:
Utah Lake public access points map
Utah DWR 2020-21 Waterfowl Guidebook
The Utah Lake Commission is excited to announce a life jacket drive to gather life jackets and monetary donations to support a new loaner program in partnership with the families of Priscilla Bienkowski and Sophia Hernandez. Priscilla and Sophia were two dear friends who tragically lost their lives this summer while recreating at Utah Lake earlier this year. This program will provide life jackets at public access points around Utah Lake. The life jacket drive will start Wednesday, September 30 and run until Wednesday, October 7th.
Listen in to learn more about the life jacket drive and loaner program and other efforts to improve water safety at Utah Lake, past, present and future.
Links from this episode:
Life Jacket Drive donation locations
Ever wondered why Utah Lake water levels are so low? Drought is one of the largest contributors to lake levels, setting that aside, there are four main reasons why water levels fluctuate. First, upstream water use that reduces the amount of inflow to the lake. Second, changes in the lake outlet, which controls how much water flows out. Third, use of the lake as a storage reservoir, which affects storage and withdrawals. Fourth, evaporation of the water in Utah Lake is a significant factor to lake levels.
**Featuring a clip from a 09/17/20 presentation from Central Utah Water on current weather conditions and their impact on water levels.
Links from this Episode:
Understanding Water Levels at Utah Lake, blog post
Tom Bruton, full CUWCD presentation
*This episode is a follow-up to EP. 24 - Wake Up Thinking of Utah Lake with Lewis Billings, where we discussed the history and formation of the Commission.
Utah Lake Commission Executive Director Eric Ellis shares details on the membership and makeup of the Commission, discusses in detail each of the five Utah Lake Commission objectives and why partners are invested in their work with the Commission. The goal of this episode is to help listeners understand the Utah Lake Commission and how it works to protect, enhance and promote Utah Lake as the amazing natural resource that it is.
Utah Lake Commission Objectives:
1. Encourage and promote multiple uses of the lake
2. Foster communication and coordination between Commission members
3. Promote resource utilization and protection
4. Maintain and develop recreation access
5. Monitor and promote responsible economic development
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Did you know your club, chamber of commerce, school or other group can request a presentation about Utah Lake? Our staff recorded the Q & A session with some Sea Scouts. Listen in!
If you are interested in having a Utah Lake Commission staff member present to your group, please contact us at our website to make arrangements.
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Our staff shares updates on 5 current events at the lake: the Provo River Delta construction, the Utah Lake Scavenger Hunt, algae blooms and more! If you like the format of this episode, short updates on several current topics, please let us know!
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What is the Utah Lake Commission? Former Provo City Mayor Lewis Billings explains about the creation of the Commission. In 2007, the Commission was created, but before that, there was no entity with Utah Lake as its sole purpose. Lewis Billings shares some of the discussion that led to the formation of the Commission, some early successes and his dreams for Utah Lake.
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Announcing the Utah Lake Scavenger Hunt! Listen in to get inside tips on missions that haven't been shared anywhere else! Details on how the scavenger hunt will work, how to join the hunt, the main objectives of the game, details on prizes and more!
**Make sure to listen to the end for the 3 Things You Need to Know Before Playing!
Links from this Episode:
Utah Lake Scavenger Hunt - game details
Download the GooseChase app - the app used for the scavenger hunt
Summer 2020, the Utah Lake Commission and partners are pilot-testing algae treatments at two public marinas at Utah Lake: Lincoln Beach and Lindon Marina. In this episode, Commission Executive Director Eric Ellis provides details on what treatments are being done, the process and timeline for the treatments, the treatments are approved for recreational use, details about algae monitoring and more!
Links from this Episode:
Marina Algae Treatments Start at Utah Lake: blog post with links to more info on the technologies used in these tests.
Guests Leo Chan and Tyler Lyon from the Utah Kiters Club talk favorite kiting spots, how to learn and how to have a great time kiting at Utah Lake. The wind and beaches at Utah Lake are great for kite boarding, the view from the water of Utah Valley is magnificent, and the thrill and serenity of being driven by the wind are all reasons why these two and many more enjoy kite boarding at Utah Lake.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Uinta Kiting - for kite boarding lessons
Utah Snowkite Center - for snow kiting lessons (a good start to learning to kite board)
Are you tired of being stuck inside during this pandemic? There are 3 places to staycation, right here at Utah Lake! Lincoln Beach, Lindon Marina and Utah Lake State Park all offer camping and have amazing amenities and lots of opportunities to enjoy a staycation with your family. Whether its Lindon Marinas sandy beach and new campground, or the fishing spots at Lincoln Beach, or the paddle boarding and disc golf course at Utah Lake State Park, you are sure to enjoy your stay at Utah Lake!
Resources from this episode:
Our last episode on fishing at Utah Lake (Ep. 14) was so popular that we brought back Mike Packer with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources! He talks all about catfish; biology, where to find them, bait and tackle to use and more! We even pried a few secrets out of him to help you catch a BIG catfish at Utah Lake! The current state fishing record (Utah Lake holds 5 records total) for catfish is 32 lbs, 39 inches. Think you can beat that? Check out this episode of the Utah Lake: Facts, Fiction, Fun podcast.
Resources from this episode:
https://www.catfishedge.com/how-to-hold-catfish/
https://fishingbooker.com/blog/fishing-hooks-101-parts-sizes-types/
https://midwestoutdoors.com/fishing/selecting-the-right-lines-for-catfish/
https://www.catfishedge.com/catfishing-tips/
YouTube Channel – Catfish and Carp
In this episode, we spoke with Rick Cox, a local businessman and avid Utah Lake boater. He shares stories from his family and his father of experiences they had on Utah Lake. The stories shared range from his father rolling a Model T Ford for fun on the lake bed, tasting carp balls, water skiing in February with no wet suit and more!
Links mentioned in this episode:
This week, our staff toured the Provo River Delta Restoration Project site, along with several other agencies. We met to discuss weed management, tour the project to discuss specific areas for treatment, and get a better understanding of the progress of the restoration. In this episode, we share some interesting insights we gained about the history of the area, the impressive reuse of materials by the project and more.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Provo River Delta project website
Utah Lake phragmites treatment
Erika Wilde is a local triathlete who has completed a triathlon ACROSS Utah Lake. Think about that. We literally mean across the lake. She's swam across (5 miles), and she has run and biked across during the winter when it was frozen (10+ miles!). We invited Erika onto the podcast to share her experiences completing this triathlon across Utah Lake.
Additional info:
A Wilde Triathlon at Utah Lake - our 2017 blog post on her exploits
A Utah Lake Athlete for All Seasons - our 2013 blog post on her exploits
This is the first episode in a series we are calling Meet Your Marinas. There are five public marinas at Utah Lake: Saratoga Springs City Marina (aka Pelican Bay Marina), American Fork Marina, Lindon Marina, Utah Lake State Park and Lincoln Beach.
Ron Madson, manager of Lindon Marina, shares some personal stories about his connection with Lindon Marina and sailing, updates us on the improvement project to create a campground at the marina, details about boat rentals and more!
In this episode, we mentioned the following links:
Timpanogos Yacht Club Facebook page
We discuss fishing at Utah Lake with awesome guest Mike Packer from Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. This episode is a great place to start for a beginner or for someone who isn't familiar with fishing at Utah Lake. Topics covered include: access points, a brief history of some of the stocking efforts, improvement projects that will improve the fishery and access, the most common species to target, state fishing records at Utah Lake, and how to learn more about fishing and teaching others to fish.
Links mentioned in this episode:
DWR Utah Lake Fishing Seminar 2019
Casting a Fishing Line - a tutorial on how to cast by Mike Packer
Utah Lake Public Access Points page
Rocky Mountain Bowfishing Club Facebook group
Ep. 04 - Walkara Way Conservation Project
Ep. 07 - Provo River Delta Starts Construction
Ep. 08 - June Sucker: Making Progress
Have you ever paddled down Provo River? If you have, chances are it was the section of Provo River in Provo Canyon. We're talking about paddling down the river all the way to Utah Lake. Done that? We recently did, and this episode shares our experience of paddle boarding from the Geneva Road trail head of the Provo River Parkway Trail all the way down to Utah Lake State Park.
Fun little rapids, peaceful waters, tons of birds, beautiful views of the fish and more were a part of this trip. You should try it too! Listen in to learn more.
Here are some of the links mentioned in this episode:
Youth Paddle Camp - Coming Soon!
What is your favorite bird to spot at Utah Lake?? Keeli shares a couple of her favorites in this episode! Keeli Marvel, former president of Utah County Birders, speaks with the Utah Lake Commission about the basics of birdwatching at Utah Lake, good birding (only the cool people call it birding) spots at the lake and more!
Utah County Birders (UCB) is a great club and they have several resources (mentioned in the epidode) for anyone wanting to learn more about birdwatching:
Mark Greenwood, a Utah County resident and long-time fan of Utah Lake tells us stories of his adventures kayaking in Provo Bay. He shares some tips on things to know before kayaking at Utah Lake, how to be safe and not get lost and shares some of the cool wildlife encounters he has had while at the lake. Listen in to learn more about kayaking in Provo Bay and you will be ready to get down there and give it a try for yourself!
The story continues! This episode covers a first-hand account of that frightful day’s events was given by Grant Hammon, one of the twin brothers who were rescued. His retelling of the story is harrowing at times and helps us better understand the emotions felt during that crisis out on Utah Lake. We hope you enjoy the story and stay safe and have fun at Utah Lake!
Every now and again, our thoughts and perspectives are uplifted by a story. Unexpectedly, someone comes along who unselfishly touches lives and then continues on his or her way, oblivious to the impacts they have had. Some of these are unsung heroes, who report to work every day never knowing what they will encounter. This is the story of one of those days.
This episode covers the story of two brothers, Grant and Steve Hammon who were rescued during a storm out on Utah Lake several years ago. The story will be covered in two episodes. In Part 1, the story is from the perspective of the Utah Lake State Park rangers who rescued the brothers. In Part 2, we will be sharing the perspective of the brothers themselves.
In this episode, we speak with Mike Mills, the head of the June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program. He updates listeners on the exciting proposal to "downlist" June Sucker from endangered to threatened, background on carp removal and where it is going in the future, the issue of Northern Pike and more. Listen in, and if you like it make sure to subscribe to the podcast for exciting episodes all about Utah Lake!
In this episode, we interview Melissa Stamp with the Provo River Delta Restoration Project. This project is an effort to recreate the Provo River delta as habitat for the endangered June Sucker fish. Efforts have been underway for over 2 decades, and they started construction in March 2020! Listen in for details on what exactly is happening this year and in future years, answers to frequently asked questions and benefits to the public from this project.
We were interviewed on the Utah Famous Podcast! Sam talked with Utah Famous hosts Jordan and Sarah about algae blooms, Utah Lake history, events happening this year at the lake and more!
Sam discusses the history behind the Utah Lake Monster, covering sightings stretching back to the mid 1800's. He also discusses the Utah Lake Monster lesson from the Commission that qualifies for 4th grade curriculum, and some verified "monsters" caught at Utah Lake. ;)
Announcing a 1,000 acre open-space public park!!!
We interviewed Jake Holdaway, the founder of the Walkara Way Conservation Project. This project is an effort to restore a 1,000 acre section of the Utah Lake shoreline in Orem. There are over 25 government entities working together with the private landowners to create this amazing park that will have trails, ponds, bird viewing towers and more. Listen in to get the preview on this project!
Why should you recreate at Utah Lake? It seems there's plenty of reasons not to, but today we're going to help you learn the truth about Utah Lake....it's amazing! Utah Lake Commission staff share some of their reasons why, but we also interview three individuals who use the lake themselves. Pat Scouten, an avid fisherman who's been coming to Utah Lake for over 60 years; Todd Frye, the owner of Bonneville School of Sailing who has been teaching people to sail on Utah Lake for over a decade; and Joe Arave with Epic Recreation, the concessionaire at Utah Lake State Park all have great things to say about Utah Lake.
In this episode, we address the top 5 questions we got about Utah Lake at an educational booth we did over the summer of 2019. The topics include: algae blooms, carp removal, the Utah Lake Restoration project, the Utah Lake Commission and the future of the lake.
Utah Lake Commission staff discuss the future of Utah Lake, breaking it up into four categories: Water Quality, Habitat and Wildlife, Recreational Access and Amenities and Transportation. Within those four categories there are several exciting restoration projects, trail plans, phragmites removal, marina upgrades and more.
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