Fact Sheet 2 on Utah Water and the Lake 1/30/23
Many people in Utah have been taught that "water" is very complex, but "water" in Utah is actually quite simple:
- Half of all the water used on farms in Utah returns to the water basin, replenishing groundwater and aquifers,
- Indoor water use is 95% non-consumptive, which means it runs down the drain and returns to the basin via treatment plants, the Jordan River, etc, without being consumed or evaporated.
- Patterned tree thinning of our overgrown forests, encouraging windbreaks, meadows and aspens provides wildfire mitigation, improved wildlife habitat, AND increased stream water flows
Expert Testimony in Deseret News 1/19/23
"One of the state’s leading experts on hydrology and snowpack said “trees are the enemy” — conifers that is — as Utah’s forested acres become overcrowded with millions of trees that need attention."
"Randy Julander, who was the Utah Snow Survey supervisor for 28 years with the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service and is now retired, ... came out in support of an effort led by Salt Lake County Council member Dea Theodore, whose district includes the Wasatch canyons like Little and Big Cottonwood."
Watershed Restoration Meeting 1/19/23
I was asked by Representative Lyman to present our findings and suggestions for tree thinning and watershed restoration to the Yellowcake Caucus on January 19th, together with
Snowpack Hydrologist Randy Julander and my Senior Policy Advisor John Bennett.
Mr. Julander explained how streamflow can be optimized through a selective watershed restoration approach focusing on patterned tree thinning of overgrown conifer stands, especially near tributaries and at higher elevations. Watch the zoom meeting
here.
Forest Restoration in Deseret News 1/14/23
The article titled "Would thinning forests help Utah’s Great Salt Lake? Some say so", explains how our tree thinning approach might help restore the Great Salt Lake. In addition to our data, the journalist refers to scientific studies about tree thinning in California supporting this.
James Roche, a National Park Service hydrologist and lead author of one study, said it demonstrates the need for forest restoration to supply the benefit of increased water yield from watersheds.
Restoring the Great Salt Lake 1/13/23
As a biologist, I have long been concerned about protecting our natural environment, our wildlife, mountains, streams, and lakes. I have researched the status of the Great Salt Lake, consulted with numerous experts, and asked many questions of these experts.
It appears that Watershed Restoration is the Key to saving the Lake. Please find my recent letter to Governor Cox, President Adams, and Speaker Wilson below.
Wildfire Danger in our Foothills and Canyons
Our elected officials and public servants have a legal and moral obligation to protect the lives of those who elected them, along with our canyon visitors and guests and the critical natural resources in these canyons. Turning a blind eye, ignoring extreme wildfire danger and threats to homes and lives, is no way to lead — especially when the heavy fuel loads and dry conditions indicate it is not a matter of if, but when, these mountains and canyons are ablaze.
Dea Theodore presented to the Natural Resources committee on Wednesday August 17, 2022, and the legislature is developing concrete measures. read more
Dea Theodore is a biologist and experienced in education, administration, and civic engagement.
She is a strong advocate for restoring the Great Salt Lake through patterned tree thinning, wildfire prevention, public canyon access, forest health, accountability in government and holding the line on taxes. She defends the public against corruption and overreach by government.
Dea looks forward to your input!
Are today’s California wildfires tomorrow’s Utah disaster?
According to wildfirerisk.utah.gov, our foothills are labeled “extreme” and “very high” wildfire danger. So who is protecting our foothills and canyons — who is taking proactive measures to protect us? No one, it appears. We need a comprehensive plan now, and we desperately need specific actions to reduce fuel loads in our Wasatch Canyons watershed and foothills.
What's in Our Water?
Why did we have to wait more than 20 years to address environmental concerns and find out what heavy metals are in our water coming from abandoned mines in Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons? Why did we have to wait for the EPA to recently take the initiative to address this health issue? Simply because our local leaders have refused to do so. The people of Salt Lake County deserve better. We deserve transparency and compliance as it concerns our drinking water.
Was Brighton the only town in America without the right to control it's own land use?
The new Town of Brighton was created just two years ago, legislature initially approved a scheme where Salt Lake County controlled the land use in the Town of Brighton, as if it were unincorporated.
I worked with the legislature in 2021 to approve a new approach whereby the Town of Brighton now controls their own land use.
The 2020 property tax increase was 7.8%.
The explosive growth in Salt Lake County's budget is unsustainable. The bloated budget has grown 65% in just six years and now totals a whopping $1.5 billion. Salt Lake County's budget is $200 million BIGGER than Clark County Nevada (Las Vegas), yet our population is half theirs. For example in the last six years, Salt Lake County has gone from one Deputy Mayor to six Deputy Mayors, all "political appointees", earning as much as $276,115.