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Show Table 6. Research needs identified for the recreation and tourism system. Research Needs Possible Information Source Group A Methods of controlling high water damage ( flooding) in both the short and long- term. Methods of modifying extreme low levels and effects on recreation. Present recreational lake use patterns and the economic potential of resident and non- resident visitors. Present and potential recreational uses, use sites, and use intensities. The facilities desired by present and potential users of specific sites such as Antelope Island State Park. The economic potential of recreational development. Recreational expenditure patterns. The present length of tourist visits to the Great Salt Lake vicinity and how to hold them in the area longer. Methods of noxious insect control in recreational areas. Types of facilities which can cope with the fluctuating lake levels. The health hazard from pathogenic organisms in the recreational beach areas. Search and rescue equipment needed for the lake. Group B An accurate lake level frequency curve. Methods to dispose of sewage and solid wastes from recreational facilities. Where hazard warnings should be located and what hazard warnings are needed. The amount of land the state should own for proper access to the lake. The range of salinities considered desirable for recreational use. Group C The sources and availability of utilities for recreational facilities. Methods of stabilizing the water level fluctuation in recreational areas. Identification of ecologic and water quality factors which would affect recreational uses of the lake. DWR, ACE, UWRL DWR, ACE, UWRL ISORT, DPR, UDOT ISORT, DPR ISORT, DPR, UDOT ISORT, DPR, UUBEBR, UDOT, UWRL ISORT, DPR ISORT, DPR, UDOT D. Rees( UofU) DPR, UDOT DH UGMS, Yacht Club DWR, UWRL DPR UGMS, Yacht Club, UDOT DPR, UDOT DPR DPR, UDOT DWR, DPR, UWRL DPR Low lake levels are also a problem since they allow land access to the islands by predators and humans which can disrupt nesting birds. The Utah Division ot Wildlife Resources is presently looking at methods of limiting access to the islands during these low lake level periods. McDonald ( 1974) attributes the preservation of the white pelican colony on Gunnison Island to the limited access to the north arm. Methods of eliminating the conflict between man and birds need to be investigated. The solution should include public education and methods of enforcing no trespassing limits for the islands during the nesting season. Since some of the islands are privately owned the benefits of public ownership should be studied. While the impact of intrusion by people onto the islands is established, their intrusion into waterfowl areas, which may be outside the managed marsh lands, needs to be documented. The Division of Wildlife Resources is presently investigating this problem. Because this represents a potential conflict between recreational and wildlife uses of the lake all modes of intrusions, including boats and hikers, should be considered. During the early 1900s avian botulism killed thousands of ducks on Great Salt Lake and the occurrence of the disease is observed yearly. The Utah Division of Water Resources ( 1974) summarized the lake characteristics which would be favorable to avian botulism as, a sizable population of invertebrates the carcasses of which provide the medium for toxin, constant drying, and reflooding of extensive beach areas, and hypersaline water. While at present there doesn't appear to be any practical way to alter these characteristics of the lake and reduce botulism deaths, consideration must be given during project planning on the lake to insure that conditions are not produced which enhance the possibility of outbreak of botulism. Any disruption of the ecosystem by users of the lake can create an adverse affect on wildlife. Understanding of the ecology of the lake system is basic to the proper management of the wildlife system. The relationship between the marsh land ecosystem and the lake ecosystem needs to be established. Table 7 35 |