The visually stunning color of Bear Lake, which straddles the Utah-Idaho border, is just a hint of the importance this aquatic resource provides for many of the residents, tourists, and downstream users. The water from this resource, is an important habitat for many fish and wildlife species, provides vital water for irrigation, generates hydroelectric power, and is an important playground for many residents and tourists. As pressure for its usage goes up, so does the responsibility to manage this resource wisely. The Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands is charged by law to manage this resource for multiple use and sustained yield, and is initiating a process to develop those uses compatible with the division's public trust responsibilities. Thus begins the planning process for the Bear Lake Comprehensive Management Plan.
The planning process is more than just a procedure to put together a plan that directs the management and the responsibilities for that management in and around the lake. It is to provide the public an opportunity to provide input into the plan, so their voices are heard, their concerns can be addressed, and the issues can be dealt with. Conflict is inevitable, but there is a spirit of consensus that is achieved if there is a collaborative process to get the work done. That is the goal of this planning process. Not just a document, but a collaboration of those stakeholders, users, stewards, and others who have an interest in the lake, by law or love, or somewhere in between.
A compilation of documents showing the current conditions and trends is available for your review. These consist of two documents and a series of maps that present summary information on sovereign land management, and the lake and its resources. Please note the Resource Document is intended as a summary document only. For more information on the subjects covered in this document, please check the references section.
- Bear Lake Final Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP)
(19.3 M) - Record of Decision for the Bear Lake CMP (9 M)
- Bear Lake Public Draft Comprehensive Management Plan Document (12.6 M)
- Introduction Document (54 K)- written by the division to present the framework for management of Bear Lake sovereign land.
- The Collective Investigations into the Bear Lake Basin (16.6 M)- written by Utah State University to present a summary of the current conditions of the lake.
- Map A - Planning Unit (2.2 M)
- Map B - Access Points (1.9 M) Updated 04/09
- Map C - Existing Leases (1.9 M)
If you would like to be added to the Bear Lake mailing list and/or email list or if you would like to receive documents in the mail as they become available please complete the request form(s).
Planning Process
Public Meetings
- February 24 & 25, 2009 Meeting
- September 23 & 24, 2008 Meeting
- June 18 & 19, 2008 Meeting
If you have any questions you can contact Dave Grierson at 801-538-5504 or email
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