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Show Chapter 3 Watershed Jurisdiction and Ownership L. LAND EXCHANGE Public land management is hampered in some canyons by the scattered nature of the publicly- owned land holdings. In a related issue, the land exchange between Salt Lake City and the U. S. Forest Service was terminated by Salt Lake City in 1996 due to issues that could not be resolved. Although the exchange agreement is not currently being implemented, it was turned into federal legislation as the Salt Lake City Watershed Improvement Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101- 634). This law remains viable legislation if Salt Lake City and the Forest Service feel they want to re- start the land exchange agreement. M. PUBLIC UTILITIES WATER RIGHTS AND WATERSHED PURCHASE FUND The Public Utilities Water Rights and Watershed Purchase Fund was established in 1989 as part of the implementation of the 1988 Watershed Management Plan. Since its inception, the Water Utility Fund has purchased approximately 1,000 acres of critical watershed property. The funds generated from the Water Utility Fund ensure additional watershed protection and other benefits for the public in the Wasatch Canyons. The Water Utility Fund derives its funds from a $ 0.25 per customer surcharge fee per month on the water bill. This fee generates roughly $ 250,000 a year for watershed water rights and property acquisition. Page 50 |