LOCAL NEWS

Study aims to balance growth, preservation around Bear Lake

Jul 1, 2022, 8:29 PM | Updated: 8:43 pm

BEAR LAKE, Utah — Bear Lake brings nearly $50 million into the Northern Utah economy each year, all while it continues to serve as a major water source.

A new study is taking a close look at those impacts on Rich County.

During a holiday weekend, you’ll typically see around 40,000 visitors to the Bear Lake area which has a permanent population of about 1,000.

Area leaders are looking for ways to accommodate those growing crowds while preserving the lake as a resource.

Everyone has their reasons for visiting the northern Utah recreation area.

“It took just one trip with friends five years ago for me to make it a tradition,” said Rebecca Lambert.

She and her group of friends returned this year with some friends.

Clark Defranco is one of those friends.

“My first time to Bear Lake and I love it,” Defranco said.

They’re not alone. The crowds seem to keep getting bigger.

“We’ve experienced over 30% year-on-year growth of room rents up here,” said Mark Smoot, who owns Sunrise Resort.

Mark Smoot

About 80% of the housing around Bear Lake is seasonal.

Smoot said, “Taking care of that explosion of visitors has been a challenge, you know. We’ve had new business that have come to town to try and meet that need.”

That’s one reason the Conservation Economics Institute started an in-depth study designed to find better ways to support the crowds and the lake.

“We need to make sure that we are looking at it holistically as a region,” explained Brian Carver, who supervises community and economic development at the Bear River Association of Governments, or BRAG.

Brian Carver

Tourism accounts for some 450 full and part-time jobs. These are big economic impacts but there are also environmental concerns.

“I think it really highlights the need to treat the Bear Lake and the valley as an asset, you know, that needs to be managed,” Carver said.

BRAG asked for the study as a way to better consider the lake both as a watershed and major tourist attraction so that even more people can continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

“It’s gorgeous. It’s super nice and blue,” Defranco said.

In the near future, BRAG would like to have a study done on the whole Bear River area down to the Great Salt Lake to find out how growing populations are impacting the river and surrounding communities.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

2 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

3 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

4 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

5 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

6 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Study aims to balance growth, preservation around Bear Lake