Bear Lake TourSponsored by the Utah Conservation Commission, and the Rich Conservation District.

Bear Lake is approx. 280 miles from Richfield, reaching across the Utah/Idaho Border, and one of the oldest lakes in North America. The lake is just over 18 miles long, and 7 miles wide. The lake is 208 feet deep at the maximum level, and the water level varies by less than 20 feet (average annual fluctuation is 3.2 ft.). The lake supports a national wildlife refuge, and 2 state parks, and is a definite tourist attraction.

Our tour began in Garden City, the largest of 5 small towns that surround the lake. We were guided by Scott Torenio, a fish biologist for Department of Wildlife. He showed before and after images of Swan Creek, a natural spring that is the major culinary water source for Garden City. The creek had been damaged by construction projects from many years. Scott, along with the Rich Conservation District, DWQ, and NRCS, worked to rehabilitate and restore the streambanks. The Streambank reconstruction required the cooperation of 13 landowners, and planning and revitalization that spans over 20 years.

The next point of interest was the Catchbox. Bear Lake is home to cutthroat, rainbow, bear lake, and bonneville trout, along with other endemic species. The DWR constructed a building along the Swan Creek to catch & tag trout, and harvest their eggs for their hatchery. 25 years ago, Bear Lake was stocked with 88% of hatchery fish; now, less than 50% are hatchery raised. With improvements to the stream and catchbox, 2/3 of the fish that move upstream spawn naturally in the creek.

At the north end of the lake is the Lifton Pumping Station. In 1912, a canal system and pump station was constructed to divert the Bear River into Bear Lake, thus making it a reservoir/lake. This system is still used today.

Along the east side of the lake are many summer homes, and a few pastures and farm ground. Brady Thorndock, Zone 1 Watershed Coordinator, discussed a project that had been completed on this ground to contain the cattle from the lake, and keep the water clean. The project involved 1,300 ft. of water conveyance pipe, 2 troughs, and almost a mile of fence. Cooperation with DWQ helped make this project possible.

Our final tour stop was a Farm, and a current participant in the CSP programs. Within their property, they have participated in a Sage Grouse Initiative program, and a number of Conservation Easement Programs. Their farm consists of range land, field crop, and most recently, a raspberry farm.

Special thanks to the Rich Conservation District, Zone 1, The Utah Conservation Commission, and all participating entities, for an informative and enjoyable tour.