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Show We strongly support a Ramsar designation for the 39 townships identified by the state Legislature for wildlife management. In addition all WMAs, BRMBR, TNC's Nature Preserve and National Audubon's Society's Gillmor Sanctuary All or selected portions based on international importance ofGSLfor migratory birds Ramsar is urgently needed to educate the public and protect critical parts of the lake from proposed development and highway projects. This is a very unique ecosystem with complex biogeochemical and biological dynamics and the important role that it plays in supporting millions of migratory shorebirds and waterfowl each year makes this designation eminently appropriate. Ramsar indicates that there should be " wise use" promotion of an area and does not interfere with any management decisions. DNR should be interested in promoting wise use of an area, while still protecting the resource. This would be consistent with the need to manage the resource for its long- term protection and conservation. The implications, responsibilities and other required activities which are associated with this designation are currently unknown as they relate to DNR's public trust responsibilities. Therefore DNR recommends taking a thorough look at the possible consequences involved with a Ramsar designation for GSL wetlands. Recommending further research on this issue does not mean the opportunity will be lost in the future. The Ramsar " Identification of Benefits to the Current U. S. Listed Sites" survey was conducted by USFWS and state natural resource agencies and it indicates that a Ramsar designation brings additional funding to these sites to help with studies, mitigation and other conservation measures. It increases recognition of important wetlands and raises the visibility of the resource in regard to tourism, public education and other consequences of a high profile wetland. It is a more viable option to recommend particular areas for this designation of a wetland of international importance. Particular areas around the lake have a wildlife and habitat protection or conservation priority and lend themselves to a Ramsar designation. This would require coordination with the entities mentioned above and with local land owners to ensure compatibility with this designation. According to the Ramsar survey, an Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge and State Game Area claims that it has " heightened the level of scrutiny it places on various forms of recreational and commercial use currently ongoing or proposed for the area." DNR is concerned that a Ramsar designation will be used to limit DNR's ability to accommodate changing needs of the public trust. Also, some flexibility is necessary to balance all the diverse management interests and responsibilities mentioned in 65A- 10- 8 of the Utah Code. This is a unique system with complex dynamics and plays an important role in supporting wildlife. 328 |
