As our airboat skipped across the shallow waters of the Willard Spur at the Great Salt Lake, what struck me most was the sky alive with movement: flocks of birds wheeling overhead, part of the millions that rely on the lake as a vital stopover during their migrations.
Yet, this iconic landmark — one of Utah’s defining features — has been teetering on the edge.
In recent years, record-low water levels have threatened not just the wildlife and environment but also our economy and public health. The lake hit a historic low of 4,188.5 feet in 2022, exposing over 800 square miles of lakebed and risking dust storms that could impact air quality for the 2.5 million people along the Wasatch Front. Industries dependent on the lake have faced disruptions. Recreation, from boating to birdwatching, has suffered, and even Utah’s ski industry could see changes to our world-renowned snow generated by the lake’s evaporation.
One of our most effective tools in the mission to save the lake has been managing the causeway berm that separates the lake’s north and south arms. By adjusting it, raising or lowering as needed, we’ve prevented salinity spikes that could devastate aquatic life. In fact, raising the berm likely averted an ecological collapse during the drought’s worst years, preserving the delicate balance that allows brine shrimp to thrive and birds to feed.
That’s why I am sponsoring legislation which grants Utah’s division of Forestry Fire & State Lands the authority to raise the berm up to 4,192 feet when necessary to stabilize salinity, preventing dangerous imbalances in Gilbert Bay.
Importantly, it preserves three core safeguards: The berm must be raised if the south arm drops to 4,190 feet or lower; it must be lowered within 18 months to rebalance the arms within two feet; and the division must consult the Great Salt Lake Commissioner before any changes. This isn’t about closing off the north arm — far from it. It’s about providing the tools for balanced, proactive management that protects the lake’s long-term health while considering other objectives, like mineral production and habitat preservation.
Today the south arm sits at 4,191.2 feet, approximately three feet above its record low point. Salinity in the south arm, or Gilbert Bay, remains in a healthy range for brine shrimp and flies, the foundation of the food web. But without ongoing vigilance, levels could plummet again, disrupting ecosystems, endangering migratory birds and harming industries.
We now have better data, monitoring and technology than even five years ago, including advanced satellite imagery and real-time sensors, allowing for smarter interventions. But current law limits the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands’ flexibility, tying their hands when swift action is needed to respond to fluctuating inflows or evaporation rates.
Utah has already taken bold strides over the past five years to address the crisis. The Legislature has passed measures to reform water rights, incentivize agricultural efficiency through programs like secondary metering and crop conversion, and fund infrastructure to capture more stormwater. Investments in wetland restoration and conservation easements have directed additional water to the lake. These efforts have shown results in increased flows from the Bear, Weber and Jordan rivers due to better management.
To echo Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, “We’re here to save the whole Great Salt Lake.”
This new legislation adds another essential tool to our arsenal, enabling us to respond dynamically to fluctuating conditions driven by weather patterns or upstream diversions. It’s a targeted, science-based policy that builds on our progress toward recovery. The Great Salt Lake is one of Utah’s greatest treasures and protecting it is a responsibility we all share.
By making smart, science-based adjustments, we can protect the lake’s ecosystem, safeguard our economy and preserve this defining landmark for future generations. With collective resolve and innovative thinking, we can ensure the Great Salt Lake remains a thriving haven for birds, a pillar of our economy and a symbol of Utah’s enduring spirit.