Goals & Purpose of the Bear Lake Regional Commission
Five of the major goals of the Regional Commission are:
With emphasis on the protection of the environment and future development, through the Commission’s efforts a $4.5 million sewer system is now functioning along the west shore of Bear Lake from Sweetwater north to the Idaho-Utah border. In addition, the area along the west shore from the state line north to St. Charles, Idaho is now on public sewer. After many years, the South shore of Bear Lake now has a $2.6 million sewer system that will help protect Bear Lake.
The Regional Commission has also been looking at other factors related to the water quality of Bear Lake. These include the water quality studies as related to marinas in Bear Lake, and possible effects of oil and gas spills into the lake. A study was completed that looked at all water sources to the lake, and evaluated the pollution sources and their concentrations. From this study, and implementation program entitled the Bear Lake Preservation Project was developed to address means of reducing pollution. The program was outlined as follows:
WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS
An inventory of the physical characteristics of the Bear Lake basin was taken for a natural resource data base. From this data base the natural resource planning process was created by using the capabilities of the land to determine the best use of the land. This process insures the preservation of wildlife habitat, wetlands, and sensitive areas through the planning process.
This planning process has since been expanded to the remainder of Bear Lake County and Rich County and detailed land use guides have been developed, approved, and adopted for use in County planning.
Coordination and cooperation is the very essence of the Bear Lake Regional Commission. Beginning with it’s formation, the liking of two counties and two states facilitates the solving of regional issues.
An example of this cooperation and coordination includes the local law enforcement compact adopted in 1975. This show case of cooperation and coordination provides for law enforcement and emergency services to cross state lines to maintain and provide immediate service. Presently, efforts are being made to expand the compact to include Lincoln and Uinta Counties in Wyoming.
The three States of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming are presently cooperating through the Bear River Compact to solve problems along the Bear River. The Bear Lake Regional Commission has had the opportunity of working with the Compact and sees the need for more coordination in the future.
As the needs of the counties change, the Bear Lake Regional Commission has an ever expanding role to serve the needs of the region. The discovery of oil and gas in neighboring Wyoming and Rich County brought a new dimension to local economies and increased demands on public services and facilities. These demands were met through coordinated planning efforts by local government and an unprecedented cooperation of industry through the Overthrust Industrial Association to meet the demands of energy impact.
The fourth function of the Regional Commission is local planning and grantsmanship assistance. Both counties and nine communities have benefited form this service. Through grants, comprehensive plans for all incorporated communities were prepared and the land use guides for Rich County and Bear Lake County were developed.
Grantsmanship efforts by the commission have brought money from federal, state, and private sources for the construction of public facilities and services. These range from water and sewer systems to obtaining emergency communication equipment and park and public facilities. Assistance has also bee provided in preparing economic development plans, personal handbooks for the counties, formation of fire districts, and the development of a county wide solid waste system.
The final element includes public involvement and education. All activities and projects conducted by the Bear Lake Regional Commission are designed for public participation. This was accomplished through town meetings, displays at the county fairs, establishment of Citizen Advisory Committees along with news releases and news letters. This process has also included tours of the Bear Lake area with the elected officials and other local decision makers.
Even though much has been accomplished over the past years, numerous other tasks are yet to be completed. In the area of water quality, it is necessary to carry forth goals for multiple use and to manage growth for maximum benefits to the resources, people, and the economy. Administration of the water quality management program is essential as development pressures increase if the water quality of Bear Lake is to be preserved.
One of the major water quality elements for the future is management of the Bear River system. Reducing erosion and nutrient loading from the Bear River above Bear Lake on state, federal, and private lands is a must so that all users can benefit without long lasting detrimental effects on the lakes resources or economy of it’s water users.
Construction of the sewer systems on the west shore and south shore of Bear Lake is a major stride for improving water quality.
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation is necessary to maintain data services for the states. In addition, monitoring will yield trends and changes in water quality of the lake, land uses, and development and indicate infrastructure needs.
Over the past years, thousands of lots have been master planned for the Bear Lake Valley. Most have not been developed at this time. But due to good planning and strong leadership, this valley is better prepared to handle future growth in residential and commercial areas.
In summary, the Bear Lake Regional Commission, in an ever broadening role, has become a resource to assist local and state governments in addressing and solving regional issues.
The foresight displayed by Governors Andrus and Rampton and local leadership in forming the Bear Lake Regional Commission is commendable and is an investment that has paid off.
Again we call on the wisdom of our state and local leadership to insure future commitments to protection of this beautiful resource and enhancement of its’ growth potential are of the highest priority.
The materials contained on this website are intended to better acquaint you with the Bear Lake Regional Commission, how it came about and how the organization is an integral part of Bear Lake and it’s resources.
- To acknowledge the Bear Lake Valley as a resource of regional significance, and provide for it’s continued utilization and preservation.
- To provide for the maximum public benefit of valley resources at a minimum public cost along with preservation of natural resources.
- To coordinate public and private interests, including the local, regional, state and federal governments in the long-term management of the Bear Lake Valley environment.
- To maintain technical staff competent to advise or assist local government.
- To develop and assist in the implementation of a total planning program based on the natural environmental constraints of the air, land, and water.
- Bear Lake protection and development
- Natural resource planning
- Coordination and cooperation
- Local planning and grantsmanship assistance
- Public involvement and education
With emphasis on the protection of the environment and future development, through the Commission’s efforts a $4.5 million sewer system is now functioning along the west shore of Bear Lake from Sweetwater north to the Idaho-Utah border. In addition, the area along the west shore from the state line north to St. Charles, Idaho is now on public sewer. After many years, the South shore of Bear Lake now has a $2.6 million sewer system that will help protect Bear Lake.
The Regional Commission has also been looking at other factors related to the water quality of Bear Lake. These include the water quality studies as related to marinas in Bear Lake, and possible effects of oil and gas spills into the lake. A study was completed that looked at all water sources to the lake, and evaluated the pollution sources and their concentrations. From this study, and implementation program entitled the Bear Lake Preservation Project was developed to address means of reducing pollution. The program was outlined as follows:
WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS
- Structural Parameter
- Excessive Phosphorus Concentration
- Reduced Transparency
- Increased Algal Growth
- Dynamic Parameters
- Oxygen Loss
- Predictive Parameters
- Phosphorus Loading from Watershed
- Upper Bear River Watershed
- Lifton Connection
- Big Creek, Swan Creek Watersheds
- Recreational Developments
Transitory Users
Second Homes and Major Developments
- Basin Water Quality Management Plan
- Information and Education Program
- Site Specific Alternatives
Upper Bear River Watershed
Marsh Modifications
Agricultural B.M.P.’S - Continual Program Evaluations
An inventory of the physical characteristics of the Bear Lake basin was taken for a natural resource data base. From this data base the natural resource planning process was created by using the capabilities of the land to determine the best use of the land. This process insures the preservation of wildlife habitat, wetlands, and sensitive areas through the planning process.
This planning process has since been expanded to the remainder of Bear Lake County and Rich County and detailed land use guides have been developed, approved, and adopted for use in County planning.
Coordination and cooperation is the very essence of the Bear Lake Regional Commission. Beginning with it’s formation, the liking of two counties and two states facilitates the solving of regional issues.
An example of this cooperation and coordination includes the local law enforcement compact adopted in 1975. This show case of cooperation and coordination provides for law enforcement and emergency services to cross state lines to maintain and provide immediate service. Presently, efforts are being made to expand the compact to include Lincoln and Uinta Counties in Wyoming.
The three States of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming are presently cooperating through the Bear River Compact to solve problems along the Bear River. The Bear Lake Regional Commission has had the opportunity of working with the Compact and sees the need for more coordination in the future.
As the needs of the counties change, the Bear Lake Regional Commission has an ever expanding role to serve the needs of the region. The discovery of oil and gas in neighboring Wyoming and Rich County brought a new dimension to local economies and increased demands on public services and facilities. These demands were met through coordinated planning efforts by local government and an unprecedented cooperation of industry through the Overthrust Industrial Association to meet the demands of energy impact.
The fourth function of the Regional Commission is local planning and grantsmanship assistance. Both counties and nine communities have benefited form this service. Through grants, comprehensive plans for all incorporated communities were prepared and the land use guides for Rich County and Bear Lake County were developed.
Grantsmanship efforts by the commission have brought money from federal, state, and private sources for the construction of public facilities and services. These range from water and sewer systems to obtaining emergency communication equipment and park and public facilities. Assistance has also bee provided in preparing economic development plans, personal handbooks for the counties, formation of fire districts, and the development of a county wide solid waste system.
The final element includes public involvement and education. All activities and projects conducted by the Bear Lake Regional Commission are designed for public participation. This was accomplished through town meetings, displays at the county fairs, establishment of Citizen Advisory Committees along with news releases and news letters. This process has also included tours of the Bear Lake area with the elected officials and other local decision makers.
Even though much has been accomplished over the past years, numerous other tasks are yet to be completed. In the area of water quality, it is necessary to carry forth goals for multiple use and to manage growth for maximum benefits to the resources, people, and the economy. Administration of the water quality management program is essential as development pressures increase if the water quality of Bear Lake is to be preserved.
One of the major water quality elements for the future is management of the Bear River system. Reducing erosion and nutrient loading from the Bear River above Bear Lake on state, federal, and private lands is a must so that all users can benefit without long lasting detrimental effects on the lakes resources or economy of it’s water users.
Construction of the sewer systems on the west shore and south shore of Bear Lake is a major stride for improving water quality.
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation is necessary to maintain data services for the states. In addition, monitoring will yield trends and changes in water quality of the lake, land uses, and development and indicate infrastructure needs.
Over the past years, thousands of lots have been master planned for the Bear Lake Valley. Most have not been developed at this time. But due to good planning and strong leadership, this valley is better prepared to handle future growth in residential and commercial areas.
In summary, the Bear Lake Regional Commission, in an ever broadening role, has become a resource to assist local and state governments in addressing and solving regional issues.
The foresight displayed by Governors Andrus and Rampton and local leadership in forming the Bear Lake Regional Commission is commendable and is an investment that has paid off.
Again we call on the wisdom of our state and local leadership to insure future commitments to protection of this beautiful resource and enhancement of its’ growth potential are of the highest priority.
The materials contained on this website are intended to better acquaint you with the Bear Lake Regional Commission, how it came about and how the organization is an integral part of Bear Lake and it’s resources.