Actions and Research | Great Salt Lake

Record-low lake levels have highlighted the need to protect and preserve the lake. Restoring the lake to healthier levels will take time. While the 2023 winter brought much-needed precipitation, we need to plan for a drier future and continue to take action. Elected officials, state agencies and other stakeholders are working hard to find solutions to protect this critical resource.

On Nov. 3, 2022, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox issued a proclamation suspending new water appropriations within the Great Salt Lake Basin. The suspension allows for existing water rights and applications to be used and developed while promoting more efficient use of the existing supply. By protecting the lake, we help our economy, environment, wildlife and the future of our beautiful state. Visit the links below to learn about some of the critical initiatives, legislation and projects that are in motion.

Initiatives and Legislation

Water Trust

National Audubon Society and the Nature Conservancy will utilize $40 million appropriated during the 2022 legislative session to lead and implement a water trust to benefit the lake and its wetlands.

Legislative Actions

Extreme drought and record-low levels prompted unprecedented investment and action from the Legislature in 2022 and 2023, where over $1 billion was allocated toward conservation and protecting the lake.

Comprehensive Management Plan

The Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands is updating its comprehensive management plan to address decreasing lake levels. The last CMP was published in March 2013.

Basin Integrated Plan

The Division of Water Resources is leading a collaborative effort to create a water resources action plan for the lake and its watershed. This plan will ensure a resilient water supply.

Distribution Management Plan

The Division of Water Rights updated its distribution management plan in 2025. The plan is adopted by the State Engineer to regulate certain water rights below the Great Salt Lake meander line.

Ducks Unlimited

Ducks Unlimited is working to raise more than $5 million in private donations over the next five years to pair with matching grants from state and federal entities to help improve water levels and preserve the lake’s wetlands.

Great Salt Lake Sentinel Landscape

The Great Salt Lake Sentinel Landscape unifies national defense interests with environmental conservation, spanning over 2.7 million acres to protect military readiness and enhance the resilience and longevity of the Great Salt Lake by securing resources and funding for its ecosystem.

Projects

Phragmites Removal

Efforts are underway to remove Phragmites, a thirsty, invasive grass that crowds out native plants, degrades habitat and negatively impacts wetlands and wildlife.

Berm Modifications

A railway causeway divides the lake into two arms. The berm was raised in February 2023 to help keep the super salty north arm water from flowing into the south arm.

Cloud Seeding

Utah has been cloud seeding since the 1950s to augment the water supply by 5-15%. Additional cloud seeding is underway to enhance the supply.

Resources

News

The Collaborative is a group of news, education and media organizations working together to inform and engage the public about the crisis facing the lake — and what can be done to make a difference.

Basin Story

Understanding the processes that dictate the lake’s health is the first step in saving it. This story map helps define these processes while exploring the challenges and solutions the state is tackling to manage this resource.

Management & Partners

Many elected officials, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations and other stakeholders are working together to find solutions to protect this critical resource.