Turning to the Past: Using History to Promote the Value of Utah Lake and Endangered Species Recovery Efforts

Utah Lake is a large, natural water body located in north central Utah near the large population base of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area.  The lake is the natural location of the endemic June sucker (Chasmistes liorus), a lake sucker that is listed as endangered under the federal endangered species act.  Despite its proximity to a large number of potential users, Utah Lake is underutilized and carries a reputation as an undesirable location for recreation.  Efforts to restore the ecosystem and recover the endangered June sucker have met some resistance due to this undesirable reputation.  To aid in promoting recovery efforts, a documentary and coffee table book were developed, which document the history of the lake as a recreation destination and encourage residents to reconnect with the heritage of the lake.  In addition, a study guide was prepared for use in multiple grades of the local schools.  The book and documentary, titled Utah Lake: Legacy, have been well received, while efforts continue to fully integrate the study guide into local classrooms.