Great Salt Lake Basin Planner
Utah Division of Water Resources
Bio:
Laura Vernon is the Great Salt Lake Basin Planner with the Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Water Resources. For nearly 20 years she has worked with federal, state, and local governments and industry leaders on contemporary planning and environmental policy issues in the West. With a Master’s in Public Administration and BA in Psychology, her education and professional experience focuses on land use and water planning, public involvement, socioeconomic analyses, project management and strategic planning. She has worked on numerous exciting and innovative Great Salt Lake-related projects over the last 10 years including the development of the 2013 Great Salt Lake Comprehensive Management Plan and the recent explorations of the economic and ecological impacts of a declining Great Salt Lake. Currently, Laura is managing the first-ever Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Basin Plan.
Title: Planning for Preservation: The Salty Saga:
Ensuring a resilient water supply for Great Salt Lake and all water uses, including people and the environment throughout the watershed
Abstract: Planning for the long-term preservation of the water supply for Great Salt Lake and its water users is a salty saga that requires a plan. That’s why we’re working with federal, state and local partners to tackle the Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Plan.
The first-ever water resources plan for the entire Great Salt Lake basin integrates surface and groundwater modeling; existing plans, studies, research, data, models, tools and strategies; and water user collaboration at an unprecedented scale. The plan provides a holistic understanding of current and future water supplies and demands throughout the basin, then identifies and evaluates actions that reduce water supply risks, minimize harm to future generations and preserve ecosystems. The plan will:
- Assess current surface and groundwater supply in the basin
- Predict future water supplies and demands
- Coordinate efforts to gather and utilize data throughout the basin
- Investigate possible adaptation and mitigation strategies
- Analyze trade-offs between water users in the system
- Recommend actionable strategies to ensure a resilient water supply
Through the planning process water users and policymakers in the basin will obtain tools and guidance for sound water management and decision-making. Many of the projects outlined within the Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Plan are already underway, and others are on the horizon. We’re excited to collaborate with partners on this important work that is setting a solid foundation for preservation and protection of the Lake’s water supply and its users.
For more information visit: GSLBasinPlan.utah.gov