WaQSP HEADWATERS PLANNING ELEMENT
After three years, 125 stakeholder meetings, 200 individual comments, and numerous unofficial discussions, the final Salt Lake Countywide Water Quality Stewardship Plan (WaQSP) was published in August of 2008. The FINAL WaQSP Headwaters Planning Element is now available for public use. Please let us know if there are any comments or suggestions (801.468.2711).
BACKGROUND
Headwater protection is a critical component of preserving overall watershed health. The Salt Lake Countywide Watershed contains two major headwater areas, the Wasatch and the Oquirrh mountains. These areas provide water supply, habitat, recreational, and aesthetic resources in Salt Lake County.
SCOPE
1. Review the characteristics of the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountains.
2. Review jurisdictional responsibilities in each of these areas.
3. Review plans written for the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains.
4. Make recommendations for future management of these resources.
MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS
Continue cooperative agreements between Salt Lake City, the USFS and Salt Lake County in order to maximize use of funds.
Re-establish core working group to facilitate inter-agency coordination.
Work with the Town of Alta, Salt Lake City, and the USFS to develop criteria for land acquisition in the Wasatch Mountains.
Work with established programs to acquire critical headwater lands.
Incorporate recharge area protection requirements into proposed Salt Lake County Source Water Protection Ordinance.
Work with local stakeholder groups to explore visitor fee programs for Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.
Work with local stakeholders to explore enhanced public transportation programs in the Wasatch Mountains – specifically in the summer months.
Continue to work collaboratively with management and regulatory agencies to sponsor public information and education campaigns for both the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains.
Explore the possible establishment of a Watershed Protection Fund that could be used, in part, to support regular maintenance of facilities.
Install sanitation facilities in heavily used rock climbing areas.
Limit commercial and residential development to the most suitable sites.
Enforce FCOZ to the fullest extent possible with minimal variances.
Work collaboratively with management and regulatory agencies to identify long-term funding sources for land acquisition.
Key aspects of the FCOZ should be incorporated into the PCA Ordinance for development adjacent to the Oquirrh Mountains.
Develop a comprehensive Watershed Function Index for the headwater areas.
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