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Show SECTION 14 STATE WATER PLAN - JORDAN RlVER BASIN FISHERIES AND WATER- RELATED WILDLIFE Wildlife is still common along rivers, creeks, wetlands, wooded areas, abandoned fields and parks within many areas of the Jordan River Basin. It is one of the valued amenities of living along the Wasatch Front. In a recent survey, more than 95 percent of Salt Lake City residents said they enjoyed seeing wildlife in their neighborhoods. 14.1 Introduction This section describes the Jordan River Basin fish and wildlife resources, discusses existing and potential needs, and presents recommendations. It also describes associated problems and presents alternatives to4mprove wildlife resources. Preserving, restoring and creating wildlife habitat in the Jordan River Basin can provide benefits to all residents. Immediate and accessible green and growing habitat provides a welcome relief to the pavement and buildings of the urban environment. Habitat corridors along rivers, streams and canals offer coherence to the county landscape, providing a structure of open spaces that young and old alike can use for education as well as recreation. Property values near open spaces increase as urbanization consumes more land. Wildlife habitat also provides environmental benefits including cleaner air and water, reduced soil erosion, and the protection of natural plant and animal communities. In summary, preservation of urban wildlife areas can make a significant contribution toward the development of healthy, enjoyable and comfortable cities and towns. 14.2 Setting Before settlement of the Salt Lake Valley, the Jordan River meandered from its entry at the Jordan Geese on the Jordan River Narrows across a broad floodplain to the Great Salt Lake. A forest of cottonwood trees traced its path along the valley floor. Since that time, the forest has been cut, the river channeled, the water polluted and much of the wildlife displaced. Even though the Jordan River has been abused, it remains the backbone of the Salt Lake Valley's wildlife habitat resource. Recent efforts to preserve wetlands and riparian areas and improve water quality bode well for wildlife. The Jordan River delta, a mosaic of marshes, ponds, wet meadows, and uplands along with privately and state developed wetlands, is a significant habitat resource. Economic projections suggest that substantial growth will continue in the Jordan River Basin well into the 21st century. Development has recently spread into areas of high- value wildlife habitat depleting the limited resource. Through responsible community planning with consideration given to 14- 1 |