2016 Wasatch Front Watershed Information

May 26, 2016

WHO: The Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake and the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities Watershed Management: keepitpure.com

WHAT: UPD would like to remind everyone of the laws and regulations that are in place in our Wasatch Front canyons as the weather warms up and more people begin to utilize them.

Salt Lake County - As the weather gets warmer in the valley, many of us seek refuge in the beautiful mountains that shadow Salt Lake County. Typically, Memorial Day weekend signals the beginning of the “busy” season for those tasked with enforcing Utah’s Watershed laws. It is the goal of the Unified Police Department and the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities Watershed Management: keepitpure.com to educate the public as to what these laws mean, why they exist, and what happens if you are caught violating them. Our hope is that by offering this reminder at the beginning of the hiking and camping season, we can help avoid having to cite as many violators as in past years, and preserve our water quality.

What is a Watershed?

“A watershed is a geographical or geological area of land that catches the rain and snow drained by a single river system. If a drop of rain lands near a ridgeline, it will eventually flow to the stream at the bottom of the canyon. All surface and ground water that contributes to a stream is a part of that watershed system”. (keepitpure.com)

Where are the Protected Watershed Areas?

Our protected watershed areas include:

  • East Canyon
  • City Creek
  • Parleys, Dell and Lambs Canyons (north and east of Mt. Dell Reservoir)
  • Big Cottonwood Canyon
  • Little Cottonwood Canyon

What are the Watershed Regulations? (These are listed in descending order of most often violated)

  • Dogs: Dogs, horses, and domestic animals are prohibited in protected watershed areas because their waste can end up in your drinking water.
    Exceptions:
    • Residents can get permits and tags for dogs on their own property.
    • ADA dogs that are federally licensed, certified, and permitted (does not include comfort dogs unless federally certified and licensed).
    • Search and Rescue Dogs that are certified and permitted.
  • Camping: Camping is allowed in developed campgrounds. City Creek and Parleys Canyons do not allow backcountry camping. In other areas, unless posted, backcountry camping is allowed ½ mile from any road and 200 feet from any water source or trail.
    • Please practice “Leave No Trace” skills. If you carry it in, carry it out, and leave nothing behind.
    • Fires are allowed in developed campgrounds only within the established rings. Backcountry campfires are allowed in most areas, unless otherwise posted as closed. Same rules for backcountry fires as camping, ½ mile from any road, etc. Use of backpacking stoves instead of campfires in the backcountry is suggested. Seasonal restrictions on fire use may apply. Fireworks are prohibited.
  • Swimming or Wading: Swimming, wading and motorized boating are prohibited in protected watersheds. This includes Lake Mary in the Brighton area of Big Cottonwood Canyon. UPD officers have more violations of watershed regulations regarding swimming and wading at Lake Mary than of all others combined. Please obey the signs that are posted along the trails and around the lakes.
    • Wading is ONLY allowed if the person is fishing in lakes and streams AND is wearing waders.
  • Depositing Human Waste: Please keep your drinking water supply clean by using restrooms. In the backcountry, users must bury their waste at least 6” deep and 200’ from any water source or trail. Urinating is included in this regulation as well.
  • Off-road Vehicles are Prohibited: ATVs, OHVs, etc. are not allowed in a watershed area. It is also unlawful to disrupt the soil in a watershed, which is usually caused by an off-road vehicle.

What is the penalty for violating these regulations?

Anyone caught violating watershed regulations can be arrested under the Public Health and Sanitation laws pursuant to Utah Code Annotated 26A-1-123.

  • The first violation will be charged as a Class B misdemeanor. Normally, UPD patrol officers will issue first-time violators a citation. Typically these have resulted in a $650 fine from the court.
  • A second or subsequent violation within two years will result in a Class A misdemeanor, which carries heavier penalties, including up to a year in jail.

This information has been provided with the hope that it will clear up any questions the public has regarding watershed, dog rules in the canyons, and camping regulations. These regulations are in effect year-round and are posted on large signs at the mouths of each canyon to educate and warn of the rules and consequences for violation. Knowing what you can and cannot do before you go on your next adventure can mean the difference between a wonderful experience and happy memory or a potential $650 fine and a court date. UPD would much prefer the former and encourages the public to ask questions, research, and clarify rules prior to taking your Memorial Day trip.

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