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Show recommendation provides an appropriate mix and balance between the GSL ecosystem and the economic goods and service benefits it offers. Input and data for this recommendation have been based on previous plan information, scientific data and identified citizen preference. The Preferred Alternative is our best effort to provide guidance to resource managers, lake beneficiaries and the citizens of Utah on how to approach future management of sovereign land, lake use and allocations with a minimum of irreversible decisions. This approach will provide the maximum benefits to support multiple use principles of our public trust responsibilities. However, it is only after thorough review and analysis of new scientific data and other information offered during the 45- day comment period that a final mix and balance will be offered to the decision making process. Please participate with us in creating the comprehensive management plan that will guide the future of this great natural resource. Rationale Behind the Preferred Alternative 1.1 Define the GSL flood plain for planning purposes. The 4217 foot elevation is based upon the most recent historic high lake level of approximately 4212 feet, with the addition of three feet for wind tide and two feet for wave action. DNR believes it is reasonable to assume that the lake will again reach 4212 feet during the lifetime of most facilities located near the lake. The practical reality regarding flood plain management is that DNR's influence is limited to the power of persuasion. DNR's power of persuasion may have been enhanced by the availability of state funds to help local government recover after the 1980s flooding. Planning and zoning are a function of local government, not state government. Development above the surveyed meander line is and will continue to be controlled through local planning and zoning functions irrespective of what DNR calls the flood plain. 1.2 Develop strategies to deal with a fluctuating lake level. The basic premise is that lake level is far more a function of climate and precipitation than any human influences. Upstream diversions, inter- basin water transfers, and WDPP have some effect on lake level, but do not come close to what could be considered " control" of the lake. Understanding that lake level fluctuations will occur, that there is little anyone can do to limit fluctuations, and that shoreline habitat has and will continue to change in response to changing lake levels, DNR's preference is to respond to lake level fluctuations. Four- foot zones were used in 1995 to characterize potential flood damage and to describe the relative amount of time the lake is at a certain level. Given the extent of annual fluctuations, DNR sees no particular advantage in using a different elevation zone classification. To the extent that other entities care what DNR does, they may take into account DNR actions when planning their actions. 1.3 Determine the policy for WDPP operation. The 1995 Great Salt Lake Comprehensive Management Plan recommended the WDPP begin operation when the GSL elevation exceeds 4205 feet. In 1995, the feasibility of 234 |
