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Show Open Space, Critical Lands and Visual Resource Management This section focuses on open space, critical lands and visual resource management. DNR is currently investigating protection of critical lands and open space. In order to develop critical land, open space and visual resource management strategies for GSL would require that DNR coordinate and develop site specific goals and objectives. The planning team identified two resource concerns: • Open space and critical lands need to be considered. • Visual resource management must be addressed. Open Space and Critical Lands DNR participates in the protection of open space and critical lands through technical or financial assistance to other entities and through direct acquisition of fee title or conservation easements. Three divisions have active fee title or conservation easement acquisition programs. DWR uses habitat fund revenues for acquisitions coordinated through the Habitat Council, and federally- funded programs. DPR provides pass- through federal funds and acquires lands for recreation- related purposes. DFFSL administers a federal program for acquisitions of environmentally important forest land threatened by present and future conversion to nonforest uses. Other divisions have more limited programs. DOGM may acquire land associated with abandoned mine reclamation. DWRe has acquired land for the WDPP. DNR defines critical lands as being those lands having scarce or unique natural resource amenity values- not necessarily based on the highest and best use- that will serve the interests of DNR divisions and the citizens of Utah, and face the threat of exclusive or conflicting uses or designations. These amenities may include, but not be limited to: • Critical and high value wildlife habitat • Unique recreational opportunities • Rich biological diversity • Access to public lands • Paleontological, archeological or historic significance • Protect watersheds and water recharge areas • Unique geological or scenic values • Sustainable resource productivity • Scarcity and fragility of unique natural resources • Potential water and resource development opportunities Visual Resource Management Visual resource management is a planning tool utilized to protect and enhance the scenic quality of a particular area, like GSL. During public scoping the team received comments regarding protection of the lake and its unique aesthetic value. However, protecting and enhancing visual resources should be balanced with development and other multiple- use management objectives. 159 |