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Five of the major goals of the Regional Commission are:
- 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.
These five goals set the frame work for five major functions which
encompass the Bear Lake Regional Commission’s activities. These functions
are:
The Bear Lake Regional Commission has made major strides in all of these
areas:
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
SOURCES OF THE PROBLEM
- Upper Bear River Watershed
- Lifton Connection
- Big Creek, Swan Creek Watersheds
- Recreational Developments
Transitory Users
Second Homes and Major Developments
SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM
- 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
Another priority has been the acquisition and development of public
beaches. As examples, the development of Rendezvous Beach was fully
supported by the Commission and the acquisition of land for the development
of the east shore was supported by the Commission.
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.
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