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
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.
Links from This Episode:
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.
Links from this Episode:
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?
Links from this Episode:
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
Links from this Episode:
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.
Links from this episode:
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