OCR Text |
Show portions of the area are open during the balance of the year for wildlife watching and hunting during the prescribed seasons. There are approximately 7.5 miles of dikes and roadways that provide pathways for access. There are several small boat ramps that provide access to interior ponds. Most of the ponds have dikes that front the Great Salt Lake shoreline. At current lake elevations of 4203.5 feet, these dikes are being destroyed by wave action and over- topped by salt water from the lake. This saline intrusion kills the aquatic vegetation within the interior ponds resulting in diminished wildlife habitat values. Stansbury Island ( BLM/ Private) Only a small area on the south end of Stansbury Island is opened to the public and readily accessible. Development consists of an access road and a nine- mile trail open for non- motorized use. Stansbury Island is comprised of some of the most striking rock formations surrounding GSL. The island's vistas of the lake, mountain ranges and islands are dramatic. Currently the south end of Stansbury Island is utilized for dispersed recreation including the non- motorized trail, camping, some OHV use and chukar hunting. There has been a great deal of local interest in securing greater public access to Stansbury Island, for both motorized and non- motorized recreation. Given the island's size, location and resources, greater public access would significantly expand recreational opportunities surrounding GSL. The legality of the west side road closure is uncertain. BLM has been striving to secure greater public access to Stansbury Island. The greatest challenge will be to secure greater public access from private land owners and then appropriately manage that visitation if made accessible. Locomotive Springs Waterfowl Management Area ( DWR) Locomotive Springs WMA is an isolated wetland at the north end of GSL. This 17,317 acre WMA is an oasis for wildlife in the middle of the West Desert. Currently, the staff is able to flood approximately 1,200 acres and the rest of the area is comprised of playas and upland habitat. Locomotive Springs provides year around fishing and primitive camping. Public access is limited to three miles of roads. During hunting season the entire WMA is accessible. Locomotive Springs receives approximately 6,000 visitors a year, of which 5,000 are hunters and fisherman. Future plans include expanding the WMA by 2,600 acres to include protection of playas which are Snowy plover habitat. The critical issue at Locomotive Springs WMA is the diminished flows from the springs. Timpie Springs Waterfowl Management Area ( DWR) Timpie Springs WMA is a 1,440 wetland located near the southwest corner of the lake. Timpie Springs WMA contains two water impoundments, 3.5 miles of dikes, a half mile road, parking lot and some information signs. Timpie Springs has around 400 annual visitors of which approximately 300 are waterfowl hunters. Critical issues at Timpie Springs 135 |