Bear River Watershed Council applies for state certification – Cache Valley Daily

FILE PHOTO: Winter on the Bear River. This photo is of the Bear River near Brigham City, Utah. Photo by Josh Munns.

LOGAN – The Bear River watershed is making history as it seeks certification from the Utah Watersheds Council on April 12 at the Department of Natural Resources in Salt Lake City. This certification, if granted, will make the Bear River Watershed Council the first functioning local watershed council under the Utah Watersheds Council Act.

The Utah Watersheds Council, established in 2022, was created to develop a diverse and balanced stakeholder forum to discuss water policy and resource issues. It serves as a platform to encourage discussion and collaboration among water interests for the benefit of Utah stakeholders. The council also facilitates coordination between state and federal agencies in the administration of water-related activities, including issues of conservation and Great Salt Lake.

Managing and balancing Utah’s water resources is a growing challenge. While the Bear River Watershed Council does not have regulatory, financing, or enforcement powers or responsibilities, it will be a valuable mechanism to help address these challenges. Once certified, the Bear River Watershed Council will convene diverse water-related interests in its basin and send representatives to the state council. The Jordan River Watershed Council is also seeking certification.

The Bear River Watershed Council is created to help foster new relationships in the local watershed, encouraging people from different backgrounds to work together to share ideas and find solutions. The council will play a significant role in the administration of water-related activities within the Bear River watershed.

The Division of Water Resources and the state council will provide resources and support for the administration of these watershed councils, and consult and seek guidance from the council. The state council will also advise the Governor and Legislature on water issues.

For more information on the Utah Watersheds Councils Act and implementation within the Bear River watershed, visit water.utah.gov/watershed-councils.