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Show balancing the needs of user groups, funding to operate and maintain facilities, urban changes in the GSL flood plain, flooding of lower tributaries, water pollution, siltation and invasion of non- native plant species such as Phragmites, Tamarisk and Purple loosestrife. Acreages of different types of habitats were extracted from " Evaluation of Existing Wetland Habitats in Utah" ( Jensen, 1974). The lake elevation was 4201 feet when this study was completed. The intent of stating the acreages is to give the reader a sense of the marsh habitat relationships. These figures have changed over time due to lake changes. Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area Farmington Bay WMA is located west of Interstate 15 between Centerville and Farmington. This area can easily be accessed from Glovers Lane west of the interstate and south along the access road. Duck clubs, city, county and private property outline the perimeter of the WMA. Farmington Bay is one of the most popular waterfowl hunting areas in Utah and also is an outstanding birding area. It is unique in that it provides important wetland and wildlife habitat based recreation close to an urban area. This 17,916 acre management area is one of the best places to observe the freshwater interface with GSL. The Jordan River is the primary water source for Farmington Bay. This area is managed primarily to provide habitat for water- dependent birds. Farmington Bay has sufficient water rights. To protect their water rights from the potential of non- use forfeiture during the flood years, DWR filed Requests for " Extension of Time in Which to Submit Proof of Appropriation" on their uncertificated water rights and " Non- Use Applications" on their certificated water rights. Reestablishment of those water rights requires the submission of Proof of Appropriation for the uncertificated water rights and Proof of Resumption of Use for the certificated water rights by early 2000. DWR is currently preparing those proofs for submission to the State Engineer using funding obtained through the " habitat Authorization" process. The Farmington Bay WMA was constructed in 1935 to provide habitat for nesting and migratory waterfowl. It includes 12,000 acres impounded by dikes and another 15,000 acres of natural estuary wetlands. Habitat types include: 4,301 acres open water 6,277 acres of marsh 6,174 acres of mudflats 600 acres of uplands Farmington Bay WMA provides opportunities for hunting, bird watching, photography, nature study, hiking, biking and air boating. Currently, DWR is pursuing funding for enhanced visitor use development, which includes a visitor center on the north end of the management area to improve interpretive and education efforts. WMAs around GSL are vulnerable to natural lake level fluctuations. The outer dikes have top elevations varying between 4204 and 4208 feet. At lake level elevations above 4204 feet, the WMA loses the ability to impound shallow water. Farmington Bay dikes were designed to impound and spread shallow water at a lake level elevation of 4198 feet. Lake level elevations higher than 4198 feet reduce management efficiency and increase loss of habitat units. At 4206 feet, nearly 80 percent of 85 |